# dictionary

word: Assessor
definition:
Assessor

As*sess"or
n.
[L., one who sits beside, the assistant of a judge, fr. assid_;re. See Assession. LL., one who arranges of determines the taxes, fr. assid_;re. See Assess, v., and cf. Cessor.]
1.
One appointed or elected to assist a judge or magistrate with his special knowledge of the subject to be decided; as legal assessors, nautical assessors.
Mozley & W.

2.
One who sits by another, as next in dignity, or as an assistant and adviser; an associate in office.

Whence to his Son,
The assessor of his throne, he thus began.
Milton.

With his ignorance, his inclinations, and his fancy, as his assessors in judgment.
I. Taylor.

3.
One appointed to assess persons or property for the purpose of taxation.
Bouvier.


word: Assessorial
definition:
Assessorial

As`ses*so"ri*al
(_;)
a.
[Cf. F. assessorial, fr. L. assessor.]
Of or pertaining to an assessor, or to a court of assessors.
Coxe.


word: Assets
definition:
Assets

As"sets
(_;)
n. pl.
[OF. asez enough, F. assez, fr. L. ad + satis, akin to Gr. _; enough, Goth. saps full. Cf. Assai, Satisfy.]
1.
(Law)
(a)
Property of a deceased person, subject by law to the payment of his debts and legacies; -- called assets because sufficient to render the executor or administrator liable to the creditors and legatees, so far as such goods or estate may extend.
Story.
Blackstone.
(b)
Effects of an insolvent debtor or bankrupt, applicable to the payment of debts.

2.
The entire property of all sorts, belonging to a person, a corporation, or an estate; as, the assets of a merchant or a trading association; -- opposed to liabilities.

&hand_; In balancing accounts the assets are put on the Cr. side and the debts on the Dr. side.


word: Asseverate
definition:
Asseverate

As*sev"er*ate
(_;)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Asseverated (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Asseverating (_;).]
[L. asseveratus, p. p. of asseverare to assert seriously or earnestly; ad + severus. See Severe.]
To affirm or aver positively, or with solemnity.


word: Asseveration
definition:
Asseveration

As*sev`er*a"tion
(_;)
n.
[L. asseveratio.]
The act of asseverating, or that which is asseverated; positive affirmation or assertion; solemn declaration.

Another abuse of the tongue I might add, -- vehement asseverations upon slight and trivial occasions.
Ray.


word: Assibilate
definition:
Assibilate

As*sib"i*late
v. t.
[L. assibilatus, p. p. of assibilare to hiss out; ad + sibilare to hiss.]
To make sibilant; to change to a sibilant.
J. Peile.


word: Assibilation
definition:
Assibilation

As*sib`i*la"tion
n.
Change of a non-sibilant letter to a sibilant, as of -tion to -shun, duke to ditch.


word: Assidean
definition:
Assidean

As`si*de"an
n.
[Heb. khāsad to be pious.]
One of a body of devoted Jews who opposed the Hellenistic Jews, and supported the Asmoneans.


word: Assident
definition:
Assident

As"si*dent
(_;)
a.
[L. assidens, p. pr. of assid_;re to sit by: cf. F. assident. See Assession.]
(Med.)
Usually attending a disease, but not always; as, assident signs, or symptoms.


word: Assiduate
definition:
Assiduate

As*sid"u*ate
(_;)
a.
[L. assiduatus, p. p. of assiduare to use assiduously.]
Unremitting; assiduous.
[Obs.]
Assiduate
Fabyan.


word: Assiduity
definition:
Assiduity

As`si*du"i*ty
(_;)
n.
pl. Assiduities (_;).
[L. assiduitas: cf. F. assiduite. See Assiduous.]
1.
Constant or close application or attention, particularly to some business or enterprise; diligence.

I have, with much pains and assiduity, qualified myself for a nomenclator.
Addison.

2.
Studied and persevering attention to a person; -- usually in the plural.


word: Assiduous
definition:
Assiduous

As*sid"u*ous
(_;)
a.
[L. assiduus, fr. assid_;re to sit near or close; ad + sedēre to sit. See Sit.]
1.
Constant in application or attention; devoted; attentive; unremitting.

She grows more assiduous in her attendance.
Addison.

2.
Performed with constant diligence or attention; unremitting; persistent; as, assiduous labor.

To weary him with my assiduous cries.
Milton.


word: Assiege
definition:
Assiege

As*siege"
(_;)
v. t.
[OE. asegen, OF. asegier, F. assiéger, fr. LL. assediare, assidiare, to besiege. See Siege.]
To besiege.
[Obs.]
Assieged
Spenser.


word: Assientist
definition:
Assientist

As`si*en"tist
n.
[Cf. F. assientiste, Sp. asentista.]
A shareholder of the Assiento company; one of the parties to the Assiento contract.
Bancroft.


word: Assiento
definition:
Assiento

As`si*en"to
(_;)
n.
[Sp. asiento seat, contract or agreement, fr. asentar to place on a chair, to adjust, to make an agreement; a (L. ad) + sentar, a participial verb; as if there were a L. sedentare to cause to sit, fr. sedens, sedentis, p. pr. of sed_;re to sit.]
A contract or convention between Spain and other powers for furnishing negro slaves for the Spanish dominions in America, esp. the contract made with Great Britain in 1713.


word: Assign
definition:
Assign

As*sign"
(_;)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Assigned (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Assigning.]
[OE. assignen, asignen, F. assigner, fr. L. assignare; ad + signare to mark, mark out, designate, signum mark, sign. See Sign.]
1.
To appoint; to allot; to apportion; to make over.

In the order I assign to them.
Loudon.

The man who could feel thus was worthy of a better station than that in which his lot had been assigned.
Southey.

He assigned to his men their several posts.
Prescott.

2.
To fix, specify, select, or designate; to point out authoritatively or exactly; as, to assign a limit; to assign counsel for a prisoner; to assign a day for trial.

All as the dwarf the way to her assigned.
Spenser.

It is not easy to assign a period more eventful.
De Quincey.

3.
(Law)
To transfer, or make over to another, esp. to transfer to, and vest in, certain persons, called assignees, for the benefit of creditors.

To assign dower, to set out by metes and bounds the widow's share or portion in an estate. Kent.


word: Assign₂
definition:
Assign

As*sign"
(?)
v. i.
(Law)
To transfer or pass over property to another, whether for the benefit of the assignee or of the assignor's creditors, or in furtherance of some trust.


word: Assign₃
definition:
Assign

As*sign"
n.
[From Assign, v.]
A thing pertaining or belonging to something else; an appurtenance.
[Obs.]

Six French rapiers and poniards, with their assigns, as girdles, hangers, and so.
Shak.


word: Assign₄
definition:
Assign

As*sign"
n.
[See Assignee.]
(Law)
A person to whom property or an interest is transferred; as, a deed to a man and his heirs and assigns.


word: Assignable
definition:
Assignable

As*sign"a*ble
(_;)
a.
Capable of being assigned, allotted, specified, or designated; as, an assignable note or bill; an assignable reason; an assignable quantity.


word: Assignat
definition:
Assignat

As`si`gnat"
(?; 277)
n.
[F. assignat, fr. L. assignatus, p. p. of assignare.]
One of the notes, bills, or bonds, issued as currency by the revolutionary government of France (1790-1796), and based on the security of the lands of the church and of nobles which had been appropriated by the state.


word: Assignation
definition:
Assignation

As`sig*na"tion
(_;)
n.
[L. assignatio, fr. assignare: cf. F. assignation.]
1.
The act of assigning or allotting; apportionment.

This order being taken in the senate, as touching the appointment and assignation of those provinces.
Holland.

2.
An appointment of time and place for meeting or interview; -- used chiefly of love interviews, and now commonly in a bad sense.

While nymphs take treats, or assignations give.
Pope.

3.
A making over by transfer of title; assignment.

House of assignation, a house in which appointments for sexual intercourse are fulfilled.


word: Assignee
definition:
Assignee

As`sign*ee"
n.
[F. assigné, p. p. of assigner. See Assign, v., and cf. Assign an assignee.]
(Law)
(a)
A person to whom an assignment is made; a person appointed or deputed by another to do some act, perform some business, or enjoy some right, privilege, or property; as, an assignee of a bankrupt. See Assignment (c).   An assignee may be by special appointment or deed, or be created by jaw; as an executor.
Cowell.
Blount.
(b)
pl.
In England, the persons appointed, under a commission of bankruptcy, to manage the estate of a bankrupt for the benefit of his creditors.


word: Assignment
definition:
Assignment

As*sign"ment
(_;)
n.
[LL. assignamentum: cf. OF. assenement.]
1.
An allotting or an appointment to a particular person or use; or for a particular time, as of a cause or causes in court.

2.
(Law)
(a)
A transfer of title or interest by writing, as of lease, bond, note, or bill of exchange; a transfer of the whole of some particular estate or interest in lands.
(b)
The writing by which an interest is transferred.
(c)
The transfer of the property of a bankrupt to certain persons called assignees, in whom it is vested for the benefit of creditors.

Assignment of dower, the setting out by metes and bounds of the widow's thirds or portion in the deceased husband's estate, and allotting it to her.

&hand_; Assignment is also used in law as convertible with specification; assignment of error in proceedings for review being specification of error; and assignment of perjury or fraud in indictment being specifications of perjury or fraud.


word: Assignor
definition:
Assignor

As`sign*or"
(_;)
n.
[L. assignator. Cf. Assigner.]
(Law)
An assigner; a person who assigns or transfers an interest; as, the assignor of a debt or other chose in action.


word: Assimilable
definition:
Assimilable

As*sim"i*la*ble
(_;)
a.
That may be assimilated; that may be likened, or appropriated and incorporated.


word: Assimilate
definition:
Assimilate

As*sim"i*late
(_;)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Assimilated (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Assimilating (_;).]
[L. assimilatus, p. p. of assimilare; ad + similare to make like, similis like. See Similar, Assemble, Assimilate.]
1.
To bring to a likeness or to conformity; to cause a resemblance between.
Sir M. Hale.

To assimilate our law to the law of Scotland.
John Bright.

Fast falls a fleecy; the downy flakes
Assimilate all objects.
Cowper.

2.
To liken; to compa_;e.
[R.]

3.
To appropriate and transform or incorporate into the substance of the assimilating body; to absorb or appropriate, as nourishment; as, food is assimilated and converted into organic tissue.

Hence also animals and vegetables may assimilate their nourishment.
Sir I. Newton.

His mind had no power to assimilate the lessons.
Merivale.


word: Assimilate₂
definition:
Assimilate

As*sim"i*late
v. i.
1.
To become similar or like something else.
[R.]

2.
To change and appropriate nourishment so as to make it a part of the substance of the assimilating body.

Aliment easily assimilated or turned into blood.
Arbuthnot.

3.
To be converted into the substance of the assimilating body; to become incorporated; as, some kinds of food assimilate more readily than others.

I am a foreign material, and cannot assimilate with the church of England.
J. H. Newman.


word: assimilating
definition:
assimilating

assimilating
adj.
tending to or characterized by or causing assimilation (being absorbed into or incorporated).

Syn. -- assimilative, assimilatory.


word: Assimilation
definition:
Assimilation

As*sim`i*la"tion
(_;)
n.
[L. assimilatio: cf. F. assimilation.]
1.
The act or process of assimilating or bringing to a resemblance, likeness, or identity; also, the state of being so assimilated; as, the assimilation of one sound to another.

To aspire to an assimilation with God.
Dr. H. More.

The assimilation of gases and vapors.
Sir J. Herschel.

2.
(Physiol.)
The conversion of nutriment into the fluid or solid substance of the body, by the processes of digestion and absorption, whether in plants or animals.

Not conversing the body, not repairing it by assimilation, but preserving it by ventilation.
Sir T. Browne.

&hand_; The term assimilation has been limited by some to the final process by which the nutritive matter of the blood is converted into the substance of the tissues and organs.


word: Assimilative
definition:
Assimilative

As*sim"i*la*tive
(_;)
a.
[Cf. LL. assimilativus, F. assimilatif.]
Tending to, or characterized by, assimilation; that assimilates or causes assimilation; as, an assimilative process or substance.


word: Assimilatory
definition:
Assimilatory

As*sim"i*la*to*ry
(_;)
a.
Tending to assimilate, or produce assimilation; as, assimilatory organs.


word: Assimulate
definition:
Assimulate

As*sim"u*late
(_;)
v. t.
[L. assimulatus, p. p. of assimulare, equiv. to assimilare. See Assimilate, v. t.]
1.
To feign; to counterfeit; to simulate; to resemble.
[Obs.]
Blount.

2.
To assimilate.
[Obs.]
Sir M. Hale.


word: Assimulation
definition:
Assimulation

As*sim`u*la"tion
(_;)
n.
[L. assimulatio, equiv. to assimilatio.]
Assimilation.
[Obs.]
Bacon.


word: Assish
definition:
Assish

Ass"ish
(_;)
a.
Resembling an ass; asinine; stupid or obstinate.

Such . . . appear to be of the assich kind . . . 
Udall.


word: Assist
definition:
Assist

As*sist"
(_;)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Assisted; p. pr. & vb. n. Assisting.]
[L. assistere; ad + sistere to cause to stand, to stand, from stare to stand: cf. F. assister. See Stand.]
To give support to in some undertaking or effort, or in time of distress; to help; to aid; to succor.

Assist me, knight. I am undone!
Shak.


word: Assist₂
definition:
Assist

As*sist"
v. i.
1.
To lend aid; to help.

With God not parted from him, as was feared,
But favoring and assisting to the end.
Milton.

2.
To be present as a spectator; as, to assist at a public meeting.
[A Gallicism]
Gibbon. Prescott.


word: Assistance
definition:
Assistance

As*sist"ance
(_;)
n.
[Cf. F. assistance.]
1.
The act of assisting; help; aid; furtherance; succor; support.

Without the assistance of a mortal hand.
Shak.

2.
An assistant or helper; a body of helpers.
[Obs.]

Wat Tyler [was] killed by valiant Walworth, the lord mayor of London, and his assistance, . . . John Cavendish.
Fuller.

3.
Persons present.
[Obs. or a Gallicism]


word: Assistant
definition:
Assistant

As*sist"ant
(_;)
a.
[Cf. F. assistant, p. pr. of assister.]
1.
Helping; lending aid or support; auxiliary.

Genius and learning . . . are mutually and greatly assistant to each other.
Beattie.

2.
(Mil.)
Of the second grade in the staff of the army; as, an assistant surgeon.
[U.S.]

&hand_; In the English army it designates the third grade in any particular branch of the staff.
Farrow.


word: Assistant₂
definition:
Assistant

As*sist"ant
(_;)
n.
1.
One who, or that which, assists; a helper; an auxiliary; a means of help.

Four assistants who his labor share.
Pope.

Rhymes merely as assistants to memory.
Mrs. Chapone.

2.
An attendant; one who is present.
Dryden.


word: Assize
definition:
Assize

As*size"
(_;)
n.
[OE. assise, asise, OF. assise, F. assises, assembly of judges, the decree pronounced by them, tax, impost, fr. assis, assise, p. p. of asseoir, fr. L. assid_;re to sit by; ad + sedēre to sit. See Sit, Size, and cf. Excise, Assess.]
1.
An assembly of knights and other substantial men, with a bailiff or justice, in a certain place and at a certain time, for public business.
[Obs.]

2.
(Law)
(a)
A special kind of jury or inquest.
(b)
A kind of writ or real action.
(c)
A verdict or finding of a jury upon such writ.
(d)
A statute or ordinance in general. Specifically: (1) A statute regulating the weight, measure, and proportions of ingredients and the price of articles sold in the market; as, the assize of bread and other provisions; (2) A statute fixing the standard of weights and measures.
(e)
Anything fixed or reduced to a certainty in point of time, number, quantity, quality, weight, measure, etc.; as, rent of assize.
Glanvill.
Spelman.
Cowell.
Blackstone.
Tomlins.
Burrill.
[This term is not now used in England in the sense of a writ or real action, and seldom of a jury of any kind, but in Scotch practice it is still technically applied to the jury in criminal cases. Stephen. Burrill. Erskine.]
(f)
A court, the sitting or session of a court, for the trial of processes, whether civil or criminal, by a judge and jury.
Blackstone.
Wharton.
Encyc. Brit.
(g)
The periodical sessions of the judges of the superior courts in every county of England for the purpose of administering justice in the trial and determination of civil and criminal cases; -- usually in the plural.
Brande.
Wharton.
Craig.
Burrill.
(h)
The time or place of holding the court of assize; -- generally in the plural, assizes.

3.
Measure; dimension; size.
[In this sense now corrupted into size.]

An hundred cubits high by just assize.
Spenser.


word: Assize₂
definition:
Assize

As*size"
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Assized (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Assizing.]
[From Assize, n.: cf. LL. assisare to decree in assize. Cf. Asses, v.]
1.
To assess; to value; to rate.
[Obs.]
Gower.

2.
To fix the weight, measure, or price of, by an ordinance or regulation of authority.
[Obs.]


word: Assober
definition:
Assober

As*so"ber
(_;)
v. t.
[Pref. ad- + sober. Cf. Ensober.]
To make or keep sober.
[Obs.]
Gower.


word: Associability
definition:
Associability

As*so`cia*bil"i*ty
(_;)
n.
The quality of being associable, or capable of association; associableness.
associability
H. Spencer.


word: Associable
definition:
Associable

As*so"cia*ble
(_;)
a.
[See Associate.]
1.
Capable of being associated or joined.

We know feelings to be associable only by the proved ability of one to revive another.
H. Spencer.

2.
Sociable; companionable.
[Obs.]

3.
(Med.)
Liable to be affected by sympathy with other parts; -- said of organs, nerves, muscles, etc.

The stomach, the most associable of all the organs of the animal body.
Med. Rep.


word: Associate
definition:
Associate

As*so"ci*ate
(_;)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Associated (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Associating (_;).]
[L. associatus, p. p. of associare; ad + sociare to join or unite, socius companion. See Social.]
1.
To join with one, as a friend, companion, partner, or confederate; as, to associate others with us in business, or in an enterprise.

2.
To join or connect; to combine in acting; as, particles of gold associated with other substances.

3.
To connect or place together in thought.

He succeeded in associating his name inseparably with some names which will last as long as our language.
Macaulay.

4.
To accompany; to keep company with.
[Obs.]

Friends should associate friends in grief and woe.
Shak.


word: Associate₂
definition:
Associate

As*so"ci*ate
v. i.
1.
To unite in company; to keep company, implying intimacy; as, congenial minds are disposed to associate.

2.
To unite in action, or to be affected by the action of a different part of the body.
E. Darwin.


word: Associate₃
definition:
Associate

As*so"ci*ate
(_;)
a.
[L. associatus, p. p.]
1.
Closely connected or joined with some other, as in interest, purpose, employment, or office; sharing responsibility or authority; as, an associate judge.

While I descend . . . to my associate powers.
Milton.

2.
Admitted to some, but not to all, rights and privileges; as, an associate member.

3.
(Physiol.)
Connected by habit or sympathy; as, associate motions, such as occur sympathetically, in consequence of preceding motions.
E. Darwin.


word: Associate₄
definition:
Associate

As*so"ci*ate
n.
1.
A companion; one frequently in company with another, implying intimacy or equality; a mate; a fellow.

2.
A partner in interest, as in business; or a confederate in a league.

3.
One connected with an association or institution without the full rights or privileges of a regular member; as, an associate of the Royal Academy.

4.
Anything closely or usually connected with another; an concomitant.

The one [idea] no sooner comes into the understanding, than its associate appears with it.
Locke.


word: Associated
definition:
Associated

As*so"ci*a`ted
(_;)
a.
Joined as a companion; brought into association; accompanying; combined.

Associated movements (Physiol.), consensual movements which accompany voluntary efforts without our consciousness. Dunglison.


word: Associate in Applied Science
definition:
Associate in Applied Science

Associate in Applied Science
n.
1.
an associate degree conferred for successful studies in applied science.

Syn. -- AAS


word: Associate in Arts
definition:
Associate in Arts

Associate in Arts
n.
1.
a college degree granted for successful completion of a two-year course of study in arts or general topics.

Syn. -- AA


word: Association
definition:
Association

As*so`ci*a"tion
(?; 277)
n.
[Cf. F. association, LL. associatio, fr. L. associare.]
1.
The act of associating, or state of being associated; union; connection, whether of persons of things.
association
Hooker.

Self-denial is a kind of holy association with God.
Boyle.

2.
Mental connection, or that which is mentally linked or associated with a thing.

Words . . . must owe their powers association.
Johnson.

Why should . . . the holiest words, with all their venerable associations, be profaned?
Coleridge.

3.
Union of persons in a company or society for some particular purpose; as, the American Association for the Advancement of Science; a benevolent association.  Specifically, as among the Congregationalists, a society, consisting of a number of ministers, generally the pastors of neighboring churches, united for promoting the interests of religion and the harmony of the churches.

Association of ideas (Physiol.), the combination or connection of states of mind or their objects with one another, as the result of which one is said to be revived or represented by means of the other. The relations according to which they are thus connected or revived are called the law of association. Prominent among them are reckoned the relations of time and place, and of cause and effect. Porter.


word: Associational
definition:
Associational

As*so`ci*a"tion*al
(_;)
a.
1.
Of or pertaining to association, or to an association.

2.
Pertaining to the theory held by the associationists.


word: Associationism
definition:
Associationism

As*so`ci*a"tion*ism
(_;)
n.
(Philos.)
The doctrine or theory held by associationists.


word: Associationist
definition:
Associationist

As*so`ci*a"tion*ist
n.
(Philos.)
One who explains the higher functions and relations of the soul by the association of ideas; e. g., Hartley, J. C. Mill.


word: Associative
definition:
Associative

As*so"ci*a*tive
(_;)
a.
Having the quality of associating; tending or leading to association; as, the associative faculty.
Hugh Miller.


word: Associator
definition:
Associator

As*so"ci*a`tor
(_;)
n.
An associate; a confederate or partner in any scheme.

How Pennsylvania's air agrees with Quakers,
And Carolina's with associators.
Dryden.


word: Assoil
definition:
Assoil

As*soil"
(_;)
v. t.
[OF. assoiler, absoiler, assoldre, F. absoudre, L. absolvere. See Absolve.]
1.
To set free; to release.
[Archaic]

Till from her hands the spright assoiled is.
Spenser.

2.
To solve; to clear up.
[Obs.]

Any child might soon be able to assoil this riddle.
Bp. Jewel.

3.
To set free from guilt; to absolve.
[Archaic]

Acquitted and assoiled from the guilt.
Dr. H. More.

Many persons think themselves fairly assoiled, because they are . . . not of scandalous lives.
Jer. Taylor.

4.
To expiate; to atone for.
[Archaic]
Spenser.

Let each act assoil a fault.
E. Arnold.

5.
To remove; to put off.
[Obs.]

She soundly slept, and careful thoughts did quite assoil.
Spenser.


word: Assoil₂
definition:
Assoil

As*soil"
v. t.
[Pref. ad- + soil.]
To soil; to stain.
[Obs. or Poet.]
Beau. & Fl.

Ne'er assoil my cobwebbed shield.
Wordsworth.


word: Assoilment
definition:
Assoilment

As*soil"ment
(_;)
n.
Act of assoiling, or state of being assoiled; absolution; acquittal.


word: Assoilyie
definition:
Assoilyie

Assoilzie

As*soil"zie (_;), As*soil"yie
v. t.
[Old form assoil&yogh_;e. See Assoil.]
(Scots Law)
To absolve; to acquit by sentence of court.

God assoilzie him for the sin of bloodshed.
Sir W. Scott.


word: Assonance
definition:
Assonance

As"so*nance
(_;)
n.
[Cf. F. assonance. See Assonant.]
1.
Resemblance of sound.
assonance
Steevens.

2.
(Pros.)
A peculiar species of rhyme, in which the last accented vowel and those which follow it in one word correspond in sound with the vowels of another word, while the consonants of the two words are unlike in sound; as, calamo and platano, baby and chary.

The assonance is peculiar to the Spaniard.
Hallam.

3.
Incomplete correspondence.

Assonance between facts seemingly remote.
Lowell.


word: Assonant
definition:
Assonant

As"so*nant
(_;)
a.
[L. assonans, p. pr. of assonare to sound to, to correspond to in sound; ad + sonare to sound, sonus sound: cf. F. assonant. See Sound.]
1.
Having a resemblance of sounds.

2.
(Pros.)
Pertaining to the peculiar species of rhyme called assonance; not consonant.


word: Assort
definition:
Assort

As*sort"
(_;)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Assorted; p. pr. & vb. n. Assorting.]
[F. assortir; _; (L. ad) + sortir to cast or draw lots, to obtain by lot, L. sortiri, fr. sors, sortis, lot. See Sort.]
1.
To separate and distribute into classes, as things of a like kind, nature, or quality, or which are suited to a like purpose; to classify; as, to assort goods. [Rarely applied to persons.]

They appear . . . no ways assorted to those with whom they must associate.
Burke.

2.
To furnish with, or make up of, various sorts or a variety of goods; as, to assort a cargo.


word: Assort₂
definition:
Assort

As*sort"
v. i.
To agree; to be in accordance; to be adapted; to suit; to fall into a class or place.
Mitford.


word: Assortment
definition:
Assortment

As*sort"ment
(-ment)
n.
[Cf. F. assortiment.]
1.
Act of assorting, or distributing into sorts, kinds, or classes.

2.
A collection or quantity of things distributed into kinds or sorts; a number of things assorted.

3.
A collection containing a variety of sorts or kinds adapted to various wants, demands, or purposes; as, an assortment of goods.


word: Assot
definition:
Assot

As*sot"
(_;)
v. t.
[OF. asoter, F. assoter; _; (L. ad) + sot stupid. See Sot.]
To besot; to befool; to beguile; to infatuate.
[Obs.]

Some ecstasy assotted had his sense.
Spenser.


word: Assuage
definition:
Assuage

As*suage"
(_;)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Assuaged; p. pr. & vb. n. Assuaging (_;).]
[OE. asuagen, aswagen, OF. asoagier, asuagier, fr. assouagier, fr. L. ad + suavis sweet. See Sweet.]
To soften, in a figurative sense; to allay, mitigate, ease, or lessen, as heat, pain, or grief; to appease or pacify, as passion or tumult; to satisfy, as appetite or desire.

Refreshing winds the summer's heat assuage.
Addison.

To assuage the sorrows of a desolate old man
Burke.

The fount at which the panting mind assuages
Her thirst of knowledge.
Byron.


word: Assuage₂
definition:
Assuage

As*suage"
v. i.
To abate or subside.
[Archaic]
assuaged
Gen. vii. 1.

The plague being come to a crisis, its fury began to assuage.
De Foe.


word: Assuasive
definition:
Assuasive

As*sua"sive
(_;)
a.
[From assuage, as if this were fr. a supposed L. assuadere to persuade to; or from E. pref. ad + -suasive as in persuasive.]
Mitigating; tranquilizing; soothing.
[R.]

Music her soft assuasive voice applies.
Pope.


word: Assubjugate
definition:
Assubjugate

As*sub"ju*gate
(_;)
v. t.
[Pref. ad- + subjugate.]
To bring into subjection.
[Obs.]
Shak.


word: Assuefaction
definition:
Assuefaction

As`sue*fac"tion
(_;)
n.
[L. assuefacere to accustom to; assuetus (p. p. of assuescere to accustom to) + facere to make; cf. OF. assuefaction.]
The act of accustoming, or the state of being accustomed; habituation.
[Obs.]

Custom and studies efform the soul like wax, and by assuefaction introduce a nature.
Jer. Taylor.


word: Assuetude
definition:
Assuetude

As"sue*tude
(_;)
n.
[L. assuetudo, fr. assuetus accustomed.]
Accustomedness; habit; habitual use.

Assuetude of things hurtful doth make them lose their force to hurt.
Bacon.


word: Assume
definition:
Assume

As*sume"
(_;)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Assumed (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Assuming.]
[L. assumere; ad + sumere to take; sub + emere to take, buy: cf. F. assumer. See Redeem.]
1.
To take to or upon one's self; to take formally and demonstratively; sometimes, to appropriate or take unjustly.

Trembling they stand while Jove assumes the throne.
Pope.

The god assumed his native form again.
Pope.

2.
To take for granted, or without proof; to suppose as a fact; to suppose or take arbitrarily or tentatively.

The consequences of assumed principles.
Whewell.

3.
To pretend to possess; to take in appearance.

Ambition assuming the mask of religion.
Porteus.

Assume a virtue, if you have it not.
Shak.

4.
To receive or adopt.

The sixth was a young knight of lesser renown and lower rank, assumed into that honorable company.
Sir W. Scott.


word: Assume₂
definition:
Assume

As*sume"
v. i.
1.
To be arrogant or pretentious; to claim more than is due.
Bp. Burnet.

2.
(Law)
To undertake, as by a promise.
Burrill.


word: Assumed
definition:
Assumed

As*sumed"
(_;)
a.
1.
Supposed.

2.
Pretended; hypocritical; make-believe; as, an assumed character.


word: Assument
definition:
Assument

As*sum"ent
(_;)
n.
[L. assumentum, fr. ad + suere to sew.]
A patch; an addition; a piece put on.
[Obs.]
John Lewis (1731).


word: Assumpsit
definition:
Assumpsit

As*sump"sit
(?; 215)
n.
[L., he undertook, pret. of L. assumere. See Assume.]
(Law)
(a)
A promise or undertaking, founded on a consideration. This promise may be oral or in writing not under seal. It may be express or implied.
(b)
An action to recover damages for a breach or nonperformance of a contract or promise, express or implied, oral or in writing not under seal. Common or indebitatus assumpsit is brought for the most part on an implied promise. Special assumpsit is founded on an express promise or undertaking.
Wharton.


word: Assumpt
definition:
Assumpt

As*sumpt"
(?; 215)
v. t.
[L. assumptus, p. p. of assumere. See Assume.]
To take up; to elevate; to assume.
[Obs.]
Sheldon.


word: Assumpt₂
definition:
Assumpt

As*sumpt"
n.
[L. assumptum, p. p. neut. of assumere.]
That which is assumed; an assumption.
[Obs.]

The sun of all your assumpts is this.
Chillingworth.


word: Assumption
definition:
Assumption

As*sump"tion
(?; 215)
n.
[OE. assumpcioun a taking up into heaven, L. assumptio a taking, fr. assumere: cf. F. assomption. See Assume.]
1.
The act of assuming, or taking to or upon one's self; the act of taking up or adopting.

The assumption of authority.
Whewell.

2.
The act of taking for granted, or supposing a thing without proof; supposition; unwarrantable claim.

This gives no sanction to the unwarrantable assumption that the soul sleeps from the period of death to the resurrection of the body.
Thodey.

That calm assumption of the virtues.
W. Black.

3.
The thing supposed; a postulate, or proposition assumed; a supposition.

Hold! says the Stoic; your assumption's wrong.
Dryden.

4.
(Logic)
The minor or second proposition in a categorical syllogism.

5.
The taking of a person up into heaven.
(Rom. Cath. & Greek Churches)
A festival in honor of the ascent of the Virgin Mary into heaven.


word: Assumptive
definition:
Assumptive

As*sump"tive
(_;)
a.
[L. assumptivus, fr. assumptus, fr. assumere.]
Assumed, or capable of being assumed; characterized by assumption; making unwarranted claims.
As*sump"tive*ly, adv.

Assumptive arms (Her.), originally, arms which a person had a right to assume, in consequence of an exploit; now, those assumed without sanction of the Heralds' College. Percy Smith.


word: Assurance
definition:
Assurance

As*sur"ance
(_;)
n.
[OE. assuraunce, F. assurance, fr. assurer. See Assure.]
1.
The act of assuring; a declaration tending to inspire full confidence; that which is designed to give confidence.

Whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
Acts xvii. 31.

Assurances of support came pouring in daily.
Macaulay.

2.
The state of being assured; firm persuasion; full confidence or trust; freedom from doubt; certainty.

Let us draw with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience.
Heb. x. 22.

3.
Firmness of mind; undoubting, steadiness; intrepidity; courage; confidence; self-reliance.

Brave men meet danger with assurance.
Knolles.

Conversation with the world will give them knowledge and assurance.
Locke.

4.
Excess of boldness; impudence; audacity; as, his assurance is intolerable.

5.
Betrothal; affiance.
[Obs.]
Sir P. Sidney.

6.
Insurance; a contract for the payment of a sum on occasion of a certain event, as loss or death.

&hand_; Recently, assurance has been used, in England, in relation to life contingencies, and insurance in relation to other contingencies. It is called temporary assurance, in the time within which the contingent event must happen is limited. See Insurance.

7.
(Law)
Any written or other legal evidence of the conveyance of property; a conveyance; a deed.

&hand_; In England, the legal evidences of the conveyance of property are called the common assurances of the kingdom.
Blackstone.


word: Assure
definition:
Assure

As*sure
(_;)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Assured (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Assuring.]
[OF. aseürer, F. assurer, LL. assecurare; L. ad + securus secure, sure, certain. See Secure, Sure, and cf. Insure.]
1.
To make sure or certain; to render confident by a promise, declaration, or other evidence.

His promise that thy seed shall bruise our foe . . . 
Assures me that the bitterness of death
Is past, and we shall live.
Milton.

2.
To declare to, solemnly; to assert to (any one) with the design of inspiring belief or confidence.

I dare assure thee that no enemy
Shall ever take alive the noble Brutus.
Shak.

3.
To confirm; to make certain or secure.

And it shall be assured to him.
Lev. xxvii. 19.

And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.
1 John iii. 19.

4.
To affiance; to betroth.
[Obs.]
Shak.

5.
(Law)
To insure; to covenant to indemnify for loss, or to pay a specified sum at death. See Insure.


word: Assured
definition:
Assured

As*sured"
(_;)
a.
Made sure; safe; insured; certain; indubitable; not doubting; bold to excess.


word: Assurer
definition:
Assurer

As*sur"er
(_;)
n.
1.
One who assures. Specifically: One who insures against loss; an insurer or underwriter.

2.
One who takes out a life assurance policy.


word: Assurgency
definition:
Assurgency

As*sur"gen*cy
(_;)
n.
Act of rising.

The . . . assurgency of the spirit through the body.
Coleridge.


word: Assurgent
definition:
Assurgent

As*sur"gent
(_;)
a.
[L. assurgens, p. pr. of assurgere; ad + surgere to rise.]
Ascending
(Bot.)
rising obliquely; curving upward.
Gray.


word: Assuring
definition:
Assuring

As*sur"ing
(_;)
a.
That assures; tending to assure; giving confidence.
As*sur"ing*ly, adv.


word: Assyrian
definition:
Assyrian

As*syr"i*an
(_;)
a.
[L. Assyrius.]
Of or pertaining to Assyria, or to its inhabitants.
n. A native or an inhabitant of Assyria; the language of Assyria.


word: Assyriological
definition:
Assyriological

As*syr`i*o*log"ic*al
(_;)
a.
Of or pertaining to Assyriology; as, Assyriological studies.


word: Assyriologist
definition:
Assyriologist

As*syr`i*ol"o*gist
(_;)
n.
One versed in Assyriology; a student of Assyrian archæology.


word: Assyriology
definition:
Assyriology

As*syr`i*ol"o*gy
(_;)
n.
[Assyria + -logy.]
The science or study of the antiquities, language, etc., of ancient Assyria.


word: Assythment
definition:
Assythment

As*syth"ment
(_;)
n.
[From OF. aset, asez, orig. meaning enough. See Assets.]
Indemnification for injury; satisfaction.
[Chiefly in Scots law]


word: Astacus
definition:
Astacus

As"ta*cus
(_;)
n.
[L. astacus a crab, Gr. _;.]
(Zool.)
A genus of crustaceans, containing the crawfish of fresh-water lobster of Europe, and allied species of western North America. See Crawfish.


word: Astarte
definition:
Astarte

As*tar"te
(_;)
n.
[Gr. _; a Phœnician goddess.]
(Zool.)
A genus of bivalve mollusks, common on the coasts of America and Europe.


word: Astatic
definition:
Astatic

A*stat"ic
(_;)
a.
[Pref. a- not + static.]
(Magnetism)
Having little or no tendency to take a fixed or definite position or direction: thus, a suspended magnetic needle, when rendered astatic, loses its polarity, or tendency to point in a given direction.

Astatic pair (Magnetism), a pair of magnetic needles so mounted as to be nearly or quite astatic, as in some galvanometers.


word: Astatize
definition:
Astatize

As"ta*tize
(?)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Astatized (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Astatizing.]
(Magnetism)
To render astatic.


word: Astatki
definition:
Astatki

As*tat"ki
(?)
n.
[From Russ. ostatki remnants, pl. of ostatok.]
A thick liquid residuum obtained in the distillation of Russian petroleum, much used as fuel.


word: Astay
definition:
Astay

A*stay"
(_;)
adv.
(Naut.)
An anchor is said to be astay, when, in heaving it, an acute angle is formed between the cable and the surface of the water.


word: Asteism
definition:
Asteism

As"te*ism
(_;)
n.
[Gr. _; refined and witty talk, fr. _; of the town, polite, witty, fr. _; city: cf. F. astéisme.]
(Rhet.)
Genteel irony; a polite and ingenious manner of deriding another.


word: Astel
definition:
Astel

As"tel
(ăs"tẽl)
n.
[OE. astelle piece of wood, OF. astele splinter, shaving, F. attelle, astelle: cf. L. astula, dim. of assis board.]
(Mining)
An arch, or ceiling, of boards, placed over the men's heads in a mine.


word: Aster
definition:
Aster

As"ter
(ăs"tẽr)
n.
[L. aster aster, star, Gr. 'asth`r star. See Star.]
1.
(Bot.)
A genus of herbs with compound white or bluish flowers; starwort; Michaelmas daisy.

2.
(Floriculture)
A plant of the genus Callistephus. Many varieties (called China asters, German asters, etc.) are cultivated for their handsome compound flowers.

3.
(Biol.)
A star-shaped figure of achromatic substance found chiefly in cells dividing by mitosis.


word: Asteraceae
definition:
Asteraceae

Asteraceae
n.
1.
a family of plants with heads composed of many florets, including the aster; daisy; dandelion; goldenrod; marigold; lettuces; ragweed; sunflower; thistle; zinnia.

Syn. -- Compositae, family Compositae, family Asteraceae, aster family


word: Asterias
definition:
Asterias

As*te"ri*as
(_;)
n.
[NL., fr. Gr. _; starred, fr. 'asth`r star.]
(Zool.)
A genus of echinoderms.

&hand_; Formerly the group of this name included nearly all starfishes and ophiurans. Now it is restricted to a genus including the commonest shore starfishes.


word: Asteriated
definition:
Asteriated

As*te"ri*a`ted
(_;)
a.
[See Asterias.]
Radiated, with diverging rays; as, asteriated sapphire.


word: Asteridian
definition:
Asteridian

As`ter*id"i*an
(_;)
a.
(Zool.)
Of or pertaining to the Asterioidea.
n. A starfish; one of the Asterioidea.


word: Asteridea
definition:
Asteridea

Asterioidea

{ &VerbarAs*te`ri*oid"e*a (_;), &VerbarAs`ter*id"e*a (_;), }
n. pl.
[NL., fr. Gr. 'asteri`as + -oid. See Asterias.]
(Zool.)
A class of Echinodermata including the true starfishes. The rays vary in number and always have ambulacral grooves below. The body is star-shaped or pentagonal.


word: Asterion
definition:
Asterion

As*te"ri*on
(_;)
n.
[Gr. 'aste`rion starry.]
(Anat.)
The point on the side of the skull where the lambdoid, parieto-mastoid and occipito-mastoid sutures.


word: Asteriscus
definition:
Asteriscus

As`ter*is"cus
(_;)
n.
[L., an asterisk. See Asterisk.]
(Anat.)
The smaller of the two otoliths found in the inner ear of many fishes.


word: Asterisk
definition:
Asterisk

As"ter*isk
(_;)
n.
[L. asteriscus, Gr. _;, dim. of 'asth`r star. See Aster.]
The figure of a star, thus, _;, used in printing and writing as a reference to a passage or note in the margin, to supply the omission of letters or words, or to mark a word or phrase as having a special character.


word: Asterism
definition:
Asterism

As`ter*ism
(_;)
n.
[Gr. _;, fr. 'asth`r star; cf. F. astérisme.]
1.
(Astron.)
(a)
A constellation.
[Obs.]
(b)
A small cluster of stars.

2.
(Printing)
(a)
An asterisk, or mark of reference.
[R.]
(b)
Three asterisks placed in this manner, &asterism_;, to direct attention to a particular passage.

3.
(Crystallog.)
An optical property of some crystals which exhibit a star-shaped by reflected light, as star sapphire, or by transmitted light, as some mica.


word: Astern
definition:
Astern

A*stern"
(_;)
adv.
[Pref. a- + stern.]
(Naut.)
1.
In or at the hinder part of a ship; toward the hinder part, or stern; backward; as, to go astern.

2.
Behind a ship; in the rear.
astern
De Foe.
astern
Drake.

To bake astern, to go stern foremost. -- To be astern of the reckoning, to be behind the position given by the reckoning. -- To drop astern, to fall or be left behind. -- To go astern, to go backward, as from the action of currents or winds.


word: Asternal
definition:
Asternal

A*ster"nal
(_;)
a.
[Pref. a- not + sternal.]
(Anat.)
Not sternal; -- said of ribs which do not join the sternum.


word: Asteroid
definition:
Asteroid

As"ter*oid
(_;)
n.
[Gr. _; starlike, starry; 'asth`r star + e'i^dos form: cf. F. astéroïde. See Aster.]
A starlike body; esp. one of the numerous small planets whose orbits lie between those of Mars and Jupiter; -- called also planetoids and minor planets.


word: Asterolepis
definition:
Asterolepis

As`te*rol"e*pis
(_;)
n.
[NL., fr. Gr. 'asth`r star + _; scale.]
(Paleon.)
A genus of fishes, some of which were eighteen or twenty feet long, found in a fossil state in the Old Red Sandstone.
Hugh Miller.


word: Asterope
definition:
Asterope

As*ter"o*pe
(?)
n.
[Gr. _;, lit., lightning.]
1.
(Myth.)
One of the Pleiades; -- called also Sterope.

2.
(Astron.)
A double star in the Pleiades (21 k and 22 l Pleiadum, of the 5.8 and 6.4 magnitude respectively), appearing as a single star of the 5.3 magnitude to the naked eye.


word: Asterophyllite
definition:
Asterophyllite

As`ter*oph"yl*lite
(ăs`tẽr*&obreve_;f"ĭl*līt)
n.
[Gr. 'asth`r star + fy`llon leaf.]
(Paleon.)
A fossil plant from the coal formations of Europe and America, now regarded as the branchlets and foliage of calamites.


word: Astert
definition:
Astert

A*stert
(_;)
v. t.
[Pref. a- + start; OE. asterten, asturten.]
To start up; to befall; to escape; to shun.
[Obs.]
Spenser.


word: Astheny
definition:
Astheny

Asthenia

{ &VerbarAs`the*ni"a (_;), As"the*ny (_;), }
n.
[NL. asthenia, Gr. 'asqe`nia; 'a priv. + sqe`nos strength.]
(Med.)
Want or loss of strength; debility; diminution of the vital forces.


word: Asthenic
definition:
Asthenic

As*then"ic
(_;)
a.
[Gr. 'asqeniko`s; 'a priv. + sqe`nos strength.]
(Med.)
Characterized by, or pertaining to, debility; weak; debilitating.


word: Asthenopia
definition:
Asthenopia

As`the*no"pi*a
(_;)
n.
[Gr. 'a priv. + sqe`nos strength + 'w`ps eye.]
Weakness of sight.
Quain.
As`the*nop"ic (_;), a.


word: asthenosphere
definition:
asthenosphere

asthenosphere
n.
1.
the lower layer of the earth's crust, below the lithosphere.  It is estimated as from fifty to several hundred miles thick. It is less rigid than the lithosphere, but still rigid enough to transmit some transverse seismic waves.
[RHUD]


word: Asthma
definition:
Asthma

Asth"ma
(?; 277)
n.
[Gr. _; short-drawn breath, fr. _; to blow, for _;: cf. Skr. vā, Goth. waian, to blow, E. wind.]
(Med.)
A disease, characterized by difficulty of breathing (due to a spasmodic contraction of the bronchi), recurring at intervals, accompanied with a wheezing sound, a sense of constriction in the chest, a cough, and expectoration.


word: Asthma paper
definition:
Asthma paper

Asth"ma pa"per
Paper impregnated with saltpeter. The fumes from the burning paper are often inhaled as an alleviative by asthmatics.
[Archaic]


word: Asthmatical
definition:
Asthmatical

Asthmatic

{ Asth*mat"ic (_;), Asth*mat"ic*al (_;), }
a.
[L. asthmaticus, Gr. _;.]
Of or pertaining to asthma; as, an asthmatic cough; liable to, or suffering from, asthma; as, an asthmatic patient.
Asth*mat"ic*al*ly, adv.


word: Astigmatic
definition:
Astigmatic

As`tig*mat"ic
(_;)
a.
(Med. & Opt.)
Affected with, or pertaining to, astigmatism; as, astigmatic eyes; also, remedying astigmatism; as, astigmatic lenses.


word: Astigmatism
definition:
Astigmatism

A*stig"ma*tism
(_;)
n.
[Gr. 'a priv. + _;, _;, a prick of a pointed instrument, a spot, fr. _; to prick: cf. F. astigmatisme.]
(Med. & Opt.)
A defect of the eye or of a lens, in consequence of which the rays derived from one point are not brought to a single focal point, thus causing imperfect images or indistinctness of vision.

&hand_; The term is applied especially to the defect causing images of lines having a certain direction to be indistinct, or imperfectly seen, while those of lines transverse to the former are distinct, or clearly seen.


word: Astipulate
definition:
Astipulate

As*tip"u*late
(_;)
v. i.
[L. astipulari; ad + stipulari to stipulate.]
To assent.
[Obs.]
Bp. Hall.


word: Astir
definition:
Astir

A*stir"
(_;)
adv. & a.
[Pref. a- + stir.]
Stirring; in a state of activity or motion; out of bed.


word: Astomous
definition:
Astomous

Astomatous

{ A*stom"a*tous (_;), As"to*mous (_;), }
a.
[Gr. 'a priv. + _;, _;, mouth.]
Not possessing a mouth.


word: Astone
definition:
Astone

Aston

{ As*ton" (_;), As*tone" (_;), }
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Astoned, Astond, or Astound.]
[See Astonish.]
To stun; to astonish; to stupefy.
[Obs.]
Chaucer.


word: Astonied
definition:
Astonied

As*ton"ied
(_;)
p. p.
Stunned; astonished. See Astony.
[Archaic]

And I astonied fell and could not pray.
Mrs. Browning.


word: Astonish
definition:
Astonish

As*ton"ish
(_;)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Astonished (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Astonishing.]
[OE. astonien, astunian, astonen, OF. estoner, F. étonner, fr. L. ex out + tonare to thunder, but perhaps influenced by E. stun. See Thunder, Astound, Astony.]
1.
To stun; to render senseless, as by a blow.
[Obs.]

Enough, captain; you have astonished him. [Fluellen had struck Pistol].
Shak.

The very cramp-fish [i. e., torpedo] . . . being herself not benumbed, is able to astonish others.
Holland.

2.
To strike with sudden fear, terror, or wonder; to amaze; to surprise greatly, as with something unaccountable; to confound with some sudden emotion or passion.

Musidorus . . . had his wits astonished with sorrow.
Sidney.

I, Daniel . . . was astonished at the vision.
Dan. viii. 27.


word: Astonishing
definition:
Astonishing

As*ton"ish*ing
a.
Very wonderful; of a nature to excite astonishment; as, an astonishing event.


word: Astonishment
definition:
Astonishment

As*ton"ish*ment
(_;)
n.
[Cf. OF. estonnement, F. étonnement.]
1.
The condition of one who is stunned. Hence: Numbness; loss of sensation; stupor; loss of sense.
[Obs.]

A coldness and astonishment in his loins, as folk say.
Holland.

2.
Dismay; consternation.
[Archaic]
Spenser.

3.
The overpowering emotion excited when something unaccountable, wonderful, or dreadful is presented to the mind; an intense degree of surprise; amazement.

Lest the place
And my quaint habits breed astonishment.
Milton.

4.
The object causing such an emotion.

Thou shalt become an astonishment.
Deut. xxviii. 37.


word: Astony
definition:
Astony

As*ton"y
(_;)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Astonied (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Astonying. See Astone.]
To stun; to bewilder; to astonish; to dismay.
[Archaic]

The captain of the Helots . . . strake Palladius upon the side of his head, that he reeled astonied.
Sir P. Sidney.

This sodeyn cas this man astonied so,
That reed he wex, abayst, and al quaking.
Chaucer.


word: Astound
definition:
Astound

As*tound"
(_;)
a.
[OE. astouned, astound, astoned, p. p. of astone. See Astone.]
Stunned; astounded; astonished.
[Archaic]
Spenser.

Thus Ellen, dizzy and astound.
As sudden ruin yawned around.
Sir W. Scott.


word: Astound₂
definition:
Astound

As*tound"
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Astounded, [Obs.] Astound; p. pr. & vb. n. Astounding.]
[See Astound, a.]
1.
To stun; to stupefy.

No puissant stroke his senses once astound.
Fairfax.

2.
To astonish; to strike with amazement; to confound with wonder, surprise, or fear.

These thoughts may startle well, but not astound
The virtuous mind.
Milton.


word: astounded
definition:
astounded

astounded
adj.
1.
struck with an intense and usually sudden surprise sufficient to produce wonder or perplexity

Syn. -- amazed, astonied, astonished, dumbfounded, flabbergasted, stunned, stupefied, thunderstruck


word: Astounding
definition:
Astounding

As*tound"ing
a.
Of a nature to astound; astonishing; amazing; as, an astounding force, statement, or fact.
As*tound"ing*ly, adv.


word: Astraddle
definition:
Astraddle

A*strad"dle
(_;)
adv.
[Pref. a- + straddle.]
In a straddling position; astride; bestriding; as, to sit astraddle a horse.


word: Astraean
definition:
Astraean

As*træ"an
(_;)
a.
[Gr. _; starry.]
(Zool.)
Pertaining to the genus Astræa or the family Astræidæ.
n. A coral of the family Astræidæ; a star coral.


word: Astragal
definition:
Astragal

As"tra*gal
(_;)
n.
[L. astragalus, Gr. _; the ankle bone, a molding in the capital of the Ionic column.]
1.
(Arch.)
A convex molding of rounded surface, generally from half to three quarters of a circle.

2.
(Gun.)
A round molding encircling a cannon near the mouth.


word: Astragaloid
definition:
Astragaloid

As*trag"a*loid
(_;)
a.
[Astragalus + -oid.]
(Anat.)
Resembling the astragalus in form.


word: Astragalomancy
definition:
Astragalomancy

As*trag"a*lo*man`cy
(_;)
n.
[Gr. _; ankle bone, die + -mancy.]
Divination by means of small bones or dice.


word: Astragalus
definition:
Astragalus

As*trag"a*lus
(_;)
n.
[L. See Astragal.]
1.
(Anat.)
The ankle bone, or hock bone; the bone of the tarsus which articulates with the tibia at the ankle.

2.
(Bot.)
A genus of papilionaceous plants, of the tribe Galegeæ, containing numerous species, two of which are called, in English, milk vetch and licorice vetch.  Gum tragacanth is obtained from different oriental species, particularly the Astragalus gummifer and Astragalus verus.

3.
(Arch.)
See Astragal, 1.


word: Astrakhan
definition:
Astrakhan

As`tra*khan"
(_;)
a.
Of or pertaining to Astrakhan in Russia or its products; made of an Astrakhan skin.
n. The skin of stillborn or young lambs of that region, the curled wool of which resembles fur.


word: Astral
definition:
Astral

As"tral
(_;)
a.
[L. astralis, fr. astrum star, Gr. _;: cf. F. astral. See Star.]
1.
Pertaining to, coming from, or resembling, the stars; starry; starlike.

Shines only with an astral luster.
I. Taylor.

Some astral forms I must invoke by prayer.
Dryden.

2.
(Biol.)
Of or pertaining to an aster; as, astral rays; astral sphere.

3.
(Theosophy)
Consisting of, belonging to, or designating, a kind of supersensible substance alleged to be next above the tangible world in refinement; as, astral spirits; astral bodies of persons; astral current; the astral plane.

Astral lamp, an Argand lamp so constructed that no shadow is cast upon the table by the flattened ring-shaped reservoir in which the oil is contained. -- Astral spirits, spirits formerly supposed to live in the heavenly bodies or the aërial regions, and represented in the Middle Ages as fallen angels, spirits of the dead, or spirits originating in fire.


word: Astray
definition:
Astray

A*stray"
(_;)
adv. & a.
[See Estray, Stray.]
Out of the right, either in a literal or in a figurative sense; wandering; as, to lead one astray.

Ye were as sheep going astray.
1 Pet. ii. 25.


word: Astrict
definition:
Astrict

As*trict"
(_;)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Astricted; p. pr. & vb. n. Astricting.]
[L. astrictus, p. p. of astringere. See Astringe.]
1.
To bind up; to confine; to constrict; to contract.

The solid parts were to be relaxed or astricted.
Arbuthnot.

2.
To bind; to constrain; to restrict; to limit.
[R.]

The mind is astricted to certain necessary modes or forms of thought.
Sir W. Hamilton.

3.
(Scots Law)
To restrict the tenure of; as, to astrict lands. See Astriction, 4.
Burrill.


word: Astriction
definition:
Astriction

As*tric"tion
(_;)
n.
[L. astrictio.]
1.
The act of binding; restriction; also, obligation.
Milton.

2.
(Med.)
(a)
A contraction of parts by applications; the action of an astringent substance on the animal economy.
Dunglison.
(b)
Constipation.
Arbuthnot.

3.
Astringency.
[Obs.]
Bacon.

4.
(Scots Law)
An obligation to have the grain growing on certain lands ground at a certain mill, the owner paying a toll.
Bell.

&hand_; The lands were said to be astricted to the mill.


word: Astride
definition:
Astride

A*stride"
(_;)
adv.
[Pref. a- + stride.]
With one leg on each side, as a man when on horseback; with the legs stretched wide apart; astraddle.

Placed astride upon the bars of the palisade.
Sir W. Scott.

Glasses with horn bows sat astride on his nose.
Longfellow.


word: Astriferous
definition:
Astriferous

As*trif"er*ous
(acr/s*trĭf"ẽr*ŭs)
a.
[L. astrifer; astrum star + ferre to bear.]
Bearing stars.
[R.]
Blount.


word: Astringe
definition:
Astringe

As*tringe"
(ăs*trĭnj")
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Astringed (-trĭnjd"); p. pr. & vb. n. Astringing (-jĭng).]
[L. astringere; ad + stringere to draw tight. Cf. Astrict, and see Strain, v. t.]
1.
To bind fast; to constrict; to contract; to cause parts to draw together; to compress.

Which contraction . . . astringeth the moisture of the brain and thereby sendeth tears into the eyes.
Bacon.

2.
To bind by moral or legal obligation.
Wolsey.


word: Astringency
definition:
Astringency

As*trin"gen*cy
(ăs*trĭn"jen*s&ybreve_;)
n.
The quality of being astringent; the power of contracting the parts of the body; that quality in medicines or other substances which causes contraction of the organic textures; as, the astringency of tannin.


word: Astringent
definition:
Astringent

As*trin"gent
(-jent)
a.
[L. astringens, p. pr. of astringere: cf. F. astringent. See Astringe.]
1.
Drawing together the tissues; binding; contracting; -- opposed to laxative; as, astringent medicines; a butter and astringent taste; astringent fruit.

2.
Stern; austere; as, an astringent type of virtue.


word: Astringent₂
definition:
Astringent

As*trin"gent
n.
A medicine or other substance that produces contraction in the soft organic textures, and checks discharges of blood, mucus, etc.

External astringents are called styptics.
Dunglison.


word: Astringer
definition:
Astringer

As*trin"ger
(_;)
n.
[OE. ostreger, OF. ostrucier, F. autoursier, fr. OF. austour, ostor, hawk, F. autour; cf. L. acceptor, for accipiter, hawk.]
A falconer who keeps a goshawk.
[Obs.]
Shak.
Cowell.
[Written also austringer.]


word: astrochemistry
definition:
astrochemistry

astrochemistry
n.
the branch of science involving astronomy and chemistry which studies the chemical composition,  chemical reactions, and evolution of matter in outer space.
as`tro*chem"ic*al (_;), a. -- as`tro*chem"ic*al*ly (_;), adv.


word: astrocytoma
definition:
astrocytoma

astrocytoma
n.
a tumor of nervous tissue derived from interstitial cells, in which the cells are relatively well-differentiated and resemble astrocytes.  The occur primarily in the crebrum and cerebellum.
Stedman


word: Astrofell
definition:
Astrofell

Astrofel

{ As"tro*fel, As"tro*fell  }
(_;)
n.
A bitter herb, probably the same as aster, or starwort.
Spenser.


word: Astrogeny
definition:
Astrogeny

As*trog"e*ny
(_;)
n.
[Astro- + Gr. _; birth.]
The creation or evolution of the stars or the heavens.
H. Spencer.


word: Astrognosy
definition:
Astrognosy

As*trog"no*sy
(_;)
n.
[Astro- + Gr. _; knowledge.]
The science or knowledge of the stars, esp. the fixed stars.
Bouvier.


word: Astrography
definition:
Astrography

As*trog"ra*phy
(_;)
n.
[Astro'cf + -graphy.]
The art of describing or delineating the stars; a description or mapping of the heavens.


word: Astroite
definition:
Astroite

As"tro*ite
(_;)
n.
[L. astroites: cf. F. astroite.]
A radiated stone or fossil; star-stone.
[Obs.]
[Written also astrite and astrion.]


word: Astrolabe
definition:
Astrolabe

As"tro*labe
(ăs"tro̝*lāb)
n.
[OE. astrolabie, astrilabe, OF. astrelabe, F. astrolabe, LL. astrolabium, fr. Gr. 'astrola`bon; 'a`stron star + _;, _;, to take.]
1.
(Astron.)
An instrument for observing or showing the positions of the stars. It is now disused.

&hand_; Among the ancients, it was essentially the armillary sphere. A graduated circle with sights, for taking altitudes at sea, was called an astrolabe in the 18th century. It is now superseded by the quadrant and sextant.

2.
A stereographic projection of the sphere on the plane of a great circle, as the equator, or a meridian; a planisphere.
Whewell.


word: Astrolatry
definition:
Astrolatry

As*trol"a*try
(_;)
n.
[Astro- + Gr. _; service, worship: cf. F. astrolâtrie.]
The worship of the stars.


word: Astrologer
definition:
Astrologer

As*trol"o*ger
(_;)
n.
[See Astrology.]
1.
One who studies the stars; an astronomer.
[Obs.]

2.
One who practices astrology; one who professes to foretell events by the aspects and situation of the stars.


word: Astrological
definition:
Astrological

Astrologic

{ As`tro*log"ic (_;), As`tro*log"ic*al (_;), }
a.
[Gr. 'astrologiko`s.]
Of or pertaining to astrology; professing or practicing astrology.
Astrologic
Hudibras.
Astrological
Cudworth.
As`tro*log"ic*al*ly, adv.


word: Astrology
definition:
Astrology

As*trol"o*gy
(ăs*tr&obreve_;l"o̝*j&ybreve_;)
n.
[F. astrologie, L. astrologia, fr. Gr. 'astrologi`a, fr. 'astrolo`gos astronomer, astrologer; 'asth`r star + lo`gos discourse, le`gein to speak. See Star.]
In its etymological signification, the science of the stars; among the ancients, synonymous with astronomy; subsequently, the art of judging of the influences of the stars upon human affairs, and of foretelling events by their position and aspects.

&hand_; Astrology was much in vogue during the Middle Ages, and became the parent of modern astronomy, as alchemy did of chemistry. It was divided into two kinds: judicial astrology, which assumed to foretell the fate and acts of nations and individuals, and natural astrology, which undertook to predict events of inanimate nature, such as changes of the weather, etc.


word: Astromantic
definition:
Astromantic

As`tro*man"tic
(_;)
a.
[Gr. _; astrology.]
Of or pertaining to divination by means of the stars; astrologic.
[R.]
Dr. H. More.


word: Astrometeorology
definition:
Astrometeorology

As`tro*me`te*or*ol"o*gy
(_;)
n.
[Astro- + meteorology.]
The investigation of the relation between the sun, moon, and stars, and the weather.
As`*tro*me`te*or`o*log"ic*al (_;), a. -- As`tro*me`te*or*ol"o*gist (_;), n.


word: Astrometer
definition:
Astrometer

As*trom"e*ter
(_;)
n.
[Astro- + meter.]
An instrument for comparing the relative amount of the light of stars.


word: Astrometry
definition:
Astrometry

As*trom"e*try
(_;)
n.
[Astro- + metry.]
The art of making measurements among the stars, or of determining their relative magnitudes.


word: astronaut
definition:
astronaut

as"tro*naut
adj.
a person trained to travel in a spacecraft; one who travels in a spacecraft; -- called in the Soviet Union and Russia cosmonaut.

Syn. -- spaceman, cosmonaut


word: astronautics
definition:
astronautics

as`tro*naut"ics
n.
The theory and practice of navigation through the upper atmosphere or outer space; the science of travel beyond the Earth's atmosphere.


word: astronavigation
definition:
astronavigation

astronavigation
n.
1.
navigating according to the positions of the stars.

Syn. -- celestial navigation


word: Astronomer
definition:
Astronomer

As*tron"o*mer
(_;)
n.
[See Astronomy.]
1.
An astrologer.
[Obs.]
Shak.

2.
One who is versed in astronomy; one who has a knowledge of the laws of the heavenly orbs, or the principles by which their motions are regulated, with their various phenomena.

An undevout astronomer is mad.
Young.


word: Astronomical
definition:
Astronomical

As`tro*nom"ic*al
(-ĭ*kal)
a.
[L. astronomicus, Gr. 'astronomiko`s: cf. F. astronomique.]
Of or pertaining to astronomy; in accordance with the methods or principles of astronomy.
As`tro*nom"ic*al*ly, adv.

Astronomical clock. See under Clock. --  Astronomical day. See under Day. -- Astronomical fractions, Astronomical numbers. See under Sexagesimal.


word: Astronomize
definition:
Astronomize

As*tron"o*mize
v. i.
[Gr. _;.]
To study or to talk astronomy.
[R.]

They astronomized in caves.
Sir T. Browne.


word: Astronomy
definition:
Astronomy

As*tron"o*my
(_;)
n.
[OE. astronomie, F. astronomie, L. astronomia, fr. Gr. _;, fr. _; astronomer; 'asth`r star + _; to distribute, regulate. See Star, and Nomad.]
1.
Astrology.
[Obs.]

Not from the stars do I my judgment pluck;
And yet methinks I have astronomy.
Shak.

2.
The science which treats of the celestial bodies, of their magnitudes, motions, distances, periods of revolution, eclipses, constitution, physical condition, and of the causes of their various phenomena.

3.
A treatise on, or text-book of, the science.

Physical astronomy. See under Physical.


word: Astrophotography
definition:
Astrophotography

As`tro*pho*tog"ra*phy
(_;)
n.
[Astro-  + photography.]
The application of photography to the delineation of the sun, moon, and stars.


word: Astrophotometer
definition:
Astrophotometer

As`tro*pho*tom"e*ter
(?)
n.
[Pref. astro- + photometer.]
(Astron.)
A photometer for measuring the brightness of stars.


word: Astrophotometry
definition:
Astrophotometry

As`tro*pho*tom"e*try
(?)
n.
(Astron.)
The determination of the brightness of stars, and also of the sun, moon, and planets.
As`tro*pho`to*met"ric*al (#), a.


word: astrophysicist
definition:
astrophysicist

astrophysicist
n.
1.
an astronomer who studies the physical properties of celestial bodies.


word: astrophysics
definition:
astrophysics

astrophysics
n.
1.
the  concerned with the physical and chemical properties of celestial bodies.


word: Astrophysics
definition:
Astrophysics

As`tro*phys"ics
(?)
n.
[Astro- + physics.]
(Astron.)
The science treating of the physical characteristics of the stars and other heavenly bodies, their chemical constitution, light, heat, atmospheres, etc.  It is a branch of astronomy.

&hand_; Its observations were traditionally made with the spectroscope, bolometer, etc., usually in connection with the telescope.  In modern times, radiotelescopes, infrared telescopes, X-ray and gamma ray detectors and neutrino detection equipment located deep underground are all put into service to observe and test theories about astronomical phenomena.


word: Astrophyton
definition:
Astrophyton

As*troph"y*ton
(_;)
n.
[Astro- + Gr. fyton a plant.]
(Zool.)
A genus of ophiurans having the arms much branched.


word: Astroscope
definition:
Astroscope

As"tro*scope
(_;)
n.
[Astro- + scope.]
An old astronomical instrument, formed of two cones, on whose surface the constellations were delineated.


word: Astrotheology
definition:
Astrotheology

As`tro*the*ol"o*gy
(_;)
n.
[Astro- + theology.]
Theology founded on observation or knowledge of the celestial bodies.
Derham.


word: Astructive
definition:
Astructive

A*struc"tive
(_;)
a.
[L. astructus, p. p. of astruere to build up; ad + struere to build.]
Building up; constructive; -- opposed to destructive.
[Obs.]


word: Astrut
definition:
Astrut

A*strut"
(_;)
a. & adv.
1.
Sticking out, or puffed out; swelling; in a swelling manner.
[Archaic]

Inflated and astrut with self-conceit.
Cowper.

2.
In a strutting manner; with a strutting gait.


word: Astucious
definition:
Astucious

As*tu"cious
(_;)
a.
[F. astucieux. See Astute.]
Subtle; cunning; astute.
[R.]
Sir W. Scott.
As*tu"cious*ly, adv.
[R.]


word: Astute
definition:
Astute

As*tute"
(_;)
a.
[L. astutus, fr. astus craft, cunning; perh. cognate with E. acute.]
Critically discerning; sagacious; shrewd; subtle; crafty.


word: Astylar
definition:
Astylar

A*sty"lar
(_;)
a.
[Gr. 'a priv. + _; pillar.]
(arch.)
Without columns or pilasters.
Weale.


word: Astyllen
definition:
Astyllen

A*styl"len
(_;)
n.
(Mining)
A small dam to prevent free passage of water in an adit or level.


word: Asuncion
definition:
Asuncion

Asuncion
prop. n.
(Geography)
The capital city of Paraguay.  Population (2000) = 502,426.


word: Asunder
definition:
Asunder

A*sun"der
(_;)
adv.
[Pref. a- + sunder.]
Apart; separate from each other; into parts; in two; separately; into or in different pieces or places.

I took my staff, even Beauty, and cut it asunder.
Zech. xi. 10.

As wide asunder as pole and pole.
Froude.


word: Asura
definition:
Asura

A*su"ra
(_;)
n.
(Hind. Myth.)
An enemy of the gods, esp. one of a race of demons and giants.


word: Asylum
definition:
Asylum

A*sy"lum
(_;)
n.
pl. E. Asylums (_;), L. Asyla (_;).
[L. asylum, Gr. _;, fr. _; exempt from spoliation, inviolable; 'a priv. + _; right of seizure.]
1.
A sanctuary or place of refuge and protection, where criminals and debtors found shelter, and from which they could not be forcibly taken without sacrilege.

So sacred was the church to some, that it had the right of an asylum or sanctuary.
Ayliffe.

&hand_; The name was anciently given to temples, altars, statues of the gods, and the like. In later times Christian churches were regarded as asylums in the same sense.

2.
Any place of retreat and security.

Earth has no other asylum for them than its own cold bosom.
Southey.

3.
An institution for the protection or relief of some class of destitute, unfortunate, or afflicted persons; as, an asylum for the aged, for the blind, or for the insane; a lunatic asylum; an orphan asylum.


word: Asymmetrical
definition:
Asymmetrical

Asymmetric

{ As`ym*met"ric (_;), As`ym*met"ri*cal (_;), }
a.
[See Asymmetrous.]
1.
Incommensurable.
[Obs.]

2.
Not symmetrical; wanting proportion; esp., not bilaterally symmetrical.
Huxley.


word: Asymmetry
definition:
Asymmetry

A*sym"me*try
(_;)
n.
[Gr. _;; 'a priv. + _; symmetry.]
1.
Want of symmetry, or proportion between the parts of a thing, esp. lack of bilateral symmetry.

2.
(Math.)
Incommensurability.
[Obs.]
Barrow.


word: Asymptote
definition:
Asymptote

As"ymp*tote
(?; 215)
n.
[Gr. _; not falling together; 'a priv. + _; to fall together; _; with + _; to fall. Cf. Symptom.]
(Math.)
A line which approaches nearer to some curve than assignable distance, but, though infinitely extended, would never meet it. Asymptotes may be straight lines or curves. A rectilinear asymptote may be conceived as a tangent to the curve at an infinite distance.


word: Asynartete
definition:
Asynartete

A*syn"ar*tete`
(_;)
a.
[Gr. _; not united, disconnected; 'a priv. + _; with + _; to fasten to.]
Disconnected; not fitted or adjusted.
A*syn"ar*tet"ic (_;), a.

Asynartete verse (Pros.), a verse of two members, having different rhythms; as when the first consists of iambuses and the second of trochees.


word: asynchronism
definition:
asynchronism

asynchronism
n.
1.
1
the relation that exists when things occur at unrelated times.

Syn. -- asynchrony, desynchronization, desynchronisation, desynchronizing.


word: Asynchronous
definition:
Asynchronous

A*syn"chro*nous
(?)
a.
[Gr. _; not + synchronous.]
Not simultaneous; not concurrent in time; -- opposed to synchronous.

Syn. -- nonsynchronous, unsynchronized, unsynchronous.

2.
(Paleontology)
occurring in different geologic times; -- of taxa/
synchronous

Syn. -- allochronic

3.
chronologically misplaced; belonging to a different time or era

Syn. -- anachronic, anachronous, anachronistic

4.
(Computers)
occurring at different speeds in different computers connected by a data transmission link; -- said of methods data of transmission between computers.  Opposite of synchronous.


word: asynchrony
definition:
asynchrony

asynchrony
n.
1.
the relation that exists when things occur at unrelated times.

Syn. -- asynchronism, desynchronization, desynchronisation, desynchronizing


word: Asyndetic
definition:
Asyndetic

As`yn*det"ic
(_;)
a.
[See Asyndeton.]
Characterized by the use of asyndeton; not connected by conjunctions.
As`yn*det"ic*al*ly, adv.


word: Asyndeton
definition:
Asyndeton

A*syn"de*ton
(_;)
n.
[L., fr. Gr. _;, fr. _; unconnected; 'a priv. + _; bound together, fr. _;; _; with + _; to bind.]
(Rhet.)
A figure which omits the connective; as, I came, I saw, I conquered. It stands opposed to polysyndeton.


word: Asystole
definition:
Asystole

A*sys"to*le
(_;)
n.
[Pref. a- not + systole.]
(Physiol.)
A weakening or cessation of the contractile power of the heart.


word: At
definition:
At

At
(_;)
prep.
[AS. æt; akin to OHG. az, Goth., OS., & Icel. at, Sw. åt, Dan. & L. ad.]
Primarily, this word expresses the relations of presence, nearness in place or time, or direction toward; as, at the ninth hour; at the house; to aim at a mark. It is less definite than in or on; at the house may be in or near the house. From this original import are derived all the various uses of at.

1.
A relation of proximity to, or of presence in or on, something; as, at the door; at your shop; at home; at school; at hand; at sea and on land.

2.
The relation of some state or condition; as, at war; at peace; at ease; at your service; at fault; at liberty; at risk; at disadvantage.

3.
The relation of some employment or action; occupied with; as, at engraving; at husbandry; at play; at work; at meat (eating); except at puns.

4.
The relation of a point or position in a series, or of degree, rate, or value; as, with the thermometer at 80°; goods sold at a cheap price; a country estimated at 10,000 square miles; life is short at the longest.

5.
The relations of time, age, or order; as, at ten o'clock; at twenty-one; at once; at first.

6.
The relations of source, occasion, reason, consequence, or effect; as, at the sight; at this news; merry at anything; at this declaration; at his command; to demand, require, receive, deserve, endure at your hands.

7.
Relation of direction toward an object or end; as, look at it; to point at one; to aim at a mark; to throw, strike, shoot, wink, mock, laugh at any one.

At all, At home, At large, At last, At length, At once, etc. See under All, Home, Large, Last (phrase and syn.), Length, Once, etc. -- At it, busily or actively engaged. -- At least. See Least and However. -- At one. See At one, in the Vocabulary.


word: Atabal
definition:
Atabal

At"a*bal
(_;)
n.
[Sp. atabal, fr. Ar. at-tabl the drum, tabala to beat the drum. Cf. Tymbal.]
A kettledrum; a kind of tabor, used by the Moors.
Croly.


word: Atabrine
definition:
Atabrine

Atabrine
n.
[Trademark.]
a drug once used to treat malaria (C23H30ClN3O); chemically it is a derivative of the tricyclic structure acridine: 6-chloro-9-[[4-(diethylamino-1-methylbutyl)]amino]-2-methoxyacridine.  It also has some anthelmintic activity against cestodes. Atabrine is a trademark.

Syn. -- quinacrine, mepacrine.


word: Atacamite
definition:
Atacamite

A*tac"a*mite
(_;)
n.
[From the desert of Atacama, where found.]
(Min.)
An oxychloride of copper, usually in emerald-green prismatic crystals.


word: Ataman
definition:
Ataman

At"a*man
(_;)
n.
[Russ. ataman': cf. Pol. hetman, G. hauptmann headman, chieftain. Cf. Hetman.]
A hetman, or chief of the Cossacks.


word: Atamasco lily
definition:
Atamasco lily

At`a*mas"co lil"y
(?)
[Atamasco is fr. North American Indian.]
(Bot.)
See under Lily.


word: ataraxic
definition:
ataraxic

ataractic

ataractic ataraxic
adj.
1.
tending to soothe or calm or tranquilize

Syn. -- calming, sedative, soothing, tranquilizing


word: ataractic
definition:
ataractic

ataractic
n.
1.
1
drug that reduces nervous tension and gives peace of mind.

Syn. -- ataraxic


word: Ataraxy
definition:
Ataraxy

Ataraxia

{ &VerbarAt`a*rax"i*a (_;), At"a*rax`y (_;), }
n.
[NL. ataraxia, Gr. 'ataraxi`a; 'a priv. + tarakto`s disturbed, tara`ssein to disturb.]
Perfect peace of mind, or calmness.


word: ataraxic₂
definition:
ataraxic

ataraxic
n.
1.
drug that reduces nervous tension and gives peace of mind.

Syn. -- ataractic


word: Ataunto
definition:
Ataunto

Ataunt

{ A*taunt" (_;), A*taunt"o (_;), }
adv.
[F. autant as much (as possible).]
(Naut.)
Fully rigged, as a vessel; with all sails set; set on end or set right.


word: Atavism
definition:
Atavism

At"a*vism
(_;)
n.
[L. atavus an ancestor, fr. avus a grandfather.]
1.
(a)
The recurrence, or a tendency to a recurrence, of the original type of a species in the progeny of its varieties; resemblance to remote rather than to near ancestors; reversion to the original form.
(b)
(Biol.)
The recurrence of any peculiarity or disease of an ancestor in a subsequent generation, after an intermission for a generation or two.

Now and then there occur cases of what physiologists call atavism, or reversion to an ancestral type of character.
J. Fiske

2.
recurrence of or reversion to a past style, outlook, approach, or manner.


word: atavistic
definition:
atavistic

atavistic
adj.
1.
1
displaying characteristics of a previous cultural era or of a previous ancestral form; displaying atavism

Syn. -- atavic, throwback(prenominal)


word: Ataxy
definition:
Ataxy

Ataxia

{ &VerbarA*tax"i*a (_;), At"ax*y (_;), }
n.
[NL. ataxia, Gr. _;, fr. _; out of order; 'a priv. + _; ordered, arranged, _; to put in order: cf. F. ataxie.]
1.
Disorder; irregularity.
[Obs.]
Bp. Hall.

2.
(Med.)
(a)
Irregularity in disease, or in the functions.
(b)
The state of disorder that characterizes nervous fevers and the nervous condition.
[archaic]

3.
(Med.)
Loss of coordination in the voluntary muscles, especially the limbs; an inability to coordinate voluntary muscle movements; it results in unsteady movements and a staggering gait.  See also locomotor ataxia, an ataxia which occurs when attempting to perform coordinated muscular movements.

Syn. -- ataxy

Locomotor ataxia. See Locomotor.


word: Ataxic
definition:
Ataxic

A*tax"ic
(_;)
a.
[Cf. F. ataxique. See Ataxia.]
(Med.)
Characterized by ataxy, that is, (a) by great irregularity of functions or symptoms, or (b) by a lack of coordinating power in movements.

Ataxic fever, malignant typhus fever. Pinel.


word: Atazir
definition:
Atazir

At`a*zir"
(_;)
n.
[OF., fr. Ar. al-tasīr influence.]
(Astron.)
The influence of a star upon other stars or upon men.
[Obs.]
Chaucer.


word: Ate₂
definition:
Ate

A"te
(_;)
n.
[Gr. _;.]
(Greek. Myth.)
The goddess of mischievous folly; also, in later poets, the goddess of vengeance.


word: -ate
definition:
-ate

-ate
(_;)
[From the L. suffix -atus, the past participle ending of verbs of the 1st conj.]
1.
As an ending of participles or participial adjectives it is equivalent to -ed; as, situate or situated; animate or animated.

2.
As the ending of a verb, it means to make, to cause, to act, etc.; as, to propitiate (to make propitious); to animate (to give life to).

3.
As a noun suffix, it marks the agent; as, curate, delegate. It also sometimes marks the office or dignity; as, tribunate.

4.
In chemistry it is used to denote the salts formed from those acids whose names end -ic (excepting binary or halogen acids); as, sulphate from sulphuric acid, nitrate from nitric acid, etc.  It is also used in the case of certain basic salts.


word: Atechnic
definition:
Atechnic

A*tech"nic
(_;)
a.
[Pref. a- not + technic.]
Without technical or artistic knowledge.

Difficult to convey to the atechnic reader.
Etching & Engr.


word: Ateles
definition:
Ateles

At"e*les
(_;)
n.
[Gr. _; incomplete; 'a priv. + _; completion.]
(Zool.)
A genus of American monkeys with prehensile tails, and having the thumb wanting or rudimentary. See Spider monkey, and Coaita.


word: Sauce aux hatelets
definition:
Sauce aux hatelets

Atelets sauce

{ A`te*lets" sauce (?) or  &VerbarSauce` aux ha`te*lets" (?) }
[F. hâtelet skewer.]
A sauce (such as egg and bread crumbs) used for covering bits of meat, small birds, or fish, strung on skewers for frying.


word: Atellan
definition:
Atellan

A*tel"lan
(_;)
a.
[L. Atellanus, fr. Atella, an ancient town of the Osci, in Campania.]
Of or pertaining to Atella, in ancient Italy; as, Atellan plays; farcical; ribald.
n. A farcical drama performed at Atella.


word: Athalamous
definition:
Athalamous

A*thal"a*mous
(_;)
a.
[Gr. 'a priv. + _; nuptial bed.]
(Bot.)
Not furnished with shields or beds for the spores, as the thallus of certain lichens.


word: Athanasy
definition:
Athanasy

Athanasia

{ &VerbarAth`a*na"si*a (?), A*than"a*sy (?) }
n.
[NL. athanasia, fr. Gr. _;;  _; priv. + _; death.]
The quality of being deathless; immortality.

Is not a scholiastic athanasy better than none?
Lowell.


word: Athanasian
definition:
Athanasian

Ath`a*na"sian
(?; 277)
a.
Of or pertaining to Athanasius, bishop of Alexandria in the 4th century.

Athanasian creed, a formulary, confession, or exposition of faith, formerly supposed to have been drawn up by Athanasius; but this opinion is now rejected, and the composition is ascribed by some to Hilary, bishop of Arles (5th century). It is a summary of what was called the orthodox faith.


word: Athanor
definition:
Athanor

Ath"a*nor
(_;)
n.
[F., fr. Ar. at-tannūr, fr. Heb. tannūr an oven or furnace.]
A digesting furnace, formerly used by alchemists. It was so constructed as to maintain uniform and durable heat.
Chambers.


word: athar
definition:
athar

athar
n.
1.
essential oil or perfume obtained from flowers.

Syn. -- attar, atar, ottar, otto


word: Athecata
definition:
Athecata

Ath`e*ca"ta
(_;)
n. pl.
[NL., fr. Gr. 'a priv. + _; chest, box.]
(Zool.)
A division of Hydroidea in which the zooids are naked, or not inclosed in a capsule. See Tubularian.


word: Atheism
definition:
Atheism

A"the*ism
(_;)
n.
[Cf. F. athéisme. See Atheist.]
1.
The disbelief or denial of the existence of a God, or supreme intelligent Being.

Atheism is a ferocious system, that leaves nothing above us to excite awe, nor around us to awaken tenderness.
R. Hall.

Atheism and pantheism are often wrongly confounded.
Shipley.

2.
Godlessness.


word: Atheist
definition:
Atheist

A"the*ist
n.
[Gr. _; without god; 'a priv. + _; god: cf. F. athéiste.]
1.
One who disbelieves or denies the existence of a God, or supreme intelligent Being.

2.
A godless person.
[Obs.]

See Infidel.


word: Atheistical
definition:
Atheistical

Atheistic

{ A`the*is"tic (_;), A`the*is"tic*al (_;), }
a.
1.
Pertaining to, implying, or containing, atheism; -- applied to things; as, atheistic doctrines, opinions, or books.

Atheistical explications of natural effects.
Barrow.

2.
Disbelieving the existence of a God; impious; godless; -- applied to persons; as, an atheistic writer.
A`the*is"tic*al*ly, adv. -- A`the*is"tic*al*ness, n.


word: Atheize
definition:
Atheize

A"the*ize
(_;)
v. t.
To render atheistic or godless.
[R.]

They endeavored to atheize one another.
Berkeley.


word: Atheize₂
definition:
Atheize

A"the*ize
v. i.
To discourse, argue, or act as an atheist.
[R.]
A"the*i`zer (_;), n.
Cudworth.


word: Atheling
definition:
Atheling

Ath"el*ing
(ăth"ĕl*ĭng)
n.
[AS. æðeling noble, fr. æðele noble, akin to G. adel nobility, edel noble. The word æðel, E. ethel, is in many AS. proper names, as Ethelwolf, noble wolf; Ethelbald, noble bold; Ethelbert, noble bright.]
An Anglo-Saxon prince or nobleman; esp., the heir apparent or a prince of the royal family.
[Written also Adeling and Ætheling.]


word: Athenaeum
definition:
Athenaeum

Atheneum

Ath`e*ne"um, Ath`e*næ"um (_;)
n.
pl. E. Atheneums (_;), L. Athenæa (_;).
[L. Athenaeum, Gr. 'Aqhnai`on a temple of Minerva at Athens, fr. 'Aqhna^, contr. fr. 'Aqhna`a, 'Aqhnai`a, in Homer 'Aqh`nh, 'Aqhnai`n, Athene (called Minerva by the Romans), the tutelary goddess of Athens.]
1.
(Gr. Antiq.)
A temple of Athene, at Athens, in which scholars and poets were accustomed to read their works and instruct students.

2.
A school founded at Rome by Hadrian.

3.
A literary or scientific association or club.

4.
A building or an apartment where a library, periodicals, and newspapers are kept for use.


word: Athenian
definition:
Athenian

A*the"ni*an
(_;)
a.
[Cf. F. Athénien.]
Of or pertaining to Athens, the metropolis of Greece.
n. A native or citizen of Athens.


word: Atheous
definition:
Atheous

A"the*ous
(_;)
a.
[Gr. _; without God. See Atheist.]
1.
Atheistic; impious.
[Obs.]
Milton.

2.
Without God, neither accepting nor denying him.

I should say science was atheous, and therefore could not be atheistic.
Bp. of Carlisle.


word: Atherine
definition:
Atherine

Ath"er*ine
(_;)
n.
[NL. atherina, fr. Gr. _; a kind of smelt.]
(Zool.)
A small marine fish of the family Atherinidæ, having a silvery stripe along the sides. The European species (Atherina presbyter) is used as food. The American species (Menidia notata) is called silversides and sand smelt. See Silversides.


word: Athermancy
definition:
Athermancy

A*ther"man*cy
(ȧ*thẽr"măn*s&ybreve_;)
n.
[See Athermanous.]
Inability to transmit radiant heat; impermeability to heat.
Tyndall.


word: Athermanous
definition:
Athermanous

A*ther"ma*nous
(_;)
a.
[Gr. 'a priv. + qermai`nein to heat, qe`rma heat: cf. F. athermane.]
(Chem.)
Not transmitting heat; -- opposed to diathermanous.


word: Atheroid
definition:
Atheroid

Ath"er*oid
(_;)
a.
[Gr. _;, _;, a beard, or an ear, of grain + -oid.]
Shaped like an ear of grain.


word: Atheroma
definition:
Atheroma

Ath`e*ro"ma
(_;)
n.
[L., fr. Gr. _;, _;, fr. _; gr_;ats, meal.]
(Med.)
(a)
An encysted tumor containing curdy matter.
(b)
A disease characterized by thickening and fatty degeneration of the inner coat of the arteries.


word: Atheromatous
definition:
Atheromatous

Ath`e*rom"a*tous
(_;)
a.
(Med.)
Of, pertaining to, or having the nature of, atheroma.
Wiseman.


word: atherosclerosis
definition:
atherosclerosis

ath`er*o*scle*ro"sis
(ăth`ẽr*o̝*skle̝*r&omacr"sĭs)
n.
[Gr. _; + -logy.]
(Med.)
a form of arteriosclerosis characterized by irregular fatty deposits on the inner surface of large and medium-sized arteries; the deposits are associated with fibrosis and calcification of the inner layer of the arteries.  Similar conditions may be found in swine and fowl.  The deposits may become large enough to impede the blood circulation and in some cases may restrict the blood supply to the heart.
Stedman


word: Athetize
definition:
Athetize

Ath"e*tize
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Athetized (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Athetizing (?).]
[Gr. _;, fr. _; set aside, not fixed; _; not + _; to place.]
To set aside or reject as spurious, as by marking with an obelus.


word: Athetosis
definition:
Athetosis

Ath`e*to"sis
(_;)
n.
[NL., fr. Gr. _; not fixed; 'a priv. + _; to set.]
(Med.)
A variety of chorea, marked by peculiar tremors of the fingers and toes.


word: Athiorhodaceae
definition:
Athiorhodaceae

Athiorhodaceae
n.
1.
1
a family of small motile sulphur bacteria.

Syn. -- family Athiorhodaceae.


word: Athirst
definition:
Athirst

A*thirst"
(_;)
a.
[OE. ofthurst, AS. ofpyrsted, p. p. of ofpyrstan; pref. of-, intensive + pyrstan to thirst. See Thirst.]
1.
Wanting drink; thirsty.

2.
Having a keen appetite or desire; eager; longing.
Athirst
Cowper.


word: Athlete
definition:
Athlete

Ath"lete
(_;)
n.
[L. athleta, Gr. _; prizefighter, fr. _; to contend for a prize, _;, Hom. _;, contest, _; prize; fr. the same root as E. wed: cf. F. athlète.]
1.
(Antiq.)
One who contended for a prize in the public games of ancient Greece or Rome.

2.
Any one trained to contend in exercises requiring great physical agility and strength; one who has great activity and strength; a champion.

3.
One fitted for, or skilled in, intellectual contests; as, athletes of debate.


word: Athletic
definition:
Athletic

Ath`let"ic
(_;)
a.
[L. athleticus, Gr. _;. See Athlete.]
1.
Of or pertaining to athletes or to the exercises practiced by them; as, athletic games or sports.

2.
Befitting an athlete; strong; muscular; robust; vigorous; as, athletic Celts.
Athletic
South.
Ath*let"ic*al*ly (_;), adv.


word: Athletics
definition:
Athletics

Ath*let"ics
(_;)
n.
The art of training by athletic exercises; the games and sports of athletes.


word: Athletism
definition:
Athletism

Ath"le*tism
(_;)
n.
The state or practice of an athlete; the characteristics of an athlete.


word: Athrepsia
definition:
Athrepsia

A*threp"si*a
(?)
n.
[NL., fr. Gr. _; priv. + _; nourishment.]
(Med.)
Profound debility of children due to lack of food and to unhygienic surroundings.
A*threp"tic (#), a.


word: Athwart
definition:
Athwart

A*thwart"
(_;)
prep.
[Pref. a- + thwart.]
1.
Across; from side to side of.

Athwart the thicket lone.
Tennyson.

2.
(Naut.)
Across the direction or course of; as, a fleet standing athwart our course.

Athwart hawse, across the stem of another vessel, whether in contact or at a small distance. -- Athwart ships, across the ship from side to side, or in that direction; -- opposed to fore and aft.


word: Athwart₂
definition:
Athwart

A*thwart"
adv.
1.
Across, especially in an oblique direction; sidewise; obliquely.

Sometimes athwart, sometimes he strook him straight.
Spenser.

2.
Across the course; so as to thwart; perversely.

All athwart there came
A post from Wales loaden with heavy news.
Shak.


word: Athyriaceae
definition:
Athyriaceae

Athyriaceae
n.
1.
alternative names for one of a number of families into which the family Polypodiaceae has been subdivided in some classification systems.

Syn. -- Dryopteridaceae, family Dryopteridaceae, family Athyriaceae.


word: Athyrium
definition:
Athyrium

Athyrium
n.
1.
1
a genus temperate and tropical lady ferns; in some classifications placed in family Polypodiaceae or in the genus Asplenium.

Syn. -- genus Athyrium.


word: Atilt
definition:
Atilt

A*tilt"
(_;)
adv.
[Pref. a- + tilt.]
1.
In the manner of a tilter; in the position, or with the action, of one making a thrust.
atilt
Hudibras.

2.
In the position of a cask tilted, or with one end raised. [In this sense sometimes used as an adjective.]

Abroach, atilt, and run
Even to the lees of honor.
Beau. & Fl.


word: Atimy
definition:
Atimy

At"i*my
(_;)
n.
[Gr. _;; 'a priv. + _; honor.]
(Gr. Antiq.)
Public disgrace or stigma; infamy; loss of civil rights.
Mitford.


word: -ation
definition:
-ation

-a"tion
(_;)
[L. -ationem. See -tion.]
A suffix forming nouns of action, and often equivalent to the verbal substantive in -ing. It sometimes has the further meanings of state, and that which results from the action. Many of these nouns have verbs in -ate; as, alliterate -ation, narrate -ation; many are derived through the French; as, alteration, visitation; and many are formed on verbs ending in the Greek formative -ize (Fr. -ise); as, civilization, demoralization.


word: A-tiptoe
definition:
A-tiptoe

A-tip"toe
(_;)
adv.
On tiptoe; eagerly expecting.

We all feel a-tiptoe with hope and confidence.
F. Harrison.


word: Atlanta
definition:
Atlanta

At*lan"ta
(_;)
n.
[NL., fr. Gr. _;.]
(Zool.)
A genus of small glassy heteropod mollusks found swimming at the surface in mid ocean. See Heteropod.


word: Atlantean
definition:
Atlantean

At`lan*te"an
(_;)
a.
[L. Atlant_;us.]
1.
Of or pertaining to the isle Atlantis, which the ancients allege was sunk, and overwhelmed by the ocean.

2.
Pertaining to, or resembling, Atlas; strong.

With Atlantean shoulders, fit to bear
The weight of mightiest monarchies.
Milton.


word: Atlantes
definition:
Atlantes

At*lan"tes
(_;)
n. pl.
[L., fr. Gr. _;, pl. of _;. See Atlas.]
(Arch.)
Figures or half figures of men, used as columns to support an entablature; -- called also telamones.  See Caryatides.
Oxf. Gloss.


word: Atlantic
definition:
Atlantic

At*lan"tic
(_;)
a.
[L. Atlanticus, fr. Atlas. See Atlas and Atlantes.]
1.
Of or pertaining to Mt. Atlas in Libya, and hence applied to the ocean which lies between Europe and Africa on the east and America on the west; as, the Atlantic Ocean (called also the Atlantic); the Atlantic basin; the Atlantic telegraph.

2.
Of or pertaining to the isle of Atlantis.

3.
Descended from Atlas.

The seven Atlantic sisters.
Milton.


word: Atlantides
definition:
Atlantides

At*lan"ti*des
(_;)
n. pl.
[L. See Atlantes.]
The Pleiades or seven stars, fabled to have been the daughters of Atlas.


word: Atlas
definition:
Atlas

At"las
(_;)
n.
pl. Atlases (_;).
[L. Atlas, -antis, Gr. _;, _;, one of the older family of gods, who bears up the pillars of heaven; also Mt. Atlas, in W. Africa, regarded as the pillar of heaven. It is from the root of tlh^nai to bear. See Tolerate.]
1.
One who sustains a great burden.

2.
(Anat.)
The first vertebra of the neck, articulating immediately with the skull, thus sustaining the globe of the head, whence the name.

3.
A collection of maps in a volume
supposed to be so called from a picture of Atlas supporting the world, prefixed to some collections. This name is said to have been first used by Mercator, the celebrated geographer, in the 16th century.

4.
A volume of plates illustrating any subject.

5.
A work in which subjects are exhibited in a tabular from or arrangement; as, an historical atlas.

6.
A large, square folio, resembling a volume of maps; -- called also atlas folio.

7.
A drawing paper of large size. See under Paper, n.

Atlas powder, see Atlas powder in the vocabulary; a blasting compound containing nitroglycerin.


word: Atlas powder
definition:
Atlas powder

At"las pow"der
A blasting powder or dynamite composed of nitroglycerin, wood fiber, sodium nitrate, and magnesium carbonate.


word: Atman
definition:
Atman

At"man
(?)
n.
[Skr. ātman.]
(Hinduism)
(a)
The life principle, soul, or individual essence.
(b)
The universal ego from whom all individual atmans arise. This sense is a European excrescence on the East Indian thought.


word: Atmiatry
definition:
Atmiatry

At*mi"a*try
(?)
n.
[Gr. _; vapor + _; medical treatment, healing.]
Treatment of disease by vapors or gases, as by inhalation.


word: Atmidometer
definition:
Atmidometer

At`mi*dom"e*ter
(_;)
n.
[Gr. _;, _;, smoke, vapor + -meter; cf. F. atmidomètre.]
An instrument for measuring the evaporation from water, ice, or snow.
Brande & C.


word: Atmo
definition:
Atmo

At"mo
(_;)
n.
[Contr. fr. atmosphere.]
(Physics)
The standard atmospheric pressure used in certain physical measurements calculations; conventionally, that pressure under which the barometer stands at 760 millimeters, at a temperature of 0° Centigrade, at the level of the sea, and in the latitude of Paris.
Sir W. Thomson.


word: Atmological
definition:
Atmological

Atmologic

{ At`mo*log"ic (_;), At`mo*log"ic*al (_;), }
a.
Of or pertaining to atmology.
Atmological
Whewell.


word: Atmology
definition:
Atmology

At*mol"o*gy
(_;)
n.
[Gr. _; vapor + -logy.]
(Physics)
That branch of science which treats of the laws and phenomena of aqueous vapor.
Whewell.


word: Atmolysis
definition:
Atmolysis

At*mol"y*sis
(_;)
n.
[Gr. _; vapor + _; a loosing, _; to loose.]
(Chem.)
The act or process of separating mingled gases of unequal diffusibility by transmission through porous substances.  See also gaseous diffusion.


word: Atmometer
definition:
Atmometer

At*mom"e*ter
(_;)
n.
[Gr. _; smoke, vapor + -meter: cf. F. atmomètre.]
An instrument for measuring the rate of evaporation from a moist surface; an evaporometer.
Huxley.


word: Atmosphere
definition:
Atmosphere

At"mos*phere
(_;)
n.
[Gr. _; vapor (akin to Skr. ātman breath, soul, G. athem breath) + _; sphere: cf. F. atmosphère. See Sphere.]
1.
(Physics)
(a)
The whole mass of aëriform fluid surrounding the earth; -- applied also to the gaseous envelope of any celestial orb, or other body; as, the atmosphere of Mars.
(b)
Any gaseous envelope or medium.

An atmosphere of cold oxygen.
Miller.

2.
A supposed medium around various bodies; as, electrical atmosphere, a medium formerly supposed to surround electrical bodies.
Franklin.

3.
The pressure or weight of the air at the sea level, on a unit of surface, or about 14.7 lbs. to the sq. inch.

Hydrogen was liquefied under a pressure of 650 atmospheres.
Lubbock.

4.
Any surrounding or pervading influence or condition.

The chillest of social atmospheres.
Hawthorne.

5.
The portion of air in any locality, or affected by a special physical or sanitary condition; as, the atmosphere of the room; a moist or noxious atmosphere.


word: Atmospherical
definition:
Atmospherical

Atmospheric

{ At`mos*pher"ic (_;), At`mos*pher"ic*al (_;), }
a.
[Cf. F. atmosphérique.]
1.
Of or pertaining to the atmosphere; of the nature of, or resembling, the atmosphere; as, atmospheric air; the atmospheric envelope of the earth.

2.
Existing or occurring in the atmosphere.

The lower atmospheric current.
Darwin.

3.
Caused, or operated on, by the atmosphere; as, an atmospheric effect; an atmospheric engine.

4.
Dependent on the atmosphere.
[R.]

In am so atmospherical a creature.
Pope.

Atmospheric engine, a steam engine whose piston descends by the pressure of the atmosphere, when the steam which raised it is condensed within the cylinder. Tomlinson. -- Atmospheric line (Steam Engin.), the equilibrium line of an indicator card. Steam is expanded “down to the atmosphere” when its pressure is equal to that of the atmosphere. (See Indicator card.) -- Atmospheric pressure, the pressure exerted by the atmosphere, not merely downwards, but in every direction. In amounts to about 14.7 Ibs. on each square inch. -- Atmospheric railway, one in which pneumatic power, obtained from compressed air or the creation of a vacuum, is the propelling force. -- Atmospheric tides. See under Tide.


word: Atmospherology
definition:
Atmospherology

At`mos*phe*rol"o*gy
(_;)
n.
[Atmosphere + -logy.]
The science or a treatise on the atmosphere.


word: Atokous
definition:
Atokous

At"o*kous
(_;)
a.
[Gr. _; barren; 'a priv. + _; offspring.]
(Zool.)
Producing only asexual individuals, as the eggs of certain annelids.


word: Atole
definition:
Atole

A*to"le
(?)
n.
[Mex. Sp.]
A porridge or gruel of maize meal and water, milk, or the like.
[Sp. Amer.]


word: Atoll
definition:
Atoll

A*toll"
(_;)
n.
[The native name in the Indian Ocean.]
A coral island or islands, consisting of a belt of coral reef, partly submerged, surrounding a central lagoon or depression; a lagoon island.


word: Atom
definition:
Atom

At"om
(_;)
n.
[L. atomus, Gr. _;, uncut, indivisible; 'a priv. + _;, verbal adj. of _; to cut: cf. F. atome. See Tome.]
1.
(Physics)
(a)
An ultimate indivisible particle of matter.
(b)
An ultimate particle of matter not necessarily indivisible; a molecule.
(c)
A constituent particle of matter, or a molecule supposed to be made up of subordinate particles.

&hand_; These three definitions correspond to different views of the nature of the ultimate particles of matter. In the case of the last two, the particles are more correctly called molecules.
Dana.

2.
(Chem.)
The smallest particle of matter that can enter into combination; one of the elementary constituents of a molecule.

3.
Anything extremely small; a particle; a whit.

There was not an atom of water.
Sir J. Ross.


word: Atomic bomb
definition:
Atomic bomb

Atom bomb

At"om bomb`, A*tom"ic bomb`
n.
a bomb of great power in which the explosive energy is derived from the nuclear fission of a fissionable material, such as plutonium or uranium-235. It is a type of nuclear weapon.  The strength of an atom bomb is measured in kilotons, i.e. the equivalent energy released by explosion of a thousand tons of TNT.  The first atomic bomb was manufactured in 1945.

Syn. -- A-bomb, fission bomb.


word: Atomical
definition:
Atomical

Atomic

{ A*tom"ic (_;), A*tom"ic*al (_;), }
a.
[Cf. F. atomique.]
1.
Of or pertaining to atoms.

2.
Extremely minute; tiny.

Atomic bomb, see atom bomb in the vocabulary. -- Atomic philosophy, or Doctrine of atoms, a system which, assuming that atoms are endued with gravity and motion, accounted thus for the origin and formation of all things. This philosophy was first broached by Leucippus, was developed by Democritus, and afterward improved by Epicurus, and hence is sometimes denominated the Epicurean philosophy. -- Atomic theory, or the Doctrine of definite proportions (Chem.), teaches that chemical combinations take place between the supposed ultimate particles or atoms of bodies, in some simple ratio, as of one to one, two to three, or some other, always expressible in whole numbers. -- Atomic weight (Chem.), the weight of the atom of an element as compared with the weight of the atom of hydrogen, taken as a standard.


word: Atomicity
definition:
Atomicity

At`o*mic"i*ty
(_;)
n.
[Cf. F. atomicité.]
(Chem.)
Degree of atomic attraction; equivalence; valence; also (a later use) the number of atoms in an elementary molecule. See Valence.


word: atomisation
definition:
atomisation

atomisation
n.
1.
separating something into fine particles.

Syn. -- atomization, fragmentation

2.
annihilation by reducing something to atoms.

Syn. -- atomization


word: atomiser
definition:
atomiser

atomiser
n.
1.
a dispenser that turns a liquid (such as perfume) into a fine spray.

Syn. -- atomizer, spray


word: Atomism
definition:
Atomism

At"om*ism
(_;)
n.
[Cf. F. atomisme.]
The doctrine of atoms. See Atomic philosophy, under Atomic.


word: Atomistic
definition:
Atomistic

At`om*is"tic
(_;)
a.
1.
Of or pertaining to atoms; relating to atomism.
[R.]

It is the object of the mechanical atomistic philosophy to confound synthesis with synartesis.
Coleridge.

2.
divided into separate and often disparate elements; -- the opposite of holistic.

Syn. -- atomistical.


word: atomistical
definition:
atomistical

atomistical
adj.
divided into separate and often disparate elements.
holistic

Syn. -- atomistic.


word: Atomization
definition:
Atomization

At`om*i*za"tion
n.
1.
The act of reducing to atoms, or very minute particles; or the state of being so reduced.

2.
(Med.)
The reduction of fluids into fine spray.


word: Atomize
definition:
Atomize

At"om*ize
v. t.
To reduce to atoms, or to fine spray.

The liquids in the form of spray are said to be pulverized, nebulized, or atomized.
Dunglison.


word: Atomizer
definition:
Atomizer

At"om*i`zer
(ăt"ŭm*ī`zẽr)
n.
One who, or that which, atomizes; esp., an instrument for reducing a liquid to spray for disinfecting, cooling, or perfuming.


word: Atomology
definition:
Atomology

At`om*ol"o*gy
(ăt`ŭm*&obreve_;l"o̝*j&ybreve_;)
n.
[Atom + -logy.]
The doctrine of atoms.
Cudworth.


word: atonality
definition:
atonality

atonality
n.
the absence of a key; alternative to the diatonic system.

Syn. -- atonalism.


word: At one
definition:
At one

At one"
(_;)
[OE. at on, atone, atoon, attone.]
1.
In concord or friendship; in agreement (with each other); as, to be, bring, make, or set, at one, i. e., to be or bring in or to a state of agreement or reconciliation.

If gentil men, or othere of hir contree
Were wrothe, she wolde bringen hem atoon.
Chaucer.

2.
Of the same opinion; agreed; as, on these points we are at one.

3.
Together.
[Obs.]
Spenser.


word: Atone
definition:
Atone

A*tone"
(ȧ*t&omacrn")
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Atoned (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Atoning.]
[From at one, , i. e., to be, or cause to be, at one.  See At one.]
1.
To agree; to be in accordance; to accord.
[Obs.]

He and Aufidius can no more atone
Than violentest contrariety.
Shak.

2.
To stand as an equivalent; to make reparation, compensation, or amends, for an offense or a crime.

The murderer fell, and blood atoned for blood.
Pope.

The ministry not atoning for their former conduct by any wise or popular measure.
Junius.


word: Atone₂
definition:
Atone

A*tone"
v. t.
1.
To set at one; to reduce to concord; to reconcile, as parties at variance; to appease.
[Obs.]

I would do much
To atone them, for the love I bear to Cassio.
Shak.

2.
To unite in making.
[Obs. & R.]

The four elements . . . have atoned
A noble league.
Ford.

3.
To make satisfaction for; to expiate.

Or each atone his guilty love with life.
Pope.


word: Atonement
definition:
Atonement

A*tone"ment
(_;)
n.
1.
(Literally, a setting at one.)
Reconciliation; restoration of friendly relations; agreement; concord.
[Archaic]

By whom we have now received the atonement.
Rom. v. 11.

He desires to make atonement
Betwixt the Duke of Gloucester and your brothers.
Shak.

2.
Satisfaction or reparation made by giving an equivalent for an injury, or by doing of suffering that which will be received in satisfaction for an offense or injury; expiation; amends; -- with for. Specifically, in theology: The expiation of sin made by the obedience, personal suffering, and death of Christ.

When a man has been guilty of any vice, the best atonement be can make for it is, to warn others.
Spectator.

The Phocians behaved with, so much gallantry, that they were thought to have made a sufficient atonement for their former offense.
Potter.

Day of Atonement (Jewish Antiq.), the only fast day of the Mosaic ritual, celebrated on the tenth day of the seventh month (Tishri), according to the rites described in Leviticus xvi. Also called Yom Kippur.


word: Atonic
definition:
Atonic

A*ton"ic
(_;)
a.
[Cf. F. atonique. See Atony.]
1.
(Med.)
Characterized by atony, or lack of vital energy; as, an atonic disease.

2.
(Gram.)
Unaccented; as, an atonic syllable.

3.
Destitute of tone vocality; surd.
Rush.


word: Atonic₂
definition:
Atonic

A*ton"ic
n.
1.
(Gram.)
A word that has no accent.

2.
An element of speech entirely destitute of vocality, or produced by the breath alone; a nonvocal or surd consonant; a breathing.
Rush.

3.
(Med.)
A remedy capable of allaying organic excitement or irritation.
Dunglison.


word: Atony
definition:
Atony

At"o*ny
(_;)
n.
[Gr. _; slackness; 'a priv. + _; tone, strength, _; to stretch: cf. F. atonie.]
(Med.)
Want of tone; weakness of the system, or of any organ, especially of such as are contractile.


word: Atrabilarious
definition:
Atrabilarious

Atrabilarian

{ At`ra*bi*la"ri*an (_;), At`ra*bi*la"ri*ous (_;), }
a.
[LL. atrabilarius, fr. L. atra bilis black bile: cf. F. atrabilaire, fr. atrabile.]
Affected with melancholy; atrabilious.
Arbuthnot.


word: Atrabilarian
definition:
Atrabilarian

At`ra*bi*la"ri*an
n.
A person much given to melancholy; a hypochondriac.
I. Disraeli.


word: Atrabiliary
definition:
Atrabiliary

At`ra*bil"ia*ry
(_;)
a.
1.
Of or pertaining to atra bilis or black bile, a fluid formerly supposed to be produced by the kidneys.

2.
Melancholic or hypohondriac; atrabilious; -- from the supposed predominance of black bile, to the influence of which the ancients attributed hypochondria, melancholy, and mania.

Atrabiliary arteries, capsules, and veins (Anat.), those pertaining to the kidney; -- called also renal arteries, capsules, and veins.


word: Atrabilious
definition:
Atrabilious

At`ra*bil"ious
(_;)
a.
Melancholic or hypochondriac; atrabiliary.
Dunglision.

A hard-faced, atrabilious, earnest-eyed race.
Lowell.

He was constitutionally atrabilious and scornful.
Froude.


word: Atramentaceous
definition:
Atramentaceous

At`ra*men*ta"ceous
(_;)
a.
[L. atramentum ink, fr. ater black.]
Black, like ink; inky; atramental.
[Obs.]
Derham.


word: Atramentous
definition:
Atramentous

Atramental

{ At`ra*men"tal (_;), At`ra*men"tous (_;), }
a.
Of or pertaining to ink; inky; black, like ink; as, atramental galls; atramentous spots.


word: Atramentarious
definition:
Atramentarious

At`ra*men*ta"ri*ous
(_;)
a.
[Cf. F. atramentaire. See Atramentaceous.]
Like ink; suitable for making ink. Sulphate of iron (copperas, green vitriol) is called atramentarious, as being used in making ink.


word: Atrede
definition:
Atrede

At*rede
(_;)
v. t.
[OE. at (AS. æt) out + rede.]
To surpass in council.
[Obs.]

Men may the olde atrenne, but hat atrede.
Chaucer.


word: Atresia
definition:
Atresia

A*tre"si*a
(_;)
n.
[NL., fr. Gr. _; not perforated.]
(Med.)
Absence or closure of a natural passage or channel of the body; imperforation.


word: Atrichornis
definition:
Atrichornis

Atrichornis
n.
1.
1
the type genus of the Atrichornithidae.

Syn. -- genus Atrichornis.


word: Atrichornithidae
definition:
Atrichornithidae

Atrichornithidae
n.
a antural family comprising the scrubbirds.

Syn. -- family Atrichornithidae.


word: atrioventricular
definition:
atrioventricular

atrioventricular
adj.
1.
1
relating to or affecting the atria and ventricles of the heart.
atrioventricular disease

Syn. -- auriculoventricular.


word: Atrip
definition:
Atrip

A*trip"
(_;)
adv.
[Pref. a- + trip.]
(Naut.)
(a)
Just hove clear of the ground; -- said of the anchor.
(b)
Sheeted home, hoisted taut up and ready for trimming; -- said of sails.
(c)
Hoisted up and ready to be swayed across; -- said of yards.


word: Atriplex
definition:
Atriplex

Atriplex
n.
a genus of plants of the goosefoot family (Chenopodiaceae); its members include species called orach and saltbush.

Syn. -- genus Atriplex.


word: Atrium
definition:
Atrium

A"tri*um
(_;)
n.
pl. Atria (_;).
[L., the fore court of a Roman house.]
1.
(Arch.)
(a)
A square hall lighted from above, into which rooms open at one or more levels.
(b)
An open court with a porch or gallery around three or more sides; especially at the entrance of a basilica or other church. The name was extended in the Middle Ages to the open churchyard or cemetery.

2.
(Anat.)
The main part of either auricle of the heart as distinct from the auricular appendix. Also, the whole articular portion of the heart.

3.
(Zool.)
A cavity in ascidians into which the intestine and generative ducts open, and which also receives the water from the gills. See Ascidioidea.

4.
(Anat.)
A cavity, entrance, or passage; as, the atrium, or atrial cavity, in the body wall of the amphioxus; an atrium of the infundibula of the lungs, etc.


word: Atrocha
definition:
Atrocha

At`ro*cha
(_;)
n.
[NL., fr. Gr. 'a priv. + _; a circle.]
(Zool.)
A kind of chætopod larva in which no circles of cilia are developed.


word: Atrocious
definition:
Atrocious

A*tro"cious
(_;)
a.
[L. atrox, atrocis, cruel, fierce: cf. F. atroce.]
1.
Extremely heinous; full of enormous wickedness; as, atrocious guilt or deeds.

2.
Characterized by, or expressing, great atrocity.

Revelations . . . so atrocious that nothing in history approaches them.
De Quincey.

3.
Very grievous or violent; terrible; as, atrocious distempers.
[Obs.]
Cheyne.


word: atrociousness
definition:
atrociousness

atrociousness
n.
1.
the quality of being shockingly cruel and inhumane.

Syn. -- atrocity, barbarity, barbarousness, heinousness.


word: Atrocity
definition:
Atrocity

A*troc"i*ty
(_;)
n.
pl. Atrocities (_;).
[F. atrocité, L. atrocitas, fr. atrox, atrocis, cruel.]
1.
Enormous wickedness; extreme heinousness or cruelty.

2.
An atrocious or extremely cruel deed.

The atrocities which attend a victory.
Macaulay.


word: Atropa
definition:
Atropa

Atropa
n.
a genus of plants of the nightshade family, including the belladonna (Atropa belladonna).

Syn. -- genus Atropa.


word: Atrophied
definition:
Atrophied

At"ro*phied
(_;)
p. a.
Affected with atrophy, as a tissue or organ; arrested in development at a very early stage; rudimentary.


word: Atrophy
definition:
Atrophy

At"ro*phy
(_;)
n.
[L. atrophia, Gr. _;; 'a priv. + _; to nourish: cf. F. atrophie.]
A wasting away from lack of nourishment; diminution in bulk or slow emaciation of the body or of any part.
Milton.


word: Atrophy₂
definition:
Atrophy

At"ro*phy
v. t.
[p. p. Atrophied (_;).]
To cause to waste away or become abortive; to starve or weaken.


word: Atropine
definition:
Atropine

At"ro*pine
(_;)
n.
[Gr. _; inflexible; hence _; _;, one of the three Parcæ; 'a priv. + _; to turn.]
(Chem.)
A poisonous, white, crystallizable alkaloid, extracted from the Atropa belladonna, or deadly nightshade, and the Datura Stramonium, or thorn apple. It is remarkable for its power in dilating the pupil of the eye. Called also daturine.


word: Atrypa
definition:
Atrypa

A*try"pa
(_;)
n.
[NL., fr. Gr. 'a priv. + _; a hole.]
(Paleon.)
A extinct genus of Branchiopoda, very common in Silurian limestones.


word: Attacca
definition:
Attacca

At*tac"ca
(_;)
[It., fr. attaccare to tie, bind. See Attach.]
(Mus.)
Attack at once; -- a direction at the end of a movement to show that the next is to follow immediately, without any pause.


word: Attach
definition:
Attach

At*tach"
(_;)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Attached (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Attaching.]
[OF. atachier, F. attacher, to tie or fasten: cf. Celt. tac, tach, nail, E. tack a small nail, tack to fasten. Cf. Attack, and see Tack.]
1.
To bind, fasten, tie, or connect; to make fast or join; as, to attach one thing to another by a string, by glue, or the like.

The shoulder blade is . . . attached only to the muscles.
Paley.

A huge stone to which the cable was attached.
Macaulay.

2.
To connect; to place so as to belong; to assign by authority; to appoint; as, an officer is attached to a certain regiment, company, or ship.

3.
To win the heart of; to connect by ties of love or self-interest; to attract; to fasten or bind by moral influence; -- with to; as, attached to a friend; attaching others to us by wealth or flattery.

Incapable of attaching a sensible man.
Miss Austen.

God . . . by various ties attaches man to man.
Cowper.

4.
To connect, in a figurative sense; to ascribe or attribute; to affix; -- with to; as, to attach great importance to a particular circumstance.

Top this treasure a curse is attached.
Bayard Taylor.

5.
To take, seize, or lay hold of.
[Obs.]
Shak.

6.
To take by legal authority: (a) To arrest by writ, and bring before a court, as to answer for a debt, or a contempt; -- applied to a taking of the person by a civil process; being now rarely used for the arrest of a criminal. (b) To seize or take (goods or real estate) by virtue of a writ or precept to hold the same to satisfy a judgment which may be rendered in the suit. See Attachment, 4.

The earl marshal attached Gloucester for high treason.
Miss Yonge.

Attached column (Arch.), a column engaged in a wall, so that only a part of its circumference projects from it.


word: Attach₂
definition:
Attach

At*tach"
(_;)
v. i.
1.
To adhere; to be attached.

The great interest which attaches to the mere knowledge of these facts cannot be doubted.
Brougham.

2.
To come into legal operation in connection with anything; to vest; as, dower will attach.
Cooley.


word: Attachable
definition:
Attachable

At*tach"a*ble
(_;)
a.
Capable of being attached; esp., liable to be taken by writ or precept.


word: Attache
definition:
Attache

At`ta*ché"
(_;)
n.
[F., p. p. of attacher. See Attach, v. t.]
One attached to another person or thing, as a part of a suite or staff. Specifically: One attached to an embassy.


word: attache case
definition:
attache case

attache case, attaché case
n.
A flat, rectangular, usually rigid briefcase commonly used to carry documents for business purposes.


word: attached
definition:
attached

attached
adj.
1.
fastened together.
a picnic table with attached benches

2.
being joined in close association; -- of people or organizations.

Syn. -- affiliated, connected

3.
fastened onto another object; -- of objects smaller than the main object.

4.
(Architecture)
connected by a common wall or passageway; -- used of buildings.
detached

5.
(Biology)
 permanently attached to a substrate; not free to move about.
an attached oyster
vagile

Syn. -- sessile

6.
associated in an exclusive sexual relationship; -- opposite of unattached.
Narrower terms include: affianced, bespoken, betrothed, engaged, pledged, promised(predicate); married.
Also See: loving.

Syn. -- committed.


word: Attachment
definition:
Attachment

At*tach"ment
(_;)
n.
[F. attachment.]
1.
The act attaching, or state of being attached; close adherence or affection; fidelity; regard; an_; passion of affection that binds a person; as, an attachment to a friend, or to a party.

2.
That by which one thing is attached to another; connection; as, to cut the attachments of a muscle.

The human mind . . . has exhausted its forces in the endeavor to rend the supernatural from its attachment to this history.
I. Taylor.

3.
Something attached; some adjunct attached to an instrument, machine, or other object; as, a sewing machine attachment (i. e., a device attached to a sewing machine to enable it to do special work, as tucking, etc.).

4.
(Giv. Law)
(a)
A seizure or taking into custody by virtue of a legal process.
(b)
The writ or percept commanding such seizure or taking.

&hand_; The term is applied to a seizure or taking either of persons or property. In the serving of process in a civil suit, it is most generally applied to the taking of property, whether at common law, as a species of distress, to compel defendant's appearance, or under local statutes, to satisfy the judgment the plaintiff may recover in the action. The terms attachment and arrest are both applied to the taking or apprehension of a defendant to compel an appearance in a civil action. Attachments are issued at common law and in chancery, against persons for contempt of court. In England, attachment is employed in some cases where capias is with us, as against a witness who fails to appear on summons. In some of the New England States a writ of attachment is a species of mesne process upon which the property of a defendant may be seized at the commencement of a suit and before summons to him, and may be held to satisfy the judgment the plaintiff may recover. In other States this writ can issue only against absconding debtors and those who conceal themselves. See Foreign, Garnishment, Trustee process.
Bouvier. Burrill. Blackstone.


word: Attack
definition:
Attack

At*tack"
(_;)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Attacked (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Attacking.]
[F. attaquer, orig. another form of attacher to attack: cf. It. attacare to fasten, attack. See Attach, Tack a small nail.]
1.
To fall upon with force; to assail, as with force and arms; to assault.
Attack
Dryden.

2.
To assail with unfriendly speech or writing; to begin a controversy with; to attempt to overthrow or bring into disrepute, by criticism or satire; to censure; as, to attack a man, or his opinions, in a pamphlet.

3.
To set to work upon, as upon a task or problem, or some object of labor or investigation.

4.
To begin to affect; to begin to act upon, injuriously or destructively; to begin to decompose or waste.

On the fourth of March he was attacked by fever.
Macaulay.

Hydrofluoric acid . . . attacks the glass.
B. Stewart.


word: Attack₃
definition:
Attack

At*tack"
n.
[Cf. F. attaque.]
1.
The act of attacking, or falling on with force or violence; an onset; an assault; -- opposed to defense.

2.
An assault upon one's feelings or reputation with unfriendly or bitter words.

3.
A setting to work upon some task, etc.

4.
An access of disease; a fit of sickness.

5.
The beginning of corrosive, decomposing, or destructive action, by a chemical agent.


word: Attagen
definition:
Attagen

Attagas

{ At"ta*gas (_;), At"ta*gen (_;), }
n.
[L. attagen a kind of bird, Gr. _;, _;.]
(Zool.)
A species of sand grouse (Syrrghaptes Pallasii) found in Asia and rarely in southern Europe.


word: Attain
definition:
Attain

At*tain"
(ăt*tān")
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Attained (-tānd"); p. pr. & vb. n. Attaining.]
[Of. atteinen, atteignen, atainen, OF. ateindre, ataindre, F. atteindre, fr. L. attingere; ad + tangere to touch, reach. See Tangent, and cf. Attinge, Attaint.]
1.
To achieve or accomplish, that is, to reach by efforts; to gain; to compass; as, to attain rest.

Is he wise who hopes to attain the end without the means?
Abp. Tillotson.

2.
To gain or obtain possession of; to acquire.
[Obs. with a material object.]
Chaucer.

3.
To get at the knowledge of; to ascertain.
[Obs.]

Not well attaining his meaning.
Fuller.

4.
To reach or come to, by progression or motion; to arrive at.
attains
Milton.

5.
To overtake.
[Obs.]
Bacon.

6.
To reach in excellence or degree; to equal.


word: Attain₂
definition:
Attain

At*tain"
v. i.
1.
To come or arrive, by motion, growth, bodily exertion, or efforts toward a place, object, state, etc.; to reach.

If by any means they might attain to Phenice.
Acts xxvii. 12.

Nor nearer might the dogs attain.
Sir W. Scott.

To see your trees attain to the dignity of timber.
Cowper.

Few boroughs had as yet attained to power such as this.
J. R. Green.

2.
To come or arrive, by an effort of mind.

Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I can not attain unto it.
Ps. cxxxix. 6.


word: Attainable
definition:
Attainable

At*tain"a*ble
(_;)
a.
1.
Capable of being attained or reached by efforts of the mind or body; capable of being compassed or accomplished by efforts directed to the object.

The highest pitch of perfection attainable in this life.
Addison.

2.
Obtainable.
[Obs.]

General Howe would not permit the purchase of those articles [clothes and blankets] in Philadelphia, and they were not attainable in the country.
Marshall.


word: Attainder
definition:
Attainder

At*tain"der
(_;)
n.
[OF. ataindre, ateindre, to accuse, convict. Attainder is often erroneously referred to F. teindre tie stain. See Attaint, Attain.]
1.
The act of attainting, or the state of being attainted; the extinction of the civil rights and capacities of a person, consequent upon sentence of death or outlawry; as, an act of attainder.
Abbott.

&hand_; Formerly attainder was the inseparable consequence of a judicial or legislative sentence for treason or felony, and involved the forfeiture of all the real and personal property of the condemned person, and such “corruption of blood” that he could neither receive nor transmit by inheritance, nor could he sue or testify in any court, or claim any legal protection or rights. In England attainders are now abolished, and in the United States the Constitution provides that no bill of attainder shall be passed; and no attainder of treason (in consequence of a judicial sentence) shall work corruption of blood or forfeiture, except during the life of the person attainted.

2.
A stain or staining; state of being in dishonor or condemnation.
[Obs.]

He lived from all attainder of suspect.
Shak.

Bill of attainder, a bill brought into, or passed by, a legislative body, condemning a person to death or outlawry, and attainder, without judicial sentence.


word: Attainment
definition:
Attainment

At*tain"ment
(_;)
n.
1.
The act of attaining; the act of arriving at or reaching; hence, the act of obtaining by efforts.

The attainment of every desired object.
Sir W. Jones.

2.
That which is attained to, or obtained by exertion; acquirement; acquisition; (pl.), mental acquirements; knowledge; as, literary and scientific attainments.


word: Attaint
definition:
Attaint

At*taint"
(_;)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Attainted; p. pr. & vb. n. Attainting.]
[OE. atteynten to convict, fr. atteynt, OF. ateint, p. p. of ateindre, ataindre. The meanings 3, 4, 5, and 6 were influenced by a supposed connection with taint. See Attain, Attainder.]
1.
To attain; to get act; to hit.
[Obs.]

2.
(Old Law)
To find guilty; to convict; -- said esp. of a jury on trial for giving a false verdict.
[Obs.]

Upon sufficient proof attainted of some open act by men of his own condition.
Blackstone.

3.
(Law)
To subject (a person) to the legal condition formerly resulting from a sentence of death or outlawry, pronounced in respect of treason or felony; to affect by attainder.

No person shall be attainted of high treason where corruption of blood is incurred, but by the oath of two witnesses.
Stat. 7 & 8 Wm. III.

4.
To accuse; to charge with a crime or a dishonorable act.
[Archaic]

5.
To affect or infect, as with physical or mental disease or with moral contagion; to taint or corrupt.

My tender youth was never yet attaint
With any passion of inflaming love.
Shak.

6.
To stain; to obscure; to sully; to disgrace; to cloud with infamy.

For so exceeding shone his glistring ray,
That Ph_;bus' golden face it did attaint.
Spenser.

Lest she with blame her honor should attaint.
Spenser.


word: Attaint₃
definition:
Attaint

At*taint"
n.
[OF. attainte. See Attaint, v.]
1.
A touch or hit.
Sir W. Scott.

2.
(Far.)
A blow or wound on the leg of a horse, made by overreaching.
White.

3.
(Law)
A writ which lies after judgment, to inquire whether a jury has given a false verdict in any court of record; also, the convicting of the jury so tried.
Bouvier.

4.
A stain or taint; disgrace. See Taint.
Shak.

5.
An infecting influence.
[R.]
Shak.


word: Attame
definition:
Attame

At*tame"
(_;)
v. t.
[OF. atamer, from Latin. See Attaminate.]
1.
To pierce; to attack.
[Obs.]

2.
To broach; to begin.

And right anon his tale he hath attamed.
Chaucer.


word: Attaminate
definition:
Attaminate

At*tam"i*nate
(_;)
v. t.
[L. attaminare; ad + root of tangere. See Contaminate.]
To corrupt; to defile; to contaminate.
[Obs.]
Blount.


word: Attar
definition:
Attar

At"tar
(_;)
n.
[Per. 'atar perfume, essence, Ar. 'itr, fr. 'atara to smell sweet. Cf. Otto.]
A fragrant essential oil; esp., a volatile and highly fragrant essential oil obtained from the petals of roses.
[Also written otto and ottar.]


word: attelet
definition:
attelet

attelet
n.
1.
[fr. L. hasta, rod, staff.]
(Cooking)
a type of skewer with an ornamental handle which is used for holding foods for presentation at the table, but not while cooking.
[formerly spelled hatelet]
Larousse Gastronomique


word: Attemper
definition:
Attemper

At*tem"per
(_;)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Attempered (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Attempering.]
[OF. atemprer, fr. L. attemperare; ad + temperare to soften, temper. See Temper, and cf. Attemperate.]
1.
To reduce, modify, or moderate, by mixture; to temper; to regulate, as temperature.

If sweet with bitter . . . were not attempered still.
Trench.

2.
To soften, mollify, or moderate; to soothe; to temper; as, to attemper rigid justice with clemency.

3.
To mix in just proportion; to regulate; as, a mind well attempered with kindness and justice.

4.
To accommodate; to make suitable; to adapt.

Arts . . . attempered to the lyre.
Pope.

&hand_; This word is now not much used, the verb temper taking its place.


word: Attemperament
definition:
Attemperament

At*tem"per*a*ment
(_;)
n.
[OF. attemprement.]
A tempering, or mixing in due proportion.


word: Attemperance
definition:
Attemperance

At*tem"per*ance
(_;)
n.
[Cf. OF. atemprance.]
Temperance; attemperament.
[Obs.]
Chaucer.


word: Attemperate
definition:
Attemperate

At*tem"per*ate
(_;)
a.
[L. attemperatus, p. p. of attemperare. See Attemper.]
Tempered; proportioned; properly adapted.

Hope must be . . . attemperate to the promise.
Hammond.


word: Attempt
definition:
Attempt

At*tempt"
(?; 215)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Attempted; p. pr. & vb. n. Attempting.]
[OF. atenter, also spelt atempter, F. attenter, fr. L. attentare to attempt; ad + tentare, temptare, to touch, try, v. intens. of tendere to stretch. See Tempt, and cf. Attend.]
1.
To make trial or experiment of; to try; to endeavor to do or perform (some action); to assay; as, to attempt to sing; to attempt a bold flight.

Something attempted, something done,
Has earned a night's repose.
Longfellow.

2.
To try to move, by entreaty, by afflictions, or by temptations; to tempt.
[Obs. or Archaic]

It made the laughter of an afternoon
That Vivien should attempt the blameless king.
Thackeray.

3.
To try to win, subdue, or overcome; as, one who attempts the virtue of a woman.

Dear sir, of force I must attempt you further:
Take some remembrance of us, as a tribute.
Shak.

4.
To attack; to make an effort or attack upon; to try to take by force; as, to attempt the enemy's camp.

Without attempting his adversary's life.
Motley.


word: Attempt₃
definition:
Attempt

At*tempt"
n.
A essay, trial, or endeavor; an undertaking; an attack, or an effort to gain a point; esp. an unsuccessful, as contrasted with a successful, effort.

By his blindness maimed for high attempts.
Milton.

Attempt to commit a crime (Law), such an intentional preparatory act as will apparently result, if not extrinsically hindered, in a crime which it was designed to effect. Wharton.


word: Attempter
definition:
Attempter

At*tempt"er
(?; 215)
n.
1.
One who attempts; one who essays anything.

2.
An assailant; also, a temper.
[Obs.]


word: Attend
definition:
Attend

At*tend"
(_;)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Attended; p. pr. & vb. n. Attending.]
[OE. atenden, OF. atendre, F. attendre, to expect, to wait, fr. L. attendre to stretch, (sc. animum), to apply the mind to; ad + tendere to stretch. See Tend.]
1.
To direct the attention to; to fix the mind upon; to give heed to; to regard.
[Obs.]

The diligent pilot in a dangerous tempest doth not attend the unskillful words of the passenger.
Sir P. Sidney.

2.
To care for; to look after; to take charge of; to watch over.

3.
To go or stay with, as a companion, nurse, or servant; to visit professionally, as a physician; to accompany or follow in order to do service; to escort; to wait on; to serve.

The fifth had charge sick persons to attend.
Spenser.

Attends the emperor in his royal court.
Shak.

With a sore heart and a gloomy brow, he prepared to attend William thither.
Macaulay.

4.
To be present with; to accompany; to be united or consequent to; as, a measure attended with ill effects.

What cares must then attend the toiling swain.
Dryden.

5.
To be present at; as, to attend church, school, a concert, a business meeting.

6.
To wait for; to await; to remain, abide, or be in store for.
[Obs.]

The state that attends all men after this.
Locke.

Three days I promised to attend my doom.
Dryden.


word: Attend₂
definition:
Attend

At*tend"
(_;)
v. i.
1.
To apply the mind, or pay attention, with a view to perceive, understand, or comply; to pay regard; to heed; to listen; -- usually followed by to.

Attend to the voice of my supplications.
Ps. lxxxvi. 6.

Man can not at the same time attend to two objects.
Jer. Taylor.

2.
To accompany or be present or near at hand, in pursuance of duty; to be ready for service; to wait or be in waiting; -- often followed by on or upon.

He was required to attend upon the committee.
Clarendon.

3.
(with to) To take charge of; to look after; as, to attend to a matter of business.

4.
To wait; to stay; to delay.
[Obs.]

For this perfection she must yet attend,
Till to her Maker she espoused be.
Sir J. Davies.


word: Attendance
definition:
Attendance

At*tend"ance
(_;)
n.
[OE. attendance, OF. atendance, fr. atendre, F. attendre. See Attend, v. t.]
1.
Attention; regard; careful application.
[Obs.]

Till I come, give attendance to reading.
1 Tim. iv. 13.

2.
The act of attending; state of being in waiting; service; ministry; the fact of being present; presence.

Constant attendance at church three times a day.
Fielding.

3.
Waiting for; expectation.
[Obs.]

Languishing attendance and expectation of death.
Hooker.

4.
The persons attending; a retinue; attendants.

If your stray attendance by yet lodged.
Milton.


word: Attendancy
definition:
Attendancy

At*tend"an*cy
(_;)
n.
The quality of attending or accompanying; attendance; an attendant.
[Obs.]


word: Attendant
definition:
Attendant

At*tend"ant
(_;)
a.
[F. attendant, p. pr. of attendre. See Attend, v. t.]
1.
Being present, or in the train; accompanying; in waiting.

From the attendant flotilla rang notes triumph.
Sir W. Scott.

Cherub and Seraph . . . attendant on their Lord.
Milton.

2.
Accompanying, connected with, or immediately following, as consequential; consequent; as, intemperance with all its attendant evils.

The natural melancholy attendant upon his situation added to the gloom of the owner of the mansion.
Sir W. Scott.

3.
(Law)
Depending on, or owing duty or service to; as, the widow attendant to the heir.
Cowell.

Attendant keys (Mus.), the keys or scales most nearly related to, or having most in common with, the principal key; those, namely, of its fifth above, or dominant, its fifth below (fourth above), or subdominant, and its relative minor or major.


word: Attendant₂
definition:
Attendant

At*tend"ant
n.
1.
One who attends or accompanies in any character whatever, as a friend, companion, servant, agent, or suitor.
attendants
Hallam.

2.
One who is present and takes part in the proceedings; as, an attendant at a meeting.

3.
That which accompanies; a concomitant.

[A] sense of fame, the attendant of noble spirits.
Pope.

4.
(Law)
One who owes duty or service to, or depends on, another.
Cowell.


word: Attendment
definition:
Attendment

At*tend"ment
(_;)
n.
[Cf. OF. atendement.]
An attendant circumstance.
[Obs.]

The uncomfortable attendments of hell.
Sir T. Browne.


word: Attent
definition:
Attent

At*tent"
(_;)
a.
[L. attentus, p. p. of attendere. See Attend, v. t.]
Attentive; heedful.
[Archaic]

Let thine ears be attent unto the prayer.
2 Chron. vi. 40.


word: Attentat
definition:
Attentat

Attentate

{ At*ten"tate (_;), At*ten"tat (_;), }
n.
[L. attentatum, pl. attentata, fr. attentare to attempt: cf. F. attentat criminal attempt. See Attempt.]
1.
An attempt; an assault.
[Obs.]
Bacon.

2.
(Law)
(a)
A proceeding in a court of judicature, after an inhibition is decreed.
(b)
Any step wrongly innovated or attempted in a suit by an inferior judge.


word: Attention
definition:
Attention

At*ten"tion
(_;)
n.
[L. attentio: cf. F. attention.]
1.
The act or state of attending or heeding; the application of the mind to any object of sense, representation, or thought; notice; exclusive or special consideration; earnest consideration, thought, or regard; obedient or affectionate heed; the supposed power or faculty of attending.

They say the tongues of dying men
Enforce attention like deep harmony.
Shak.

&hand_; Attention is consciousness and something more. It is consciousness voluntarily applied, under its law of limitations, to some determinate object; it is consciousness concentrated.
Sir W. Hamilton.

2.
An act of civility or courtesy; care for the comfort and pleasure of others; as, attentions paid to a stranger.

To pay attention to, To pay one's attentions to, to be courteous or attentive to; to wait upon as a lover; to court.


word: attention-grabbing
definition:
attention-grabbing

attention-getting

attention-getting attention-grabbing
adj.
1.
seizing the attention
attention-getting demonstration

Syn. -- eye-catching.

2.
1
likely to attract interest.

Syn. -- catchy


word: Attentive
definition:
Attentive

At*ten"tive
(ăt*tĕn"tĭv)
a.
[Cf. F. attentif.]
1.
Heedful; intent; observant; regarding with care or attention.

&hand_; Attentive is applied to the senses of hearing and seeing, as, an attentive ear or eye; to the application of the mind, as in contemplation; or to the application of the mind, in every possible sense, as when a person is attentive to the words, and to the manner and matter, of a speaker at the same time.

2.
Heedful of the comfort of others; courteous.


word: attentiveness
definition:
attentiveness

at*ten"tive*ness
n.
1.
the quality of paying careful attention; attentiveness to detail.

Syn. -- heed, regard, paying attention.

2.
paying particular notice (as to children or helpless people).

Syn. -- heed, regard, paying attention.

3.
the trait of being considerate and thoughtful of others.


word: Attenuant
definition:
Attenuant

At*ten"u*ant
(_;)
a.
[L. attenuans, p. pr. of attenuare: cf. F. atténuant. See Attenuate.]
Making thin, as fluids; diluting; rendering less dense and viscid; diluent.
n. (Med.) A medicine that thins or dilutes the fluids; a diluent.


word: Attenuate
definition:
Attenuate

At*ten"u*ate
(_;)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Attenuated (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Attenuating (_;).]
[L. attenuatus, p. p. of attenuare; ad + tenuare to make thin, tenuis thin. See Thin.]
1.
To make thin or slender, as by mechanical or chemical action upon inanimate objects, or by the effects of starvation, disease, etc., upon living bodies.

2.
To make thin or less consistent; to render less viscid or dense; to rarefy. Specifically: To subtilize, as the humors of the body, or to break them into finer parts.

3.
To lessen the amount, force, or value of; to make less complex; to weaken.

To undersell our rivals . . . has led the manufacturer to . . . attenuate his processes, in the allotment of tasks, to an extreme point.
I. Taylor.

We may reject and reject till we attenuate history into sapless meagerness.
Sir F. Palgrave.


word: Attenuate₂
definition:
Attenuate

At*ten"u*ate
v. i.
To become thin, slender, or fine; to grow less; to lessen.

The attention attenuates as its sphere contracts.
Coleridge.


word: Attenuated
definition:
Attenuated

Attenuate

{ At*ten"u*ate (_;), At*ten"u*a`ted (_;), }
a.
[L. attenuatus, p. p.]
1.
Made thin or slender.

2.
Made thin or less viscid; rarefied.
Bacon.


word: Attenuation
definition:
Attenuation

At*ten`u*a"tion
(_;)
n.
[L. attenuatio: cf. F. atténuation.]
1.
The act or process of making slender, or the state of being slender; emaciation.

2.
The act of attenuating; the act of making thin or less dense, or of rarefying, as fluids or gases.

3.
The process of weakening in intensity; diminution of virulence; as, the attenuation of virus.


word: Atter
definition:
Atter

At"ter
(_;)
n.
[AS. &aemacr_;tter.]
Poison; venom; corrupt matter from a sore.
[Obs.]
Holland.


word: Attercop
definition:
Attercop

At"ter*cop
(_;)
n.
[AS. attercoppa a spider; &aemacr_;tter poison + coppa head, cup.]
1.
A spider.
[Obs.]

2.
A peevish, ill-natured person.
[North of Eng.]


word: Atterrate
definition:
Atterrate

At*ter*rate
(_;)
v. t.
[It. atterrare (cf. LL. atterrare to cast to earth); L. ad + terra earth, land.]
To fill up with alluvial earth.
[Obs.]
Ray.


word: Atterration
definition:
Atterration

At`ter*ra"tion
(_;)
n.
The act of filling up with earth, or of forming land with alluvial earth.
[Obs.]


word: Attest
definition:
Attest

At"test"
(_;)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Attested; p. pr. & vb. n. Attesting.]
[L. attestari; ad + testari to bear witness: cf. F. attester.]
1.
To bear witness to; to certify; to affirm to be true or genuine; as, to attest the truth of a writing, a copy of record.

Facts . . . attested by particular pagan authors.
Addison.

2.
To give proof of; to manifest; as, the ruins of Palmyra attest its ancient magnificence.

3.
To call to witness; to invoke.
[Archaic]

The sacred streams which Heaven's imperial state
Attests in oaths, and fears to violate.
Dryden.


word: Attestant
definition:
Attestant

At*tes"tant
n.
1.
(Law)
a person who attests to the genuineness of a document or signature by adding their own signature.

Syn. -- witness.


word: Attestation
definition:
Attestation

At`tes*ta"tion
(_;)
n.
[L. attestatio: cf. F. attestation.]
The act of attesting; testimony; witness; a solemn or official declaration, verbal or written, in support of a fact; evidence. The truth appears from the attestation of witnesses, or of the proper officer. The subscription of a name to a writing as a witness, is an attestation.


word: Attic
definition:
Attic

At"tic
(_;)
a.
[L. Atticus, Gr. _;.]
Of or pertaining to Attica, in Greece, or to Athens, its principal city; marked by such qualities as were characteristic of the Athenians; classical; refined.

Attic base (Arch.), a peculiar form of molded base for a column or pilaster, described by Vitruvius, applied under the Roman Empire to the Ionic and Corinthian and “Roman Doric” orders, and imitated by the architects of the Renaissance. -- Attic faith, inviolable faith. -- Attic purity, special purity of language. -- Attic salt, Attic wit, a poignant, delicate wit, peculiar to the Athenians. -- Attic story. See Attic, n. -- Attic style, a style pure and elegant.


word: Attic₂
definition:
Attic

At"tic
n.
[In sense (a) from F. attique, orig. meaning Attic. See Attic, a.]
1.
(Arch.)
(a)
A low story above the main order or orders of a facade, in the classical styles; -- a term introduced in the 17th century. Hence:
(b)
A room or rooms behind that part of the exterior; all the rooms immediately below the roof.

2.
An Athenian; an Athenian author.


word: Atticism
definition:
Atticism

At"ti*cism
(_;)
n.
[Gr. _;.]
1.
A favoring of, or attachment to, the Athenians.

2.
The style and idiom of the Greek language, used by the Athenians; a concise and elegant expression.


word: Atticize
definition:
Atticize

At"ti*cize
(_;)
v. t.
[Gr. _;.]
To conform or make conformable to the language, customs, etc., of Attica.


word: Atticize₂
definition:
Atticize

At"ti*cize
v. i.
1.
To side with the Athenians.

2.
To use the Attic idiom or style; to conform to the customs or modes of thought of the Athenians.


word: Attiguous
definition:
Attiguous

At*tig"u*ous
(_;)
a.
[L. attiguus, fr. attingere to touch. See Attain.]
Touching; bordering; contiguous.
[Obs.]


word: Attire
definition:
Attire

At*tire"
(_;)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Attired (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Attiring.]
[OE. atiren to array, dispose, arrange, OF. atirier; à (L. ad) + F. tire rank, order, row; of Ger. origin: cf. As. tier row, OHG. ziarī, G. zier, ornament, zieren to adorn. Cf. Tire a headdress.]
To dress; to array; to adorn; esp., to clothe with elegant or splendid garments.

Finely attired in a robe of white.
Shak.

With the linen miter shall he be attired.
Lev. xvi. 4.


word: Attire₂
definition:
Attire

At*tire"
n.
1.
Dress; clothes; headdress; anything which dresses or adorns; esp., ornamental clothing.

Earth in her rich attire.
Milton.

I 'll put myself in poor and mean attire.
Shak.

Can a maid forget her ornament, or a bride her attire?
Jer. ii. 32.

2.
The antlers, or antlers and scalp, of a stag or buck.

3.
(Bot.)
The internal parts of a flower, included within the calyx and the corolla.
[Obs.]
Johnson.


word: Attitude
definition:
Attitude

At"ti*tude
(_;)
n.
[It. attitudine, LL. aptitudo, fr. L. aptus suited, fitted: cf. F. attitude. Cf. Aptitude.]
1.
(Paint. & Sculp.)
The posture, action, or disposition of a figure or a statue.

2.
The posture or position of a person or an animal, or the manner in which the parts of his body are disposed; position assumed or studied to serve a purpose; as, a threatening attitude; an attitude of entreaty.

3.
Fig.: Position as indicating action, feeling, or mood; as, in times of trouble let a nation preserve a firm attitude; one's mental attitude in respect to religion.

The attitude of the country was rapidly changing.
J. R. Green.

To strike an attitude, to take an attitude for mere effect.

'T is business of a painter in his choice of attitudes (posituræ) to foresee the effect and harmony of the lights and shadows.
Dryden.

Never to keep the body in the same posture half an hour at a time.
Bacon.


word: Attitudinize
definition:
Attitudinize

At`ti*tu"di*nize
(_;)
v. i.
To assume affected attitudes; to strike an attitude; to pose.

Maria, who is the most picturesque figure, was put to attitudinize at the harp.
Hannah More.


word: Attle
definition:
Attle

At"tle
(_;)
n.
[Cf. Addle mire.]
(Mining)
Rubbish or refuse consisting of broken rock containing little or no ore.
Weale.


word: Attollent
definition:
Attollent

At*tol"lent
(_;)
a.
[L. attollens, p. pr. of attollere; ad + tollere to lift.]
Lifting up; raising; as, an attollent muscle.
Derham.


word: Attorn
definition:
Attorn

At*torn"
(_;)
v. i.
[OF. atorner, aturner, atourner, to direct, prepare, dispose, attorn (cf. OE. atornen to return, adorn); à (L. ad) + torner to turn; cf. LL. attornare to commit business to another, to attorn; ad + tornare to turn, L. tornare to turn in a lathe, to round off. See Turn, v. t.]
1.
(Feudal Law)
To turn, or transfer homage and service, from one lord to another. This is the act of feudatories, vassals, or tenants, upon the alienation of the estate.
Blackstone.

2.
(Modern Law)
To agree to become tenant to one to whom reversion has been granted.


word: Attorney
definition:
Attorney

At*tor"ney
(_;)
n.
pl. Attorneys (_;).
[OE. aturneye, OF. atorné, p. p. of atorner: cf. LL. atturnatus, attornatus, fr. attornare. See Attorn.]
1.
A substitute; a proxy; an agent.
[Obs.]

And will have no attorney but myself.
Shak.

2.
(Law)
(a)
One who is legally appointed by another to transact any business for him; an attorney in fact.
(b)
A legal agent qualified to act for suitors and defendants in legal proceedings; an attorney at law.

&hand_; An attorney is either public or private. A private attorney, or an attorney in fact, is a person appointed by another, by a letter or power of attorney, to transact any business for him out of court; but in a more extended sense, this class includes any agent employed in any business, or to do any act in pais, for another. A public attorney, or attorney at law, is a practitioner in a court of law, legally qualified to prosecute and defend actions in such court, on the retainer of clients. Bouvier. -- The attorney at law answers to the procurator of the civilians, to the solicitor in chancery, and to the proctor in the ecclesiastical and admiralty courts, and all of these are comprehended under the more general term lawyer. In Great Britain and in some states of the United States, attorneys are distinguished from counselors in that the business of the former is to carry on the practical and formal parts of the suit. In many states of the United States however, no such distinction exists. In England, since 1873, attorneys at law are by statute called solicitors.

A power, letter, or warrant, of attorney, a written authority from one person empowering another to transact business for him.


word: Attorney-general
definition:
Attorney-general

At*tor"ney-gen"er*al
(_;)
n.
(pl. Attorney-generals or Attorneys-general).
(Law)
The chief law officer of the state, empowered to act in all litigation in which the law-executing power is a party, and to advise this supreme executive whenever required.
Wharton.


word: Attorneyship
definition:
Attorneyship

At*tor"ney*ship
n.
The office or profession of an attorney; agency for another.
Shak.


word: Attornment
definition:
Attornment

At*torn"ment
(_;)
n.
[OF. attornement, LL. attornamentum. See Attorn.]
(Law)
The act of a feudatory, vassal, or tenant, by which he consents, upon the alienation of an estate, to receive a new lord or superior, and transfers to him his homage and service; the agreement of a tenant to acknowledge the purchaser of the estate as his landlord.
Burrill. Blackstone.


word: Attract
definition:
Attract

At*tract"
(_;)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Attracted; p. pr. & vb. n. Attracting.]
[L. attractus, p. p. of attrahere; ad + trahere to draw. See Trace, v. t.]
1.
To draw to, or cause to tend to; esp. to cause to approach, adhere, or combine; or to cause to resist divulsion, separation, or decomposition.

All bodies and all parts of bodies mutually attract themselves and one another.
Derham.

2.
To draw by influence of a moral or emotional kind; to engage or fix, as the mind, attention, etc.; to invite or allure; as, to attract admirers.

Attracted by thy beauty still to gaze.
Milton.


word: Attractability
definition:
Attractability

At*tract`a*bil"i*ty
(_;)
n.
The quality or fact of being attractable.
Sir W. Jones.


word: Attractable
definition:
Attractable

At*tract"a*ble
(_;)
a.
Capable of being attracted; subject to attraction.
At*tract"a*ble*ness, n.


word: Attraction
definition:
Attraction

At*trac"tion
(_;)
n.
[L. attractio: cf. F. attraction.]
1.
(Physics)
An invisible power in a body by which it draws anything to itself; the power in nature acting mutually between bodies or ultimate particles, tending to draw them together, or to produce their cohesion or combination, and conversely resisting separation.

&hand_; Attraction is exerted at both sensible and insensible distances, and is variously denominated according to its qualities or phenomena. Under attraction at sensible distances, there are, --
(1.) Attraction of gravitation, which acts at all distances throughout the universe, with a force proportional directly to the product of the masses of the bodies and inversely to the square of their distances apart.
(2.) Magnetic, diamagnetic, and electrical attraction, each of which is limited in its sensible range and is polar in its action, a property dependent on the quality or condition of matter, and not on its quantity.
Under attraction at insensible distances, there are, --
(1.) Adhesive attraction, attraction between surfaces of sensible extent, or by the medium of an intervening substance.
(2.) Cohesive attraction, attraction between ultimate particles, whether like or unlike, and causing simply an aggregation or a union of those particles, as in the absorption of gases by charcoal, or of oxygen by spongy platinum, or the process of solidification or crystallization. The power in adhesive attraction is strictly the same as that of cohesion.
(3.) Capillary attraction, attraction causing a liquid to rise, in capillary tubes or interstices, above its level outside, as in very small glass tubes, or a sponge, or any porous substance, when one end is inserted in the liquid. It is a special case of cohesive attraction.
(4.) Chemical attraction, or affinity, that peculiar force which causes elementary atoms, or groups of atoms, to unite to form molecules.

2.
The act or property of attracting; the effect of the power or operation of attraction.
Newton.

3.
The power or act of alluring, drawing to, inviting, or engaging; an attractive quality; as, the attraction of beauty or eloquence.

4.
That which attracts; an attractive object or feature.


word: Attraction sphere
definition:
Attraction sphere

At*trac"tion sphere
1.
(Zool.)
(a)
The central mass of the aster in mitotic cell division; centrosphere.
(b)
Less often,
the mass of archoplasm left by the aster in the resting cell.

2.
(Bot.)
A small body situated on or near the nucleus in the cells of some of the lower plants, consisting of two centrospheres containing centrosomes. It exercises an important function in mitosis.


word: Attractive
definition:
Attractive

At*tract"ive
(_;)
a.
[Cf. F. attractif.]
1.
Having the power or quality of attracting or drawing; as, the attractive force of bodies.
Sir I. Newton.

2.
Attracting or drawing by moral influence or pleasurable emotion; alluring; inviting; pleasing.
Attractive
Milton.
Attractive
Thackeray.

Flowers of a livid yellow, or fleshy color, are most attractive to flies.
Lubbock.


word: Attractive₂
definition:
Attractive

At*tract"ive
n.
That which attracts or draws; an attraction; an allurement.

Speaks nothing but attractives and invitation.
South.


word: Attractivity
definition:
Attractivity

At`trac*tiv"i*ty
(ăt`trăk*tĭv"ĭ*t&ybreve_;)
n.
The quality or degree of attractive power.


word: Attrahent
definition:
Attrahent

At"tra*hent
(_;)
a.
[L. attrahens, p. pr. of attrahere. See Attract, v. t.]
Attracting; drawing; attractive.


word: Attrahent₂
definition:
Attrahent

At"tra*hent
n.
1.
That which attracts, as a magnet.

The motion of the steel to its attrahent
Glanvill.

2.
(Med.)
A substance which, by irritating the surface, excites action in the part to which it is applied, as a blister, an epispastic, a sinapism.


word: Attrap
definition:
Attrap

At*trap"
(_;)
v. t.
[F. attraper to catch; à (L. ad) + trappe trap. See Trap (for taking game).]
To entrap; to insnare.
[Obs.]
Grafton.


word: Attrap₂
definition:
Attrap

At*trap"
v. t.
[Pref. ad + trap to adorn.]
To adorn with trapping; to array.
[Obs.]

Shall your horse be attrapped . . . more richly?
Holland.


word: Attrectation
definition:
Attrectation

At`trec*ta"tion
(_;)
n.
[L. attrectatio; ad + tractare to handle.]
Frequent handling or touching.
[Obs.]
Jer. Taylor.


word: Attributable
definition:
Attributable

At*trib"u*ta*ble
(_;)
a.
Capable of being attributed; ascribable; imputable.

Errors . . . attributable to carelessness.
J. D. Hooker.


word: Attribute
definition:
Attribute

At*trib"ute
(ăt"trĭ*būt)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Attributed; p. pr. & vb. n. Attributing.]
[L. attributus, p. p. of attribuere; ad + tribuere to bestow.  See Tribute.]
To ascribe; to consider (something) as due or appropriate (to); to refer, as an effect to a cause; to impute; to assign; to consider as belonging (to).

We attribute nothing to God that hath any repugnancy or contradiction in it.
Abp. Tillotson.

The merit of service is seldom attributed to the true and exact performer.
Shak.


word: Attribute₂
definition:
Attribute

At"tri*bute
(_;)
n.
[L. attributum.]
1.
That which is attributed; a quality which is considered as belonging to, or inherent in, a person or thing; an essential or necessary property or characteristic.

But mercy is above this sceptered away; . . .
It is an attribute to God himself.
Shak.

2.
Reputation.
[Poetic]
Shak.

3.
(Paint. & Sculp.)
A conventional symbol of office, character, or identity, added to any particular figure; as, a club is the attribute of Hercules.

4.
(Gram.)
Quality, etc., denoted by an attributive; an attributive adjunct or adjective.


word: Attribution
definition:
Attribution

At`tri*bu"tion
(_;)
n.
[L. attributio: cf. F. attribution.]
1.
The act of attributing or ascribing, as a quality, character, or function, to a thing or person, an effect to a cause.

2.
That which is ascribed or attributed.


word: Attributive
definition:
Attributive

At*trib"u*tive
(_;)
a.
[Cf. F. attributif.]
Attributing; pertaining to, expressing, or assigning an attribute; of the nature of an attribute.


word: Attributive₂
definition:
Attributive

At*trib"u*tive
n.
(Gram.)
A word that denotes an attribute; esp. a modifying word joined to a noun; an adjective or adjective phrase.


word: Attrite
definition:
Attrite

At*trite"
(_;)
a.
[L. attritus, p. p. of atterere; ad + terere to rub. See Trite.]
1.
Rubbed; worn by friction.
Milton.

2.
(Theol.)
Repentant from fear of punishment; having attrition of grief for sin; -- opposed to contrite.


word: Attrition
definition:
Attrition

At*tri"tion
(_;)
n.
[L. attritio: cf. F. attrition.]
1.
The act of rubbing together; friction; the act of wearing by friction, or by rubbing substances together; abrasion.

Effected by attrition of the inward stomach.
Arbuthnot.

2.
The state of being worn.
Johnson.

3.
(Theol.)
Grief for sin arising only from fear of punishment or feelings of shame. See Contrition.
Wallis.


word: Attritus
definition:
Attritus

At*tri"tus
(?)
n.
[L. attritus, p. p. of atterere; ad + terere to rub.]
Matter pulverized by attrition.


word: Attune
definition:
Attune

At*tune"
(_;)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Attuned (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Attuning.]
[Pref. ad- + tune.]

1.
To tune or put in tune; to make melodious; to adjust, as one sound or musical instrument to another; as, to attune the voice to a harp.

2.
To arrange fitly; to make accordant.

Wake to energy each social aim,
Attuned spontaneous to the will of Jove.
Beattie.


word: Atwain
definition:
Atwain

A*twain"
(_;)
adv.
[OE. atwaine, atwinne; pref. a- + twain.]
In twain; asunder.
[Obs. or Poetic]
atwain
Tennyson.


word: Atween
definition:
Atween

A*tween"
(_;)
adv. or prep.
[See Atwain, and cf. Between.]
Between.
[Archaic]
Spenser. Tennyson.


word: Atwite
definition:
Atwite

A*twite"
(_;)
v. t.
[OE. attwyten, AS. ætwītan. See Twit.]
To speak reproachfully of; to twit; to upbraid.
[Obs.]


word: Atypical
definition:
Atypical

Atypic

{ A*typ"ic (_;), A*typ"ic*al, }
a.
[Pref. a- not + typic, typical.]
That has no type; devoid of typical character; irregular; unlike the type.


word: Aubade
definition:
Aubade

Au`bade"
(_;)
n.
[F., fr. aube the dawn, fr. L. albus white.]
An open air concert in the morning, as distinguished from an evening serenade; also, a pianoforte composition suggestive of morning.
Grove.

The crowing cock . . .
Sang his aubade with lusty voice and clear.
Longfellow.


word: Aubaine
definition:
Aubaine

Au`baine"
(_;)
n.
[F., fr. aubain an alien, fr. L. alibi elsewhere.]
Succession to the goods of a stranger not naturalized.
Littré.

Droit d'aubaine (_;), the right, formerly possessed by the king of France, to all the personal property of which an alien died possessed. It was abolished in 1819. Bouvier.


word: Aubin
definition:
Aubin

Au"bin
(_;)
n.
[F.]
A broken gait of a horse, between an amble and a gallop; -- commonly called a Canterbury gallop.


word: Auburn
definition:
Auburn

Au"burn
(_;)
a.
[OE. auburne blonde, OF. alborne, auborne, fr. LL. alburnus whitish, fr. L. albus white. Cf. Alburn.]
1.
Flaxen-colored.
[Obs.]
Florio.

2.
Reddish brown.

His auburn locks on either shoulder flowed.
Dryden.


word: Auchenium
definition:
Auchenium

Au*che"ni*um
(_;)
n.
[NL., fr. Gr. _;, fr. _; the neck.]
(Zool.)
The part of the neck nearest the back.


word: Auction
definition:
Auction

Auc"tion
(_;)
n.
[L. auctio an increasing, a public sale, where the price was called out, and the article to be sold was adjudged to the last increaser of the price, or the highest bidder, fr. L. augere, auctum, to increase. See Augment.]
1.
A public sale of property to the highest bidder, esp. by a person licensed and authorized for the purpose; a vendue.

2.
The things sold by auction or put up to auction.

Ask you why Phryne the whole auction buys ?
Pope.

&hand_; In the United States, the more prevalent expression has been “sales at auction,” that is, by an increase of bids (Lat. auctione). This latter form is preferable.

Dutch auction, the public offer of property at a price beyond its value, then gradually lowering the price, till some one accepts it as purchaser. P. Cyc.


word: Auctionary
definition:
Auctionary

Auc"tion*a*ry
(_;)
a.
[L. auctionarius.]
Of or pertaining to an auction or an auctioneer.
[R.]

 With auctionary hammer in thy hand.
Dryden.


word: Auction bridge
definition:
Auction bridge

Auc"tion bridge
A variety of the game of bridge in which the players, beginning with the dealer, bid for the privilege of naming the trump and playing with the dummy for that deal, there being heavy penalties for a player's failure to make good his bid. The score value of each trick more than six taken by the successful bidder is as follows: when the trump is spades, 2; clubs, 6; diamonds, 7; hearts, 8; royal spades (lilies), 9; and when the deal is played with no trump, 10.


word: Auction pitch
definition:
Auction pitch

Auction pitch
A game of cards in which the players bid for the privilege of determining or “pitching” the trump suit.
R. F. Foster.


word: Auctioneer
definition:
Auctioneer

Auc`tion*eer"
(_;)
n.
A person who sells by auction; a person whose business it is to dispose of goods or lands by public sale to the highest or best bidder.


word: Auctioneer₂
definition:
Auctioneer

Auc`tion*eer"
v. t.
To sell by auction; to auction.

Estates . . . advertised and auctioneered away.
Cowper.


word: Aucupation
definition:
Aucupation

Au`cu*pa"tion
(_;)
n.
[L. aucupatio, fr. auceps, contr. for aviceps; avis bird + capere to take.]
Birdcatching; fowling.
[Obs.]
Blount.


word: Audacious
definition:
Audacious

Au*da"cious
(_;)
a.
[F. audacieux, as if fr. LL. audaciosus (not found), fr. L. audacia audacity, fr. audax, -acis, bold, fr. audere to dare.]
1.
Daring; spirited; adventurous.

As in a cloudy chair, ascending rides
Audacious.
Milton.

2.
Contemning the restraints of law, religion, or decorum; bold in wickedness; presumptuous; impudent; insolent.
Shak.
audacious
Milton.

3.
Committed with, or proceedings from, daring effrontery or contempt of law, morality, or decorum.
Audacious
Audacious
Shak.


word: Audacity
definition:
Audacity

Au*dac"i*ty
(_;)
n.
1.
Daring spirit, resolution, or confidence; venturesomeness.

The freedom and audacity necessary in the commerce of men.
Tatler.

2.
Reckless daring; presumptuous impudence; -- implying a contempt of law or moral restraints.

With the most arrogant audacity.
Joye.


word: audad
definition:
audad

audad
n.
same as aoudad.

Syn. -- aoudad, arui, Barbary sheep, maned sheep, Ammotragus lervia.


word: Audibility
definition:
Audibility

Au`di*bil"i*ty
(_;)
n.
The quality of being audible; power of being heard; audible capacity.


word: Audible
definition:
Audible

Au"di*ble
(_;)
a.
[LL. audibilis, fr. L. audire, auditum, to hear: cf. Gr. _; ear, L. auris, and E. ear.]
Capable of being heard; loud enough to be heard; actually heard; as, an audible voice or whisper.


word: Audible₂
definition:
Audible

Au"di*ble
n.
That which may be heard.
[Obs.]

Visibles are swiftlier carried to the sense than audibles.
Bacon.


word: Audience
definition:
Audience

Au"di*ence
(_;)
n.
[F. audience, L. audientia, fr. audire to hear. See Audible, a.]
1.
The act of hearing; attention to sounds.

Thou, therefore, give due audience, and attend.
Milton.

2.
Admittance to a hearing; a formal interview, esp. with a sovereign or the head of a government, for conference or the transaction of business.

According to the fair play of the world,
Let me have audience: I am sent to speak.
Shak.

3.
An auditory; an assembly of hearers. Also applied by authors to their readers.

Fit audience find, though few.
Milton.

He drew his audience upward to the sky.
Dryden.

Court of audience, or Audience court (Eng.), a court long since disused, belonging to the Archbishop of Canterbury; also, one belonging to the Archbishop of York. Mozley & W. -- In general (or open) audience, publicly. -- To give audience, to listen; to admit to an interview.


word: Audient
definition:
Audient

Au"di*ent
(_;)
a.
[L. audiens, p. pr. of audire. See Audible, a.]
Listening; paying attention; as, audient souls.
Mrs. Browning.


word: Audile
definition:
Audile

Au"dile
(?)
n.
[L. audire to hear.]
(Psychol.)
One whose thoughts take the form of mental sounds or of internal discourse rather than of visual or motor images.


word: audio
definition:
audio

audio
n.
the part of a transmitted signal which conveys the sound of the event represented by the signal, such as that of a television program.
audio

Syn. -- sound.

2.
1
an audible acoustic wave frequency.

Syn. -- audio frequency

3.
the sound elements of television.


word: audio-lingual
definition:
audio-lingual

audio-lingual
adj.
1.
pertaining to a method of teaching language that focuses on listening and speaking.


word: Audiometer
definition:
Audiometer

Au`di*om"e*ter
(_;)
n.
[L. audire to hear + -meter.]
(Acous.)
An instrument by which the power of hearing can be gauged and recorded on a scale.


word: audiometry
definition:
audiometry

audiometry
n.
1.
the measurement of hearing.

Syn. -- audiology

2.
measuring sensitivity of hearing.


word: audio-system
definition:
audio-system

audio system

audio system, audio-system
n.
1.
a system of electronic equipment for recording or reproducing sound.

Syn. -- sound system.


word: audiotape
definition:
audiotape

audiotape
n.
1.
magnetic tape for use in recording sound.

2.
a tape recording of sound.


word: audio-visual
definition:
audio-visual

audiovisual

audiovisual audio-visual
adj.
1.
1
pertaining to or using audiovisual aids in teaching or exposition
the school's audiovisual department


word: audiovisual
definition:
audiovisual

audiovisual
n.
1.
1
materials using sight or sound to present information; -- usually used in the plural.

Syn. -- audiovisual aid.


word: Audiphone
definition:
Audiphone

Au"di*phone
(_;)
n.
[L. audire to hear + Gr. _; sound.]
An instrument which, placed against the teeth, conveys sound to the auditory nerve and enables the deaf to hear more or less distinctly; a dentiphone.


word: Audit
definition:
Audit

Au"dit
(_;)
n.
[L. auditus a hearing, fr. audire. See Audible, a.]
1.
An audience; a hearing.
[Obs.]

He appeals to a high audit.
Milton.

2.
An examination in general; a judicial examination.

Specifically: An examination of an account or of accounts, with the hearing of the parties concerned, by proper officers, or persons appointed for that purpose, who compare the charges with the vouchers, examine witnesses, and state the result.

3.
The result of such an examination, or an account as adjusted by auditors; final account.

Yet I can make my audit up.
Shak.

4.
A general receptacle or receiver.
[Obs.]

It [a little brook] paid to its common audit no more than the revenues of a little cloud.
Jer. Taylor.

Audit ale, a kind of ale, brewed at the English universities, orig. for the day of audit. -- Audit house, Audit room, an appendage to a cathedral, for the transaction of its business.


word: Audit₂
definition:
Audit

Au"dit
(_;)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Audited; p. pr. & vb. n. Auditing.]
To examine and adjust, as an account or accounts; as, to audit the accounts of a treasure, or of parties who have a suit depending in court.


word: Audit₃
definition:
Audit

Au"dit
v. i.
To settle or adjust an account.

Let Hocus audit; he knows how the money was disbursed.
Arbuthnot.


word: Audita querela
definition:
Audita querela

Au*di"ta que*re"la
(_;)
[L., the complaint having been heard.]
(Law)
A writ which lies for a party against whom judgment is recovered, but to whom good matter of discharge has subsequently accrued which could not have been availed of to prevent such judgment.
Wharton.


word: Audition
definition:
Audition

Au*di"tion
(_;)
n.
[L. auditio.]
The act of hearing or listening; hearing.

Audition may be active or passive; hence the difference between listening and simple hearing.
Dunglison.


word: Auditive
definition:
Auditive

Au"di*tive
(_;)
a.
[Cf. F. auditif.]
Of or pertaining to hearing; auditory.
[R.]
Cotgrave.


word: Auditor
definition:
Auditor

Au"di*tor
(_;)
n.
[L. auditor, fr. audire. See Audible, a.]
1.
A hearer or listener.
Macaulay.

2.
A person appointed and authorized to audit or examine an account or accounts, compare the charges with the vouchers, examine the parties and witnesses, allow or reject charges, and state the balance.

3.
One who hears judicially, as in an audience court.

&hand_; In the United States government, and in the State governments, there are auditors of the treasury and of the public accounts. The name is also applied to persons employed to check the accounts of courts, corporations, companies, societies, and partnerships.


word: Auditorium
definition:
Auditorium

Au`di*to"ri*um
(_;)
n.
[L. See Auditory, n.]
1.
The part of a church, theater, or other public building, assigned to the audience.

&hand_; In ancient churches the auditorium was the nave, where hearers stood to be instructed; in monasteries it was an apartment for the reception of strangers.

2.
a building, or a room within a building, containing a large open space for public gatherings, and often having a raised stage  where speakers or presentations may be easily viewed by the audience.
The students assembled to hear the president speak in the auditorium.


word: Auditory
definition:
Auditory

Au"di*to*ry
(_;)
a.
[L. auditorius.]
Of or pertaining to hearing, or to the sense or organs of hearing; as, the auditory nerve. See Ear.

Auditory canal (Anat.), the tube from the auditory meatus or opening of the ear to the tympanic membrane.


word: Auditory₂
definition:
Auditory

Au"di*to*ry
n.
[L. auditorium.]
1.
An assembly of hearers; an audience.

2.
An auditorium.
Udall.


word: Auf
definition:
Auf

Auf
(&asuml_;f)
n.
[OE. auph, aulf, fr. Icel. ālfr elf. See Elf.]
[Also spelt oaf, ouphe.]
A changeling or elf child, -- that is, one left by fairies; a deformed or foolish child; a simpleton; an oaf.
[Obs.]
Drayton.


word: Au fait
definition:
Au fait

Au` fait"
(&omacr` fa̝")
[F. Lit., to the deed, act, or point. Fait is fr. L. factum. See Fact.]
Expert; skillful; well instructed.


word: Aufklaerung
definition:
Aufklaerung

Auf"klä*rung
(?)
n.
[G., enlightenment.]
A philosophic movement of the 18th century characterized by a lively questioning of authority, keen interest in matters of politics and general culture, and an emphasis on empirical method in science. It received its impetus from the unsystematic but vigorous skepticism of Pierre Bayle, the physical doctrines of Newton, and the epistemological theories of Locke, in the preceding century. Its chief center was in France, where it gave rise to the skepticism of Voltaire , the naturalism of Rousseau, the sensationalism of Condillac, and the publication of the “Encyclopedia” by D'Alembert and Diderot. In Germany, Lessing, Mendelssohn, and Herder were representative thinkers, while the political doctrines of the leaders of the American Revolution and the speculations of Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Paine represented the movement in America.


word: Augean
definition:
Augean

Au*ge"an
(_;)
a.
1.
(Class. Myth.)
Of or pertaining to Augeus, king of Elis, whose stable contained 3000 oxen, and had not been cleaned for 30 years. Hercules cleansed it in a single day.

2.
Hence: Exceedingly filthy or corrupt.

Augean stable (Fig.), an accumulation of corruption or filth almost beyond the power of man to remedy.


word: Auger
definition:
Auger

Au"ger
(_;)
n.
[OE. augoure, nauger, AS. nafegār, fr. nafu, nafa, nave of a wheel + gār spear, and therefore meaning properly and originally a nave-bore. See Nave (of a wheel) and 2d Gore, n.]
1.
A carpenter's tool for boring holes larger than those bored by a gimlet. It has a handle placed crosswise by which it is turned with both hands. A pod auger is one with a straight channel or groove, like the half of a bean pod. A screw auger has a twisted blade, by the spiral groove of which the chips are discharge.

2.
An instrument for boring or perforating soils or rocks, for determining the quality of soils, or the nature of the rocks or strata upon which they lie, and for obtaining water.

Auger bit, a bit with a cutting edge or blade like that of an anger.


word: Auget
definition:
Auget

Au*get"
(_;)
n.
[F., dim. of auge trough, fr. L. alveus hollow, fr. alvus belly.]
(Mining)
A priming tube connecting the charge chamber with the gallery, or place where the slow match is applied.
Knight.


word: Aucht
definition:
Aucht

Aught

{ Aught (_;), Aucht  }
(_;)
n.
[AS. _;ht, fr. āgan to own, p. p. āhte.]
Property; possession.
[Scot.]
Sir W. Scott.


word: Aught
definition:
Aught

Aught
(_;)
n.
[OE. aught, ought, awiht, AS. āwiht, ā ever + wiht. √136.  See Aye ever, and Whit, Wight.]
Anything; any part.
[Also written ought.]

There failed not aught of any good thing which the Lord has spoken.
Josh. xxi. 45

But go, my son, and see if aught be wanting.
Addison.


word: Augite
definition:
Augite

Au"gite
(&asuml_;"jīt)
n.
[L. augites, Gr. a'ygi`ths, fr. a'ygh` brightness: cf. F. augite.]
A variety of pyroxene, usually of a black or dark green color, occurring in igneous rocks, such as basalt; -- also used instead of the general term pyroxene.


word: Augitic
definition:
Augitic

Au*git"ic
(&asuml_;*jĭt"ĭk)
a.
Pertaining to, or like, augite; containing augite as a principal constituent; as, augitic rocks.


word: Augment
definition:
Augment

Aug*ment"
(_;)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Augmented; p. pr. & vb. n. Augmenting.]
[L. augmentare, fr. augmentum an increase, fr. augere to increase; perh. akin to Gr. _;, _;, E. wax, v., and eke, v.: cf. F. augmenter.]
1.
To enlarge or increase in size, amount, or degree; to swell; to make bigger; as, to augment an army by reëforcements; rain augments a stream; impatience augments an evil.

But their spite still serves
His glory to augment.
Milton.

2.
(Gram.)
To add an augment to.


word: Augment₂
definition:
Augment

Aug*ment"
v. i.
To increase; to grow larger, stronger, or more intense; as, a stream augments by rain.


word: Augment₃
definition:
Augment

Aug"ment
(_;)
n.
[L. augmentum: cf. F. augment.]
1.
Enlargement by addition; increase.

2.
(Gram.)
A vowel prefixed, or a lengthening of the initial vowel, to mark past time, as in Greek and Sanskrit verbs.

&hand_; In Greek, the syllabic augment is a prefixed _;, forming an intial syllable; the temporal augment is an increase of the quantity (time) of an initial vowel, as by changing _; to _;.


word: Augmentation
definition:
Augmentation

Aug`men*ta"tion
(_;)
n.
[LL. augmentatio: cf. F. augmentation.]
1.
The act or process of augmenting, or making larger, by addition, expansion, or dilation; increase.

2.
The state of being augmented; enlargement.

3.
The thing added by way of enlargement.

4.
(Her.)
A additional charge to a coat of arms, given as a mark of honor.
Cussans.

5.
(Med.)
The stage of a disease in which the symptoms go on increasing.
Dunglison.

6.
(Mus.)
In counterpoint and fugue, a repetition of the subject in tones of twice the original length.

Augmentation court (Eng. Hist.), a court erected by Stat. 27 Hen. VIII., to augment the revenues of the crown by the suppression of monasteries. It was long ago dissolved. Encyc. Brit.


word: Augmentative
definition:
Augmentative

Aug*ment"a*tive
(_;)
a.
[Cf. F. augmentatif.]
Having the quality or power of augmenting; expressing augmentation.
Aug*ment"a*tive*ly, adv.


word: Augmentative₂
definition:
Augmentative

Aug*ment"a*tive
n.
(Gram.)
A word which expresses with augmented force the idea or the properties of the term from which it is derived; as, dullard, one very dull. Opposed to diminutive.
Gibbs.


word: Au gratin
definition:
Au gratin

Au` gra`tin"
(?)
[F.]
(Cookery)
With a crust made by browning in the oven, especially by sprinkling with bread crumbs or grated cheese and browning in a broiler; as, spaghetti may be served au gratin.


word: Augrim
definition:
Augrim

Au"grim
(_;)
n.
See Algorism.
[Obs.]
Chaucer.

Augrim stones, pebbles formerly used in numeration. -- Noumbres of Augrim, Arabic numerals. Chaucer.


word: Augur
definition:
Augur

Au"gur
(_;)
n.
[L. Of uncertain origin: the first part of the word is perh. fr. L. avis bird, and the last syllable, gur, equiv. to the Skr. gar to call, akin to L. garrulus garrulous.]
1.
(Rom. Antiq.)
An official diviner who foretold events by the singing, chattering, flight, and feeding of birds, or by signs or omens derived from celestial phenomena, certain appearances of quadrupeds, or unusual occurrences.

2.
One who foretells events by omens; a soothsayer; a diviner; a prophet.

Augur of ill, whose tongue was never found
Without a priestly curse or boding sound.
Dryden.


word: Augur₂
definition:
Augur

Au"gur
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Augured (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Auguring.]
1.
To conjecture from signs or omens; to prognosticate; to foreshow.

My auguring mind assures the same success.
Dryden.

2.
To anticipate, to foretell, or to indicate a favorable or an unfavorable issue; as, to augur well or ill.


word: Augur₃
definition:
Augur

Au"gur
v. t.
To predict or foretell, as from signs or omens; to betoken; to presage; to infer.

It seems to augur genius.
Sir W. Scott.

I augur everything from the approbation the proposal has met with.
J. F. W. Herschel.


word: Augural
definition:
Augural

Au"gu*ral
(_;)
a.
[L. auguralis.]
Of or pertaining to augurs or to augury; betokening; ominous; significant; as, an augural staff; augural books.
augural
Cowper.


word: Augurate
definition:
Augurate

Au"gu*rate
(_;)
v. t. & i.
[L. auguratus, p. p. of augurari to augur.]
To make or take auguries; to augur; to predict.
[Obs.]
C. Middleton.


word: Augury
definition:
Augury

Au"gu*ry
(_;)
n.
pl. Auguries (_;).
[L. aucurium.]
1.
The art or practice of foretelling events by observing the actions of birds, etc.; divination.

2.
An omen; prediction; prognostication; indication of the future; presage.

From their flight strange auguries she drew.
Drayton.

He resigned himself . . . with a docility that gave little augury of his future greatness.
Prescott.

3.
A rite, ceremony, or observation of an augur.


word: August
definition:
August

Au*gust"
(_;)
a.
[L. augustus; cf. augere to increase; in the language of religion, to honor by offerings: cf. F. auguste. See Augment.]
Of a quality inspiring mingled admiration and reverence; having an aspect of solemn dignity or grandeur; sublime; majestic; having exalted birth, character, state, or authority.
august
Pope.
August
Dryden.
august
Macaulay.

So beautiful and so august a spectacle.
Burke.

To mingle with a body so august.
Byron.


word: August₂
definition:
August

Au"gust
(_;)
n.
[L. Augustus. See note below, and August, a.]
The eighth month of the year, containing thirty-one days.

&hand_; The old Roman name was Sextilis, the sixth month from March, the month in which the primitive Romans, as well as Jews, began the year. The name was changed to August in honor of Augustus Cæsar, the first emperor of Rome, on account of his victories, and his entering on his first consulate in that month.


word: Augustan
definition:
Augustan

Au*gus"tan
(_;)
a.
[L. Augustanus, fr. Augustus. See August, n.]
1.
Of or pertaining to Augustus Cæsar or to his times.

2.
Of or pertaining to the town of Augsburg.

Augustan age of any national literature, the period of its highest state of purity and refinement; -- so called because the reign of Augustus Cæsar was the golden age of Roman literature. Thus the reign of Louis XIV. (b. 1638) has been called the Augustan age of French literature, and that of Queen Anne (b. 1664) the Augustan age of English literature. -- Augustan confession (Eccl. Hist.), or confession of Augsburg, drawn up at Augusta Vindelicorum, or Augsburg, by Luther and Melanchthon, in 1530, contains the principles of the Protestants, and their reasons for separating from the Roman Catholic church.


word: Augustinian
definition:
Augustinian

Augustine

{ Au*gus"tine (_;), Au`gus*tin"i*an (_;), }
n.
(Eccl.)
A member of one of the religious orders called after St. Augustine; an Austin friar.


word: Augustinian₂
definition:
Augustinian

Au`gus*tin"i*an
a.
Of or pertaining to St. Augustine, bishop of Hippo in Northern Africa (b. 354 -- d. 430), or to his doctrines.

Augustinian canons, an order of monks once popular in England and Ireland; -- called also regular canons of St. Austin, and black canons. -- Augustinian hermits or Austin friars, an order of friars established in 1265 by Pope Alexander IV. It was introduced into the United States from Ireland in 1790. -- Augustinian nuns, an order of nuns following the rule of St. Augustine. -- Augustinian rule, a rule for religious communities based upon the 109th letter of St. Augustine, and adopted by the Augustinian orders.


word: Augustinian₃
definition:
Augustinian

Au`gus*tin"i*an
n.
One of a class of divines, who, following St. Augustine, maintain that grace by its nature is effectual absolutely and creatively, not relatively and conditionally.


word: Augustinism
definition:
Augustinism

Augustinianism

{ Au`gus*tin"i*an*ism (_;), Au*gus"tin*ism  }
n.
The doctrines held by Augustine or by the Augustinians.


word: Auk
definition:
Auk

Auk
(_;)
n.
[Prov. E. alk; akin to Dan. alke, Icel. & Sw. alka.]
(Zool.)
A name given to various species of arctic sea birds of the family Alcidæ. The great auk, now extinct, is Alca impennis (or Plautus impennis) . The razor-billed auk is Alca torda.  See Puffin, Guillemot, and Murre.


word: Aularian₂
definition:
Aularian

Au*la"ri*an
n.
At Oxford, England, a member of a hall, distinguished from a collegian.
Chalmers.


word: Auld
definition:
Auld

Auld
(_;)
a.
[See Old.]
Old; as, Auld Reekie (old smoky), i. e., Edinburgh.
[Scot. & Prov. Eng.]


word: Auld lang syne
definition:
Auld lang syne

Auld` lang syne"
(_;)
A Scottish phrase used in recalling recollections of times long since past.
auld lang syne


word: Auld light
definition:
Auld light

Auld licht

{ Auld licht (?), Auld light  }
(Eccl. Hist.)
(a)
A member of the conservative party in the Church of Scotland in the latter part of the 18th century.
(b)
Same as Burgher, n., 2.


word: Auletic
definition:
Auletic

Au*let"ic
(_;)
a.
[L. auleticus, Gr. _;, fr. _; flute.]
Of or pertaining to a pipe (flute) or piper.
[R.]
Ash.


word: Aulic
definition:
Aulic

Au"lic
a.
[L. aulicus, Gr. _;, fr. _; hall, court, royal court.]
Pertaining to a royal court.

Ecclesiastical wealth and aulic dignities.
Landor.

Aulic council (Hist.), a supreme court of the old German empire; properly the supreme court of the emperor. It ceased at the death of each emperor, and was renewed by his successor. It became extinct when the German empire was dissolved, in 1806. The term is now applied to a council of the war department of the Austrian empire, and the members of different provincial chanceries of that empire are called aulic councilors. P. Cyc.


word: Aulic₂
definition:
Aulic

Au"lic
n.
The ceremony observed in conferring the degree of doctor of divinity in some European universities. It begins by a harangue of the chancellor addressed to the young doctor, who then receives the cap, and presides at the disputation (also called the aulic).


word: Aumery
definition:
Aumery

Au"me*ry
(_;)
n.
A form of Ambry, a closet; but confused with Almonry, as if a place for alms.


word: Auncel
definition:
Auncel

Aun"cel
(_;)
n.
A rude balance for weighing, and a kind of weight, formerly used in England.
Halliwell.


word: Aune
definition:
Aune

Aune
(_;)
n.
[F. See Alnage.]
A French cloth measure, of different parts of the country (at Paris, 0.95 of an English ell); -- now superseded by the meter.


word: Aunt
definition:
Aunt

Aunt
(_;)
n.
[OF. ante, F. tante, L. amita father's sister. Cf. Amma.]
1.
The sister of one's father or mother; -- correlative to nephew or niece. Also applied to an uncle's wife.

&hand_; Aunt is sometimes applied as a title or term of endearment to a kind elderly woman not thus related.

2.
An old woman; and old gossip.
[Obs.]
Shak.

3.
A bawd, or a prostitute.
[Obs.]
Shak.

Aunt Sally, a puppet head placed on a pole and having a pipe in its mouth; also a game, which consists in trying to hit the pipe by throwing short bludgeons at it.


word: Auntre
definition:
Auntre

Aunter

{ Aun"ter, Aun"tre  }
(_;)
v. t.
[See Adventure.]
To venture; to dare.
[Obs.]
Chaucer.


word: Aunty
definition:
Aunty

Auntie

{ Aunt"ie, Aunt"y  }
(_;)
n.
A familiar name for an aunt. In the southern United States a familiar term applied to aged negro women.


word: Aura
definition:
Aura

Au"ra
(_;)
n.
pl. Auræ (_;).
[L. aura air, akin to Gr. _;.]
1.
Any subtile, invisible emanation, effluvium, or exhalation from a substance, as the aroma of flowers, the odor of the blood, a supposed fertilizing emanation from the pollen of flowers, etc.

2.
(Med.)
The peculiar sensation, as of a light vapor, or cold air, rising from the trunk or limbs towards the head, a premonitory symptom of epilepsy or hysterics.

Electric aura, a supposed electric fluid, emanating from an electrified body, and forming a mass surrounding it, called the electric atmosphere. See Atmosphere, 2.


word: Aurantiaceous
definition:
Aurantiaceous

Au*ran`ti*a"ceous
(_;)
a.
Pertaining to, or resembling, the Aurantiaceæ, an order of plants (formerly considered natural), of which the orange is the type.


word: Aurate
definition:
Aurate

Au"rate
(_;)
n.
[L. auratus, p. p. of aurare to gild, fr. aurum gold: cf. F. aurate.]
(Chem.)
A combination of auric acid with a base; as, aurate or potassium.


word: Aurated
definition:
Aurated

Au"ra*ted
(_;)
a.
[See Aurate.]
1.
Resembling or containing gold; gold-colored; gilded.

2.
(Chem.)
Combined with auric acid.


word: Aureate
definition:
Aureate

Au"re*ate
(_;)
a.
[L. aureatus, fr. aureus golden, fr. aurum gold.]
Golden; gilded.
Skelton.


word: Aurelia
definition:
Aurelia

Au*re"li*a
(?; 106)
n.
[NL., fr. L. aurum gold: cf. F. aurélie. Cf. Chrysalis.]
(Zool.)
(a)
The chrysalis, or pupa of an insect, esp. when reflecting a brilliant golden color, as that of some of the butterflies.
(b)
A genus of jellyfishes. See Discophora.


word: Aurelian₂
definition:
Aurelian

Au*re"li*an
n.
An amateur collector and breeder of insects, esp. of butterflies and moths; a lepidopterist.


word: Aureole
definition:
Aureole

Aureola

{ &VerbarAu*re"o*la (_;), Au"re*ole (_;), }
n.
[F. auréole, fr. L. aureola, (fem adj.) of gold (sc. corona crown), dim. of aureus. See Aureate, Oriole.]
1.
(R. C. Theol.)
A celestial crown or accidental glory added to the bliss of heaven, as a reward to those (as virgins, martyrs, preachers, etc.) who have overcome the world, the flesh, and the devil.

2.
The circle of rays, or halo of light, with which painters surround the figure and represent the glory of Christ, saints, and others held in special reverence.

&hand_; Limited to the head, it is strictly termed a nimbus; when it envelops the whole body, an aureola.
Fairholt.

3.
A halo, actual or figurative.

The glorious aureole of light seen around the sun during total eclipses.
Proctor.

The aureole of young womanhood.
O. W. Holmes.

4.
(Anat.)
See Areola, 2.

5.
the outermost region of the sun's atmosphere; visible from earth during a solar eclipse, or in outer space by the use of special instruments; a corona{5}.

Syn. -- corona.


word: Aureomycin
definition:
Aureomycin

Aureomycin
n.
1.
[a trademark.]
a yellow crystalline antibiotic (generic name chlortetracycline) used to treat certain bacterial and rickettsial diseases.

Syn. -- chlortetracycline.


word: Auric
definition:
Auric

Au"ric
(_;)
a.
[L. aurum gold.]
1.
Of or pertaining to gold.

2.
(Chem.)
Pertaining to, or derived from, gold; -- said of those compounds of gold in which this element has its higher valence; as, auric oxide; auric chloride.


word: Aurichalceous
definition:
Aurichalceous

Au`ri*chal"ce*ous
(_;)
a.
[L. aurichalcum, for orichalcum brass.]
(Zool.)
Brass-colored.


word: Aurichalcite
definition:
Aurichalcite

Au`ri*chal"cite
(_;)
n.
[See Aurichalceous.]
(Min.)
A hydrous carbonate of copper and zinc, found in pale green or blue crystalline aggregations. It yields a kind of brass on reduction.


word: Auricle
definition:
Auricle

Au"ri*cle
(_;)
n.
[L. auricula, dim. of auris ear. See Ear.]
1.
(Anat.)
(a)
The external ear, or that part of the ear which is prominent from the head.
(b)
The chamber, or one of the two chambers, of the heart, by which the blood is received and transmitted to the ventricle or ventricles; -- so called from its resemblance to the auricle or external ear of some quadrupeds. See Heart.

2.
(Zool.)
An angular or ear-shaped lobe.

3.
An instrument applied to the ears to give aid in hearing; a kind of ear trumpet.
Mansfield.


word: Auricled
definition:
Auricled

Au"ri*cled
(_;)
a.
Having ear-shaped appendages or lobes; auriculate; as, auricled leaves.


word: Auricula
definition:
Auricula

Au*ric"u*la
(_;)
n.
pl. L. Auriculæ (_;), E. Auriculas (_;).
[L. auricula. See Auricle.]
1.
(Bot.)
A species of Primula, or primrose, called also, from the shape of its leaves, bear's-ear.
(b)
(b)
A species of Hirneola (Hirneola auricula), a membranaceous fungus, called also auricula Judæ, or Jew's-ear.
P. Cyc.

2.
(Zool.)
(a)
A genus of air-breathing mollusks mostly found near the sea, where the water is brackish.
(b)
One of the five arched processes of the shell around the jaws of a sea urchin.


word: Auricular
definition:
Auricular

Au*ric"u*lar
(&asuml_;*rĭk"&uuptack_;*lẽr)
a.
[LL. auricularis: cf. F. auriculaire. See Auricle.]
1.
Of or pertaining to the ear, or to the sense of hearing; as, auricular nerves.

2.
Told in the ear, i. e., told privately; as, auricular confession to the priest.

This next chapter is a penitent confession of the king, and the strangest . . . that ever was auricular.
Milton.

3.
Recognized by the ear; known by the sense of hearing; as, auricular evidence.
Auricular
Shak.

4.
Received by the ear; known by report.
Auricular
Bacon.

5.
(Anat.)
Pertaining to the auricles of the heart.

Auricular finger, the little finger; so called because it can be readily introduced into the ear passage.


word: Auricularia
definition:
Auricularia

Au*ric`u*la"ri*a
(_;)
n. pl.
[Neut. pl., fr. LL. auricularis.]
(Zool.)
A kind of holothurian larva, with soft, blunt appendages. See Illustration in Appendix.


word: Auriculars
definition:
Auriculars

Au*ric"u*lars
(_;)
n. pl.
(Zool.)
A circle of feathers surrounding the opening of the ear of birds.


word: Auriculated
definition:
Auriculated

Auriculate

{ Au*ric"u*late (_;), Au*ric"u*la`ted (_;), }
a.
[See Auricle.]
(Biol.)
Having ears or appendages like ears; eared.
Esp.:
(a)
(Bot.)
Having lobes or appendages like the ear; shaped like the ear; auricled.
(b)
(Zool.)
Having an angular projection on one or both sides, as in certain bivalve shells, the foot of some gastropods, etc.

Auriculate leaf, one having small appended leaves or lobes on each side of its petiole or base.


word: auriculoventricular
definition:
auriculoventricular

auriculoventricular
adj.
(Med.)
relating to or affecting the atria and ventricles of the heart.

Syn. -- atrioventricular.


word: Auriferous
definition:
Auriferous

Au*rif"er*ous
(_;)
a.
[L. aurifer; aurum gold + ferre to bear: cf. F. aurifère.]
Gold-bearing; containing or producing gold.

Whence many a bursting stream auriferous plays.
Thomson.

Auriferous pyrites, iron pyrites (iron disulphide), containing some gold disseminated through it.


word: Auriga
definition:
Auriga

Au*ri"ga
(_;)
n.
[L., charioteer.]
(Anat.)
The Charioteer, or Wagoner, a constellation in the northern hemisphere, situated between Perseus and Gemini. It contains the bright star Capella.


word: Aurigation
definition:
Aurigation

Au`ri*ga"tion
(_;)
n.
[L. aurigatio, fr. aurigare to be a charioteer, fr. auriga.]
The act of driving a chariot or a carriage.
[R.]
De Quincey.


word: Aurilave
definition:
Aurilave

Au`ri*lave
(?)
n.
[L. auris ear + lavare to wash.]
An instrument for cleansing the ear, consisting of a small piece of sponge on an ivory or bone handle.


word: Aurin
definition:
Aurin

Au"rin
(&asuml_;"rĭn)
n.
[L. aurum gold.]
(Chem.)
A red coloring matter derived from phenol; -- called also, in commerce, yellow corallin.


word: Auriphrygiate
definition:
Auriphrygiate

Au`ri*phryg"i*ate
(&asuml_;`rĭ*frĭ"jĭ*a̝t)
a.
[LL. auriphrigiatus; L. aurum gold + LL. phrygiare to adorn with Phrygian needlework, or with embroidery; perhaps corrupted from some other word. Cf. Orfrays.]
Embroidered or decorated with gold.
[R.]
Southey.


word: Auriscope
definition:
Auriscope

Au"ri*scope
(-sk&omacrp)
n.
[L. auris + -scope.]
(Med.)
An instrument for examining the condition of the ear.


word: Auriscopy
definition:
Auriscopy

Au*ris"co*py
(&asuml_;*rĭs"ko̝*p&ybreve_;)
n.
Examination of the ear by the aid of the auriscope.


word: Aurist
definition:
Aurist

Au"rist
(&asuml_;"rĭst)
n.
[L. auris ear.]
One skilled in treating and curing disorders of the ear.


word: Aurited
definition:
Aurited

Au"ri*ted
(_;)
a.
[L. auritus, fr. auris ear.]
(Zool.)
Having lobes like the ear; auriculate.


word: Aurivorous
definition:
Aurivorous

Au*riv"o*rous
(_;)
a.
[L. aurum gold + vorare to devour.]
Gold-devouring.
[R.]
H. Walpole.


word: Aurochloride
definition:
Aurochloride

Au`ro*chlo"ride
(_;)
n.
[Aurum + chloride.]
(Chem.)
The trichloride of gold combination with the chloride of another metal, forming a double chloride; -- called also chloraurate.


word: Aurochs
definition:
Aurochs

Au"rochs
(&asuml_;"r&obreve_;ks)
n.
[G. auerochs, OHG. ūrohso; ūr (cf. AS. ūr) + ohso ox, G. ochs. Cf. Owre, Ox.]
(Zool.)
The European bison (Bison bonasus, or Bison Europæus), once widely distributed, but now nearly extinct, except where protected in the Lithuanian forests, and perhaps in the Caucasus. It is distinct from the Urus of Cæsar, with which it has often been confused.


word: Aurocyanide
definition:
Aurocyanide

Au`ro*cy"a*nide
(_;)
n.
[Aurum + cyanide.]
(Chem.)
A double cyanide of gold and some other metal or radical; -- called also cyanaurate.


word: Aurora
definition:
Aurora

Au*ro"ra
(_;)
n.
pl. E. Auroras (_;), L. (rarely used) Auroræ (_;).
[L. aurora, for ausosa, akin to Gr. _;, _;, dawn, Skr. ushas, and E. east.]
1.
The rising light of the morning; the dawn of day; the redness of the sky just before the sun rises.

2.
The rise, dawn, or beginning.
Hawthorne.

3.
(Class. Myth.)
The Roman personification of the dawn of day; the goddess of the morning. The poets represented her a rising out of the ocean, in a chariot, with rosy fingers dropping gentle dew.

4.
(Bot.)
A species of crowfoot.
Johnson.

5.
The aurora borealis or aurora australis (northern or southern lights).

Aurora borealis (_;), i. e., northern daybreak; popularly called northern lights. A luminous meteoric phenomenon, visible only at night, and supposed to be of electrical origin. This species of light usually appears in streams, ascending toward the zenith from a dusky line or bank, a few degrees above the northern horizon; when reaching south beyond the zenith, it forms what is called the corona, about a spot in the heavens toward which the dipping needle points. Occasionally the aurora appears as an arch of light across the heavens from east to west. Sometimes it assumes a wavy appearance, and the streams of light are then called merry dancers. They assume a variety of colors, from a pale red or yellow to a deep red or blood color. The Aurora australis (_;) is a corresponding phenomenon in the southern hemisphere, the streams of light ascending in the same manner from near the southern horizon.


word: Auroral
definition:
Auroral

Au*ro"ral
(_;)
a.
Belonging to, or resembling, the aurora (the dawn or the northern lights); rosy.

Her cheeks suffused with an auroral blush.
Longfellow.


word: Aurous
definition:
Aurous

Au"rous
(_;)
a.
1.
Containing gold.

2.
(Chem.)
Pertaining to, or derived from, gold; -- said of those compounds of gold in which this element has its lower valence; as, aurous oxide.


word: Aurum
definition:
Aurum

Au"rum
(_;)
n.
[L.]
Gold.

Aurum fulminans (_;). See Fulminate. -- Aurum mosaicum (_;). See Mosaic.


word: Auscultation
definition:
Auscultation

Aus`cul*ta"tion
(_;)
n.
[L. ausculcatio, fr. auscultare to listen, fr. a dim. of auris, orig. ausis, ear. See Auricle, and cf. Scout, n.]
1.
The act of listening or hearkening to.
Hickes.

2.
(Med.)
An examination by listening either directly with the ear (immediate auscultation) applied to parts of the body, as the abdomen; or with the stethoscope (mediate auscultation), in order to distinguish sounds recognized as a sign of health or of disease.


word: Auspicate
definition:
Auspicate

Aus"pi*cate
(_;)
a.
[L. auspicatus, p. p. of auspicari to take auspices, fr. auspex a bird seer, an augur, a contr. of avispex; avis bird + specere, spicere, to view. See Aviary, Spy.]
Auspicious.
[Obs.]
Holland.


word: Auspicate₂
definition:
Auspicate

Aus"pi*cate
(_;)
v. t.
1.
To foreshow; to foretoken.
[Obs.]
B. Jonson.

2.
To give a favorable turn to in commencing; to inaugurate; -- a sense derived from the Roman practice of taking the auspicium, or inspection of birds, before undertaking any important business.

They auspicate all their proceedings.
Burke.


word: Auspice
definition:
Auspice

Aus"pice
(_;)
n.
pl. Auspices (_;).
[L. auspicium, fr. auspex: cf. F. auspice. See Auspicate, a.]
1.
A divining or taking of omens by observing birds; an omen as to an undertaking, drawn from birds; an augury; an omen or sign in general; an indication as to the future.

2.
Protection; patronage and care; guidance.

Which by his auspice they will nobler make.
Dryden.

&hand_; In this sense the word is generally plural, auspices; as, under the auspices of the king.


word: Auspicious
definition:
Auspicious

Aus*pi"cious
(_;)
a.
[See Auspice.]
1.
Having omens or tokens of a favorable issue; giving promise of success, prosperity, or happiness; predicting good; as, an auspicious beginning.

Auspicious union of order and freedom.
Macaulay.

2.
Prosperous; fortunate; as, auspicious years.
Auspicious
Dryden.

3.
Favoring; favorable; propitious; -- applied to persons or things.
auspicious
Shak.
Auspicious
Pope.


word: austenite
definition:
austenite

austenite
n.
(Metallurgy)
[From W. C. Roberts-Austen, an English metallurgist.]
a solid solution of ferric carbide or carbon in iron; -- it cools to form pearlite or martensite.


word: Austere
definition:
Austere

Aus*tere"
(_;)
[F. austère, L. austerus, fr. Gr. _;, fr. _; to parch, dry. Cf. Sear.]
1.
Sour and astringent; rough to the state; having acerbity; as, an austere crab apple; austere wine.

2.
Severe in modes of judging, or living, or acting; rigid; rigorous; stern; as, an austere man, look, life.

From whom the austere Etrurian virtue rose.
Dryden.

3.
Unadorned; unembellished; severely simple.


word: Austereness
definition:
Austereness

Aus*tere"ness
n.
1.
Harshness or astringent sourness to the taste; acerbity.
Johnson.

2.
Severity; strictness; austerity.
Shak.


word: Austerity
definition:
Austerity

Aus*ter"i*ty
(_;)
n.
pl. Austerities (_;).
[F. austérité, L. austerias, fr. austerus. See Austere.]
1.
Sourness and harshness to the taste.
[Obs.]
Horsley.

2.
Severity of manners or life; extreme rigor or strictness; harsh discipline.

The austerity of John the Baptist.
Milton.

3.
Plainness; freedom from adornment; severe simplicity.

Partly owing to the studied austerity of her dress, and partly to the lack of demonstration in her manners.
Hawthorne.


word: Austerlitz
definition:
Austerlitz

Austerlitz
n.
a decisive battle during the Napoleonic campaigns (1805); the French under Napoleon defeated the Russian and Austrian armies of Czar Alexander I and Emperor Francis II.

Syn. -- battle of Austerlitz.


word: Austral
definition:
Austral

Aus"tral
(_;)
a.
[L. australis, fr. auster: cf. F. austral.]
1.
Southern; lying or being in the south; as, austral land; austral ocean.

2.
(Biogeography)
Designating, or pertaining to, a zone extending across North America between the Transition and Tropical zones, and including most of the United States and central Mexico except the mountainous parts.

Austral signs (Astron.), the last six signs of the zodiac, or those south of the equator.


word: Australasian
definition:
Australasian

Aus`tral*a"sian
(_;)
a.
Of or pertaining to Australasia; as, Australasian regions.
n. A native or an inhabitant of Australasia.


word: Australian
definition:
Australian

Aus*tra"li*an
(_;)
a.
[From L. Terra Australis southern land.]
Of or pertaining to Australia.
n. A native or an inhabitant of Australia.


word: Australian ballot
definition:
Australian ballot

Aus*tra"li*an bal"lot
(Law)
A system of balloting or voting in public elections, originally used in South Australia, in which there is such an arrangement for polling votes that secrecy is compulsorily maintained, and the ballot used is an official ballot printed and distributed by the government.


word: Australize
definition:
Australize

Aus"tral*ize
(_;)
v. i.
[See Austral.]
To tend toward the south pole, as a magnet.
[Obs.]

They [magnets] do septentrionate at one extreme, and australize at another.
Sir T. Browne.


word: australopithecine
definition:
australopithecine

australopithecine
n.
1.
any of several extinct humanlike small-brained bipedal primates of the genus Australopithecus; they existed from 1 to 4 million years ago.


word: Austrian
definition:
Austrian

Aus"tri*an
(_;)
a.
Of or pertaining to Austria, or to its inhabitants.
n. A native or an inhabitant of Austria.


word: Austrine
definition:
Austrine

Aus"trine
(_;)
n.
[L. austrinus, from auster south.]
Southern; southerly; austral.
[Obs.]
Bailey.


word: Austrocedrus
definition:
Austrocedrus

Austrocedrus
n.
1.
1
a genus having but one species; formerly included in genus Libocedrus.

Syn. -- genus Austrocedrus.


word: Austro-Hungarian
definition:
Austro-Hungarian

Aus"tro-Hun*ga"ri*an
(_;)
a.
Of or pertaining to the monarchy composed of Austria and Hungary.


word: Austromancy
definition:
Austromancy

Aus"tro*man`cy
(_;)
n.
[L. auster south wind + -mancy.]
Soothsaying, or prediction of events, from observation of the winds.


word: Austronesia
definition:
Austronesia

Austronesia
n.
1.
the area comprising the islands of central and S Pacific (Indonesia and Melanesia and Micronesia and Polynesia).


word: Austrotaxus
definition:
Austrotaxus

Austrotaxus
n.
1.
1
a genus having but one species; the New Caledonian yew.

Syn. -- genus Austrotaxus.


word: autacoid
definition:
autacoid

autacoid
n.
1.
1
any physiologically active internal secretion, especially one of uncertain classification.

Syn. -- autocoid.


word: autarchical
definition:
autarchical

autarchic

autarchic, autarchical
adj.
1.
1
of or pertaining to autocracy.

Syn. -- autarchical


word: Autarchy
definition:
Autarchy

Au"tar*chy
(_;)
n.
[Gr. _; independence; a'yto`s self + 'arkei^n to be sufficient.]
1.
Self-sufficiency, especially economic self-sufficiency as applied to nations.
[Obs.]
Milton.

2.
same as autarky.

Syn. -- autarky.


word: Authentic
definition:
Authentic

Au*then"tic
(_;)
a.
[OE. autentik, OF. autentique, F. authentique, L. authenticus coming from the real author, of original or firsthand authority, from Gr. _;, fr. _; suicide, a perpetrator or real author of any act, an absolute master; a'yto`s self + a form "enths (not found), akin to L. sons and perh. orig. from the p. pr. of e'i^nai to be, root as, and meaning the one it really is. See Am, Sin, n., and cf. Effendi.]
1.
Having a genuine original or authority, in opposition to that which is false, fictitious, counterfeit, or apocryphal; being what it purports to be; genuine; not of doubtful origin; real; as, an authentic paper or register.

To be avenged
On him who had stole Jove's authentic fire.
Milton.

2.
Authoritative.
[Obs.]
Milton.

3.
Of approved authority; true; trustworthy; credible; as, an authentic writer; an authentic portrait; authentic information.

4.
(Law)
Vested with all due formalities, and legally attested.

5.
(Mus.)
Having as immediate relation to the tonic, in distinction from plagal, which has a correspondent relation to the dominant in the octave below the tonic.

A genuine book is that which was written by the person whose name it bears, as the author of it. An authentic book is that which relates matters of fact as they really happened. A book may be genuine without being, authentic, and a book may be authentic without being genuine.
Bp. Watson.

It may be said, however, that some writers use authentic (as, an authentic document) in the sense of “produced by its professed author, not counterfeit.”


word: Authentically
definition:
Authentically

Au*then"tic*al*ly
adv.
In an authentic manner; with the requisite or genuine authority.


word: Authenticate
definition:
Authenticate

Au*then"ti*cate
(_;)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Authenticated (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Authenticating (_;).]
[Cf. LL. authenticare.]
1.
To render authentic; to give authority to, by the proof, attestation, or formalities required by law, or sufficient to entitle to credit.

The king serves only as a notary to authenticate the choice of judges.
Burke.

2.
To prove authentic; to determine as real and true; as, to authenticate a portrait.
Walpole.


word: authenticated
definition:
authenticated

authenticated
adj.
1.
established or certified as genuine.

Syn. -- attested, documented.


word: authentication
definition:
authentication

authentication
n.
a mark on an article of trade to indicate its origin and authenticity.

Syn. -- hallmark, assay-mark.

2.
validating the authenticity of something or someone.

Syn. -- certification.


word: Authenticity
definition:
Authenticity

Au`then*tic"i*ty
(_;)
n.
[Cf. F. authenticité.]
1.
The quality of being authentic or of established authority for truth and correctness.

2.
Genuineness; the quality of being genuine or not corrupted from the original.

&hand_; In later writers, especially those on the evidences of Christianity, authenticity is often restricted in its use to the first of the above meanings, and distinguished from qenuineness.


word: Authentics
definition:
Authentics

Au*then"tics
(_;)
n.
(Ciwil Law)
A collection of the Novels or New Constitutions of Justinian, by an anonymous author; -- so called on account of its authenticity.
Bouvier.


word: Author
definition:
Author

Au"thor
(&asuml_;"thẽr)
n.
[OE. authour, autour, OF. autor, F. auteur, fr. L. auctor, sometimes, but erroneously, written autor or author, fr. augere to increase, to produce. See Auction, n.]
1.
The beginner, former, or first mover of anything; hence, the efficient cause of a thing; a creator; an originator.

Eternal King; thee, Author of all being.
Milton.

2.
One who composes or writes a book; a composer, as distinguished from an editor, translator, or compiler.

The chief glory of every people arises from its authors.
Johnson.

3.
The editor of a periodical.
[Obs.]

4.
An informant.
[Archaic]
Chaucer.


word: Author₂
definition:
Author

Au"thor
(&asuml_;"thẽr)
v. t.
1.
To occasion; to originate.
[Obs.]

Such an overthrow . . . I have authored.
Chapman.

2.
To tell; to say; to declare.
[Obs.]

More of him I dare not author.
Massinger.


word: Authoress
definition:
Authoress

Au"thor*ess
n.
A female author.
Glover.

&hand_; The word is not very much used, author being commonly applied to a female writer as well as to a male.


word: authorise
definition:
authorise

authorise
v.
1.
grant authorization or clearance for.  Same as authorize.

Syn. -- authorize, pass, clear, permit officially.


word: authoritarian
definition:
authoritarian

authoritarian
adj.
1.
characteristic of an absolute ruler or absolute rule; having absolute sovereignty; -- of governments or rulers; as, an authoritarian regime

Syn. -- autocratic, dictatorial, despotic, tyrannical

2.
1
expecting unquestioning obedience: "he was imperious and dictatorial"; "the timid child of authoritarian parents"; "insufferably overbearing behavior toward the waiter"

Syn. -- dictatorial, overbearing


word: Authoritative
definition:
Authoritative

Au*thor"i*ta*tive
(_;)
a.
1.
Having, or proceeding from, due authority; entitled to obedience, credit, or acceptance; determinate; commanding.

The sacred functions of authoritative teaching.
Barrow.

2.
Having an air of authority; positive; dictatorial; peremptory; as, an authoritative tone.

The mock authoritative manner of the one, and the insipid mirth of the other.
Swift.


word: authorities
definition:
authorities

authorities
n.
1.
the organization that is the governing authority of a political unit.

Syn. -- government, regime.


word: Authority
definition:
Authority

Au*thor"i*ty
(_;)
n.
pl. Authorities (_;).
[OE. autorite, auctorite, F. autorité, fr. L. auctoritas, fr. auctor. See Author, n.]
1.
Legal or rightful power; a right to command or to act; power exercised buy a person in virtue of his office or trust; dominion; jurisdiction; authorization; as, the authority of a prince over subjects, and of parents over children; the authority of a court.

Thus can the demigod, Authority,
Make us pay down for our offense.
Shak.

By what authority doest thou these things ?
Matt. xxi. 23.

2.
Government; the persons or the body exercising power or command; as, the local authorities of the States; the military authorities.
[Chiefly in the plural.]

3.
The power derived from opinion, respect, or esteem; influence of character, office, or station, or mental or moral superiority, and the like; claim to be believed or obeyed; as, an historian of no authority; a magistrate of great authority.

4.
That which, or one who, is claimed or appealed to in support of opinions, actions, measures, etc.
(a)
Testimony; witness.
authority
Milton.
(b)
A precedent; a decision of a court, an official declaration, or an opinion, saying, or statement worthy to be taken as a precedent.
(c)
A book containing such a statement or opinion, or the author of the book.
(d)
Justification; warrant.

Wilt thou be glass wherein it shall discern
Authority for sin, warrant for blame.
Shak.


word: Authorization
definition:
Authorization

Au`thor*i*za"tion
(_;)
n.
[Cf. F. autorisation.]
The act of giving authority or legal power; establishment by authority; sanction or warrant.

The authorization of laws.
Motley.

A special authorization from the chief.
Merivale.


word: Authorize
definition:
Authorize

Au"thor*ize
(_;)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Authorized (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Authorizing.]
[OE. autorize, F. autoriser, fr. LL. auctorizare, authorisare. See Author.]
1.
To clothe with authority, warrant, or legal power; to give a right to act; to empower; as, to authorize commissioners to settle a boundary.

2.
To make legal; to give legal sanction to; to legalize; as, to authorize a marriage.

3.
To establish by authority, as by usage or public opinion; to sanction; as, idioms authorized by usage.

4.
To sanction or confirm by the authority of some one; to warrant; as, to authorize a report.

A woman's story at a winter's fire,
Authorized by her grandam.
Shak.

5.
To justify; to furnish a ground for.
Locke.

To authorize one's self, to rely for authority. [Obs.]
[1913 Webster]
Authorizing himself, for the most part, upon other histories. Sir P. Sidney.


word: Authorized
definition:
Authorized

Au"thor*ized
(_;)
a.
1.
Possessed of or endowed with authority; as, an authorized agent.

2.
Sanctioned by authority.

The Authorized Version of the Bible is the English translation of the Bible published in 1611 under sanction of King James I. It was “appointed to be read in churches,” and has been the accepted English Bible. The Revised Version was published in a complete form in 1855.


word: Authorship
definition:
Authorship

Au"thor*ship
n.
1.
The quality or state of being an author; function or dignity of an author.

2.
Source; origin; origination; as, the authorship of a book or review, or of an act, or state of affairs.


word: autism
definition:
autism

autism
n.
1.
(Med.)
a mental disorder characterized by inability to engage in normal social interactions and intense self-absorption, and usually accompanied by other symptoms such as language dysfunctions and repetitive behavior.
autism usually manifests itself at an early age

2.
behavior showing an abnormal level of absorption with one's own thoughts and disregard for external realities.


word: auto
definition:
auto

au"to
(?)
n.
[Gr. _; self.]
An abbreviation of automobile.

Syn. -- car, automobile, machine, motorcar


word: auto-
definition:
auto-

au"to-
(_;)
[Gr. _; self.]
1.
A combining form, with the meaning of self, one's self, one's own, itself, its own.

2.
a prefix with the meaning of self-moving, self-propelling; as, an autocar, an autocarriage, an autotruck, etc., an automobile car, carriage, truck, etc.


word: autobahn
definition:
autobahn

autobahn
n.
[German: equivalent of auto + road.]
an expressway or superhighway in a German-speaking country.


word: Autobiographer
definition:
Autobiographer

Au`to*bi*og"ra*pher
(_;)
n.
[Auto- + biographer.]
One who writes his own life or biography.


word: Autobiographical
definition:
Autobiographical

Autobiographic

{ Au`to*bi`o*graph"ic (_;), Au`to*bi`o*graph"ic*al (_;), }
a.
Pertaining to, or containing, autobiography; as, an autobiographical sketch.
autobiographic
Carlyle.
Au`to*bi`o*graph"ic*al*ly, adv.


word: Autobiography
definition:
Autobiography

Au`to*bi*og"ra*phy
(_;)
n.
pl. Autobiographies (_;).
[Auto- + biography.]
A biography written by the subject of it; memoirs of one's life written by one's self.


word: Autocarpian
definition:
Autocarpian

Autocarpous

{ Au`to*car"pous (_;), Au`to*car"pi*an (_;), }
a.
[Auto- + Gr. karpo`s fruit.]
(Bot.)
Consisting of the ripened pericarp with no other parts adnate to it, as a peach, a poppy capsule, or a grape.


word: Autocatalysis
definition:
Autocatalysis

Au`to*ca*tal"y*sis
(?)
n.
[Auto- + catalysis.]
(Chem.)
Self-catalysis; catalysis of a substance by one of its own products, as of silver oxide by the silver formed by reduction of a small portion of it.
Au`to*cat`a*lyt"ic (#), a.


word: Autocephalous
definition:
Autocephalous

Au`to*ceph"a*lous
(_;)
a.
[Gr. _; independent; _; self + _; head.]
(Eccl. Hist.)
Having its own head; independent of episcopal or patriarchal jurisdiction, as certain Greek churches.


word: auto-changer
definition:
auto-changer

auto-changer
n.
1.
an automatic device on a record player that causes new records to be played without manual intervention.

Syn. -- record changer, changer.


word: Autochronograph
definition:
Autochronograph

Au`to*chron"o*graph
(_;)
n.
[Auto- + chronograph.]
An instrument for the instantaneous self-recording or printing of time.
Knight.


word: Autochthon
definition:
Autochthon

Au*toch"thon
(_;)
n.
pl. E. Authochthons (_;), L. Autochthones (_;).
[L., fr. Gr. _;, pl. _;, from the land itself; a'yto`s self + _; earth, land.]
1.
One who is supposed to rise or spring from the ground or the soil he inhabits; one of the original inhabitants or aborigines; a native; -- commonly in the plural. This title was assumed by the ancient Greeks, particularly the Athenians.

2.
That which is original to a particular country, or which had there its origin.


word: Autochthonous
definition:
Autochthonous

Authochthonic

Autochthonal

{ Au*toch"tho*nal (_;), Au`thoch*thon"ic (_;), Au*toch"tho*nous (_;), }
a.
Aboriginal; indigenous; native.


word: Autoclastic
definition:
Autoclastic

Au`to*clas"tic
(?)
a.
[See Auto-; Clastic.]
(Geol.)
Broken in place; -- said of rocks having a broken or brecciated structure due to crushing, in contrast to those of brecciated materials brought from a distance.


word: Autoclave
definition:
Autoclave

Au"to*clave
(_;)
n.
[F., fr. Gr. a'yto`s self + L. clavis key.]
1.
A kind of French stewpan with a steam-tight lid.
Knight.

2.
a device used for sterilizing objects by exposing them to steam at above atmospheric pressure (and thus at a temperature above the normal boiling point of water).  It consists of a closed chamber able to withstand internal pressure, and a means of passing superheated steam into the chamber.  Autoclaves are made in various sizes, and are much used in hospitals and research laboratories to render instruments and equipment sterile.


word: Autocoherer
definition:
Autocoherer

Au`to*co*her"er
(?)
n.
[Auto- + coherer.]
(Wireless Teleg.)
A self-restoring coherer, as a microphonic detector.


word: autocoid
definition:
autocoid

autocoid
n.
1.
any physiologically active internal secretion, especially one of uncertain classification.

Syn. -- autacoid.


word: Autocracy
definition:
Autocracy

Au*toc"ra*cy
(_;)
n.
pl. Autocracies.
[Gr. _;: cf. F. autocratie. See Autocrat.]
1.
Independent or self-derived power; absolute or controlling authority; supremacy.

The divine will moves, not by the external impulse or inclination of objects, but determines itself by an absolute autocracy.
South.

2.
Supreme, uncontrolled, unlimited authority, or right of governing in a single person, as of an autocrat.

3.
Political independence or absolute sovereignty (of a state); autonomy.
Barlow.

4.
(Med.)
The action of the vital principle, or of the instinctive powers, toward the preservation of the individual; also, the vital principle.
[In this sense, written also autocrasy.]
Dunglison.


word: Autocrat
definition:
Autocrat

Au"to*crat
(_;)
n.
[Gr. _;; _; self + _; strength, _; strong: cf. F. autocrate. See Hard, a.]
1.
An absolute sovereign; a monarch who holds and exercises the powers of government by claim of absolute right, not subject to restriction; as, Autocrat of all the Russias (a title of the Czar).

2.
One who rules with undisputed sway in any company or relation; a despot.

The autocrat of the breakfast table.
Holmes.


word: Autocratical
definition:
Autocratical

Autocratic

{ Au`to*crat"ic (_;), Au`to*crat"ic*al (_;), }
a.
Of or pertaining to autocracy or to an autocrat; absolute; holding independent and arbitrary powers of government.
Au`to*crat"ic*al*ly, adv.


word: Autocratorical
definition:
Autocratorical

Au`to*cra*tor"ic*al
(_;)
a.
Pertaining to an autocrator; absolute.
[Obs.]
Bp. Pearson.


word: Autocratrix
definition:
Autocratrix

Au*toc"ra*trix
(_;)
n.
[NL.]
A female sovereign who is independent and absolute; -- a title given to the empresses of Russia.


word: auto-da-fe
definition:
auto-da-fe

auto-da-fe, &VerbarAu"to-da-fé"
(_;)
n.
pl. Autos-da-fé (_;).
[Pg., act of the faith; auto act, fr. L. actus + da of the + fé faith, fr. L. fides.]
1.
A judgment of the Inquisition in Spain and Portugal condemning or acquitting persons accused of religious offenses.

2.
An execution of such sentence, by the civil power, esp. the burning of a heretic.  It was usually held on Sunday, and was made a great public solemnity by impressive forms and ceremonies.

3.
Hence:
[Fig.]
The public denunciation or punishment of a person who has offended the prevailing authorities.

4.
A session of the court of Inquisition.


word: Autodynamic
definition:
Autodynamic

Au`to*dy*nam"ic
(?)
a.
[Auto- + dynamic.]
Supplying its own power, as a hydraulic ram.


word: Autoecious
definition:
Autoecious

Au*tœ"cious
(?)
a.
[Auto- + Gr. _; house.]
(Biol.)
Passing through all its stages on one host, as certain parasitic fungi; -- contrasted with heterœcious.


word: Autofecundation
definition:
Autofecundation

Au`to*fec`un*da"tion
(_;)
n.
[Auto- + fecundation.]
(Biol.)
Self-impregnation.
Darwin.


word: Autogamy
definition:
Autogamy

Au*tog"a*my
(_;)
n.
[Auto- + Gr. _; marriage.]
(Bot.)
Self-fertilization, the fertilizing pollen being derived from the same blossom as the pistil acted upon.


word: Autogenetic
definition:
Autogenetic

Au`to*ge*net"ic
(_;)
a.
(Biol.)
1.
Relating to autogenesis; self-generated.

2.
(Phys. Geog.)
Pertaining to, controlled by, or designating, a system of self-determined drainage.


word: Autogenetic drainage
definition:
Autogenetic drainage

Autogenetic drainage
(Phys. Geog.)
A system of natural drainage developed by the constituent streams through headwater erosion.


word: Autogenetic topography
definition:
Autogenetic topography

Autogenetic topography
(Phys. Geog.)
A system of land forms produced by the free action of rain and streams on rocks of uniform texture.


word: autogenic
definition:
autogenic

autogenic
adj.
1.
self-generated; self-produced.

Syn. -- autogenous

2.
(Physiology)
originating within the body; -- oposite of heterogenous.

Syn. -- autogenous


word: autogenics
definition:
autogenics

autogenics
n.
1.
training patients in self-induced relaxation.

Syn. -- autogenic therapy, autogenic training


word: Autogenous
definition:
Autogenous

Au*tog"e*nous
(_;)
a.
[Gr. _;; _; self + root of gi`gnesqai to be born.]
1.
(Biol.)
Self-generated; produced independently.

2.
(Anat.)
Developed from an independent center of ossification.
Owen.

3.
a.
Autogenetic.

Autogenous soldering, the junction by fusion of the joining edges of metals without the intervention of solder.


word: Autograph
definition:
Autograph

Au"to*graph
(_;)
n.
[F. autographe, fr. Gr. _; autographic; _; self + _; to write.]
That which is written with one's own hand; an original manuscript; a person's own signature or handwriting.


word: Autograph₂
definition:
Autograph

Au"to*graph
(_;)
a.
In one's own handwriting; as, an autograph letter; an autograph will.


word: Autographical
definition:
Autographical

Autographic

{ Au`to*graph"ic (_;), Au`to*graph"ic*al (_;), }
a.
1.
Pertaining to an autograph, or one's own handwriting; of the nature of an autograph.

2.
Pertaining to, or used in, the process of autography; as, autographic ink, paper, or press.


word: Autography
definition:
Autography

Au*tog"ra*phy
(_;)
n.
[Cf. F. autographie.]
1.
The science of autographs; a person's own handwriting; an autograph.

2.
A process in lithography by which a writing or drawing is transferred from paper to stone.
Ure.


word: autogyro
definition:
autogyro

autogyro
n.
an aircraft that is supported in flight by unpowered rotating horizontal wings (or blades); forward propulsion is provided by a conventional propeller.

Syn. -- autogiro, gryoplane


word: Autoharp
definition:
Autoharp

Au"to*harp
(?)
n.
[Auto- + harp.]
A zitherlike musical instrument, provided with dampers which, when depressed, deaden some strings, leaving free others that form a chord.


word: Autohypnotic
definition:
Autohypnotic

Au`to*hyp*not"ic
(?)
a.
Pert. to autohypnotism; self-hypnotizing.
n. An autohypnotic person.


word: Autohypnotism
definition:
Autohypnotism

Au`to*hyp"no*tism
(?)
n.
[Auto- + hypnotism.]
Hypnotism of one's self by concentration of the attention on some object or idea.


word: Auto-infection
definition:
Auto-infection

Au`to-in*fec"tion
n.
[Auto- + infection.]
(Med.)
Poisoning caused by a virus that originates and develops in the organism itself.


word: Auto-inoculation
definition:
Auto-inoculation

Au`to-in*oc`u*la"tion
n.
[Auto- + inoculation.]
(Med.)
Inoculation of a person with virus from his own body.


word: Auto-intoxication
definition:
Auto-intoxication

Au`to-in*tox`i*ca"tion
n.
[Auto- + intoxication.]
(Med.)
Poisoning, or the state of being poisoned, from toxic substances produced within the body; autotoxæmia.


word: Autokinesis
definition:
Autokinesis

Au`to*ki*ne"sis
(?)
n.
[NL.; auto- + Gr. _; motion.]
(Physiol.)
Spontaneous or voluntary movement; movement due to an internal cause.


word: Autokinetic system
definition:
Autokinetic system

Autokinetic system
In fire-alarm telegraphy, a system so arranged that when one alarm is being transmitted, no other alarm, sent in from another point, will be transmitted until after the first alarm has been disposed of.


word: autolysis
definition:
autolysis

autolysis
n.
1.
lysis of cells or tissues due to enzymatic activity from within the cell, as contrasted with externally induced lysis.
Autolysis occurs to tissues of higher animals when they are detached from the organism.


word: automat
definition:
automat

automat
n.
1.
a vending machine from which you can get food.

2.
a type of cafeteria where food is served from machines.


word: automate
definition:
automate

automate
v.
1.
make automatic; to change [a process] so that it is mostly automatic; to substitute machinery for human labor in an activity.

Syn. -- automatize.


word: automated
definition:
automated

automated
adj.
1.
1
accomplished by machinary without the intervention of a human operator; -- of processes.
Development of the automated sequence analyzer made practical a project to sequence the human genome.

Syn. -- machine-controlled, machine-driven.


word: Automath
definition:
Automath

Au"to*math
(_;)
n.
[Gr. _;; _; self + _;, _;, to learn.]
One who is self-taught.
[R.]
Young.


word: Automatical
definition:
Automatical

Automatic

{ Au`to*mat"ic (_;), Au`to*mat"ic*al (_;), }
a.
[Cf. F. automatique. See Automaton.]
1.
Having an inherent power of action or motion.

Nothing can be said to be automatic.
Sir H. Davy.

2.
Pertaining to, or produced by, an automaton; of the nature of an automaton; self-acting or self-regulating under fixed conditions; operating with minimal human intervention; -- esp. applied to machinery or devices in which certain things formerly or usually done by hand are done by the machine or device itself; as, the automatic feed of a lathe; automatic gas lighting; an automatic engine or switch; an automatic mouse; an automatic transmission.  The opposite of manual.
Narrower terms are: autoloading(prenominal), semiautomatic ; automated, machine-controlled, machine-driven ; self-acting, self-activating, self-moving, self-regulating ; self-locking ; self-winding .
Also See: mechanical.

3.
(Physiol.)
Not voluntary; not depending on the will; mechanical; controlled by the autonomic nervous system; without conscious control; as, automatic movements or functions.  The opposite of voluntary.

Syn. -- reflex(prenominal), reflexive,involuntary

Unconscious or automatic reasoning.
H. Spenser.

4.
like the unthinking functioning of a machine.
an automatic `thank you'

Syn. -- automaton-like, automatonlike, machinelike, machine-like, robotlike.

Automatic arts, such economic arts or manufacture as are carried on by self-acting machinery. Ure.


word: automatic
definition:
automatic

automatic
n.
1.
light machine gun.

Syn. -- automatic rifle, machine rifle

2.
a pistol that will keep firing until the ammunition is gone or the trigger is released; as, a .45 automatic.

Syn. -- automatic pistol.


word: Automatism
definition:
Automatism

Au*tom"a*tism
(_;)
n.
The state or quality of being automatic; the power of self-moving; automatic, mechanical, or involuntary action.
Specifically:
(Metaph.)
A theory as to the activity of matter.


word: Automaton
definition:
Automaton

Au*tom"a*ton
(_;)
n.
pl. L. Automata (_;), E. Automatons (_;).
[L. fr. Gr. _;, neut. of _; self-moving; _; self + a root ma, man, to strive, think, cf. _; to strive. See Mean, v. i.]
1.
Any thing or being regarded as having the power of spontaneous motion or action.
Huxley.

So great and admirable an automaton as the world.
Boyle.

These living automata, human bodies.
Boyle.

2.
A self-moving machine, or one which has its motive power within itself; -- applied chiefly to machines which appear to imitate spontaneously the motions of living beings, such as men, birds, etc.


word: Automatous
definition:
Automatous

Au*tom"a*tous
(_;)
a.
[L. automatus, Gr. _;. See Automaton.]
Automatic.
[Obs.]
Automatous
Sir T. Browne.


word: Automixte system
definition:
Automixte system

Au`to*mixte" system
(?)
(Mach.)
A system (devised by Henri Pieper, a Belgian) of driving automobiles employing a gasoline engine and an auxiliary reversible dynamo. When there is an excess of power the dynamo is driven by the engine so as to charge a small storage battery; when there is a deficiency of power the dynamo reverses and acts as an auxiliary motor. Sometimes called Pieper system.
Automixte car, etc.


word: Automobile
definition:
Automobile

Au"to*mo*bile`
(?)
n.
[F.]
a self-propelled vehicle used for transporting passengers, suitable for use on a street or roadway. Many diferent models of automobiles have beenbuilt and sold commercially, possessing varied features such as a retractable roof (in a convertible), different braking systems, different propulsion systems, and varied styling.  Most models have four wheels but some have been built with three wheels.  Automobiles are usually propelled by internal combustion engines (using volatile inflammable liquids, as gasoline or petrol, alcohol, naphtha, etc.), and sometimes by steam engines, or electric motors. The power of the driving motor varies from under 50 H. P. for earlier models to over 200 H. P. larger models or high-performance sports or racing cars. An automobile is commonly called a car or an auto, and generally in British usage, motor cars.

Syn. -- car, auto, machine, motorcar.


word: Automobilism
definition:
Automobilism

Au`to*mo"bil*ism
(?)
n.
The use of automobiles, or the practices, methods, or the like, of those who use them.
Au`to*mo*bil"ist, n.


word: Automorphic
definition:
Automorphic

Au`to*mor"phic
(_;)
a.
[Auto- + Gr. _; for, shape.]
Patterned after one's self.

The conception which any one frames of another's mind is more or less after the pattern of his own mind, -- is automorphic.
H. Spenser.


word: automotive
definition:
automotive

automotive
adj.
1.
of or pertaining to the automobile.
automotive supplies
automotive engineering

2.
1
containing within itself the means of propulsion or movement.
an automotive vehicle

Syn. -- self-propelled, self-propelling.


word: Autonomasy
definition:
Autonomasy

Au`to*nom"a*sy
(_;)
n.
[Auto- + Gr. _; a name, fr. _; a name; or for E. antonomasia.]
(Rhet.)
The use of a word of common or general signification for the name of a particular thing; as, “He has gone to town,” for, “He has gone to London.”


word: Autonomous
definition:
Autonomous

Au*ton"o*mous
(_;)
a.
[Gr. _;; _; self + _; to assign, hold, sway.]
1.
Independent in government; having the right or power of self-government.

2.
(Biol.)
Having independent existence or laws.


word: Autonomy
definition:
Autonomy

Au*ton"o*my
(_;)
n.
[Gr. _;: cf. F. autonomie. See Autonomous.]
1.
The power or right of self-government; self-government, or political independence, of a city or a state.

2.
(Metaph.)
The sovereignty of reason in the sphere of morals; or man's power, as possessed of reason, to give law to himself. In this, according to Kant, consist the true nature and only possible proof of liberty.
Fleming.


word: Autopathic
definition:
Autopathic

Au`to*path"ic
(?)
a.
[See Auto-, and Pathic, a.]
(Med.)
Dependent upon, or due or relating to, the structure and characteristics of the diseased organism; endopathic; as, an autopathic disease; an autopathic theory of diseases.


word: Autophagi
definition:
Autophagi

Au*toph"a*gi
(_;)
n. pl.
[NL., fr. Gr. _; self + _; to eat.]
(Zool.)
Birds which are able to run about and obtain their own food as soon as hatched.


word: Autophagy
definition:
Autophagy

Au*toph"a*gy
(?)
n.
[Gr. _; self + _; to eat.]
(Med.)
The feeding of the body upon itself, as in fasting; nutrition by consumption of one's own tissues.


word: Autophoby
definition:
Autophoby

Au*toph"o*by
(_;)
n.
[Auto- + Gr. _; fear.]
Fear of one's self; fear of being egotistical.
[R.]
Hare.


word: Autophony
definition:
Autophony

Au*toph"o*ny
(_;)
n.
[Auto- + Gr. _; a sound.]
(Med.)
An auscultatory process, which consists in noting the tone of the observer's own voice, while he speaks, holding his head close to the patient's chest.
Dunglison.


word: autopilot
definition:
autopilot

autopilot
n.
a device that automatically keeps ships or planes or spacecraft on a steady course.

Syn. -- automatic pilot.


word: Autoplasty
definition:
Autoplasty

Au"to*plas`ty
(_;)
n.
[Auto- + -plasty.]
(Surg.)
The process of artificially repairing lesions by taking a piece of healthy tissue, as from a neighboring part, to supply the deficiency caused by disease or wounds.


word: Autopneumatic
definition:
Autopneumatic

Au`to*pneu*mat"ic
(?)
a.
[Auto- + pneumatic.]
Acting or moving automatically by means of compressed air.


word: Autopsical
definition:
Autopsical

Autopsic

{ Au*top"sic (_;), Au*top"sic*al (_;), }
a.
Pertaining to autopsy; autoptical.
[Obs.]


word: Autopsorin
definition:
Autopsorin

Au*top"so*rin
(_;)
n.
[Auto- + Gr. _; the itch.]
(Med.)
That which is given under the doctrine of administering a patient's own virus.


word: Autopsy
definition:
Autopsy

Au"top*sy
(_;)
n.
[Gr. _;, fr. _; seen by one's self; _; self + _; seen: cf. F. autopsie. See Optic, a.]
1.
Personal observation or examination; seeing with one's own eyes; ocular view.

By autopsy and experiment.
Cudworth.

2.
(Med.)
Dissection of a dead body, for the purpose of ascertaining the cause, seat, or nature of a disease; a post-mortem examination.


word: Autoptical
definition:
Autoptical

Autoptic

{ Au*top"tic (&asuml_;*t&obreve_;p"tĭk), Au*top"tic*al (-tĭk*al), }
a.
[Gr. a'ytoptiko`s: cf. F. autoptique.]
Seen with one's own eyes; belonging to, or connected with, personal observation; as, autoptic testimony or experience.


word: Autoptically
definition:
Autoptically

Au*top"tic*al*ly
(&asuml_;*t&obreve_;p"tĭ*kal*l&ybreve_;)
adv.
By means of ocular view, or one's own observation.
Sir T. Browne.


word: Autoradiogram
definition:
Autoradiogram

Au`to*ra"di*o*gram
(?)
n.
[Auto- + radiogram.]
(Biochemistry)
an image produced upon photographic film by exposure of the film to a radioactive substance in close proximity to (usually in contact with) the film.
Recording the distribution of radioactive materials on an autoradiogram is a technique much used in biochemical research as part of analytical procedures, in which radioactively labeled substances are subjected to a separation process (such as electrophoresis) which can help to characterize the substance, and the resulting distribution of the labeled substance is recorded on an autoradiogram.  In microbiology and cell biology, autoradiograms may be made on the same film as a photomicrograph, permitting observation of the distribution of labeled compounds within a cell.


word: Autoradiography
definition:
Autoradiography

Au`to*ra*di*og"ra*phy
(?)
n.
the process of producing an autoradiogram by exposing photographic film to a radioactive substance in close proximity to the film.


word: Autoschediastical
definition:
Autoschediastical

Autoschediastic

{ Au`to*sche`di*as"tic (&asuml_;`to̝*skē`dĭ*ăs"tĭk), Au`to*sche`di*as"tic*al (-ăs"tĭ*kal), }
a.
[Auto- + Gr. schedia`zein to do hastily. See Schediasm.]
Extemporary; offhand.
[R.]
Dean Martin.


word: Autostability
definition:
Autostability

Au`to*sta*bil"i*ty
(?)
n.
[Auto- + stability.]
(Mechanics)
Automatic stability; also, inherent stability. An aëroplane is inherently stable if it keeps in steady poise by virtue of its shape and proportions alone; it is automatically stable if it keeps in steady poise by means of self-operative mechanism.


word: Autostylic
definition:
Autostylic

Au`to*styl"ic
(_;)
a.
[Auto- + Gr. sty^los pillar.]
(Anat.)
Having the mandibular arch articulated directly to the cranium, as in the skulls of the Amphibia.


word: Autosuggestion
definition:
Autosuggestion

Au`to*sug*ges"tion
(?)
n.
[Auto- + suggestion.]
(Med.)
1.
Self-suggestion as distinguished from suggestion coming from another, especially in hypnotism. Autosuggestion is characteristic of certain mental conditions in which expectant belief tends to produce disturbance of function of one or more organs.

2.
hypnosis induced by oneself.

Syn. -- self-hypnosis, self-suggestion.


word: autotelism
definition:
autotelism

autotelism
n.
1.
belief that a work of art is an end in itself or its own justification.


word: Autotheism
definition:
Autotheism

Au"to*the`ism
(_;)
n.
[Auto- + theism.]
1.
The doctrine of God's self-existence.
[R.]

2.
Deification of one's self; self-worship.
[R.]


word: autotomy
definition:
autotomy

autotomy
n.
1.
spontaneous removal or casting off of a body part (as the tail of a lizard or claw or a lobster) especially when the organism is injured or under attack.


word: Autotoxemia
definition:
Autotoxemia

Autotoxaemia

Au`to*tox*æ"mi*a
Au`to*tox*e"mi*a
(_;)
n.
[NL. See Auto-, and Toxæmia.]
(Physiol.)
Self-intoxication. See Auto-intoxication.


word: Autotoxication
definition:
Autotoxication

Au`to*tox`i*ca"tion
(?)
n.
[Auto- + toxication.]
(Physiol.)
Same as Auto-intoxication.


word: Autotransformer
definition:
Autotransformer

Au`to*trans*form"er
(?)
n.
[Auto- + transformer.]
(Elec.)
A transformer in which part of the primary winding is used as a secondary winding, or vice versa; -- called also a compensator or balancing coil.


word: autotroph
definition:
autotroph

autotroph
n.
an organism which is autotrophic, i. e., an organism (such as most plants and certain microorganisms) which are capable of synthesizing its own food from simple organic substances, requiring only minerals as nutrients for growth, and using carbonate or carbon dioxide as a source of carbon and simple inorganic nitrogen as a nitrogen source; the energy required is derived from photosynthesis or chemosynthesis.  Opposed to heterotroph.  See also auxotroph.

Syn. -- autophyte, autophytic plant, autotrophic organism.


word: Autotrophic
definition:
Autotrophic

Au`to*troph"ic
(?)
a.
[Auto- + trophic.]
(Plant Physiol.)
Capable of self-nourishment; requiring only minerals for growth; using carbonate or carbon dioxide as a source of carbon and simple inorganic nitrogen as a nitrogen source; -- said of all plants in which photosynthetic activity takes place, and certain bacteria.  It is opposed to parasitism or saprophytism.

2.
of or pertaining to an autotroph.


word: Autotropism
definition:
Autotropism

Au*tot"ro*pism
(?)
n.
[Auto- + Gr. _; to turn.]
(Plant Physiol.)
The tendency of plant organs to grow in a straight line when uninfluenced by external stimuli.


word: Autotype
definition:
Autotype

Au"to*type
(_;)
n.
[Auto- + -type: cf. F. autotype.]
1.
A facsimile.

2.
A photographic picture produced in sensitized pigmented gelatin by exposure to light under a negative; and subsequent washing out of the soluble parts; a kind of picture in ink from a gelatin plate.


word: Autotypography
definition:
Autotypography

Au`to*ty*pog"ra*phy
(_;)
n.
[Auto- + typography.]
A process resembling “nature printing,” by which drawings executed on gelatin are impressed into a soft metal plate, from which the printing is done as from copperplate.


word: Autumn
definition:
Autumn

Au"tumn
(_;)
n.
[L. auctumnus, autumnus, perh. fr. a root av to satisfy one's self: cf. F. automne. See Avarice.]
1.
The third season of the year, or the season between summer and winter, often called “the fall.” Astronomically, it begins in the northern temperate zone at the autumnal equinox, about September 23, and ends at the winter solstice, about December 23; but in popular language, autumn, in America, comprises September, October, and November.

&hand_; In England, according to Johnson, autumn popularly comprises August, September, and October. In the southern hemisphere, the autumn corresponds to our spring.

2.
The harvest or fruits of autumn.
Milton.

3.
The time of maturity or decline; latter portion; third stage.

Dr. Preston was now entering into the autumn of the duke's favor.
Fuller.

Life's autumn past, I stand on winter's verge.
Wordsworth.


word: Autumnal
definition:
Autumnal

Au*tum"nal
(_;)
a.
[L. auctumnalis, autumnalis: cf. F. automnal.]
1.
Of, belonging to, or peculiar to, autumn; as, an autumnal tint; produced or gathered in autumn; as, autumnal fruits; flowering in autumn; as, an autumnal plant.

Thick as autumnal leaves that strow the brooks
In Vallombrosa.
Milton.

2.
Past the middle of life; in the third stage.

An autumnal matron.
Hawthorne.

Autumnal equinox, the time when the sun crosses the equator, as it proceeds southward, or when it passes the autumnal point. -- Autumnal point, the point of the equator intersected by the ecliptic, as the sun proceeds southward; the first point of Libra. -- Autumnal signs, the signs Libra, Scorpio, and Sagittarius, through which the sun passes between the autumnal equinox and winter solstice.


word: Autunite
definition:
Autunite

Au"tun*ite
(?)
n.
[From Autun, France, its locality.]
(Min.)
A lemon-yellow phosphate of uranium and calcium occurring in tabular crystals with basal cleavage, and in micalike scales. H., 2-2.5. Sp. gr., 3.05-3.19.


word: Auxanometer
definition:
Auxanometer

Aux`a*nom"e*ter
(_;)
n.
[Gr. _; to cause to increase + -meter.]
An instrument to measure the growth of plants.
Goodale.


word: Auxesis
definition:
Auxesis

Aux*e"sis
(_;)
n.
[NL., Gr. _; increase, fr. _;, _;, to increase.]
(Rhet.)
A figure by which a grave and magnificent word is put for the proper word; amplification; hyperbole.


word: Auxetophone
definition:
Auxetophone

Aux*e"to*phone
(?)
n.
[Gr. _; that may be increased + _; sound, voice.]
A pneumatic reproducer for a phonograph, controlled by the recording stylus on the principle of the relay. It produces much clearer and louder tones than does the ordinary vibrating disk reproducer.
[obsolescent]


word: Auxiliar
definition:
Auxiliar

Aux*il"iar
(?; 106)
a.
[L. auxiliaris: cf. F. auxiliaire. See Auxiliary.]
Auxiliary.
[Archaic]

The auxiliar troops and Trojan hosts appear.
Pope.


word: Auxiliary
definition:
Auxiliary

Aux*il"ia*ry
(?; 106)
a.
[L. auxiliarius, fr. auxilium help, aid, fr. augere to increase.]
Conferring aid or help; helping; aiding; assisting; subsidiary; as auxiliary troops.

Auxiliary scales (Mus.), the scales of relative or attendant keys. See under Attendant, a. -- Auxiliary verbs (Gram.). See Auxiliary, n., 3.


word: Auxiliary₂
definition:
Auxiliary

Aux*il"ia*ry
n.
pl. Auxiliaries (_;).
1.
A helper; an assistant; a confederate in some action or enterprise.

2.
(Mil.)
pl.
Foreign troops in the service of a nation at war; (rarely in sing.), a member of the allied or subsidiary force.

3.
(Gram.)
A verb which helps to form the voices, modes, and tenses of other verbs; -- called, also, an auxiliary verb; as, have, be, may, can, do, must, shall, and will, in English; être and avoir, in French; avere and essere, in Italian; estar and haber, in Spanish.

4.
(Math.)
A quantity introduced for the purpose of simplifying or facilitating some operation, as in equations or trigonometrical formulæ.
Math. Dict.


word: auxin
definition:
auxin

aux"in
n.
1.
a substance which, in small concentrations, promotes root formation, bud growth, or certain other processes such as fruit ripening or leaf drop in plants.


word: Auxometer
definition:
Auxometer

Aux*om"e*ter
(?)
n.
[Gr. _; to increase + -meter.]
(Optics)
An instrument for measuring the magnifying power of a lens or system of lenses.


word: Av
definition:
Av

Av
n.
1.
the eleventh month of the civil year; the fifth month of the ecclesiastical year in the Jewish calendar (in July and August).

Syn. -- Ab


word: Avail
definition:
Avail

A*vail"
(_;)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Availed (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Availing.]
[OE. availen, fr. F. _; (L. ad) + valoir to be worth, fr. L. valere to be strong, to be worth. See Valiant.]
1.
To turn to the advantage of; to be of service to; to profit; to benefit; to help; as, artifices will not avail the sinner in the day of judgment.

O, what avails me now that honor high !
Milton.

2.
To promote; to assist.
[Obs.]
Pope.

To avail one's self of, to make use of; take advantage of.

Then shall they seek to avail themselves of names.
Milton.

I have availed myself of the very first opportunity.
Dickens.


word: Avail₂
definition:
Avail

A*vail"
v. i.
To be of use or advantage; to answer the purpose; to have strength, force, or efficacy sufficient to accomplish the object; as, the plea in bar must avail, that is, be sufficient to defeat the suit; this scheme will not avail; medicines will not avail to check the disease.
avail
Milton.

Words avail very little with me, young man.
Sir W. Scott.


word: Avail₃
definition:
Avail

A*vail"
(_;)
n.
1.
Profit; advantage toward success; benefit; value; as, labor, without economy, is of little avail.

The avail of a deathbed repentance.
Jer. Taylor.

2.
pl.
Proceeds; as, the avails of a sale by auction.

The avails of their own industry.
Stoddard.


word: Availability
definition:
Availability

A*vail`a*bil"i*ty
(_;)
n.
pl. Availabilities (_;).
1.
The quality of being available; availableness.

&hand_; The word is sometimes used derogatively in the sense of “mere availableness,” or capability of success without regard to worthiness.

He was . . . nominated for his availability.
Lowell.

2.
That which is available.


word: Available
definition:
Available

A*vail"a*ble
(_;)
a.
1.
Having sufficient power, force, or efficacy, for the object; effectual; valid; as, an available plea.
[Obs.]

Laws human are available by consent.
Hooker.

2.
Such as one may avail one's self of; capable of being used for the accomplishment of a purpose; usable; profitable; advantageous; convertible into a resource; as, an available measure; an available candidate.

Struggling to redeem, as he did, the available months and days out of so many that were unavailable.
Carlyle.

Having no available funds with which to pay the calls on new shares.
H. Spenser.


word: Availableness
definition:
Availableness

A*vail"a*ble*ness
n.
1.
Competent power; validity; efficacy; as, the availableness of a title.
[Obs.]

2.
Quality of being available; capability of being used for the purpose intended.
Sir M. Hale.


word: Avalanche
definition:
Avalanche

Av"a*lanche`
(?; 277)
n.
[F. avalanche, fr. avaler to descend, to let down, from aval down, downward; _; (L. ad) + val, L. vallis, valley. See Valley.]
1.
A large mass or body of snow and ice sliding swiftly down a mountain side, or falling down a precipice.

2.
A fall of earth, rocks, etc., similar to that of an avalanche of snow or ice.

3.
A sudden, great, or irresistible descent or influx of anything.


word: Avale
definition:
Avale

A*vale"
(_;)
v. t. & i.
[F. avaler to descend, to let down. See Avalanche.]
1.
To cause to descend; to lower; to let fall; to doff.
[Obs.]
Chaucer.

2.
To bring low; to abase.
[Obs.]
Sir H. Wotton.

3.
(v. i.)
To descend; to fall; to dismount.
[Obs.]

And from their sweaty courses did avale.
Spenser.


word: avant-courier
definition:
avant-courier

a*vant"-cou`ri*er
(_;)
n.
[F., fr. avant before + courrier. See Avaunt, and Courier.]
A person dispatched before another person or company, to give notice of his or their approach.


word: avant-garde
definition:
avant-garde

a*vant`-garde"
(ȧ*vänt"-gärd`)
n.
[F. avant before + E. guard, F. avant-garde. See Avaunt.]
The most advanced group of people in any field of endeavor, especially in literary and artistic work, usually characterized by new ideas and experimental techniques.


word: avant-garde₂
definition:
avant-garde

a*vant`-garde"
(ȧ*vänt"-gärd`)
a.
1.
Of, pertaining to, or belonging to the avant-garde.

2.
Characterized by the use of experimental techniques; modern; daring; radical.


word: avant-guard
definition:
avant-guard

a*vant"-guard`
(ȧ*vänt"-gärd`; 277)
n.
[F. avant before + E. guard, F. avant-garde. See Avaunt.]
1.
The van or advanced body of an army. See Vanguard.

2.
Same as avant-garde, n..


word: avaram
definition:
avaram

avaram
n.
an evergreen Indian shrub (Senna auriculata or Cassia auriculata) with vivid yellow flowers whose bark is used in tanning; it is sometimes placed in the genus Cassia.

Syn. -- tanner's cassia


word: Avarice
definition:
Avarice

Av"a*rice
(ăv"ȧ*rĭs)
n.
[F. avaritia, fr. avarus avaricious, prob. fr. avēre to covet, fr. a root av to satiate one's self: cf. Gr. 'a`menai, 'a^sai, to satiate, Skr. av to satiate one's self, rejoice, protect.]
1.
An excessive or inordinate desire of gain; greediness for wealth; covetousness; cupidity.

To desire money for its own sake, and in order to hoard it up, is avarice.
Beattie.

2.
An inordinate desire for some supposed good.

All are taught an avarice of praise.
Goldsmith.


word: Avaricious
definition:
Avaricious

Av`a*ri"cious
(ăv`ȧ*rĭsh"ŭs)
a.
[Cf. F. avaricieux.]
Actuated by avarice; greedy of gain; immoderately desirous of accumulating property.


word: avaritia
definition:
avaritia

avaritia
n.
A reprehensible acquisitiveness; insatiable desire for wealth (personified as one of the deadly sins); avarice; greed.

Syn. -- avarice, greed, covetousness, rapacity


word: Avast
definition:
Avast

A*vast"
(ȧ*vȧst")
interj.
[Corrupted from D. houd vast hold fast. See Hold, v. t., and Fast, a.]
(Naut.)
Cease; stop; stay.
Avast
Totten.


word: Avatar
definition:
Avatar

Av`a*tar"
(ăv`ȧ*t&asuml_;r")
n.
[Skr. avatâra descent; ava from + root t&rsdot_; to cross, pass over.]
1.
(Hindu Myth.)
The descent of a deity to earth, and his incarnation as a man or an animal; -- chiefly associated with the incarnations of Vishnu.

2.
An incarnation, embodiment or personification of a principle, quality, or attitude; -- used of people, mostly in a positive sense as a manifestation of a behavior or character worthy of admiration.

Martha Stewart, the home-and-hearth avatar whose products are now available at Kmart stores, is making upscale design touches like 200-thread-count cotton bed sheets something that most every American can aspire to.
Leslie Kaufman (N. Y. Times, May 7, 1999).


word: Avaunt
definition:
Avaunt

A*vaunt"
(ȧ*v&asuml_;nt" or ȧ*vänt")
interj.
[F. avant forward, fr. L. ab + ante before. Cf. Avant, Advance.]
Begone; depart; -- a word of contempt or abhorrence, equivalent to the phrase “Get thee gone.”


word: Avaunt₂
definition:
Avaunt

A*vaunt"
v. t. & i.
1.
To advance; to move forward; to elevate.
[Obs.]
Spenser.

2.
To depart; to move away.
[Obs.]
Coverdale.


word: Avaunt₃
definition:
Avaunt

A*vaunt"
v. t. & i.
[OF. avanter; à (L. ad) + vanter. See Vaunt.]
To vaunt; to boast.
[Obs.]
Chaucer.


word: Ave
definition:
Ave

A"ve
(_;)
n.
[L., hail.]
1.
An ave Maria.

He repeated Aves and Credos.
Macaulay.

2.
A reverential salutation.

Their loud applause and aves vehement.
Shak.


word: Avel
definition:
Avel

A*vel
(_;)
v. t.
[L. avellere.]
To pull away.
[Obs.]

Yet are not these parts avelled.
Sir T. Browne.


word: Avellane
definition:
Avellane

A*vel"lane
(_;)
a.
[Cf. It. avellana a filbert, fr. L. Avella or Abella a city of Campania.]
(Her.)
In the form of four unhusked filberts; as, an avellane cross.


word: Ave Mary
definition:
Ave Mary

Ave Maria

{ &VerbarA"ve Ma*ri"a (_;), A"ve Ma"ry (_;). }
[From the first words of the Roman Catholic prayer to the Virgin Mary; L. ave hail, Maria Mary.]
1.
A salutation and prayer to the Virgin Mary, as mother of God; -- used in the Roman Catholic church.

To number Ave Maries on his beads.
Shak.

2.
A particular time (as in Italy, at the ringing of the bells about half an hour after sunset, and also at early dawn), when the people repeat the Ave Maria.

Ave Maria ! blessed be the hour !
Byron.


word: Avena
definition:
Avena

A*ve"na
(_;)
n.
[L.]
(Bot.)
A genus of grasses, including the common oat (Avena sativa); the oat grasses.


word: Avenaceous
definition:
Avenaceous

Av`e*na"ceous
(_;)
a.
[L. avenaceus, fr. avena oats.]
Belonging to, or resembling, oats or the oat grasses.


word: Avenage
definition:
Avenage

Av"e*nage
(_;)
n.
[F. avenage, fr. L. avena oats.]
(Old Law)
A quantity of oats paid by a tenant to a landlord in lieu of rent.
Jacob.


word: Avenalin
definition:
Avenalin

A*ven"a*lin
(?)
n.
[L. avena eats.]
(Chem.)
A crystalline globulin, contained in oat kernels, very similar in composition to excelsin, but different in reactions and crystalline form.


word: Avener
definition:
Avener

Av"e*ner
(_;)
n.
[OF. avenier, fr. aveine, avaine, avoine, oats, F. avoine, L. avena.]
(Feud. Law)
An officer of the king's stables whose duty it was to provide oats for the horses.
[Obs.]


word: Avenge
definition:
Avenge

A*venge"
(_;)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Avenged (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Avenging (_;).]
[OF. avengier; L. ad + vindicare to lay claim to, to avenge, revenge. See Vengeance.]
1.
To take vengeance for; to exact satisfaction for by punishing the injuring party; to vindicate by inflicting pain or evil on a wrongdoer.

He will avenge the blood of his servants.
Deut. xxxii. 43.

Avenge, O Lord, thy slaughtered saints, whose bones
Lie scattered on the Alpine mountains cold.
Milton.

He had avenged himself on them by havoc such as England had never before seen.
Macaulay.

2.
To treat revengefully; to wreak vengeance on.
[Obs.]

Thy judgment in avenging thine enemies.
Bp. Hall.

I avenge myself upon another, or I avenge another, or I avenge a wrong. I revenge only myself, and that upon another.
C. J. Smith.


word: Avengement
definition:
Avengement

A*venge"ment
(_;)
n.
The inflicting of retributive punishment; satisfaction taken.
[R.]
Milton.


word: Avenger
definition:
Avenger

A*ven"ger
(_;)
n.
1.
One who avenges or vindicates; as, an avenger of blood.

2.
One who takes vengeance.
[Obs.]
Milton.


word: Avenious
definition:
Avenious

A*ve"ni*ous
(_;)
a.
[Pref. a- + L. vena a vein.]
(Bot.)
Being without veins or nerves, as the leaves of certain plants.


word: avens
definition:
avens

av"ens
(ăv"ĕnz)
n.
pl. avens.
[OF. avence.]
(Bot.)
A plant of the genus Geum, of the rose family, esp. Geum urbanum, or herb bennet.  They may bear red, yellow, or white flowers.


word: Aventail
definition:
Aventail

Av"en*tail
(_;)
n.
[OF. esventail. Cf. Ventail.]
The movable front to a helmet; the ventail.


word: Aventine
definition:
Aventine

Av"en*tine
(_;)
a.
Pertaining to Mons Aventinus, one of the seven hills on which Rome stood.
Bryant.


word: Aventine₂
definition:
Aventine

Av"en*tine
n.
A post of security or defense.
[Poetic]

Into the castle's tower,
The only Aventine that now is left him.
Beau. & Fl.


word: Aventure
definition:
Aventure

A*ven"ture
(?; 135)
n.
[See Adventure, n.]
1.
Accident; chance; adventure.
[Obs.]
Chaucer.

2.
(Old Law)
A mischance causing a person's death without felony, as by drowning, or falling into the fire.


word: Aventurine
definition:
Aventurine

A*ven"tu*rine
(_;)
n.
[F. aventurine: cf. It. avventurino.]
1.
A kind of glass, containing gold-colored spangles. It was produced in the first place by the accidental (par aventure) dropping of some brass filings into a pot of melted glass.

2.
(Min.)
A variety of translucent quartz, spangled throughout with scales of yellow mica.

Aventurine feldspar, a variety of oligoclase with internal firelike reflections due to the presence of minute crystals, probably of hematite; sunstone.


word: Avenue
definition:
Avenue

Av"e*nue
(_;)
n.
[F. avenue, fr. avenir to come to, L. advenire. See Advene.]
1.
A way or opening for entrance into a place; a passage by which a place may by reached; a way of approach or of exit.
avenues
Macaulay.

On every side were expanding new avenues of inquiry.
Milman.

2.
The principal walk or approach to a house which is withdrawn from the road, especially, such approach bordered on each side by trees; any broad passageway thus bordered.

An avenue of tall elms and branching chestnuts.
W. Black.

3.
A broad street; as, the Fifth Avenue in New York.


word: Aver
definition:
Aver

A"ver
(ā"vẽr)
n.
[OF. aver domestic animal, whence LL. averia, pl. cattle. See Habit, and cf. Average.]
A work horse, or working ox.
[Obs. or Dial. Eng.]


word: Aver₂
definition:
Aver

A*ver"
(ȧ*vẽr")
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Averred (ȧ*vẽrd"); p. pr. & vb. n. Averring.]
[F. avérer, LL. adverare, averare; L. ad + versus true. See Verity.]
1.
To assert, or prove, the truth of.
[Obs.]

2.
(Law)
To avouch or verify; to offer to verify; to prove or justify. See Averment.

3.
To affirm with confidence; to declare in a positive manner, as in confidence of asserting the truth.

It is sufficient that the very fact hath its foundation in truth, as I do seriously aver is the case.
Fielding.

Then all averred I had killed the bird.
Coleridge.


word: Average
definition:
Average

Av"er*age
(_;)
n.
[OF. average, LL. averagium, prob. fr. OF. aver, F. avoir, property, horses, cattle, etc.; prop. infin., to have, from L. habere to have. Cf. F. avérage small cattle, and avarie (perh. of different origin) damage to ship or cargo, port dues. The first meaning was perhaps the service of carting a feudal lord's wheat, then charge for carriage, the contribution towards loss of things carried, in proportion to the amount of each person's property. Cf. Aver, n., Avercorn, Averpenny.]
1.
(OLd Eng. Law)
That service which a tenant owed his lord, to be done by the work beasts of the tenant, as the carriage of wheat, turf, etc.

2.
[Cf. F. avarie damage to ship or cargo.]
(Com.)
(a)
A tariff or duty on goods, etc.
[Obs.]
(b)
Any charge in addition to the regular charge for freight of goods shipped.
(c)
A contribution to a loss or charge which has been imposed upon one of several for the general benefit; damage done by sea perils.
(d)
The equitable and proportionate distribution of loss or expense among all interested.

General average, a contribution made, by all parties concerned in a sea adventure, toward a loss occasioned by the voluntary sacrifice of the property of some of the parties in interest for the benefit of all. It is called general average, because it falls upon the gross amount of ship, cargo, and freight at risk and saved by the sacrifice. Kent. -- Particular average signifies the damage or partial loss happening to the ship, or cargo, or freight, in consequence of some fortuitous or unavoidable accident; and it is borne by the individual owners of the articles damaged, or by their insurers. -- Petty averages are sundry small charges, which occur regularly, and are necessarily defrayed by the master in the usual course of a voyage; such as port charges, common pilotage, and the like, which formerly were, and in some cases still are, borne partly by the ship and partly by the cargo. In the clause commonly found in bills of lading, “primage and average accustomed,” average means a kind of composition established by usage for such charges, which were formerly assessed by way of average. Arnould. Abbott. Phillips.

3.
A mean proportion, medial sum or quantity, made out of unequal sums or quantities; an arithmetical mean. Thus, if A loses 5 dollars, B 9, and C 16, the sum is 30, and the average 10.

4.
Any medial estimate or general statement derived from a comparison of diverse specific cases; a medium or usual size, quantity, quality, rate, etc.
average
Paley.

5.
pl.
In the English corn trade, the medial price of the several kinds of grain in the principal corn markets.

On an average, taking the mean of unequal numbers or quantities.


word: Average₂
definition:
Average

Av"er*age
(_;)
a.
1.
Pertaining to an average or mean; medial; containing a mean proportion; of a mean size, quality, ability, etc.; ordinary; usual; as, an average rate of profit; an average amount of rain; the average Englishman; beings of the average stamp.

2.
According to the laws of averages; as, the loss must be made good by average contribution.


word: Average₃
definition:
Average

Av"er*age
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Averaged (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Averaging.]
1.
To find the mean of, when sums or quantities are unequal; to reduce to a mean.

2.
To divide among a number, according to a given proportion; as, to average a loss.

3.
To do, accomplish, get, etc., on an average.


word: Average₄
definition:
Average

Av"er*age
v. i.
To form, or exist in, a mean or medial sum or quantity; to amount to, or to be, on an average; as, the losses of the owners will average twenty five dollars each; these spars average ten feet in length.


word: Avercorn
definition:
Avercorn

A"ver*corn`
(_;)
n.
[Aver, n. + corn.]
(Old Eng. Law)
A reserved rent in corn, formerly paid to religious houses by their tenants or farmers.
Kennet.


word: Averment
definition:
Averment

A*ver"ment
(_;)
n.
[Cf. OF. averement, LL. averamentum. See Aver, v. t.]
1.
The act of averring, or that which is averred; affirmation; positive assertion.

Signally has this averment received illustration in the course of recent events.
I. Taylor.

2.
Verification; establishment by evidence.
Bacon.

3.
(Law)
A positive statement of facts; an allegation; an offer to justify or prove what is alleged.

&hand_; In any stage of pleadings, when either party advances new matter, he avers it to be true, by using this form of words: “and this he is ready to verify.” This was formerly called an averment. It modern pleading, it is termed a verification.  Blackstone.


word: Avernian
definition:
Avernian

Avernal

{ A*ver"nal (_;), A*ver"ni*an (_;), }
a.
Of or pertaining to Avernus, a lake of Campania, in Italy, famous for its poisonous vapors, which ancient writers fancied were so malignant as to kill birds flying over it. It was represented by the poets to be connected with the infernal regions.


word: Averpenny
definition:
Averpenny

Av"er*pen`ny
(_;)
n.
[Aver, n. + penny.]
(Old Eng. Law)
Money paid by a tenant in lieu of the service of average.


word: Averroist
definition:
Averroist

A*ver"ro*ist
n.
One of a sect of peripatetic philosophers, who appeared in Italy before the restoration of learning; so denominated from Averroes, or Averrhoes, a celebrated Arabian philosopher. He held the doctrine of monopsychism.


word: Averruncate
definition:
Averruncate

Av`er*run"cate
(_;)
v. t.
[L. averruncare to avert; a, ab, off + verruncare to turn; formerly derived from ab and eruncare to root out. Cf. Aberuncate.]
1.
To avert; to ward off.
[Obs.]
Hudibras.

2.
To root up.
[Obs.]
Johnson.


word: Averruncation
definition:
Averruncation

Av`er*run*ca"tion
(_;)
n.
[Cf. OF. averroncation.]
1.
The act of averting.
[Obs.]

2.
Eradication.
[R.]
De Quincey.


word: Averruncator
definition:
Averruncator

Av`er*run*ca"tor
(?)
n.
An instrument for pruning trees, having two blades, or a blade and a hook, fixed on a long rod and operated by a string or wire; a tree pruner.


word: Aversation
definition:
Aversation

Av`er*sa"tion
(_;)
n.
[L. aversatio, fr. aversari to turn away, v. intens. of avertere. See Avert.]
A turning from with dislike; aversion.
[Obs.or Archaic]

Some men have a natural aversation to some vices or virtues, and a natural affection to others.
Jer. Taylor.


word: Averse
definition:
Averse

A*verse"
(_;)
a.
[L. aversus, p. p. of avertere. See Avert.]
1.
Turned away or backward.
[Obs.]

The tracks averse a lying notice gave,
And led the searcher backward from the cave.
Dryden.

2.
Having a repugnance or opposition of mind; disliking; disinclined; unwilling; reluctant.

Averse alike to flatter, or offend.
Pope.

Men who were averse to the life of camps.
Macaulay.

Pass by securely as men averse from war.
Micah ii. 8.

&hand_; The prevailing usage now is to employ to after averse and its derivatives rather than from, as was formerly the usage. In this the word is in agreement with its kindred terms, hatred, dislike, dissimilar, contrary, repugnant, etc., expressing a relation or an affection of the mind to an object.


word: Aversely
definition:
Aversely

A*verse"ly
adv.
1.
Backward; in a backward direction; as, emitted aversely.

2.
With repugnance or aversion; unwillingly.


word: Aversion
definition:
Aversion

A*ver"sion
(_;)
n.
[L. aversio: cf. F. aversion. See Avert.]
1.
A turning away.
[Obs.]

Adhesion to vice and aversion from goodness.
Bp. Atterbury.

2.
Opposition or repugnance of mind; fixed dislike; antipathy; disinclination; reluctance.

Mutual aversion of races.
Prescott.

His rapacity had made him an object of general aversion.
Macaulay.

&hand_; It is now generally followed by to before the object. [See Averse.] Sometimes towards and for are found; from is obsolete.

A freeholder is bred with an aversion to subjection.
Addison.

His aversion towards the house of York.
Bacon.

It is not difficult for a man to see that a person has conceived an aversion for him.
Spectator.

The Khasias . . . have an aversion to milk.
J. D. Hooker.

3.
The object of dislike or repugnance.

Pain their aversion, pleasure their desire.
Pope.


word: aversive
definition:
aversive

aversive
adj.
1.
of or pertaining to aversion.

2.
exhibiting avoidance or causing avoidance.
aversive conditioning
aversive behavior


word: Avert
definition:
Avert

A*vert"
(_;)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Averted; p. pr. & vb. n. Averting.]
[L. avertere; a, ab + vertere to turn: cf. OF. avertir. See Verse, n.]
To turn aside, or away; as, to avert the eyes from an object; to ward off, or prevent, the occurrence or effects of; as, how can the danger be averted?  “To avert his ire.”
Milton.

When atheists and profane persons do hear of so many discordant and contrary opinions in religion, it doth avert them from the church.
Bacon.

Till ardent prayer averts the public woe.
Prior.


word: Averted
definition:
Averted

A*vert"ed
a.
Turned away, esp. as an expression of feeling; also, offended; unpropitious.

Who scornful pass it with averted eye.
Keble.


word: Aves
definition:
Aves

A"ves
(_;)
n. pl.
[L., pl. of avis bird.]
(Zool.)
The class of Vertebrata that includes the birds.

&hand_; Aves, or birds, have a complete double circulation, oviparous reproduction, front limbs peculiarly modified as wings; and they bear feathers. All existing birds have a horny beak, without teeth; but some Mesozoic fossil birds (Odontornithes) had conical teeth inserted in both jaws. The principal groups are: Carinatæ, including all existing flying birds; Ratitæ, including the ostrich and allies, the apteryx, and the extinct moas; Odontornithes, or fossil birds with teeth.

The ordinary birds are classified largely by the structure of the beak and feet, which are in direct relation to their habits. See Beak, Bird, Odontonithes.


word: Avesta
definition:
Avesta

A*ves"ta
(_;)
n.
The Zoroastrian scriptures; the sacred text of Zoroastrianism. See Zend-Avesta.


word: Avestan
definition:
Avestan

A*ves"tan
(?)
a.
Of or pertaining to the Avesta or the language of the Avesta.
n. The language of the Avesta (an ancient Iranian language); -- less properly called Zend.

Syn. -- Zend


word: Aviado
definition:
Aviado

A`vi*a"do
(?)
n.
[Sp.]
One who works a mine with means provided by another.
[Sp. Amer. & Southwestern U. S.]


word: avianize
definition:
avianize

avianise

avianise, avianize
v.
1.
to modify microorganisms by repeated culture in the developing chick embryo.


word: Aviary
definition:
Aviary

A"vi*a*ry
(_;)
n.
pl. Aviaries (_;).
[L. aviarium, fr. aviarius pertaining to birds, fr. avis bird, akin to Gr, _;, Skr. vi.]
A house, inclosure, large cage, or other place, for keeping birds confined; a bird house.

Lincolnshire may be termed the aviary of England.
Fuller.


word: Aviate
definition:
Aviate

A"vi*ate
(?)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Aviated (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Aviating.]
To fly, or navigate the air, in an aëroplane or heavier-than-air flying machine.
[Colloq.]


word: Aviator
definition:
Aviator

A"vi*a`tor
(_;)
n.
1.
An experimenter in aviation.

2.
A flying machine.
[archaic]

3.
The driver or pilot of an aircraft, especially of an airplane.


word: Avicenniaceae
definition:
Avicenniaceae

Avicenniaceae
n.
1.
1
a family name used in some classifications: coextensive with the genus Avicennia.

Syn. -- family Avicenniaceae.


word: Avicula
definition:
Avicula

A*vic"u*la
(_;)
n.
[L., small bird.]
(Zool.)
A genus of marine bivalves, having a pearly interior, allied to the pearl oyster; -- so called from a supposed resemblance of the typical species to a bird.


word: Avicular
definition:
Avicular

A*vic"u*lar
(_;)
a.
[L. avicula a small bird, dim. of avis bird.]
Of or pertaining to a bird or to birds.


word: Avicularia
definition:
Avicularia

A*vic`u*la"ri*a
(_;)
n. pl.
[NL. See Avicular.]
(Zool.)
See prehensile processes on the cells of some Bryozoa, often having the shape of a bird's bill.


word: Aviculture
definition:
Aviculture

A"vi*cul`ture
(?; 135)
n.
[L. avis bird + cultura culture.]
(Zool.)
Rearing and care of birds.


word: Avid
definition:
Avid

Av"id
(_;)
a.
[L. avidus, fr. av_;re to long: cf. F. avide. See Avarice.]
Longing eagerly for; eager; greedy.
Avid
Southey.


word: Avidity
definition:
Avidity

A*vid"i*ty
(_;)
n.
[L. aviditas, fr. avidus: cf. F. avidité. See Avid.]
Greediness; strong appetite; eagerness; intenseness of desire; as, to eat with avidity.

His books were received and read with avidity.
Milward.


word: Aviette
definition:
Aviette

A`vi*ette"
(?)
n.
A heavier-than-air flying machine in which the motive power is furnished solely by the aviator.

In the 1980's and 1990's, using modern light-weight but strong films and supporting structures, planes such as the Gossamer Condor and Gossamer Albatross were built, powered by a human using pedals to drive the propeller, which could fly for tens of miles.  These machines, however, were seldom if ever referred to as aviettes.


word: Avifauna
definition:
Avifauna

A`vi*fau"na
(_;)
n.
[NL., fr. L. avis bird + E. fauna.]
(Zool.)
The birds, or all the kinds of birds, inhabiting a region.


word: Avignon berry
definition:
Avignon berry

A`vignon" ber"ry
(_;)
(Bot.)
The fruit of the Rhamnus infectorius, eand of other species of the same genus; -- so called from the city of Avignon, in France. It is used by dyers and painters for coloring yellow. Called also French berry.


word: Avile
definition:
Avile

A*vile"
(_;)
v. t.
[OF. aviler, F. avilir; a (L. ad) + vil vile. See Vile.]
To abase or debase; to vilify; to depreciate.
[Obs.]

Want makes us know the price of what we avile.
B. Jonson.


word: Avise
definition:
Avise

A*vise"
(_;)
v. t.
[F. aviser. See Advise, v. t.]
1.
To look at; to view; to think of.
[Obs.]
Chaucer.

2.
To advise; to counsel.
[Obs.]
Shak.

To avise one's self, to consider with one's self, to reflect, to deliberate. [Obs.] Chaucer.

Now therefore, if thou wilt enriched be,
Avise thee well, and change thy willful mood.
Spenser.


word: Avocado
definition:
Avocado

Av`o*ca"do
(_;)
n.
[Corrupted from the Mexican ahuacatl: cf. Sp. aguacate, F. aguacaté, avocat, G. avogadobaum.]
The pulpy fruit of Persea gratissima, a tree of tropical America. It is about the size and shape of a large pear; -- called also avocado pear, alligator pear, midshipman's butter.


word: Avocate
definition:
Avocate

Av"o*cate
(_;)
v. t.
[L. avocatus, p. p. of avocare; a, ab + vocare to call. Cf. Avoke, and see Vocal, a.]
To call off or away; to withdraw; to transfer to another tribunal.
[Obs. or Archaic]

One who avocateth his mind from other occupations.
Barrow.

He, at last, . . . avocated the cause to Rome.
Robertson.


word: Avocation
definition:
Avocation

Av`o*ca"tion
(_;)
n.
[L. avocatio.]
1.
A calling away; a diversion.
[Obs. or Archaic]

Impulses to duty, and powerful avocations from sin.
South.

2.
That which calls one away from one's regular employment or vocation.

Heaven is his vocation, and therefore he counts earthly employments avocations.
Fuller.

By the secular cares and avocations which accompany marriage the clergy have been furnished with skill in common life.
Atterbury.

&hand_; In this sense the word is applied to the smaller affairs of life, or occasional calls which summon a person to leave his ordinary or principal business. Avocation (in the singular) for vocation is usually avoided by good writers.

3.
pl.
Pursuits; duties; affairs which occupy one's time; usual employment; vocation.

There are professions, among the men, no more favorable to these studies than the common avocations of women.
Richardson.

In a few hours, above thirty thousand men left his standard, and returned to their ordinary avocations.
Macaulay.

An irregularity and instability of purpose, which makes them choose the wandering avocations of a shepherd, rather than the more fixed pursuits of agriculture.
Buckle.


word: Avoset
definition:
Avoset

Avocet

{ Av"o*cet, Av"o*set  }
(ăv"o̝*sĕt)
n.
[F. avocette: cf. It. avosetta, Sp. avoceta.]
(Zool.)
A grallatorial bird, of the genus Recurvirostra; the scooper.  The bill is long and bend upward toward the tip.  The American species is Recurvirostra Americana.
[Written also avocette.]


word: Avoid
definition:
Avoid

A*void"
(_;)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Avoided; p. pr. & vb. n. Avoiding.]
[OF. esvuidier, es (L. ex) + vuidier, voidier, to empty. See Void, a.]
1.
To empty.
[Obs.]
Wyclif.

2.
To emit or throw out; to void; as, to avoid excretions.
[Obs.]
Sir T. Browne.

3.
To quit or evacuate; to withdraw from.
[Obs.]

Six of us only stayed, and the rest avoided
the room.
Bacon.

4.
To make void; to annul or vacate; to refute.

How can these grants of the king's be avoided?
Spenser.

5.
To keep away from; to keep clear of; to endeavor no to meet; to shun; to abstain from; as, to avoid the company of gamesters.

What need a man forestall his date of grief.
And run to meet what he would most avoid ?
Milton.

He carefully avoided every act which could goad them into open hostility.
Macaulay.

6.
To get rid of.
[Obs.]
Shak.

7.
(Pleading)
To defeat or evade; to invalidate. Thus, in a replication, the plaintiff may deny the defendant's plea, or confess it, and avoid it by stating new matter.
Blackstone.

No man can pray from his heart to be kept from temptation, if the take no care of himself to avoid it.
Mason.

So Chanticleer, who never saw a fox,
Yet shunned him as a sailor shuns the rocks.
Dryden.


word: Avoid₂
definition:
Avoid

A*void"
v. i.
1.
To retire; to withdraw.
[Obs.]

David avoided out of his presence.
1 Sam. xviii. 11.

2.
(Law)
To become void or vacant.
[Obs.]
Ayliffe.


word: Avoidable
definition:
Avoidable

A*void"a*ble
(_;)
a.
1.
Capable of being vacated; liable to be annulled or made invalid; voidable.

The charters were not avoidable for the king's nonage.
Hale.

2.
Capable of being avoided, shunned, or escaped.


word: Avoidance
definition:
Avoidance

A*void"ance
(_;)
n.
1.
The act of annulling; annulment.

2.
The act of becoming vacant, or the state of being vacant; -- specifically used for the state of a benefice becoming void by the death, deprivation, or resignation of the incumbent.

Wolsey, . . . on every avoidance of St. Peter's chair, was sitting down therein, when suddenly some one or other clapped in before him.
Fuller.

3.
A dismissing or a quitting; removal; withdrawal.

4.
The act of avoiding or shunning; keeping clear of.
avoidance
Beattie.

5.
The courts by which anything is carried off.

Avoidances and drainings of water.
Bacon.


word: Avoider
definition:
Avoider

A*void"er
(_;)
n.
1.
The person who carries anything away, or the vessel in which things are carried away.
Johnson.

2.
One who avoids, shuns, or escapes.


word: Avoirdupois
definition:
Avoirdupois

Av`oir*du*pois"
(ăv`ẽr*d&uuptack_;*poiz")
n. & a.
[OE. aver de peis, goods of weight, where peis is fr. OF. peis weight, F. poids, L. pensum. See Aver, n., and Poise, n.]
1.
Goods sold by weight.
[Obs.]

2.
Avoirdupois weight.

3.
Weight; heaviness; as, a woman of much avoirdupois.
[Colloq.]

Avoirdupois weight, a system of weights by which coarser commodities are weighed, such as hay, grain, butter, sugar, tea.

&hand_; The standard Avoirdupois pound of the United States is equivalent to the weight of 27.7015 cubic inches of distilled water at 62° Fahrenheit, the barometer being at 30 inches, and the water weighed in the air with brass weights. In this system of weights 16 drams make 1 ounce, 16 ounces 1 pound, 25 pounds 1 quarter, 4 quarters 1 hundred weight, and 20 hundred weight 1 ton. The above pound contains 7,000 grains, or 453.54 grams, so that 1 pound avoirdupois is equivalent to 1 31-144 pounds troy. (See Troy weight.) Formerly, a hundred weight was reckoned at 112 pounds, the ton being 2,240 pounds (sometimes called a long ton).


word: Avolate
definition:
Avolate

Av"o*late
(_;)
v. i.
[L. avolare; a (ab) + volare to fly.]
To fly away; to escape; to exhale.
[Obs.]


word: Avouch
definition:
Avouch

A*vouch"
(_;)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Avouched (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Avouching.]
[OF. avochier, LL. advocare to recognize the existence of a thing, to advocate, fr. L. advocare to call to; ad + vocare to call. Cf. Avow to declare, Advocate, and see Vouch, v. t.]
1.
To appeal to; to cite or claim as authority.
[Obs.]

They avouch many successions of authorities.
Coke.

2.
To maintain a just or true; to vouch for.

We might be disposed to question its authenticity, it if were not avouched by the full evidence.
Milman.

3.
To declare or assert positively and as matter of fact; to affirm openly.

If this which he avouches does appear.
Shak.

Such antiquities could have been avouched for the Irish.
Spenser.

4.
To acknowledge deliberately; to admit; to confess; to sanction.

Thou hast avouched the Lord this day to be thy God.
Deut. xxvi. 17.


word: Avouch₂
definition:
Avouch

A*vouch"
(_;)
n.
Evidence; declaration.
[Obs.]

The sensible and true avouch
Of mine own eyes.
Shak.


word: Avow
definition:
Avow

A*vow"
(_;)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Avowed (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Avowing.]
[F. avouver, fr. L. advocare to call to (whence the meanings, to call upon as superior; recognize as lord, own, confess); ad + vocare to call. See Advocate, Avouch.]
1.
To declare openly, as something believed to be right; to own or acknowledge frankly; as, a man avows his principles or his crimes.

Which I to be the of Israel's God
Avow, and challenge Dagon to the test.
Milton.

2.
(Law)
To acknowledge and justify, as an act done. See Avowry.
Blackstone.


word: Avow₃
definition:
Avow

A*vow"
v. t. & i.
[OF. avouer, fr. LL. votare to vow, fr. L. votun. See Vote, n.]
To bind, or to devote, by a vow.
[Obs.]
Wyclif.


word: Avowable
definition:
Avowable

A*vow"a*ble
(_;)
a.
Capable of being avowed, or openly acknowledged, with confidence.
Donne.


word: Avowal
definition:
Avowal

A*vow"al
(_;)
n.
An open declaration; frank acknowledgment; as, an avowal of such principles.
Hume.


word: Avowance
definition:
Avowance

A*vow"ance
(_;)
n.
1.
Act of avowing; avowal.

2.
Upholding; defense; vindication.
[Obs.]

Can my avowance of king-murdering be collected from anything here written by me?
Fuller.


word: Avowant
definition:
Avowant

A*vow"ant
(_;)
n.
(Law)
The defendant in replevin, who avows the distress of the goods, and justifies the taking.
Cowell.


word: Avowee
definition:
Avowee

A*vow`ee"
(_;)
n.
[F. avoué. Cf. Advowee, Advocate, n.]
The person who has a right to present to a benefice; the patron; an advowee. See Advowson.


word: Avowry
definition:
Avowry

A*vow"ry
(_;)
n.
[OE. avouerie protection, authority, OF. avouerie. See Avow to declare.]
1.
An advocate; a patron; a patron saint.
[Obs.]

Let God alone be our avowry.
Latimer.

2.
The act of the distrainer of goods, who, in an action of replevin, avows and justifies the taking in his own right.
Blackstone.

&hand_; When an action of replevin is brought, the distrainer either makes avowry, that is, avours taking the distress in his own right, or the right of his wife, and states the reason if it, as for arrears of rent, damage done, or the like; or makes cognizance, that is, acknowledges the taking, but justifies in an another's right, as his bailiff or servant.


word: Avoyer
definition:
Avoyer

A*voy"er
(_;)
n.
[F.]
A chief magistrate of a free imperial city or canton of Switzerland.
[Obs.]


word: Avulse
definition:
Avulse

A*vulse"
(_;)
v. t.
[L. avulsus, p. p. of avellere to tear off; a (ab) + vellere to pluck.]
To pluck or pull off.
Shenstone.


word: Avulsion
definition:
Avulsion

A*vul"sion
(_;)
n.
[L. avulsio.]
1.
A tearing asunder; a forcible separation.

The avulsion of two polished superficies.
Locke.

2.
A fragment torn off.
J. Barlow.

3.
(Law)
The sudden removal of lands or soil from the estate of one man to that of another by an inundation or a current, or by a sudden change in the course of a river by which a part of the estate of one man is cut off and joined to the estate of another. The property in the part thus separated, or cut off, continues in the original owner.
Wharton. Burrill.


word: Avuncular
definition:
Avuncular

A*vun"cu*lar
(_;)
a.
[L. avunculus uncle.]
Of or pertaining to an uncle.

In these rare instances, the law of pedigree, whether direct or avuncular, gives way.
I. Taylor.


word: Await
definition:
Await

A*wait"
(_;)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Awaited; p. pr. & vb. n. Awaiting.]
[OF. awaitier, agaitier; _; (L. ad) + waitier, gaitier to watch, F. guetter. See Wait.]
1.
To watch for; to look out for.
[Obs.]

2.
To wait on, serve, or attend.
[Obs.]

3.
To wait for; to stay for; to expect. See Expect.

Betwixt these rocky pillars Gabriel sat,
Chief of the angelic guards, awaiting night.
Milton.

4.
To be in store for; to be ready or in waiting for; as, a glorious reward awaits the good.

O Eve, some farther change awaits us night.
Milton.


word: Await₂
definition:
Await

A*wait"
v. i.
1.
To watch.
[Obs.]
Chaucer.

2.
To wait (on or upon).
[Obs.]

3.
To wait; to stay in waiting.
Darwin.


word: awaited
definition:
awaited

awaited
pred. adj.
1.
expected.  Opposite of unexpected.

Syn. -- anticipated, hoped-for, prospective.


word: Awake
definition:
Awake

A*wake"
(_;)
v. t.
[imp. Awoke (_;), Awaked (_;); p. p. Awaked; (Obs.) Awaken, Awoken; p. pr. & vb. n. Awaking. The form Awoke is sometimes used as a p. p.]
[AS. āwæcnan, v. i. (imp. aw&omacrc), and āwacian, v. i. (imp. awacode). See Awaken, Wake.]
1.
To rouse from sleep; to wake; to awaken.

Where morning's earliest ray . . . awake her.
Tennyson.

And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us; we perish.
Matt. viii. 25.

2.
To rouse from a state resembling sleep, as from death, stupidity., or inaction; to put into action; to give new life to; to stir up; as, to awake the dead; to awake the dormant faculties.

I was soon awaked from this disagreeable reverie.
Goldsmith.

It way awake my bounty further.
Shak.

No sunny gleam awakes the trees.
Keble.


word: Awake₂
definition:
Awake

A*wake"
(_;)
v. i.
To cease to sleep; to come out of a state of natural sleep; and, figuratively, out of a state resembling sleep, as inaction or death.

The national spirit again awoke.
Freeman.

Awake to righteousness, and sin not.
1 Cor. xv. 34.


word: Awake₃
definition:
Awake

A*wake"
a.
[From awaken, old p. p. of awake.]
Not sleeping or lethargic; roused from sleep; in a state of vigilance or action.

Before whom awake I stood.
Milton.

She still beheld,
Now wide awake, the vision of her sleep.
Keats.

He was awake to the danger.
Froude.


word: Awaken
definition:
Awaken

A*wak"en
(_;)
v. t. & i.
[imp. & p. p. Awakened (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Awakening.]
[OE. awakenen, awaknen, AS. āwæcnan, āwæcnian, v. i.; pref. on- + wæcnan to wake. Cf. Awake, v. t.]
To rouse from sleep or torpor; to awake; to wake.

[He] is dispatched
Already to awaken whom thou nam'st.
Cowper.

Their consciences are thoroughly awakened.
Tillotson.


word: Awakening
definition:
Awakening

A*wak"en*ing
a.
Rousing from sleep, in a natural or a figurative sense; rousing into activity; exciting; as, the awakening city; an awakening discourse; the awakening dawn.
A*wak"en*ing*ly, adv.


word: Awakening₂
definition:
Awakening

A*wak"en*ing
n.
The act of awaking, or ceasing to sleep. Specifically: A revival of religion, or more general attention to religious matters than usual.


word: Awanting
definition:
Awanting

A*want"ing
(_;)
a.
[Pref. a- + wanting.]
Missing; wanting.
[Prov. Scot. & Eng.]
Sir W. Hamilton.


word: Award
definition:
Award

A*ward"
(_;)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Awarded; p. pr. & vb. n. Awarding.]
[OF. eswarder to look at, consider, decide, judge; es (L. ex) + warder, garder, to observe, take heed, keep, fr. OHG. wartēn to watch, guard. See Ward.]
To give by sentence or judicial determination; to assign or apportion, after careful regard to the nature of the case; to adjudge; as, the arbitrators awarded damages to the complainant.

To review
The wrongful sentence, and award a new.
Dryden.


word: Award₃
definition:
Award

A*ward"
n.
[Cf. OF. award, awart, esgart. See Award, v. t.]
1.
A judgment, sentence, or final decision. Specifically: The decision of arbitrators in a case submitted.
award
Cowper.

An award had been given against.
Gilpin.

2.
The paper containing the decision of arbitrators; that which is warded.
Bouvier.


word: Awarder
definition:
Awarder

A*ward"er
(_;)
n.
One who awards, or assigns by sentence or judicial determination; a judge.


word: Aware
definition:
Aware

A*ware"
(_;)
a.
[OE. iwar, AS. gewær, fr. wær wary. The pref. ge- orig. meant together, completely. _;. See Wary.]
1.
Watchful; vigilant or on one's guard against danger or difficulty.

2.
Apprised; informed; cognizant; conscious; as, he was aware of the enemy's designs.

Aware of nothing arduous in a task
They never undertook.
Cowper.


word: awareness
definition:
awareness

awareness
n.
conscious knowledge; as, he had no awareness of his mistakes.

Syn. -- cognizance, knowingness.

2.
a state of elementary or undifferentiated consciousness; as, the crash intruded on his awareness.

Syn. -- sentience.


word: Awarn
definition:
Awarn

A*warn"
(_;)
v. t.
[Pref. a- + warn, AS. gewarnian. See Warn, v. t.]
To warn.
[Obs.]
Spenser.


word: awash
definition:
awash

a*wash"
(_;)
a.
[Pref. a- + wash.]
1.
Washed by the waves or tide; -- said of a rock or strip of shore;
or specifically:
(Naut.)
flush with the surface of the water, so that the waves break over it; -- of an anchor, etc.

2.
Abounding; filled; covered; -- used mostly with in or with, in phrases such as “stores awash with customers”.


word: Away
definition:
Away

A*way"
(_;)
adv.
[AS. aweg, anweg, onweg; on on + weg way.]
1.
From a place; hence.

The sound is going away.
Shak.

Have me away, for I am sore wounded.
2 Chron. xxxv. 23.

2.
Absent; gone; at a distance; as, the master is away from home.

3.
Aside; off; in another direction.

The axis of rotation is inclined away from the sun.
Lockyer.

4.
From a state or condition of being; out of existence.

Be near me when I fade away.
Tennyson.

5.
By ellipsis of the verb, equivalent to an imperative: Go or come away; begone; take away.

And the Lord said . . . Away, get thee down.
Exod. xix. 24.

6.
On; in continuance; without intermission or delay; as, sing away.
[Colloq.]

&hand_; It is much used in phrases signifying moving or going from; as, go away, run away, etc.; all signifying departure, or separation to a distance. Sometimes without the verb; as, whither away so fast ? “Love hath wings, and will away.” Waller. It serves to modify the sense of certain verbs by adding that of removal, loss, parting with, etc.; as, to throw away; to trifle away; to squander away, etc. Sometimes it has merely an intensive force; as, to blaze away.

Away with, bear, abide. [Obs. or Archaic] “The calling of assemblies, I can not away with.” (Isa. i. 13), i. e., “I can not bear or endure [it].” -- Away with one, signifies, take him away.  “Away with him, crucify him.” John xix. 15. -- To make away with. (a) To kill or destroy. (b) To carry off.


word: Away-going
definition:
Away-going

A*way"-go"ing
(ȧ*wā"go"ĭng)
a.
(Law)
Sown during the last years of a tenancy, but not ripe until after its expiration; -- said of crops.
Wharton.


word: Awe
definition:
Awe

Awe
(&asuml_;)
n.
[OE. a&yogh_;e, aghe, fr. Icel. agi; akin to AS. ege, &omacrga, Goth. agis, Dan. ave chastisement, fear, Gr. 'a`chos pain, distress, from the same root as E. ail. √3. Cf. Ugly.]
1.
Dread; great fear mingled with respect.
[Obs. or Obsolescent]

His frown was full of terror, and his voice
Shook the delinquent with such fits of awe.
Cowper.

2.
The emotion inspired by something dreadful and sublime; an undefined sense of the dreadful and the sublime; reverential fear, or solemn wonder; profound reverence.

There is an awe in mortals' joy,
A deep mysterious fear.
Keble.

To tame the pride of that power which held the Continent in awe.
Macaulay.

The solitude of the desert, or the loftiness of the mountain, may fill the mind with awe -- the sense of our own littleness in some greater presence or power.
C. J. Smith.

To stand in awe of, to fear greatly; to reverence profoundly.


word: Awe₂
definition:
Awe

Awe
(_;)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Awed (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Awing.]
To strike with fear and reverence; to inspire with awe; to control by inspiring dread.

That same eye whose bend doth awe the world.
Shak.

His solemn and pathetic exhortation awed and melted the bystanders.
Macaulay.


word: Aweather
definition:
Aweather

A*weath"er
(_;)
adv.
[Pref. a- + weather.]
(Naut.)
On the weather side, or toward the wind; in the direction from which the wind blows; -- opposed to alee; as, helm aweather!
Totten.


word: Aweigh
definition:
Aweigh

A*weigh"
(_;)
adv.
[Pref. a- + weigh.]
(Naut.)
Just drawn out of the ground, and hanging perpendicularly; atrip; -- said of the anchor.
Totten.


word: Awesome
definition:
Awesome

Awe"some
(_;)
a.
1.
Causing awe; appalling; awful; as, an awesome sight.
Wright.

2.
Expressive of awe or terror.

An awesome glance up at the auld castle.
Sir W. Scott.


word: Awful
definition:
Awful

Aw"ful
(_;)
a.
1.
Oppressing with fear or horror; appalling; terrible; as, an awful scene.
awful
Hemans.

2.
Inspiring awe; filling with profound reverence, or with fear and admiration; fitted to inspire reverential fear; profoundly impressive.

Heaven's awful Monarch.
Milton.

3.
Struck or filled with awe; terror-stricken.
[Obs.]

A weak and awful reverence for antiquity.
I. Watts.

4.
Worshipful; reverential; law-abiding.
[Obs.]

Thrust from the company of awful men.
Shak.

5.
Frightful; exceedingly bad; great; -- applied intensively; as, an awful bonnet; an awful boaster.
[Slang]


word: Awfully
definition:
Awfully

Aw"ful*ly
adv.
1.
In an awful manner; in a manner to fill with terror or awe; fearfully; reverently.

2.
Very; excessively.
[Slang]


word: Awfulness
definition:
Awfulness

Aw"ful*ness
n.
1.
The quality of striking with awe, or with reverence; dreadfulness; solemnity; as, the awfulness of this sacred place.

The awfulness of grandeur.
Johnson.

2.
The state of being struck with awe; a spirit of solemnity; profound reverence.
[Obs.]

Producing in us reverence and awfulness.
Jer. Taylor.


word: Awhile
definition:
Awhile

A*while"
(_;)
adv.
[Adj. a + while time, interval.]
For a while; for some time; for a short time.


word: Awk
definition:
Awk

Awk
(&asuml_;k)
a.
[OE. auk, awk (properly) turned away; (hence) contrary, wrong, from Icel. öfigr, öfugr, afigr, turning the wrong way, fr. af off, away; cf. OHG. abuh, Skr. apāc turned away, fr. apa off, away + a root ak, aŭk, to bend, from which come also E. angle, anchor.]

1.
Odd; out of order; perverse.
[Obs.]

2.
Wrong, or not commonly used; clumsy; sinister; as, the awk end of a rod (the but end).
[Obs.]
Golding.

3.
Clumsy in performance or manners; unhandy; not dexterous; awkward.
[Obs. or Prov. Eng.]


word: Awkly
definition:
Awkly

Awk"ly
adv.
1.
In an unlucky (left-handed) or perverse manner.
[Obs.]
Holland.

2.
Awkwardly.
[Obs.]
Fuller.


word: Awkward
definition:
Awkward

Awk"ward
(&asuml_;k"weẽrd)
a.
[Awk + -ward.]
1.
Wanting dexterity in the use of the hands, or of instruments; not dexterous; without skill; clumsy; wanting ease, grace, or effectiveness in movement; ungraceful; as, he was awkward at a trick; an awkward boy.

And dropped an awkward courtesy.
Dryden.

2.
Not easily managed or effected; embarrassing.

A long and awkward process.
Macaulay.

An awkward affair is one that has gone wrong, and is difficult to adjust.
C. J. Smith.

3.
Perverse; adverse; untoward.
[Obs.]
Awkward
Awkward
Shak.

O blind guides, which being of an awkward religion, do strain out a gnat, and swallow up a cancel.
Udall.


word: Awl
definition:
Awl

Awl
(&asuml_;l)
n.
[OE. aul, awel, al, AS. &aemacr_;l, awel; akin to Icel. alr, OHG. āla, G. ahle, Lith. yla, Skr. ārā.]
A pointed instrument for piercing small holes, as in leather or wood; used by shoemakers, saddlers, cabinetmakers, etc. The blade is differently shaped and pointed for different uses, as in the brad awl, saddler's awl, shoemaker's awl, etc.


word: Awless
definition:
Awless

Aw"less
(&asuml_;"lĕs)
a.
1.
Wanting reverence; void of respectful fear.
Awless
Dryden.

2.
Inspiring no awe.
[Obs.]
awless
Shak.
 [Written also aweless]


word: Awl-shaped
definition:
Awl-shaped

Awl"-shaped`
(&asuml_;l"shāpt`)
a.
1.
Shaped like an awl.

2.
(Nat. Hist.)
Subulate. See Subulate.
Gray.


word: Awlwort
definition:
Awlwort

Awl"wort`
(&asuml_;l"wûrt`)
n.
[Awl + wort.]
(Bot.)
A plant (Subularia aquatica), with awl-shaped leaves.


word: Awn
definition:
Awn

Awn
(&asuml_;n)
n.
[OE.  awn, agune, from Icel. ögn, pl. agnir; akin to Sw. agn, Dan. avne, Goth. ahana, OHG. agana, G. agen, ahne, chaff, Gr. 'a`chnh, AS. egla; prob. from same root as E. acute. See 3d Ear. √1.]
(Bot.)
The bristle or beard of barley, oats, grasses, etc., or any similar bristlelike appendage; arista.
Gray.


word: Awned
definition:
Awned

Awned
(&asuml_;nd)
a.
(Bot.)
Furnished with an awn, or long bristle-shaped tip; bearded.
Gray.


word: Awning
definition:
Awning

Awn"ing
(&asuml_;n"ĭng)
n.
[Origin uncertain: cf. F. auvent awing, or Pers. āwan, āwang, anything suspended, or LG. havening a place sheltered from wind and weather, E. haven.]
1.
A rooflike cover, usually of canvas, extended over or before any place as a shelter from the sun, rain, or wind.

2.
(Naut.)
That part of the poop deck which is continued forward beyond the bulkhead of the cabin.


word: Awry
definition:
Awry

A*wry"
(ȧ*rī")
adv. & a.
[Pref. a- + wry.]
1.
Turned or twisted toward one side; not in a straight or true direction, or position; out of the right course; distorted; obliquely; asquint; with oblique vision; as, to glance awry.
awry
Shak.

Blows them transverse, ten thousand leagues awry.
Into the devious air.
Milton.

2.
Aside from the line of truth, or right reason; unreasonable or unreasonably; perverse or perversely.

Or by her charms
Draws him awry, enslaved.
Milton.

Nothing more awry from the law of God and nature than that a woman should give laws to men.
Milton.


word: Axe
definition:
Axe

Ax

{ Ax, Axe, }
(ăks)
n.
[OE. ax, axe, AS. eax, æx, acas; akin to D. akse, OS. accus, OHG. acchus, G. axt, Icel. öx, öxi, Sw. yxe, Dan. ökse, Goth. aqizi, Gr. 'axi`nh, L. ascia; not akin to E. acute.]
A tool or instrument of steel, or of iron with a steel edge or blade, for felling trees, chopping and splitting wood, hewing timber, etc. It is wielded by a wooden helve or handle, so fixed in a socket or eye as to be in the same plane with the blade. The broadax, or carpenter's ax, is an ax for hewing timber, made heavier than the chopping ax, and with a broader and thinner blade and a shorter handle.

The ancient battle-ax had sometimes a double edge.

&hand_; The word is used adjectively or in combination; as, axhead or ax head; ax helve; ax handle; ax shaft; ax-shaped; axlike.

This word was originally spelt with e, axe; and so also was nearly every corresponding word of one syllable: as, flaxe, taxe, waxe, sixe, mixe, pixe, oxe, fluxe, etc. This superfluous e is not dropped; so that, in more than a hundred words ending in x, no one thinks of retaining the e except in axe. Analogy requires its exclusion here.

“The spelling ax is better on every ground, of etymology, phonology, and analogy, than axe, which has of late become prevalent.”  New English Dict. (Murray).


word: Ax
definition:
Ax

Ax
(ăks)
v. t. & i.
[OE. axien and asken. See Ask.]
To ask; to inquire or inquire of.

&hand_; This word is from Saxon, and is as old as the English language. Formerly it was in good use, but now is regarded as a vulgarism. It is still dialectic in England, and is sometimes heard among the uneducated in the United States. “And Pilate axide him, Art thou king of Jewis?” “Or if he axea fish.” Wyclif. 'bdThe king axed after your Grace's welfare.”  Pegge.


word: axenic
definition:
axenic

axenic
adj.
1.
raised under sterile conditions; -- of experimental animals; as, axenic conditions.

2.
pure or completely free of the presence of other organisms; -- used of cultures of microorganisms; as, an axenic culture.

Syn. -- uncontaminated; germ-free.


word: axerophthol
definition:
axerophthol

axerophthol
n.
1.
a vitamin essential for normal vision (C20H30O); it prevents night blindness or inflammation or dryness of the eyes; same as vitamin A.  One U.S.P. unit of vitamin A is equivalent to 0.30 micrograms of pure vitamin A alcohol.

Syn. -- vitamin A; vitamin A alcohol; antiophthalmic factor; biosterol; retinol; A.


word: Axial
definition:
Axial

Ax"i*al
(_;)
a.
1.
Of or pertaining to an axis; of the nature of, or resembling, an axis; around an axis.

To take on an axial, and not an equatorial, direction.
Nichol.

2.
(Anat.)
Belonging to the axis of the body; as, the axial skeleton; or to the axis of any appendage or organ; as, the axial bones.

Axial line (Magnetism), the line taken by the magnetic force in passing from one pole of a horseshoe magnet to the other. Faraday.


word: Axially
definition:
Axially

Ax"i*al*ly
(_;)
adv.
In relation to, or in a line with, an axis; in the axial (magnetic) line.


word: Axil
definition:
Axil

Ax"il
(ăks"ĭl)
n.
[L. axilla. Cf. Axle.]
(Bot.)
The angle or point of divergence between the upper side of a branch, leaf, or petiole, and the stem or branch from which it springs.
Gray.


word: Axile
definition:
Axile

Ax"ile
(ăks"ĭl)
a.
Situated in the axis of anything; as an embryo which lies in the axis of a seed.
Gray.


word: Axilla
definition:
Axilla

Ax*il"la
(ăks*ĭl"lȧ)
n.
pl. Axillae (ăks*ĭl"l&aemacr_;).
[L.]
(Anat.)
The armpit, or the cavity beneath the junction of the arm and shoulder.

2.
(Bot.)
An axil.


word: Axillars
definition:
Axillars

Axillaries

{ Ax"il*la*ries (ăks"ĭl*la̝*rĭz), Ax"il*lars (ăks"ĭl*lẽrz), }
n. pl.
(Zool.)
Feathers connecting the under surface of the wing and the body, and concealed by the closed wing.


word: Axillary
definition:
Axillary

Ax"il*la*ry
(ăks"ĭl*la̝*r&ybreve_;)
a.
[See Axil.]
1.
(Anat.)
Of or pertaining to the axilla or armpit; as, axillary gland, artery, nerve.

2.
(Bot.)
Situated in, or rising from, an axil; of or pertaining to an axil.
Axillary
Gray.


word: Axinite
definition:
Axinite

Ax"i*nite
(_;)
n.
[Named in allusion to the form of the crystals, fr. Gr. _; an ax.]
(Min.)
A borosilicate of alumina, iron, and lime, commonly found in glassy, brown crystals with acute edges.


word: Axinomancy
definition:
Axinomancy

Ax*in"o*man`cy
(_;)
n.
[L. axinomantia, Gr. _; ax + -mancy.]
A species of divination, by means of an ax or hatchet.


word: Axiom
definition:
Axiom

Ax"i*om
(_;)
n.
[L. axioma, Gr. _; that which is thought worthy, that which is assumed, a basis of demonstration, a principle, fr. _; to think worthy, fr. _; worthy, weighing as much as; cf. _; to lead, drive, also to weigh so much: cf F. axiome. See Agent, a.]
1.
(Logic & Math.)
A self-evident and necessary truth, or a proposition whose truth is so evident as first sight that no reasoning or demonstration can make it plainer; a proposition which it is necessary to take for granted; as, “The whole is greater than a part;”  “A thing can not, at the same time, be and not be.”

2.
An established principle in some art or science, which, though not a necessary truth, is universally received; as, the axioms of political economy.


word: Axiomatical
definition:
Axiomatical

Axiomatic

{ Ax`i*o*mat"ic (_;), Ax`i*o*mat"ic*al, }
a.
[Gr. _;.]
Of or pertaining to an axiom; having the nature of an axiom; self-evident; characterized by axioms.
Axiomatical
Johnson.

The stores of axiomatic wisdom.
I. Taylor.


word: Axis
definition:
Axis

Ax"is
(_;)
n.
[L.]
(Zool.)
The spotted deer (Cervus axis or Axis maculata) of India, where it is called hog deer and parrah (Moorish name).


word: Axis₂
definition:
Axis

Ax"is
(_;)
n.
pl. Axes (_;).
[L. axis axis, axle. See Axle.]
A straight line, real or imaginary, passing through a body, on which it revolves, or may be supposed to revolve; a line passing through a body or system around which the parts are symmetrically arranged.

2.
(Math.)
A straight line with respect to which the different parts of a magnitude are symmetrically arranged; as, the axis of a cylinder, i. e., the axis of a cone, that is, the straight line joining the vertex and the center of the base; the axis of a circle, any straight line passing through the center.

3.
(Bot.)
The stem; the central part, or longitudinal support, on which organs or parts are arranged; the central line of any body.
Gray.

4.
(Anat.)
(a)
The second vertebra of the neck, or vertebra dentata.
(b)
Also used of the body only of the vertebra, which is prolonged anteriorly within the foramen of the first vertebra or atlas, so as to form the odontoid process or peg which serves as a pivot for the atlas and head to turn upon.

5.
(Crystallog.)
One of several imaginary lines, assumed in describing the position of the planes by which a crystal is bounded.

6.
(Fine Arts)
The primary or secondary central line of any design.

Anticlinal axis (Geol.), a line or ridge from which the strata slope downward on the two opposite sides. -- Synclinal axis, a line from which the strata slope upward in opposite directions, so as to form a valley. -- Axis cylinder (Anat.), the neuraxis or essential, central substance of a nerve fiber; -- called also axis band, axial fiber, and cylinder axis. -- Axis in peritrochio, the wheel and axle, one of the mechanical powers. -- Axis of a curve (Geom.), a straight line which bisects a system of parallel chords of a curve; called a principal axis, when cutting them at right angles, in which case it divides the curve into two symmetrical portions, as in the parabola, which has one such axis, the ellipse, which has two, or the circle, which has an infinite number. The two axes of the ellipse are the major axis and the minor axis, and the two axes of the hyperbola are the transverse axis and the conjugate axis.  -- Axis of a lens, the straight line passing through its center and perpendicular to its surfaces. -- Axis of a microscope or Axis of a telescope, the straight line with which coincide the axes of the several lenses which compose it. -- Axes of coördinates in a plane, two straight lines intersecting each other, to which points are referred for the purpose of determining their relative position: they are either rectangular or oblique. -- Axes of coördinates in space, the three straight lines in which the coördinate planes intersect each other. -- Axis of a balance, that line about which it turns. -- Axis of oscillation, of a pendulum, a right line passing through the center about which it vibrates, and perpendicular to the plane of vibration. -- Axis of polarization, the central line around which the prismatic rings or curves are arranged. Brewster. -- Axis of revolution (Descriptive Geom.), a straight line about which some line or plane is revolved, so that the several points of the line or plane shall describe circles with their centers in the fixed line, and their planes perpendicular to it, the line describing a surface of revolution, and the plane a solid of revolution. -- Axis of symmetry (Geom.), any line in a plane figure which divides the figure into two such parts that one part, when folded over along the axis, shall coincide with the other part. -- Axis of the equator, ecliptic, horizon (or other circle considered with reference to the sphere on which it lies), the diameter of the sphere which is perpendicular to the plane of the circle. Hutton. -- Axis of the Ionic capital (Arch.), a line passing perpendicularly through the middle of the eye of the volute. -- Neutral axis (Mech.), the line of demarcation between the horizontal elastic forces of tension and compression, exerted by the fibers in any cross section of a girder. -- Optic axis of a crystal, the direction in which a ray of transmitted light suffers no double refraction. All crystals, not of the isometric system, are either uniaxial or biaxial. -- Optic axis, Visual axis (Opt.), the straight line passing through the center of the pupil, and perpendicular to the surface of the eye. -- Radical axis of two circles (Geom.), the straight line perpendicular to the line joining their centers and such that the tangents from any point of it to the two circles shall be equal to each other. -- Spiral axis (Arch.), the axis of a twisted column drawn spirally in order to trace the circumvolutions without. -- Axis of abscissas and Axis of ordinates. See Abscissa.


word: Axle
definition:
Axle

Ax"le
(ăks"'l)
n.
[OE. axel, exel, shoulder, AS. eaxl; akin to AS. eax axle, Sw. & Dan. axel shoulder, axle, G. achse axle, achsel shoulder, L. axis axle, Gr. 'a`xwn, Skr. aksha, L. axilla shoulder joint: cf. F. essieu, axle, OF. aissel, fr. dim. of L. axis. √205.  Cf. 2d Axis.]
1.
The pin or spindle on which a wheel revolves, or which revolves with a wheel.

2.
A transverse bar or shaft connecting the opposite wheels of a car or carriage; an axletree.

3.
An axis; as, the sun's axle.

Had from her axle torn
The steadfast earth.
Milton.

&hand_; Railway axles are called leading and trailing from their position in the front or in the rear of a car or truck respectively.


word: Axle box
definition:
Axle box

Ax"le box`
(_;)
1.
A bushing in the hub of a wheel, through which the axle passes.

2.
The journal box of a rotating axle, especially a railway axle.

&hand_; In railway construction, the axle guard, or pedestal, with the superincumbent weight, rests on the top of the box (usually with a spring intervening), and holds it in place by flanges. The box rests upon the journal bearing and key, which intervene between the inner top of the box and the axle.


word: Axled
definition:
Axled

Ax"led
(_;)
a.
Having an axle; -- used in composition.

Merlin's agate-axled car.
T. Warton.


word: Axle guard
definition:
Axle guard

Ax"le guard`
(_;)
The part of the framing of a railway car or truck, by which an axle box is held laterally, and in which it may move vertically; -- also called a jaw in the United States, and a housing in England.


word: Axletree
definition:
Axletree

Ax"le*tree`
(_;)
n.
[Cf. Icel. öxultr_;.]
1.
A bar or beam of wood or iron, connecting the opposite wheels of a carriage, on the ends of which the wheels revolve.

2.
A spindle or axle of a wheel.
[Obs.]


word: Axminster carpet
definition:
Axminster carpet

Axminster

{ Ax"min*ster (?), n., or Axminster carpet  }
(a)
[More fully chenille Axminster.]
A variety of Turkey carpet, woven by machine or, when more than 27 inches wide, on a hand loom, and consisting of strips of worsted chenille so colored as to produce a pattern on a stout jute backing. It has a fine soft pile. So called from Axminster, England, where it was formerly (1755 -- 1835) made.
(b)
A similar but cheaper machine-made carpet, resembling moquette in construction and appearance, but finer and of better material.


word: Axolotl
definition:
Axolotl

Ax"o*lotl
(_;)
n.
[The native name.]
(Zool.)
An amphibian of the salamander tribe found in the elevated lakes of Mexico; the siredon.

&hand_; When it breeds in captivity the young develop into true salamanders of the genus Amblystoma. This also occurs naturally under favorable conditions, in its native localities; although it commonly lives and breeds in a larval state, with persistent external gills. See Siredon.


word: Axstone
definition:
Axstone

Ax"stone`
(_;)
n.
(Min.)
A variety of jade. It is used by some savages, particularly the natives of the South Sea Islands, for making axes or hatchets.


word: Axunge
definition:
Axunge

Ax"unge
(_;)
n.
[F. axonge, L. axungia; axis wheel + ungere to grease.]
Fat; grease; esp. the fat of pigs or geese;
usually
(Pharm.)
lard prepared for medical use.


word: Ayah
definition:
Ayah

A"yah
(_;)
n.
[Pg. aia, akin to Sp. aya a governess, ayo a tutor.]
A native nurse for children; also, a lady's maid.
[India]


word: Ay₃
definition:
Ay

Aye

{ Aye, Ay  }
(_;)
adv.
[Perh. a modification of yea, or from the interjection of admiration or astonishment, OE. ei, ey, why, hey, ay, well, ah, ha. Cf. MHG. & G. ei, Dan. ej. Or perh. akin to aye ever.]
Yes; yea; -- a word expressing assent, or an affirmative answer to a question. It is much used in viva voce voting in legislative bodies, etc.

&hand_; This word is written I in the early editions of Shakespeare and other old writers.


word: Aye
definition:
Aye

Aye
(_;)
n.
An affirmative vote; one who votes in the affirmative; as, “To call for the ayes and noes;” “The ayes have it.”


word: Ay₄
definition:
Ay

Aye

{ Aye, Ay  }
(_;)
adv.
[Icel. ei, ey; akin to AS. ā, āwa, always, Goth. aiws an age, Icel. æfi, OHG, _;wa, L. aevum, Gr. _; an age, _;, _;, ever, always, G. je, Skr. _;va course. _;, _;. Cf. Age, v., Either, a., Or, conj.]
Always; ever; continually; for an indefinite time.

For his mercies aye endure.
Milton.

For aye, always; forever; eternally.


word: Aye-aye
definition:
Aye-aye

Aye"-aye`
(_;)
n.
[From the native name, prob. from its cry.]
(Zool.)
A singular nocturnal quadruped, allied to the lemurs, found in Madagascar (Cheiromys Madagascariensis), remarkable for its long fingers, sharp nails, and rodent-like incisor teeth.


word: Ayegreen
definition:
Ayegreen

Aye"green`
(_;)
n.
[Aye ever + green.]
(Bot.)
The houseleek (Sempervivum tectorum).
Halliwell.


word: Ayeins
definition:
Ayeins

Ayein

Ayen

{ A*yen", A*yein" (_;), A*yeins" (_;) }
adv. & prep.
[OE. _;, _;. See Again.]
Again; back against.
[Obs.]
Chaucer.


word: Ayle
definition:
Ayle

Ayle
(_;)
n.
[OE. ayel, aiel, OF. aiol, aiel, F. aïeul, a dim. of L. avus grandfather.]
A grandfather.
[Obs.]

Writ of Ayle, an ancient English writ which lay against a stranger who had dispossessed the demandant of land of which his grandfather died seized.


word: Ayme
definition:
Ayme

Ay"me`
(_;)
n.
[Cf. F. ahi interj.]
The utterance of the ejaculation “Ay me !” [Obs.] See Ay, interj.
Aymees
J. Fletcher.


word: Ayrshire
definition:
Ayrshire

Ayr"shire
(_;)
n.
(Agric.)
One of a superior breed of cattle from Ayrshire, Scotland. Ayrshires are notable for the quantity and quality of their milk.


word: Ayuntamiento
definition:
Ayuntamiento

A*yun`ta*mi*en"to
(_;)
n.
[Sp., fr. OSp. ayuntar to join.]
In Spain and Spanish America, a corporation or body of magistrates in cities and towns, corresponding to mayor and aldermen.


word: Azadirachta
definition:
Azadirachta

Azadirachta
n.
a genus of large important East Indian trees: the neem trees.

Syn. -- genus Azadirachta.


word: azadirachtin
definition:
azadirachtin

azadirachtin
n.
1.
a triterpenoid (C35H44O16) isolated from the seeds of the neem tree (Azadirachta indica), used as an insecticide.


word: Azalea
definition:
Azalea

A*za"le*a
(?; 97)
n.
pl. Azaleas (_;).
[NL., fr. Gr. _; dry, -- so called because supposed to grow best in dry ground.]
(Bot.)
A genus of showy flowering shrubs, mostly natives of China or of North America; false honeysuckle. The genus is scarcely distinct from Rhododendron.


word: Azarole
definition:
Azarole

Az"a*role
(_;)
n.
[F. azerole, the name of the fruit, fr. Ar. az-zo'r_;r: cf. It. azzeruolo, Sp. acerolo.]
(Bot.)
The Neapolitan medlar (Cratægus azarolus), a shrub of southern Europe; also, its fruit.


word: azederach
definition:
azederach

Azedarach

A*zed"a*rach, azederach
(_;)
n.
[F. azédarac, Sp. acederaque, Pers. āzāddirakht noble tree.]
1.
(Bot.)
a handsome tree (Melia azedarach) of the mahogany family, native to Northern India and China, having long clusters of fragrant purple blossoms and small ornamental but inedible yellow fruits.  It has been naturalized as a shade tree and is common in the southern United States; -- called also, chinaberry, China tree, Pride of India, Pride of China, and Bead tree.

Syn. -- chinaberry, chinaberry tree, China tree, Persian lilac, pride-of-India, azedarach, Melia azederach, Melia azedarach

2.
(Med.)
The bark of the roots of the azedarach, used as a cathartic and emetic.


word: Azerbaijan
definition:
Azerbaijan

Azerbaidzhan

Azerbaidzhan, Azerbaijan
n.
a country in the Caucuses, formerly an Asian Soviet.


word: azide₂
definition:
azide

az"ide
n.
(Chem.)
any chemical compound containing the azido group -N3, such as sodium azide (ionic and inorganic) or ethyl azide (organic and nonionic).


word: azidothymidine
definition:
azidothymidine

azidothymidine
n.
1.
1
an antiviral drug, (C10H13N5O4) used in the treatment of AIDS.  It has the generic name of zidovudine.
an analog of thymidine, it inhibits the replication of the viral chromosome.

Syn. -- AZT, zidovudine[generic], 3'-azido 3'-deoxythymidine, Retrovir[Trademark]


word: Azimuth
definition:
Azimuth

Az"i*muth
(_;)
n.
[OE. azimut, F. azimut, fr. Ar. as-sum_;t, pl. of as-samt a way, or perh., a point of the horizon and a circle extending to it from the zenith, as being the Arabic article: cf. It. azzimutto, Pg. azimuth, and Ar. samt-al-rā's the vertex of the heaven. Cf. Zenith.]
(Astron. & Geodesy)
(a)
The quadrant of an azimuth circle.
(b)
An arc of the horizon intercepted between the meridian of the place and a vertical circle passing through the center of any object; as, the azimuth of a star; the azimuth or bearing of a line surveying.

&hand_; In trigonometrical surveying, it is customary to reckon the azimuth of a line from the south point of the horizon around by the west from 0° to 360°.

Azimuth circle, or Vertical circle, one of the great circles of the sphere intersecting each other in the zenith and nadir, and cutting the horizon at right angles. Hutton. -- Azimuth compass, a compass resembling the mariner's compass, but having the card divided into degrees instead of rhumbs, and having vertical sights; used for taking the magnetic azimuth of a heavenly body, in order to find, by comparison with the true azimuth, the variation of the needle. -- Azimuth dial, a dial whose stile or gnomon is at right angles to the plane of the horizon. Hutton. -- Magnetic azimuth, an arc of the horizon, intercepted between the vertical circle passing through any object and the magnetic meridian. This is found by observing the object with an azimuth compass.


word: Azimuthal
definition:
Azimuthal

Az"i*muth`al
(_;)
a.
Of or pertaining to the azimuth; in a horizontal circle.

Azimuthal error of a transit instrument, its deviation in azimuth from the plane of the meridian.


word: Azo-
definition:
Azo-

Az"o-
(_;)
[See Azote.]
(Chem.)
A combining form of azote
(a)
Applied loosely to compounds having nitrogen variously combined, as in cyanides, nitrates, etc.
(b)
Now especially applied to compounds containing a two atom nitrogen group uniting two hydrocarbon radicals, as in azobenzene, azobenzoic, etc. These compounds furnish many artificial dyes. See Diazo-.


word: Azobenzene
definition:
Azobenzene

Az`o*ben"zene
(_;)
n.
[Azo- + benzene.]
(Chem.)
A substance (C6H5.N2.C6H5) derived from nitrobenzene, forming orange red crystals which are easily fusible.


word: Azoic
definition:
Azoic

A*zo"ic
(_;)
a.
[Gr. 'a priv. + _; life, from _; to live.]
Destitute of any vestige of organic life, or at least of animal life; anterior to the existence of animal life; formed when there was no animal life on the globe; as, the azoic. rocks.

Azoic age (Geol.), the age preceding the existence of animal life, or anterior to the paleozoic tome. Azoic is also used as a noun, age being understood. See Archæan, and Eozoic.


word: Azogue
definition:
Azogue

A*zo"gue
(?)
n.
[Sp. See Azoth.]
Lit.: Quicksilver
hence:
pl.
(Mining)
Silver ores suitable for treatment by amalgamation with mercury.
[Sp. Amer.]


word: Azole
definition:
Azole

Az"ole
(?)
n.
[From Azote.]
(Org. Chem.)
Any of a large class of compounds characterized by a five-membered ring which contains an atom of nitrogen and at least one other noncarbon atom (nitrogen, oxygen, sulphur). The prefixes furo-, thio, and pyrro- are used to distinguish three subclasses of azoles, which may be regarded as derived respectively from furfuran, thiophene, and pyrrol by replacement of the CH group by nitrogen; as, furo-monazole. Names exactly analogous to those for the azines are also used; as, oxazole, diazole, etc.


word: Azoleic
definition:
Azoleic

Az`o*le"ic
(_;)
a.
[Azo- + oleic.]
(Chem.)
Pertaining to an acid produced by treating oleic with nitric acid.
[R.]


word: Azolla
definition:
Azolla

Azolla
n.
a genus of ferns, someties placed in its own family Azollaceae.

Syn. -- genus Azolla.


word: Azollaceae
definition:
Azollaceae

Azollaceae
n.
a family designation used in some classifications for the genus Azolla.

Syn. -- family Azollaceae.


word: Azonic
definition:
Azonic

A*zon"ic
(_;)
a.
[Gr. _;; 'a priv. + _; zone, region.]
Confined to no zone or region; not local.


word: Azote
definition:
Azote

Az"ote
(?; 277)
n.
[F. azote, fr. Gr. 'a priv. + _; life; -- so named by Lavoisier because it is incapable of supporting life.]
Same as Nitrogen.
[R.]


word: azotemia
definition:
azotemia

azotemia
n.
(Med.)
the accumulation of an abnormally large amount of nitrogen-containing waste products, such as urea, in the blood; uremia.


word: Azoth
definition:
Azoth

Az"oth
(_;)
n.
[LL. azoch, azoth, fr. Ar. az-zauq mercury.]
(Alchemy)
(a)
The first principle of metals, i. e., mercury, which was formerly supposed to exist in all metals, and to be extractable from them.
(b)
The universal remedy of Paracelsus.


word: Azotic
definition:
Azotic

A*zot"ic
(_;)
a.
(Chem.)
Pertaining to azote, or nitrogen; formed or consisting of azote; nitric; as, azotic gas; azotic acid.
[R.]
Carpenter.


word: -tin
definition:
-tin

Azotine

{ Az"o*tine (?), n. Also -tin  }
[Azote + -ine.]
1.
An explosive consisting of sodium nitrate, charcoal, sulphur, and petroleum.

2.
same as 1st Ammonite, 2.


word: Azotite
definition:
Azotite

Az"o*tite
(_;)
n.
(Chem.)
A salt formed by the combination of azotous, or nitrous, acid with a base; a nitrite.
[R.]


word: Azotize
definition:
Azotize

Az"o*tize
(_;)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Azotized (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Azotizing (_;).]
To impregnate with azote, or nitrogen; to nitrogenize.


word: Azotometer
definition:
Azotometer

Az`o*tom"e*ter
(_;)
n.
[Azote + -meter.]
(Chem.)
An apparatus for measuring or determining the proportion of nitrogen; a nitrometer.


word: Azoturia
definition:
Azoturia

Az`o*tu"ri*a
(?)
n.
[NL.; azote + Gr. _; urine.]
(Med.)
Excess of urea or other nitrogenous substances in the urine.


word: Aztec
definition:
Aztec

Az"tec
(_;)
a.
Of or relating to one of the early races in Mexico that inhabited the great plateau of that country at the time of the Spanish conquest in 1519.
n. One of the Aztec race or people.


word: Azure
definition:
Azure

Az"ure
(?; 277)
a.
[F. & OSp. azur, Sp. azul, through Ar. from Per. lājaward, or lājuward, lapis lazuli, a blue color, lājawardī, lājuwardī, azure, cerulean, the initial l having been dropped, perhaps by the influence of the Ar. azr-aq azure, blue.  Cf. G. lasur, lasurstein, azure color, azure stone, and NL. lapis lazuli.]
Sky-blue; resembling the clear blue color of the unclouded sky; cerulean; also, cloudless.

Azure stone (Min.), the lapis lazuli; also, the lazulite.


word: Azure₂
definition:
Azure

Az"ure
n.
1.
The lapis lazuli.
[Obs.]

2.
The clear blue color of the sky; also, a pigment or dye of this color.
azure
Wordsworth.

3.
The blue vault above; the unclouded sky.

Not like those steps
On heaven's azure.
Milton.

4.
(Her.)
A blue color, represented in engraving by horizontal parallel lines.


word: Azurine₂
definition:
Azurine

Az"u*rine
n.
(Zool.)
The blue roach of Europe (Leuciscus cæruleus); -- so called from its color.


word: Azurn
definition:
Azurn

Az"urn
(_;)
a.
[Cf. OF. azurin, asurin, LL. azurinus. See Azure, a.]
Azure.
[Obs.]

Thick set with agate, and the azurn sheen
Of turkis blue, and emerald green.
Milton.


word: Azygous
definition:
Azygous

Az"y*gous
(_;)
a.
[Gr. _;; 'a priv. + _; yoke.]
Odd; having no fellow; not one of a pair; single; as, the azygous muscle of the uvula.


word: Azyme
definition:
Azyme

Azym

{ Az"ym, Az"yme  }
(_;)
n.
[F. azyme unleavened, L. azymus, fr. Gr. _;; 'a priv. + _; leaven.]
Unleavened bread.


word: Azymite
definition:
Azymite

Az"y*mite
(_;)
n.
[Cf. F. azymite.]
(Eccl. Hist.)
One who administered the Eucharist with unleavened bread; -- a name of reproach given by those of the Greek church to the Latins.


word: B
definition:
B

B
(bē)
is the second letter of the English alphabet. (See Guide to Pronunciation, §§ 196, 220.) It is etymologically related to p, v, f, w, and m, letters representing sounds having a close organic affinity to its own sound; as in Eng. bursar and purser; Eng. bear and Lat. ferre; Eng. silver and Ger. silber; Lat. cubitum and It. gomito; Eng. seven, Anglo-Saxon seofon, Ger. sieben, Lat. septem, Gr."epta`, Sanskrit saptan.  The form of letter B is Roman, from the Greek B (Beta), of Semitic origin. The small b was formed by gradual change from the capital B.

In (Music), B is the nominal of the seventh tone in the model major scale (the scale of C major), or of the second tone in it's relative minor scale (that of A minor).  B&flat stands for B flat, the tone a half step, or semitone, lower than B.  In German, B stands for our B&flat, while our B natural is called H (pronounced hä).


word: B-52
definition:
B-52

B-52
n.
A large long-range bomber airplane of the U. S. military aircraft fleet; B- stands for bomber.  It has the capability of delivering nuclear weapons.


word: Baa
definition:
Baa

Baa
(bä)
v. i.
[Cf. G. bäen; an imitative word.]
To cry baa, or bleat as a sheep.

He treble baas for help, but none can get.
Sir P. Sidney.


word: Baal
definition:
Baal

Ba"al
(bā"al)
n.
Heb. pl.  Baalim (-ĭm).
[Heb. ba'al lord.]
1.
(Myth.)
The supreme male divinity of the Phoenician and Canaanitish nations.

&hand_; The name of this god occurs in the Old Testament and elsewhere with qualifying epithets subjoined, answering to the different ideas of his character; as, Baal-berith (the Covenant Baal), Baal-zebub (Baal of the fly).

2.
pl.
The whole class of divinities to whom the name Baal was applied.
Judges x. 6.


word: Baalite
definition:
Baalite

Baalist

{ Ba"al*ist (_;), Ba"al*ite (_;), }
n.
A worshiper of Baal; a devotee of any false religion; an idolater.


word: Bab
definition:
Bab

Bab
(?)
n.
[Per.]
Lit., gate; -- a title given to the founder of Babism, and taken from that of Bab-ud-Din, assumed by him.


word: babassu
definition:
babassu

babassu
n.
1.
a tall feather palm of northern Brazil (Orbignya barbosiana) with hard-shelled nuts yielding a valuable oil (babassu oil) and a kind of vegetable ivory.

Syn. -- babassu palm, coco de macao, Orbignya phalerata, Orbignya spesiosa, Orbignya martiana.


word: babbitting
definition:
babbitting

babbiting

babbiting, babbitting
n.
lining a surface or bearing with babbitt metal.

Syn. -- babbitting


word: Babbitt metal
definition:
Babbitt metal

Bab"bitt met`al
(_;)
[From the inventor, Isaac Babbitt of Massachusetts.]
A soft white alloy of variable composition (as a nine parts of tin to one of copper, or of fifty parts of tin to five of antimony and one of copper) used in bearings to diminish friction.


word: Babble
definition:
Babble

Bab"ble
(băb"b'l)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Babbled (băb"b'ld); p. pr. & vb. n. Babbling.]
[Cf. LG. babbeln, D. babbelen, G. bappeln, bappern, F. babiller, It. babbolare; prob. orig., to keep saying ba, imitative of a child learning to talk.]
1.
To utter words indistinctly or unintelligibly; to utter inarticulate sounds; as a child babbles.

2.
To talk incoherently; to utter unmeaning words.

3.
To talk much; to chatter; to prate.

4.
To make a continuous murmuring noise, as shallow water running over stones.

In every babbling brook he finds a friend.
Wordsworth.

&hand_; Hounds are said to babble, or to be babbling, when they are too noisy after having found a good scent.


word: Babble₂
definition:
Babble

Bab"ble
v. t.
1.
To utter in an indistinct or incoherent way; to repeat, as words, in a childish way without understanding.

These [words] he used to babble in all companies.
Arbuthnot.

2.
To disclose by too free talk, as a secret.


word: Babble₃
definition:
Babble

Bab"ble
n.
1.
Idle talk; senseless prattle; gabble; twaddle.
babble
Milton.

2.
Inarticulate speech; constant or confused murmur.

The babble of our young children.
Darwin.

The babble of the stream.
Tennyson.


word: Babbler
definition:
Babbler

Bab"bler
(_;)
n.
1.
An idle talker; an irrational prater; a teller of secrets.

Great babblers, or talkers, are not fit for trust.
L'Estrange.

2.
A hound too noisy on finding a good scent.

3.
(Zool.)
A name given to any one of a family (Timalinæ) of thrushlike birds, having a chattering note.


word: Babe
definition:
Babe

Babe
(_;)
n.
[Cf. Ir. bab, baban, W. baban, maban.]

1.
An infant; a young child of either sex; a baby.

2.
A doll for children.
Spenser.


word: Babel
definition:
Babel

Ba"bel
(_;)
n.
[Heb. Bābel, the name of the capital of Babylonia; in Genesis associated with the idea of “confusion.”]
1.
The city and tower in the land of Shinar, where the confusion of languages took place.

Therefore is the name of it called Babel.
Gen. xi. 9.

2.
Hence: A place or scene of noise and confusion; a confused mixture of sounds, as of voices or languages.

That babel of strange heathen languages.
Hammond.

The grinding babel of the street
R. L. Stevenson.


word: Babery
definition:
Babery

Bab"er*y
(_;)
n.
[Perh. orig. for baboonery. Cf. Baboon, and also Babe.]
Finery of a kind to please a child.
[Obs.]
babery
Sir P. Sidney.


word: Babillard
definition:
Babillard

Bab"il*lard
(_;)
n.
[F., a babbler.]
(Zool.)
The lesser whitethroat of Europe; -- called also babbling warbler.


word: Babingtonite
definition:
Babingtonite

Bab"ing*ton*ite
(_;)
n.
[From Dr. Babbington.]
(Min.)
A mineral occurring in triclinic crystals approaching pyroxene in angle, and of a greenish black color.  It is a silicate of iron, manganese, and lime.


word: Babirussa
definition:
Babirussa

Babiroussa

{ &VerbarBab`i*rous"sa, &VerbarBab`i*rus"sa}
(_;)
n.
[F. babiroussa, fr. Malay bābī hog + rūsa deer.]
(Zool.)
A large hoglike quadruped (Sus babirussa, syn. Porcus babirussa) of the East Indies, sometimes domesticated; the Indian hog.  Its upper canine teeth or tusks are large and recurved.


word: Babish
definition:
Babish

Bab"ish
(_;)
a.
Like a babe; a childish; babyish.
[R.]
Babish
Drayton.
Bab"ish*ly, adv. -- Bab"ish*ness, n. [R.]


word: Babiism
definition:
Babiism

Babism

{ Bab"ism (?), Bab"i*ism (?) }
n.
The doctrine of a modern religious pantheistical sect in Persia, which was founded, about 1844, by Mirza Ali Mohammed ibn Rabhik (1820 -- 1850), who assumed the title of Bab-ed-Din (Per., Gate of the Faith).  Babism is a mixture of Muslim, Christian, Jewish, and Parsi elements.  This doctrine forbids concubinage and polygamy, and frees women from many of the degradations imposed upon them among the orthodox Muslims.  Mendicancy, the use of intoxicating liquors and drugs, and slave dealing, are forbidden; asceticism is discountenanced.
Bab"ist, n.


word: Bablah
definition:
Bablah

Bab"lah
(_;)
n.
[Cf. Per. babūl a species of mimosa yielding gum arabic.]
The rind of the fruit of several East Indian species of acacia; neb-neb. It contains gallic acid and tannin, and is used for dyeing drab.


word: Babu
definition:
Babu

Baboo

{ &VerbarBa"boo, &VerbarBa"bu  }
(bä"bō)
n.
[Hind. bābū.]
A Hindu gentleman; a native clerk who writes English; also, a Hindu title equivalent to the English Mr. or Esquire.
Whitworth.


word: Baboon
definition:
Baboon

Bab*oon"
(_;)
n.
[OE. babewin, baboin, fr. F. babouin, or LL. babewynus.  Of unknown origin; cf. D. baviaan, G. pavian, baboon, F. babine lip of ape, dogs, etc., dial. G. bäppe mouth.]
(Zool.)
One of the Old World Quadrumana, of the genera Cynocephalus and Papio; the dog-faced ape. Baboons have dog-like muzzles and large canine teeth, cheek pouches, a short tail, and naked callosities on the buttocks. They are mostly African. See Mandrill, and Chacma, and Drill an ape.


word: Babool
definition:
Babool

Babul

{ Ba*bul", Ba*bool" (?) }
n.
[See Bablah.]
(Bot.)
Any one of several species of Acacia, esp. Acacia Arabica, which yelds a gum used as a substitute for true gum arabic.

In place of Putney's golden gorse
The sickly babul blooms.
Kipling.


word: Baby
definition:
Baby

Ba"by
(bā"b&ybreve_;)
n.
pl. Babies (-bĭz).
[Dim. of babe.]
An infant or young child of either sex; a babe.

2.
A small image of an infant; a doll.

Babies in the eyes, the minute reflection which one sees of one's self in the eyes of another.

She clung about his neck, gave him ten kisses,
Toyed with his locks, looked babies in his eyes.
Heywood.


word: Baby₂
definition:
Baby

Ba"by
a.
Pertaining to, or resembling, an infant; young or little; as, baby swans.
Baby
Shak.


word: Baby₃
definition:
Baby

Ba"by
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Babied (bā"bēd); p. pr. & vb. n. Babying.]
To treat like a young child; to keep dependent; to humor; to fondle.
Young.


word: baby-blue-eyes
definition:
baby-blue-eyes

baby-blue-eyes
n.
1.
delicate California annual having blue flowers marked with dark spots.

Syn. -- baby blue-eyes, Nemophila menziesii


word: Babyish
definition:
Babyish

Ba"by*ish
a.
Like a baby; childish; puerile; simple.
Ba"by*ish*ly, adv. -- Ba"by*ish*ness, n.


word: Babyism
definition:
Babyism

Ba"by*ism
(_;)
n.
1.
The state of being a baby.

2.
A babyish manner of acting or speaking.


word: Baby jumper
definition:
Baby jumper

Ba"by jump`er
(_;)
A hoop suspended by an elastic strap, in which a young child may be held secure while amusing itself by jumping on the floor.


word: Babylonian
definition:
Babylonian

Bab`y*lo"ni*an
(_;)
a.
Of or pertaining to the real or to the mystical Babylon, or to the ancient kingdom of Babylonia; Chaldean.


word: Babylonian₂
definition:
Babylonian

Bab`y*lo"ni*an
prop. n.
1.
An inhabitant of Babylonia (which included Chaldea); a Chaldean.

2.
An astrologer; -- so called because the Chaldeans were remarkable for the study of astrology.


word: Babylonical
definition:
Babylonical

Babylonic

{ Bab`y*lon"ic (_;), Bab`y*lon"ic*al (_;), }
a.
1.
Pertaining to Babylon, or made there; as, Babylonic garments, carpets, or hangings.

2.
Tumultuous; disorderly.
[Obs.]
Sir J. Harrington.


word: Babylonish
definition:
Babylonish

Bab"y*lo`nish
(_;)
a.
1.
Of or pertaining to, or made in, Babylon or Babylonia.
Babylonish
Josh. vii. 21.

2.
Pertaining to the Babylon of Revelation xiv. 8.

3.
Pertaining to Rome and papal power.
[Obs.]

The . . . injurious nickname of Babylonish.
Gage.

4.
Confused; Babel-like.


word: Babyrussa
definition:
Babyrussa

Babyroussa

{ &VerbarBab`y*rous"sa, &VerbarBab`y*rus"sa  }
(_;)
n.
(Zool.)
See Babiroussa.


word: baby-sitter
definition:
baby-sitter

babysitter

babysitter, baby-sitter
n.
A person engaged to care for children when the parents are not home.

Syn. -- sitter


word: babysitting
definition:
babysitting

babysitting
n.
the work of a baby sitter; caring for children when their parents are not home.


word: baby-walker
definition:
baby-walker

baby-walker
n.
a framework on small wheels or casters designed to support small children while they are learning to walk, and usually having a fabric support that permits the child to sit.  Called also walker and go-cart.

Syn. -- walker, go-cart


word: Bac
definition:
Bac

Bac
(_;)
n.
[F. See Back a vat.]
1.
A broad, flat-bottomed ferryboat, usually worked by a rope.

2.
A vat or cistern. See 1st Back.


word: bacca
definition:
bacca

bac"ca
n.
1.
an indehiscent fruit derived from a single ovary having one or many seeds within a fleshy wall or pericarp: e. g. grape; tomato; cranberry.

Syn. -- simple fruit


word: Baccalaureate
definition:
Baccalaureate

Bac"ca*lau"re*ate
(_;)
n.
[NL. baccalaureatus, fr. LL. baccalaureus a bachelor of arts, fr. baccalarius, but as if fr. L. bacca lauri bayberry, from the practice of the bachelor's wearing a garland of bayberries. See Bachelor.]
1.
The degree of bachelor of arts (B.A. or A.B.), the first or lowest academical degree conferred by universities and colleges.

2.
A baccalaureate sermon.
[U.S.]


word: Baccalaureate₂
definition:
Baccalaureate

Bac`ca*lau"re*ate
a.
Pertaining to a bachelor of arts.

Baccalaureate sermon, in some American colleges, a sermon delivered as a farewell discourse to a graduating class.


word: Baccarat
definition:
Baccarat

Baccara

{ &VerbarBac`ca*ra", Bac`ca*rat"  }
(_;)
n.
[F.]
A French game of cards, played by a banker and punters.


word: Backare
definition:
Backare

Baccare

{ Bac*ca"re, Bac*ka"re  }
(_;)
interj.
Stand back! give place! -- a cant word of the Elizabethan writers, probably in ridicule of some person who pretended to a knowledge of Latin which he did not possess.

Baccare! you are marvelous forward.
Shak.


word: Baccate
definition:
Baccate

Bac"cate
(_;)
a.
[L. baccatus, fr. L. bacca berry.]
(Bot.)
Pulpy throughout, like a berry; -- said of fruits.
Gray.


word: Bacchanal
definition:
Bacchanal

Bac"cha*nal
(_;)
a.
[L. Bacchanalis. See Bacchanalia.]
1.
Relating to Bacchus or his festival.

2.
Engaged in drunken revels; drunken and riotous or noisy.


word: Bacchanal₂
definition:
Bacchanal

Bac"cha*nal
(băk"kȧ*nal)
n.
1.
A devotee of Bacchus; one who indulges in drunken revels; one who is noisy and riotous when intoxicated; a carouser.
bacchanals
Shak.

2.
pl.
The festival of Bacchus; the bacchanalia.

3.
Drunken revelry; an orgy.

4.
A song or a dance in honor of Bacchus.


word: Bacchanalia
definition:
Bacchanalia

Bac`cha*na"li*a
(băk`kȧ*nā"lĭ*ȧ)
n. pl.
[L. Bacchanal a place devoted to Bacchus; in the pl. Bacchanalia a feast of Bacchus, fr. Bacchus the god of wine, Gr. Ba`kchos.]

1.
(Myth.)
A feast or an orgy in honor of Bacchus.

2.
Hence: A drunken feast; drunken revels; an orgy.


word: Bacchanalian
definition:
Bacchanalian

Bac`cha*na"li*an
(băk`kȧ*nā"lĭ*an; 106)
a.
Of or pertaining to the festival of Bacchus; relating to or given to reveling and drunkenness.

Even bacchanalian madness has its charms.
Cowper.


word: Bacchanalianism
definition:
Bacchanalianism

Bac`cha*na"li*an*ism
(_;)
n.
The practice of bacchanalians; bacchanals; drunken revelry.


word: Bacchant
definition:
Bacchant

Bac"chant
(_;)
n.
pl. E. Bacchants, L. Bacchantes.
[L. bacchans, -antis, p. pr. of bacchari to celebrate the festival of Bacchus.]
1.
A priest of Bacchus.

2.
A bacchanal; a reveler.
Croly.


word: Bacchant₂
definition:
Bacchant

Bac"chant
a.
Bacchanalian; fond of drunken revelry; wine-loving; reveling; carousing.
Byron.


word: Bacchante
definition:
Bacchante

Bac"chante
(_;)
n.
L. pl. Bacchantes.
1.
A priestess of Bacchus.

2.
A female bacchanal.


word: Bacchical
definition:
Bacchical

Bacchic

{ Bac"chic (_;), Bac"chic*al (_;) }
a.
[L. Bacchicus, Gr. Bakchiko`s.]
Of or relating to Bacchus; hence, jovial, or riotous, with intoxication; riotously drunken; -- used of revelrous gatherings.

Syn. -- bacchanalian, bacchanal, bibulous, carousing, drunken(prenominal), orgiastic, riotous


word: Bacchius
definition:
Bacchius

Bac*chi"us
(_;)
n.
pl. Bacchii (_;).
[L. Bacchius pes, Gr. "o Bakchei^os (sc. poy`s foot).]
(Pros.)
A metrical foot composed of a short syllable and two long ones; according to some, two long and a short.


word: Bacchus
definition:
Bacchus

Bac"chus
(_;)
n.
[L., fr. Gr. Ba`kchos.]
(Myth.)
The god of wine, son of Jupiter and Semele.


word: Bacciferous
definition:
Bacciferous

Bac*cif"er*ous
(_;)
a.
[L. baccifer; bacca berry + ferre to bear.]
Producing berries.
Bacciferous
Ray.


word: Baccivorous
definition:
Baccivorous

Bac*civ"o*rous
(_;)
a.
[L. bacca berry + vorare to devour.]
(Zool.)
Eating, or subsisting on, berries; as, baccivorous birds.


word: Backarack
definition:
Backarack

Bacharach

{Bach"a*rach, Back"a*rack  }
(_;)
n.
A kind of wine made at Bacharach on the Rhine.


word: Bachelor
definition:
Bachelor

Bach"e*lor
(băch"e̝*lẽr)
n.
[OF. bacheler young man, F. bachelier (cf. Pr. bacalar, Sp. bachiller, Pg. bacharel, It. baccalare), LL. baccalarius the tenant of a kind of farm called baccalaria, a soldier not old or rich enough to lead his retainers into battle with a banner, a person of an inferior academical degree aspiring to a doctorate.  In the latter sense, it was afterward changed to baccalaureus. See Baccalaureate, n.]
1.
A man of any age who has not been married.

As merry and mellow an old bachelor as ever followed a hound.
W. Irving.

2.
An unmarried woman.
[Obs.]
B. Jonson.

3.
A person who has taken the first or lowest degree in the liberal arts, or in some branch of science, at a college or university; as, a bachelor of arts.

4.
A knight who had no standard of his own, but fought under the standard of another in the field; often, a young knight.

5.
In the companies of London tradesmen, one not yet admitted to wear the livery; a junior member.
[Obs.]

6.
(Zool.)
A kind of bass, an edible fresh-water fish (Pomoxys annularis) of the southern United States.


word: bachelor-at-arms
definition:
bachelor-at-arms

bachelor-at-arms
n.
a knight of the lowest order; he was permitted to display only a pennon.

Syn. -- knight bachelor, bachelor


word: Bachelordom
definition:
Bachelordom

Bach"e*lor*dom
(băch"e̝*lẽr*dŭm)
n.
The state of bachelorhood; the whole body of bachelors.


word: Bachelorism
definition:
Bachelorism

Bach"e*lor*ism
(-ĭz'm)
n.
Bachelorhood; also, a manner or peculiarity belonging to bachelors.
W. Irving.


word: Bachelor's button
definition:
Bachelor's button

Bach"e*lor's but"ton
(_;)
(Bot.)
A plant with flowers shaped like buttons; especially, several species of Ranunculus, and the cornflower (Centaurea cyanus) and globe amaranth (Gomphrena).

&hand_; Bachelor's buttons, a name given to several flowers “from their similitude to the jagged cloathe buttons, anciently worne in this kingdom,” according to Johnson's Gerarde, p. 472 (1633); but by other writers ascribed to “a habit of country fellows to carry them in their pockets to divine their success with their sweethearts.”  Dr. Prior.


word: Bachelry
definition:
Bachelry

Bach"el*ry
(_;)
n.
[OF. bachelerie.]
The body of young aspirants for knighthood.
[Obs.]
Chaucer.


word: Bacillar
definition:
Bacillar

Ba*cil"lar
(_;)
a.
[L. bacillum little staff.]
(Biol.)
1.
Shaped like a rod or staff.

2.
(Biol.)
Pertaining to, or produced by, the organism bacillus; bacillary.


word: Bacillariae
definition:
Bacillariae

Bac"il*la`ri*æ
(_;)
n. pl.
[NL., fr. L. bacillum, dim. of baculum stick.]
(Biol.)
See Diatom.


word: Bacillary
definition:
Bacillary

Bac"il*la*ry
(_;)
a.
1.
Of or pertaining to little rods; rod-shaped.

2.
(Biol.)
Of or pertaining to bacilli; produced by, or containing, bacilli; bacillar; as, a bacillary disease.


word: bacilli
definition:
bacilli

bacilli
n.
plural of bacillus; usually designating aerobic rod-shaped spore-producing bacteria; they often occur in chainlike formations.

Syn. -- bacillus


word: Bacillus
definition:
Bacillus

Ba*cil"lus
(_;)
n.
pl. Bacilli (_;).
[NL., for L. bacillum. See Bacillariæ.]
(Biol.)
A variety of bacterium; a microscopic, rod-shaped vegetable organism.


word: bacitracin
definition:
bacitracin

bacitracin
n.
(1940)
[Bacillus + Margaret Tracy, (a child whose tissues contained Bacillus subtilis) + -in.  RHUD.]
a polypeptide antibacterial antibiotic of known chemical structure effective against several types of Gram-positive organisms, and usually used topically for superficial local infection.
It is produced by Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis, and as produced commercially is composed of several closely related substances.  The predominant component, Bacitracin A, has a formula C60H103N17O16S, and contains D-ornithine, D-phenylalanine  and D-glutamine residues as well as the L-isomers of leucine, isoleucine, histidine, asparagine and aspartic acid.
[MI11]


word: Back
definition:
Back

Back
(_;)
n.
[F. bac: cf. Arm. bag, bak a bark, D. bak tray, bowl.]
1.
A large shallow vat; a cistern, tub, or trough, used by brewers, distillers, dyers, picklers, gluemakers, and others, for mixing or cooling wort, holding water, hot glue, etc.

Hop back, Jack back, the cistern which receives the infusion of malt and hops from the copper. --  Wash back, a vat in which distillers ferment the wort to form wash. -- Water back, a cistern to hold a supply of water; esp. a small cistern at the back of a stove, or a group of pipes set in the fire box of a stove or furnace, through which water circulates and is heated.

2.
A ferryboat.  See Bac, 1.


word: Back₂
definition:
Back

Back
(băk)
n.
[AS. bæc, bac; akin to Icel., Sw., & LG. bak, Dan. bag; cf. OHG. bahho ham, Skr. bhaj to turn, OSlav. bēgŭ flight. Cf. Bacon.]
1.
In human beings, the hinder part of the body, extending from the neck to the end of the spine; in other animals, that part of the body which corresponds most nearly to such part of a human being; as, the back of a horse, fish, or lobster.

2.
An extended upper part, as of a mountain or ridge.

[The mountains] their broad bare backs upheave
Into the clouds.
Milton.

3.
The outward or upper part of a thing, as opposed to the inner or lower part; as, the back of the hand, the back of the foot, the back of a hand rail.

Methought Love pitying me, when he saw this,
Gave me your hands, the backs and palms to kiss.
Donne.

4.
The part opposed to the front; the hinder or rear part of a thing; as, the back of a book; the back of an army; the back of a chimney.

5.
The part opposite to, or most remote from, that which fronts the speaker or actor; or the part out of sight, or not generally seen; as, the back of an island, of a hill, or of a village.

6.
The part of a cutting tool on the opposite side from its edge; as, the back of a knife, or of a saw.

7.
A support or resource in reserve.

This project
Should have a back or second, that might hold,
If this should blast in proof.
Shak.

8.
(Naut.)
The keel and keelson of a ship.

9.
(Mining)
The upper part of a lode, or the roof of a horizontal underground passage.

10.
A garment for the back; hence, clothing.
[Obs.]

A bak to walken inne by daylight.
Chaucer.

Behind one's back, when one is absent; without one's knowledge; as, to ridicule a person behind his back. -- Full back, Half back, Quarter back (Football), players stationed behind those in the front line. -- To be on one's back or To lie on one's back, to be helpless. -- To put one's back up or to get one's back up, to assume an attitude of obstinate resistance (from the action of a cat when attacked). [Colloq.] -- To see the back of, to get rid of.  -- To turn the back, to go away; to flee. -- To turn the back on one, to forsake or neglect him.


word: Back₃
definition:
Back

Back
a.
1.
Being at the back or in the rear; distant; remote; as, the back door; back settlements.

2.
Being in arrear; overdue; as, back rent.

3.
Moving or operating backward; as, back action.

Back blocks, Australian pastoral country which is remote from the seacoast or from a river. [Webster 1913 Suppl.] -- Back charges, charges brought forward after an account has been made up. -- Back filling (Arch.), the mass of materials used in filling up the space between two walls, or between the inner and outer faces of a wall, or upon the haunches of an arch or vault.  --  Back pressure. (Steam Engine) See under Pressure. -- Back rest, a guide attached to the slide rest of a lathe, and placed in contact with the work, to steady it in turning. -- Back slang, a kind of slang in which every word is written or pronounced backwards; as, nam for man. -- Back stairs, stairs in the back part of a house; private stairs.  Also used adjectively. See Back stairs, Backstairs, and Backstair, in the Vocabulary. -- Back step (Mil.), the retrograde movement of a man or body of men, without changing front. -- Back stream, a current running against the main current of a stream; an eddy.  --  To take the back track, to retrace one's steps; to retreat. [Colloq.]


word: Back₄
definition:
Back

Back
(băk)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Backed (băkt); p. pr. & vb. n. Backing.]

1.
To get upon the back of; to mount.

I will back him [a horse] straight.
Shak.

2.
To place or seat upon the back.
[R.]

Great Jupiter, upon his eagle backed,
Appeared to me.
Shak.

3.
To drive or force backward; to cause to retreat or recede; as, to back oxen.

4.
To make a back for; to furnish with a back; as, to back books.

5.
To adjoin behind; to be at the back of.

A garden . . . with a vineyard backed.
Shak.

The chalk cliffs which back the beach.
Huxley.

6.
To write upon the back of; as, to back a letter; to indorse; as, to back a note or legal document.

7.
To support; to maintain; to second or strengthen by aid or influence; as, to back a friend.
backed
Macaulay.

Have still found it necessary to back and fortify their laws with rewards and punishments.
South.

The mate backed the captain manfully.
Blackw. Mag.

8.
To bet on the success of; -- as, to back a race horse.

To back an anchor (Naut.), to lay down a small anchor ahead of a large one, the cable of the small one being fastened to the crown of the large one. -- To back the field, in horse racing, to bet against a particular horse or horses, that some one of all the other horses, collectively designated “the field”, will win. -- To back the oars, to row backward with the oars.  -- To back a rope, to put on a preventer. -- To back the sails, to arrange them so as to cause the ship to move astern.  -- To back up, to support; to sustain; as, to back up one's friends. -- To back a warrant (Law), is for a justice of the peace, in the county where the warrant is to be executed, to sign or indorse a warrant, issued in another county, to apprehend an offender. -- To back water (Naut.),  to reverse the action of the oars, paddles, or propeller, so as to force the boat or ship backward.


word: Back₅
definition:
Back

Back
v. i.
1.
To move or go backward; as, the horse refuses to back.

2.
(Naut.)
To change from one quarter to another by a course opposite to that of the sun; -- used of the wind.

3.
(Sporting)
To stand still behind another dog which has pointed; -- said of a dog.
[Eng.]

To back and fill, to manage the sails of a ship so that the wind strikes them alternately in front and behind, in order to keep the ship in the middle of a river or channel while the current or tide carries the vessel against the wind.  Hence: (Fig.) To take opposite positions alternately; to assert and deny. [Colloq.] -- To back out, To back down, to retreat or withdraw from a promise, engagement, or contest; to recede. [Colloq.]

Cleon at first . . . was willing to go; but, finding that he [Nicias] was in earnest, he tried to back out.
Jowett (Thucyd. )


word: Back₆
definition:
Back

Back
adv.
[Shortened from aback.]
1.
In, to, or toward, the rear; as, to stand back; to step back.

2.
To the place from which one came; to the place or person from which something is taken or derived; as, to go back for something left behind; to go back to one's native place; to put a book back after reading it.

3.
To a former state, condition, or station; as, to go back to private life; to go back to barbarism.

4.
(Of time) In times past; ago.
back
Gladstone.

5.
Away from contact; by reverse movement.

The angel of the Lord . . . came, and rolled back the stone from the door.
Matt. xxviii. 2.

6.
In concealment or reserve; in one's own possession; as, to keep back the truth; to keep back part of the money due to another.

7.
In a state of restraint or hindrance.

The Lord hath kept thee back from honor.
Numb. xxiv. 11.

8.
In return, repayment, or requital.

What have I to give you back?
Shak.

9.
In withdrawal from a statement, promise, or undertaking; as, he took back the offensive words.

10.
In arrear; as, to be back in one's rent.
[Colloq.]

Back and forth, backwards and forwards; to and fro.  --  To go back on, to turn back from; to abandon; to betray; as, to go back on a friend; to go back on one's professions. [Colloq.]


word: Backband
definition:
Backband

Back"band`
(băk"bănd)
n.
[2nd back, n. + band.]
(Saddlery)
The band which passes over the back of a horse and holds up the shafts of a carriage.


word: backbench
definition:
backbench

back"bench
(băk"bĕnch)
n.
1.
any of the seats occupied by backbenchers in the House of Commons of Great Britain.


word: backbencher
definition:
backbencher

backbencher
(băk"bĕnch*ẽr)
n.
a member of the House of Commons of Great Britain who is not a party leader.


word: backbend
definition:
backbend

back"bend
(băk"bĕnd)
n.
1.
an acrobatic feat in which the trunk is bent backward from a standing position until the hands touch the floor.


word: Backbite
definition:
Backbite

Back"bite`
v. t.
[2d back, n. + bite.]
To wound by clandestine detraction; to censure meanly or spitefully (an absent person); to slander or speak evil of (one absent).
Spenser.


word: Backbite₂
definition:
Backbite

Back"bite`
v. i.
To censure or revile the absent.

They are arrant knaves, and will backbite.
Shak.


word: Backbiting
definition:
Backbiting

Back"bit`ing
(_;)
n.
Secret slander; detraction.

Backbiting, and bearing of false witness.
Piers Plowman.


word: Backboard
definition:
Backboard

Back"board`
(_;)
n.
[2d back, n. + board.]

1.
A board which supports the back when one is sitting;
specifically,
the board athwart the after part of a boat.

2.
A board serving as the back part of anything, as of a wagon.

3.
A thin stuff used for the backs of framed pictures, mirrors, etc.

4.
A board attached to the rim of a water wheel to prevent the water from running off the floats or paddles into the interior of the wheel.
W. Nicholson.

5.
A board worn across the back to give erectness to the figure.
Thackeray.


word: Backbond
definition:
Backbond

Back"bond`
(băk"b&obreve_;nd`)
n.
[Back, adv. + bond.]
(Scots Law)
An instrument which, in conjunction with another making an absolute disposition, constitutes a trust.


word: Backbone
definition:
Backbone

Back"bone"
(băk"b&omacrn`)
n.
[2d back, n. + bone.]

1.
The column of bones in the back which sustains and gives firmness to the frame; the spine; the vertebral or spinal column.

2.
Anything like , or serving the purpose of, a backbone.

The lofty mountains on the north side compose the granitic axis, or backbone of the country.
Darwin.

We have now come to the backbone of our subject.
Earle.

3.
Firmness; moral principle; steadfastness.

Shelley's thought never had any backbone.
Shairp.

To the backbone, through and through; thoroughly; entirely.  “Staunch to the backbone.”  Lord Lytton.


word: Backcast
definition:
Backcast

Back"cast`
(băk"kȧst`)
n.
[Back, adv. + cast.]
Anything which brings misfortune upon one, or causes failure in an effort or enterprise; a reverse.
[Scot.]


word: backdate
definition:
backdate

back"date
v. t.
1.
to make effective from an earlier date; to make retroactive.
The increase in tax was backdated to January.

Syn. -- back-date

2.
to affix a date earlier than the present date; -- sometimes done for fraudulent purposes.  Opposite of postdate.

Syn. -- back-date; predate; antedate.

Backdate is sometimes used incorrectly for postdate.


word: Back door
definition:
Back door

Back" door"
(_;)
A door in the back part of a building; hence, an indirect way.
Atterbury.


word: backdrop
definition:
backdrop

back"drop
n.
1.
the scenery hung at back of stage.  Also called in Britain backcloth.

Syn. -- background, backcloth

2.
the background, setting, or circumstances of an event; as, the backdrop for the summit meeting.


word: Backed
definition:
Backed

Backed
(băkt)
a.
Having a back; fitted with a back; as, a backed electrotype or stereotype plate.  Used in composition; as, broad-backed; hump-backed.


word: Backer
definition:
Backer

Back"er
(băk"ẽr)
n.
One who, or that which, backs; especially one who backs a person or thing in a contest.


word: Backfall
definition:
Backfall

Back"fall`
(băk"f&asuml_;l`)
n.
[2d back, n. + fall.]
A fall or throw on the back in wrestling.


word: back fire
definition:
back fire

backfire

backfire, back fire
1.
A fire started ahead of a forest or prairie fire to burn only against the wind, so that when the two fires meet both must go out for lack of fuel.

2.
(a)
A premature explosion in the cylinder of a gas or oil engine during the exhaust or the compression stroke, tending to drive the piston in a direction reverse to that in which it should travel; also called a knock or ping.
(b)
an explosion in the exhaust passages of an internal combustion engine.


word: Back-fire
definition:
Back-fire

Backfire

Back"fire` Back"-fire`
v. i.
1.
(Engin.)
To have or experience a back fire or back fires; -- said of an internal-combustion engine.

2.
Of a Bunsen or similar air-fed burner, to light so that the flame proceeds from the internal gas jet instead of from the external jet of mixed gas and air.
Back"-fir`ing, n.


word: back-formation
definition:
back-formation

back"-for*ma`tion
n.
(Linguistics)
1.
a word invented (usually unwittingly by subtracting an affix) on the assumption that a familiar word derives from it, such as emote from emotion.

2.
the process of inventing a back-formation{1}.


word: backgammon
definition:
backgammon

back"gam`mon
(_;)
n.
[Origin unknown; perhaps fr. Dan. bakke tray +  E. game; or very likely the first part is from E. back, adv., and the game is so called because the men are often set back.]
A game of chance and skill, played by two persons on a “board” marked off into twenty-four spaces called “points”.  Each player has fifteen pieces, or “men”, the movements of which from point to point are determined by throwing dice.  Formerly called tables.

backgammon board, a board for playing backgammon, often made in the form of two rectangular trays hinged together, each tray containing two “tables”.


word: backgammon₂
definition:
backgammon

back`gam"mon
v. t.
In the game of backgammon, to beat by ending the game before the loser is clear of his first “table”.  When played for betting purposes, the winner in such a case scores three times the wagered amount.


word: background
definition:
background

back"ground`
(_;)
n.
[Back, a. + ground.]

1.
Ground in the rear or behind, or in the distance, as opposed to the foreground, or the ground in front.

2.
(Paint.)
The space which is behind and subordinate to a portrait or group of figures.

&hand_; The distance in a picture is usually divided into foreground, middle distance, and background.
Fairholt.

3.
Anything behind, serving as a foil; as, the statue had a background of red hangings.

4.
A place in obscurity or retirement, or out of sight.

I fancy there was a background of grinding and waiting before Miss Torry could produce this highly finished . . . performance.
Mrs. Alexander.

A husband somewhere in the background.
Thackeray.

5.
The set of conditions within which an action takes place, including the social and physical conditions as well as the psychological states of the participants; as, within the background of the massive budget deficits of the 1980's, new spending programs had little chance of passage by the congress.

6.
The set of conditions that precede and affect an action, such as the social and historical precedents for the event, as well as the general background{5}; as, against the background of their expulsion by the Serbs, the desire of Kosovars for vengeance is understandable though regrettable.

7.
(Science)
The signals that may be detected by a measurement which are not due to the phenomenon being studied, and tend to make the measurement uncertain to a greater or lesser degree.
Specifically:
(Physics)
Electronic noise present in a system using electronic measuring instrument or in a telecommunications system, which may hide and which must be differentiated from the desired signal; also called background noise or noise.

8.
(Journalism)
An agreement between a journalist and an interviewee that the name of the interviewee will not be quoted in any publication, although the substance of the remarks may be reported; -- often used in the phrase “on background”.  Compare deep background.

To place in the background, to make of little consequence. To keep in the background, to remain unobtrusive, inconspicuous or out of sight; -- of people. deep background, (Journalism) the status of an interview which must not be quoted in a publication, even without attribution.  Compare background{8}.


word: backgrounding
definition:
backgrounding

back"ground*ing
n.
(Computers)
The execution of low priority programs while higher priority programs are not using the processing system.

Syn. -- background processing


word: Backhand
definition:
Backhand

Back"hand`
(_;)
n.
[Back, adv. + hand.]
1.
A kind of handwriting in which the downward slope of the letters is from left to right.

2.
(Sports)
The stroke of a ball with a racket or paddle, in which head of the racket starts from the side of the body opposite to that of the arm in which the racket is held, and proceeds forward to meet the ball.  Contrasted with forehand.


word: Backhand₂
definition:
Backhand

Back"hand`
a.
1.
Sloping from left to right; -- said of handwriting.

2.
Backhanded; indirect; oblique.
[R.]


word: Backhanded
definition:
Backhanded

Back"hand`ed
a.
1.
With the hand turned backward; as, a backhanded blow.

2.
Indirect; awkward; insincere; sarcastic; as, a backhanded compliment.

3.
Turned back, or inclining to the left; as, backhanded letters.


word: Backhandedness
definition:
Backhandedness

Back"hand`ed*ness
n.
State of being backhanded; the using of backhanded or indirect methods.


word: Backheel
definition:
Backheel

Back"heel`
(?)
n.
(Wrestling)
A method of tripping by getting the leg back of the opponent's heel on the outside and pulling forward while pushing his body back; a throw made in this way.
v. t. To trip (a person) in this way.


word: Backhouse
definition:
Backhouse

Back"house`
(_;)
n.
[Back, a. + house.]
A building behind the main building.
Specifically:
A privy; an outhouse; a necessary.


word: Backing
definition:
Backing

Back"ing
n.
1.
The act of moving backward, or of putting or moving anything backward.

2.
That which is behind, and forms the back of, anything, usually giving strength or stability.

3.
Support or aid given to a person or cause.

4.
(Bookbinding)
The preparation of the back of a book with glue, etc., before putting on the cover.


word: Backjoint
definition:
Backjoint

Back"joint`
(băk"joint`)
n.
[Back, a. or adv. + joint.]
(Arch.)
A rebate or chase in masonry left to receive a permanent slab or other filling.


word: Backlash
definition:
Backlash

Back"lash`
(băk"lăsh`)
n.
[Back, adv. + lash.]
1.
(Mech.)
The distance through which one part of connected machinery, as a wheel, piston, or screw, can be moved without moving the connected parts, resulting from looseness in fitting or from wear; also, the jarring or reflex motion caused in badly fitting machinery by irregularities in velocity or a reverse of motion.

2.
A strong and sudden reverse movement in a moving part of a machine.

3.
A strong popular reaction serving to counter the effect of an action; -- used especially of adverse reactions to social or political developments.


word: Backlog
definition:
Backlog

Back"log`
(băk"l&obreve_;g`; 115)
n.
[Back, a. + log.]
1.
A large stick of wood, forming the back of a fire on the hearth.  Contrasted to forestick.
[U.S.]

There was first a backlog, from fifteen to four and twenty inches in diameter and five feet long, imbedded in the ashes.
S. G. Goodrich.

2.
An accumulation (of tasks or of materials) that were not performed or processed at the normal time and require attention; as, unexpected demand led to a large backlog of unfilled orders; politically motivated delays led to a large backlog of unconfirmed judicial appointments.


word: backpack
definition:
backpack

back"pack
n.
a bag carried on the back, supported by straps looped over the shoulders.

Syn. -- knapsack; rucksack; haversack.


word: backpack₂
definition:
backpack

back"pack
v. i.
to hike while carrying a backpack; -- often used in the form go backpacking; as, to backpack through the forest.


word: backpacker
definition:
backpacker

back"pack*er
n.
one who backpacks; as, two backpackers were mauled by bears in Yellowstone this week.


word: backpedal
definition:
backpedal

back"ped*al
v. i.
1.
pedal backwards, as on a bicycle.

2.
step backwards, in boxing.

3.
modify one' opinion, usually by making it less strong or adding qualifications.


word: Backplate
definition:
Backplate

Backpiece

{ Back"piece` (_;), Back"plate` (_;), }
n.
[Back, n. or a. +  piece, plate. ]
1.
A piece, or plate which forms the back of anything, or which covers the back.

2.
Specifically:
A piece of plate armor protecting the back; -- it is worn as part of a cuirass.


word: backroom
definition:
backroom

backroom
n.
1.
the meeting place of a group of leaders who make their decisions via private negotiations.


word: Backsaw
definition:
Backsaw

Back"saw`
(băk"s&asuml_;`)
n.
[2d back, n. + saw.]
A saw (as a tenon saw) whose blade is stiffened by an added metallic back.


word: Backset
definition:
Backset

Back"set`
(băk"sĕt`)
n.
[Back, adv. + set.]
1.
A check; a relapse; a discouragement; a setback.

2.
Whatever is thrown back in its course, as water.

Slackwater, or the backset caused by the overflow.
Harper's Mag.


word: Backset₂
definition:
Backset

Back"set`
v. t.
To plow again, in the fall; -- said of prairie land broken up in the spring.
[Western U.S.]


word: Backsettler
definition:
Backsettler

Back"set"tler
(băk"sĕt"lẽr)
n.
[Back, a. + settler.]
One living in the back or outlying districts of a community.

The English backsettlers of Leinster and Munster.
Macaulay.


word: Backshish
definition:
Backshish

Backsheesh

{ &VerbarBack"sheesh`, &VerbarBack"shish`  }
(_;)
n.
[Pers. bakhshīsh, fr.  bakhshīdan to give.]
In Egypt and the Turkish empire, a relatively small amount of money given for services rendered (as by a waiter); a gratuity; a “tip”.

Syn. -- gratuity, tip, baksheesh, bakshish, bakshis.


word: Backside
definition:
Backside

Back"side`
(băk"sīd`)
n.
[Back, a. + side.]
The hinder part, posteriors, or rump of a person or animal.

&hand_; Backside (one word) was formerly used of the rear part or side of any thing or place, but in such senses is now two words.


word: Backsight
definition:
Backsight

Back"sight`
(băk"sīt`)
n.
[Back, adv. + sight.]
(Surv.)
The reading of the leveling staff in its unchanged position when the leveling instrument has been taken to a new position; a sight directed backwards to a station previously occupied.  Cf. Foresight, n., 3.


word: Backslide
definition:
Backslide

Back"slide"
(băk"slīd"; 277)
v. i.
[imp. Backslid (_;); p. p. Backslidden (_;),    Backslid; p. pr. & vb. n. Backsliding.]
[Back, adv. + slide.]
To slide back; to fall away; esp. to abandon gradually the faith and practice of a religion that has been professed.


word: Backsliding
definition:
Backsliding

Back"slid"ing
a.
Slipping back; falling back into sin or error; sinning.

Turn, O backsliding children, saith the Lord.
Jer. iii. 14.


word: Backsliding₂
definition:
Backsliding

Back"slid"ing
n.
The act of one who backslides; abandonment of faith or duty.

Our backslidings are many.
Jer. xiv. 7.


word: backspacer
definition:
backspacer

backspace

backspace, backspacer
n.
1.
The key on a typewriter or other keyboard used for back spacing.

Syn. -- backspace key.


word: backspace
definition:
backspace

backspace
v. i.
In typing text, to press the backspace key so as to reposition the carriage or cursor on the previous space.


word: Backstaff
definition:
Backstaff

Back"staff`
(_;)
n.
An instrument formerly used for taking the altitude of the heavenly bodies, but now superseded by the quadrant and sextant; -- so called because the observer turned his back to the body observed.


word: backstage
definition:
backstage

back"stage
n.
(theater)
the area on the stage out of sight of the audience.

Syn. -- wing, wings, offstage.


word: Back stairs
definition:
Back stairs

Backstairs

Back"stairs`, Back" stairs`
(băk"stârz`)
n.
Stairs in the back part of a house, as distinguished from the front stairs; a second staircase at the rear of a building; hence, a private or indirect way.


word: Backstair
definition:
Backstair

Backstairs

{ Back"stairs`, Back"stair`  }
a.
Private; indirect; secret; conducted with secrecy; intriguing; -- as if finding access by the back stairs; as, backstairs gossip.

Syn. -- clandestine, cloak-and-dagger, hugger-mugger, hush-hush, on the quiet(predicate), secret, subterranean, surreptitious, undercover, underground.

A backstairs influence.
Burke.

Female caprice and backstair influence.
Trevelyan.


word: Backstay
definition:
Backstay

Back"stay`
(băk"stā`)
n.
[Back, a. or n. + stay.]
1.
(Naut.)
A rope or stay extending from the masthead to the side of a ship, slanting a little aft, to assist the shrouds in supporting the mast.
[Often used in the plural.]

2.
A rope or strap used to prevent excessive forward motion.


word: Backstitch
definition:
Backstitch

Back"stitch`
(_;)
n.
[Back, adv. + stitch.]
A stitch made by setting the needle back of the end of the last stitch, and bringing it out in front of the end.


word: Backstop
definition:
Backstop

Back"stop`
(?)
n.
1.
In baseball, a fence, prop. at least 90 feet behind the home base, to stop the balls that pass the catcher; also, the catcher himself.

2.
In rounders, the player who stands immediately behind the striking base.

3.
In cricket, the longstop; also, the wicket keeper.


word: backstroke
definition:
backstroke

back"stroke`
n.
1.
a swimming stroke that resembles the crawl except the swimmer lies on his or her back.  It is usually executed with backward-moving circular arm strokes and a flutter kick.


word: backswept
definition:
backswept

back"swept`
adj.
aligned from front to back; slanted toward the back; -- used of hair.

Syn. -- sweptback.


word: Backsword
definition:
Backsword

Back"sword`
(_;)
n.
[2d back, n. + sword.]
1.
A sword with one sharp edge.

2.
In England, a stick with a basket handle, used in rustic amusements; also, the game in which the stick is used.  Also called singlestick.
Halliwell.


word: backswimmer
definition:
backswimmer

back"swim`mer
n.
any of numerous predaceous aquatic insects of the family Notonectidae (such as Notonecta undulata) that swim on their backs and may inflict painful bites; -- also called boat bug.
[RHUD]


word: back-to-back
definition:
back-to-back

back-to-back
adj.
1.
occurring immediately one after the other; consecutive.
back-to-back home runs

Syn. -- consecutive.

2.
oriented with the backs toward each other, and sometimes touching.


word: back up
definition:
back up

back" up
v. i.
1.
to move in a reverse direction; -- used of vehicles or animals.

2.
to accumulate due to a blockage of flow; as, a traffic backup due to an accident; a sewage backup.


word: back up₂
definition:
back up

back" up
v. t.
1.
to serve as a backup{3} for (another person or persons); as, the patrolmen backed up the detectives as they went inside to make the arrest; the center fielder backed up the shortstop on the play.

2.
(Computers)
to make a backup{5} of; as, the sysop backed up the purchasing data files every night.


word: backup
definition:
backup

back"up
n.
1.
anything kept in reserve to serve as a substitute in case of failure or unavailability of the normal or primary object; -- used for devices, plans, people, etc.  Also used attributively; as, there was no backup for the electrical supply; a backup motor; a backup generator.

2.
(Music)
a musician or group of musicians accompanying a soloist, whether vocalists or instrumentalists.

Syn. -- accompaniment.
3.
a person or group of persons serving as reinforcement for another or others; as, the policeman called for backup when he was fired on.

4.
an accumulation, overflow, or reverse flow (in traffic or a liquid flow system) caused by a stoppage or other malfunction.

5.
(Computers)
A copy of a program or data from a computer onto a data-storage medium, usually one that may be removed to safe storage at a distance from the computer; it is used to preserve data for use in the contingency that the original data on the computer may be lost or become unusable.  A backup that is removed from the building housing the computer system (to provide protection against loss of data in a disastrous event such as a fire) is called off-site backup.  Also used attributively; as, backup copy.

6.
(Computers)
The act or process of creating a backup{5}; as, they performed a full system backup every weekend.


word: Backwards
definition:
Backwards

Backward

{ Back"ward (_;), Back"wards (_;), }
adv.
[Back, adv. +  -ward.]
1.
With the back in advance or foremost; as, to ride backward.

2.
Toward the back; toward the rear; as, to throw the arms backward.

3.
On the back, or with the back downward.

Thou wilt fall backward.
Shak.

4.
Toward, or in, past time or events; ago.

Some reigns backward.
Locke.

5.
By way of reflection; reflexively.
Sir J. Davies.

6.
From a better to a worse state, as from honor to shame, from religion to sin.

The work went backward.
Dryden.

7.
In a contrary or reverse manner, way, or direction; contrarily; as, to read backwards.

We might have . . . beat them backward home.
Shak.


word: Backward
definition:
Backward

Back"ward
a.
1.
Directed to the back or rear; as, backward glances.

2.
Unwilling; averse; reluctant; hesitating; loath.

For wiser brutes were backward to be slaves.
Pope.

3.
Not well advanced in learning; not quick of apprehension; dull; inapt; as, a backward child.
backward
South.

4.
Late or behindhand; as, a backward season.

5.
Not advanced in civilization; undeveloped; as, the country or region is in a backward state.

6.
Already past or gone; bygone.
[R.]

And flies unconscious o'er each backward year.
Byron.


word: Backward₂
definition:
Backward

Back"ward
n.
The state behind or past.
[Obs.]

In the dark backward and abysm of time.
Shak.


word: Backwardation
definition:
Backwardation

Back`war*da"tion
(_;)
n.
[Backward, v. t. + -ation.]
(Stock Exchange)
The seller's postponement of delivery of stock or shares, with the consent of the buyer, upon payment of a premium to the latter; -- also, the premium so paid. See Contango.
Biddle.


word: Backwardly
definition:
Backwardly

Back"ward*ly
(_;)
adv.
1.
Reluctantly; slowly; aversely.
[Obs.]
Sir P. Sidney.

2.
Perversely; ill.
[Obs.]

And does he think so backwardly of me?
Shak.


word: backwash
definition:
backwash

back"wash`
(_;)
v. t.
1.
To clean the oil from (wool) after combing.
Ash.

2.
(Chem.)
To clean (a filter, a chromatography column, a water softener, etc.) by passing liquid through in the reverse of the normal direction of flow.  This procedure dislodges particles which clog the pores of the filter or column packing, removing them from the filter or column.


word: backwash₂
definition:
backwash

back"wash`
(_;)
n.
1.
The flow of water propelled backward by the propeller, paddle wheel, or oars of a boat.

2.
(Aeron.)
The backward flowing air within the wash of an airplane, caused mostly by the engine.


word: Backwater
definition:
Backwater

Back"wa`ter
(_;)
n.
[Back, a. or adv. + -water. ]
1.
Water turned back in its course by an obstruction, an opposing current, or the flow of the tide, as in a sewer or river channel, or across a river bar.

2.
An accumulation of water overflowing the low lands, caused by an obstruction.

3.
Water thrown back by the turning of a waterwheel, or by the paddle wheels of a steamer.


word: Backwoods
definition:
Backwoods

Back"woods"
(_;)
n. pl.
[Back, a. + woods.]
The forests or partly cleared grounds on the frontiers.


word: Backwoodsman
definition:
Backwoodsman

Back"woods"man
(_;)
n.
pl. Backwoodsmen (_;).
A man living in the forest in or beyond the new settlements, especially on the western frontiers of the United States in former times.
Fisher Ames.


word: Bacon
definition:
Bacon

Ba"con
(_;)
n.
[OF. bacon, fr. OHG. bacho, bahho, flitch of bacon, ham; akin to E. back.  Cf. Back the back side.]
The back and sides of a pig salted and smoked; formerly, the flesh of a pig salted or fresh.

Bacon beetle (Zool.), a beetle  (Dermestes lardarius) which, especially in the larval state, feeds upon bacon, woolens, furs, etc. See Dermestes. --  To save one's bacon, to save one's self or property from harm or loss. [Colloq.]


word: Roger Bacon
definition:
Roger Bacon

Bacon

Bacon, Roger Bacon
prop. n.
Roger Bacon. A celebrated English philosopher of the thirteenth century.  Born at or near Ilchester, Somersetshire, about 1214: died probably at Oxford in 1294.  He is credited with a recognition of the importance of experiment in answering questions about the natural world, recognized the potential importance of gunpowder and explosives generally, and wrote comments about several of the physical sciences that anticipated facts proven by experiment only much later.

The Franciscan monk, Roger Bacon (c. 1214 - 1294) was an important transitional figure in chemistry as he was trained in the alchemical tradition, but introduced many of the modern concepts of experimental science.  Bacon believed that experiment was necessary to support theory, but for him the theory as presented in the Bible was true and the experiment only underlined that truth.  One of Bacon's lasting contributions was his references to gunpowder, bringing this discovery to the general attention of literate Europeans.

   Gunpowder had been known for centuries in China, being used for fireworks and incendiary grenades. Gunpowder is a simple mixture of charcoal, sulfur, and potassium nitrate (known generally as saltpeter). Saltpeter is a major component of guano (bird droppings) and may be recovered from privies where it will crystallize.  By 1324, Europeans had discovered the art of using gunpowder to fire a projectile, marking the end of the period of castles and knights in armor.
Prof. Tom Bitterwolf, Univ. of Idaho (Post-class notes, 1999).

Roger Bacon was Born at or near Ilchester, Somersetshire, about 1214: died probably at Oxford in 1294.  He was educated at Oxford and Paris (whence he appears to have returned to England about 1250), and joined the Franciscan order. In 1257 he was sent by his superiors to Paris where he was kept in close confinement for several years. About 1265 he was invited by Pope Clement IV. to write a general treatise on the sciences, in answer to which he composed his chief work, the "Opus Majus." He was in England in 1268. In 1278 his writings were condemned as heretical by a council of his order, in consequence of which he was again placed in confinement. He was at liberty in 1292. Besides the "Opus Majus," his most notable works are "Opus Minus," "Opus Tertium," and "Compendium Philosophiae."  See Siebert, "Roger Bacon," 1861; Held, "Roger Bacon's Praktische Philosophie," 1881; and L. Schneider, "Roger Bacon," 1873.
Century Dict. 1906.

  Dr. Whewell says that Roger Bacon's Opus Majus is "the encyclopedia and Novam Organon of the Thirteenth Century, a work equally wonderful with regard to its general scheme and to the special treatises with which the outlines of the plans are filled up.  The professed object of the work is to urge the necessity of a reform in the mode of philosophizing, to set forth the reasons why knowledge had not made a greater progress, to draw back attention to the sources of knowledge which had been unwisely neglected, to discover other sources which were yet almost untouched, and to animate men in the undertaking by a prospect of the vast advantages which it offered.  In the development of this plan all the leading portions of science are expanded in the most complete shape which they had at that time assumed; and improvements of a very wide and striking kind are proposed in some of the principal branches of study.  Even if the work had no leading purposes it would have been highly valuable as a treasure of the most solid knowledge and soundest speculations of the time; even if it bad contained no such details it would have been a work most remarkable for its general views and scope."
James J. Walsh (Thirteenth Greatest of Centuries, 1913.


word: Francis Bacon
definition:
Francis Bacon

Bacon

Bacon, Francis Bacon
prop. n.
Francis Bacon. A celebrated English philosopher, jurist, and statesman, son of Sir Nicholas Bacon.
   Born at York House, London, Jan. 22, 1561: died at Highgate, April 9, 1626, created Baron Verulam July 12, 1618, and Viscount St. Albans Jan. 27, 1621: commonly, but incorrectly, called Lord Bacon. 
    He studied at Trinity College, Cambridge, April, 1573, to March, 1575, and at Gray's Inn 1575; became attached to the embassy of Sir Amias Paulet in France in 1576; was admitted to the bar in 1582; entered Parliament in 1584; was knighted in 1603; became solicitor-general in 1607, and attorney-general in 1613; was made a privy councilor in 1616, lord keeper in 1617, and lord chancellor in 1618; and was tried in 1621 for bribery, condemned, fined, and removed from office. A notable incident of his career was his connection with the Earl of Essex, which began in July, 1591, remained an intimate friendship until the fall of Essex (1600-01), and ended in Bacon's active efforts to secure the conviction of the earl for treason. (See Essex.)   His great fame rests upon his services as a reformer of the methods of scientific investigation; and though his relation to the progress of knowledge has been exaggerated and misunderstood, his reputation as one of the chief founders of modern inductive science is well grounded.  His chief works are the "Advancement of Learning," published in English as "The Two Books of Francis Bacon of the Proficience and Advancement of Learning Divine and Human," in 1605; the "Novum organum sive indicia vera de interpretatione naturae," published in Latin, 1620, as a "second part" of the (incomplete) "Instauratio magna"; the "De dignitate et 
augmentis scientiarum," published in Latin in 1623; "Historia Ventorum" (1622), "Historia Vitae et Mortis" (1623), "Historia Densi et Rari" (posthumously, 1658), "Sylva Sylvarum" (posthumously, 1627), "New Atlantis," "Essays" (1597, 1612, 1625), "De Sapientia Veterum" (1609), "Apothegms New and Old," "History of Henry VII." (1622). 
Works edited by Ellis, Spedding, and Heath (7 vols. 1857); Life by Spedding 
(7 vols. 1861, 2 vols. 1878). See Shakspere.
Century Dict. 1906.


word: Baconian
definition:
Baconian

Ba*co"ni*an
(_;)
a.
Of or pertaining to Lord Francis Bacon, or to his system of philosophy.


word: Baconian₂
definition:
Baconian

Ba*co"ni*an
(?)
n.
1.
One who adheres to the philosophy of Lord Bacon.

2.
One who maintains that Lord Bacon is the author of the works commonly attributed to Shakespeare.

Baconian method, the inductive method. See Induction.


word: bacteremia
definition:
bacteremia

bac`ter*e"mi*a
(băk*tēr*ē"mē*ȧ or băk`tŭ*rē"mē*ȧ)
n.
The presence of bacteria in the blood.

Syn. -- bacteriemia.


word: Bactericide
definition:
Bactericide

Bac*te"ri*cide
(băk*tē"rĭ*sīd)
n.
[Bacterium + L. caedere to kill]
(Biol.)
Same as Germicide.


word: bacteriemia
definition:
bacteriemia

bac*teri*e"mi*a
(băk*tẽr*ē*ē"mē*ȧ)
n.
The presence of bacteria in the blood; same as bacteremia.


word: Bacteriological
definition:
Bacteriological

Bac*te"ri*o*log`ic*al
(băk*tē`rĭ*o̝*l&obreve_;j"ĭ*kal)
a.
Of or pertaining to bacteriology; as, bacteriological studies.


word: Bacteriology
definition:
Bacteriology

Bac*te"ri*ol`o*gy
(_;)
n.
[Bacterium + -logy.]
(Biol.)
The branch of microbiology relating to bacteria.


word: Bacteriolysis
definition:
Bacteriolysis

Bac*te`ri*ol"y*sis
(?)
n.
[NL.; fr. Gr. bakth`rion, ba`ktron, a staff + _; a loosing.]
1.
Chemical decomposition brought about by bacteria without the addition of oxygen.

2.
The destruction or dissolution of bacterial cells.
Bac*te`ri*o*lyt"ic (#), a.


word: bacteriophage
definition:
bacteriophage

bacteriophage
n. sing. & pl.
a virus which infects bacteria; -- also colloquially called phage in laboratory jargon.
Bacteriophages are of many varieties, generally specific for one or a narrow range of bacterial species, and almost every bacterium is susceptible to at least one bacteriophage.  They may have DNA or RNA as their genetic component.  Certain types of bacteriophage, called temperate bacteriophage, may infect but not kill their host bacteria, residing in and replicating either as a plasmid or integrated into the host genome.  Under certain conditions, a resident temperate phage may become induced to multiply rapidly and vegetatively, killing and lysing its host bacterium, and producing multiple progeny.  The lambda phage of Eschericia coli, much studied in biochemical and genetic research, is of the temperate type.


word: bacteriophagous
definition:
bacteriophagous

bacteriophagic

bacteriophagic bacteriophagous
adj.
1.
of or pertaining to bacteriophage.


word: Bacterioscopic
definition:
Bacterioscopic

Bac*te`ri*o*scop"ic
(_;)
a.
(Biol.)
Relating to bacterioscopy; as, a bacterioscopic examination.


word: Bacterioscopy
definition:
Bacterioscopy

Bac*te`ri*os"co*py
(băk*tē`rĭ*&obreve_;s"ko̝*p&ybreve_;)
n.
[Bacterium + -scopy; fr. Gr. bakth`rion, ba`ktron, a staff + skopei^n to view.]
(Biol.)
1.
The application of a knowledge of bacteria for their detection and identification, as in the examination of polluted water.

2.
Microscopic examination or investigation of bacteria.
Bac*te`ri*o*scop"ic (#), a. -- *scop"ic*al*ly (#), adv. -- Bac*te`ri*os"co*pist (#), n.


word: bacteriostasis
definition:
bacteriostasis

bacteriostasis
n.
inhibition of the growth of bacteria, without outright killing of the organism.


word: bacteriostatic
definition:
bacteriostatic

bacteriostatic
adj.
1.
of or pertaining to bacteriostasis or a bacteriostat.

2.
causing bacteriostasis; -- said of chemical substances, such as certain antibacterial agents.

&hand_; Substances, such as antibiotics, which inhibit bacterial growth are usually classified as bacteriostatic or bacteriocidal depending on the rate at which bacteria exposed to the agents{4} die.  The rates of death of bacteria exposed to antibacterial agents{4} are, however, dependent on the concentration of the agent{4}, and form a continuum with some antibacterial agents{4} of intermediate type.  The penicillins are considered as typical bactericidal agents, and chloramphenicol or the sulfa drugs as typical bacteriostatic agents.  In general, inhibitors of cell-wall synthesis will be bactericidal and many inhibitors of protein synthesis are classed as bacteriostatic, but some of the aminoglycosides also kill bacteria rapidly.


word: Bacterium
definition:
Bacterium

Bac*te"ri*um
(băk*tē"rĭ*ŭm)
n.
pl. Bacteria (băk*tē"rĭ*ȧ).
[NL., fr. Gr. bakth`rion, ba`ktron, a staff: cf. F. bactérie.]
(Biol.)
A microscopic single-celled organism having no distinguishable nucleus, belonging to the kingdom Monera.  Bacteria have varying shapes, usually taking the form of a jointed rodlike filament, or a small sphere, but also in certain cases having a branched form.  Bacteria are destitute of chlorophyll, but in those members of the phylum Cyanophyta (the blue-green algae) other light-absorbing pigments are present.  They are the smallest of microscopic organisms which have their own metabolic processes carried on within cell membranes, viruses being smaller but not capable of living freely.  The bacteria are very widely diffused in nature, and multiply with marvelous rapidity, both by fission and by spores.  Bacteria may require oxygen for their energy-producing metabolism, and these are called aerobes; or may multiply in the absence of oxygen, these forms being anaerobes.  Certain species are active agents in fermentation, while others appear to be the cause of certain infectious diseases.  The branch of science with studies bacteria is bacteriology, being a division of microbiology.  See Bacillus.


word: Bacteroidal
definition:
Bacteroidal

Bacteroid

{ Bac"te*roid (_;), Bac`te*roid"al (_;), }
a.
[Bacterium + -oid.]
(Biol.)
Resembling bacteria; as, bacteroid particles.


word: Bactrian
definition:
Bactrian

Bac"tri*an
(_;)
a.
Of or pertaining to Bactria in Asia.
n. A native of Bactria.

Bactrian camel, the two-humped camel.


word: baculiform
definition:
baculiform

baculiform
adj.
shaped like a rod.

Syn. -- baccilar, bacillary, bacilliform, rod-shaped.


word: Baculine
definition:
Baculine

Bac"u*line
(_;)
a.
[L.  baculum staff.]
Of or pertaining to the rod or punishment with the rod.


word: Baculite
definition:
Baculite

Bac"u*lite
(_;)
n.
[L. baculum stick, staff; cf. F. baculite.]
(Paleon.)
A cephalopod of the extinct genus Baculites, found fossil in the Cretaceous rocks. It is like an uncoiled ammonite.


word: Baculometry
definition:
Baculometry

Bac`u*lom"e*try
(_;)
n.
[L. baculum staff + -metry.]
Measurement of distance or altitude by a staff or staffs.


word: Bad₂
definition:
Bad

Bad
(băd)
a.
[Compar. Worse (wûs); superl. Worst (wûst).]
[Probably fr. AS. bæddel hermaphrodite; cf. bædling effeminate fellow.]
Wanting good qualities, whether physical or moral; injurious, hurtful, inconvenient, offensive, painful, unfavorable, or defective, either physically or morally; evil; vicious; wicked; -- the opposite of good; as, a bad man; bad conduct; bad habits; bad soil; bad air; bad health; a bad crop; bad news.

     Sometimes used substantively.

The strong antipathy of good to bad.
Pope.


word: Badaud
definition:
Badaud

Ba`daud"
(?)
n.
[F.]
A person given to idle observation of everything, with wonder or astonishment; a credulous or gossipy idler.

A host of stories . . . dealing chiefly with the subject of his great wealth, an ever delightful topic to the badauds of Paris.
Pall Mall Mag.


word: Badderlocks
definition:
Badderlocks

Bad"der*locks
(_;)
n.
[Perh. for Balderlocks, fr. Balder the Scandinavian deity.]
(Bot.)
A large black seaweed (Alaria esculenta) sometimes eaten in Europe; -- also called murlins, honeyware, and henware.


word: Badge
definition:
Badge

Badge
(băj)
n.
[LL.  bagea, bagia, sign, prob. of German origin; cf. AS. beág, beáh, bracelet, collar, crown, OS. b&omacrg- in comp., AS. būgan to bow, bend, G.  biegen. See Bow to bend.]
1.
A distinctive mark, token, sign, or cognizance, worn on the person; as, the badge of a society; the badge of a policeman.
badges
Prescott.

2.
Something characteristic; a mark; a token.

Sweet mercy is nobility's true badge.
Shak.

3.
(Naut.)
A carved ornament on the stern of a vessel, containing a window or the representation of one.


word: Badger
definition:
Badger

Badg"er
(_;)
n.
[Of uncertain origin; perh. fr. an old verb badge to lay up provisions to sell again.]
An itinerant licensed dealer in commodities used for food; a hawker; a huckster; -- formerly applied especially to one who bought grain in one place and sold it in another.
[Now dialectic, Eng.]


word: Badger₂
definition:
Badger

Badg"er
n.
[OE. bageard, prob. fr. badge + -ard, in reference to the white mark on its forehead. See Badge,n.]
1.
A carnivorous quadruped of the genus Meles or of an allied genus.  It is a burrowing animal, with short, thick legs, and long claws on the fore feet.  One species (Meles meles or Meles vulgaris), called also brock, inhabits the north of Europe and Asia; another species (Taxidea taxus or Taxidea Americana or Taxidea Labradorica) inhabits the northern parts of North America.  See Teledu.

2.
A brush made of badgers' hair, used by artists.

Badger dog. (Zool.) See Dachshund.


word: Badger₃
definition:
Badger

Badg"er
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Badgered (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Badgering.]
[For sense 1, see 2d Badger; for 2, see 1st Badger.]
1.
To tease or annoy, as a badger when baited; to worry or irritate persistently.

2.
To beat down; to cheapen; to barter; to bargain.


word: Badger game
definition:
Badger game

Badg"er game
The method of blackmailing by decoying a person into a compromising situation and extorting money by threats of exposure.
[Cant]


word: Badgering
definition:
Badgering

Badg"er*ing
n.
1.
The act of one who badgers.

2.
The practice of buying wheat and other kinds of food in one place and selling them in another for a profit.
[Prov. Eng.]


word: Badger-legged
definition:
Badger-legged

Badg"er-legged`
(_;)
a.
Having legs of unequal length, as the badger was thought to have.
Shak.


word: Badiaga
definition:
Badiaga

Bad`i*a"ga
(băd`ĭā"gȧ or bȧd*yä"gȧ)
n.
[Russ. badiaga.]
(Zool.)
A fresh-water sponge (Spongilla), common in the north of Europe, the powder of which is used to take away the livid marks of bruises.


word: Badian
definition:
Badian

Ba"di*an
(_;)
n.
[F. badiane, fr. Per. bādiān anise.]
(Bot.)
An evergreen Chinese shrub of the Magnolia family (Illicium anisatum), and its aromatic seeds; Chinese anise; star anise.


word: Badigeon
definition:
Badigeon

Ba*di"geon
(bȧ*dĭj"ŭn)
n.
[F.]
A cement or distemper paste (as of plaster and powdered freestone, or of sawdust and glue or lime) used by sculptors, builders, and workers in wood or stone, to fill holes, cover defects, finish a surface, etc.


word: Badinage
definition:
Badinage

Ba`di`nage"
(_;)
n.
[F., fr. badiner to joke, OF. to trifle, be silly, fr. badin silly.]
Playful raillery; banter.
badinage
Warburton.


word: Bad lands
definition:
Bad lands

Bad" lands"
(_;)
Barren regions, especially in the western United States, where horizontal strata (Tertiary deposits) have been often eroded into fantastic forms, and much intersected by cañons, and where lack of wood, water, and forage increases the difficulty of traversing the country, whence the name, first given by the Canadian French, Mauvaises Terres (bad lands).


word: Badly
definition:
Badly

Bad"ly
adv.
In a bad manner; poorly; not well; unskillfully; imperfectly; unfortunately; grievously; so as to cause harm; disagreeably; seriously.

&hand_; Badly is often used colloquially for very much or very greatly, with words signifying to want or need.


word: Badminton
definition:
Badminton

Bad"min*ton
(_;)
n.
[From the name of the seat of the Duke of Beaufort in England.]
1.
A game, similar to lawn tennis, played with shuttlecocks.

2.
A preparation of claret, spiced and sweetened.


word: Baenomere
definition:
Baenomere

Bæ"no*mere
(_;)
n.
[Gr. bai`nein to walk + -mere.]
(Zool.)
One of the somites (arthromeres) that make up the thorax of Arthropods.
Packard.


word: Baenopod
definition:
Baenopod

Bæ"no*pod
(_;)
n.
[Gr. bai`nein to walk + -pod.]
(Zool.)
One of the thoracic legs of Arthropods.


word: Baenosome
definition:
Baenosome

Bæ"no*some
(_;)
n.
[Gr. bai`nein to walk + -some body.]
(Zool.)
The thorax of Arthropods.
Packard.


word: Baetulus
definition:
Baetulus

Bæ"tu*lus
(?)
n.
pl. Bætuli (#)
[L., fr. Gr. bai`tylos a sacred meteorite.]
(Antiq.)
A meteorite, or similar rude stone artificially shaped, held sacred or worshiped as of divine origin.

All the evidence goes to prove that these menhirs are bætuli, i. e., traditional and elementary images of the deity.
I. Gonino (Perrot & Chipiez).


word: Baff
definition:
Baff

Baff
(băf)
n.
1.
A blow; a stroke; thud.
[Scot.]
H. Miller.

2.
specif.
(Golf)
a stroke  in which the sole of the club hits the ground and drives the ball aloft.
[Scot. or Golf]


word: Baff₂
definition:
Baff

Baff
(băf)
v. t. & i.
[Scot., prob. imitative; cf. G. baff, interj. imitating the sound of a shot.]
To strike; to beat; to make a baff.
[Scot. or Golf]


word: Baffle
definition:
Baffle

Baf"fle
(băf"f'l)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Baffled (-f'ld); p. pr. & vb. n. Baffling (-flĭng).]
[Cf. Lowland Scotch bauchle to treat contemptuously, bauch tasteless, abashed, jaded, Icel. bāgr uneasy, poor, or bāgr, n., struggle, bægja to push, treat harshly, OF. beffler, beffer, to mock, deceive, dial. G. bäppe mouth, beffen to bark, chide.]

1.
To cause to undergo a disgraceful punishment, as a recreant knight.
[Obs.]

He by the heels him hung upon a tree,
And baffled so, that all which passed by
The picture of his punishment might see.
Spenser.

2.
To check by shifts and turns; to elude; to foil.

The art that baffles time's tyrannic claim.
Cowper.

3.
To check by perplexing; to disconcert, frustrate, or defeat; to thwart.
baffled
De Quincey.

A suitable scripture ready to repel and baffle them all.
South.

Calculations so difficult as to have baffled, until within a . . . recent period, the most enlightened nations.
Prescott.

The mere intricacy of a question should not baffle us.
Locke.

Baffling wind (Naut.), one that frequently shifts from one point to another.


word: Baffle₂
definition:
Baffle

Baf"fle
v. i.
1.
To practice deceit.
[Obs.]
Barrow.

2.
To struggle against in vain; as, a ship baffles with the winds.
[R.]


word: Baffle₃
definition:
Baffle

Baf"fle
n.
1.
A defeat by artifice, shifts, and turns; discomfiture.
[R.]
baffle
South.

2.
(Engin.)
(a)
A deflector, as a plate or wall, so arranged across a furnace or boiler flue as to mingle the hot gases and deflect them against the substance to be heated.
(b)
A grating or plate across a channel or pipe conveying water, gas, or the like, by which the flow is rendered more uniform in different parts of the cross section of the stream; -- used in measuring the rate of flow, as by means of a weir.

2.
(Coal Mining)
A lever for operating the throttle valve of a winding engine.
[Local, U. S.]


word: baffled
definition:
baffled

baffled
adj.
not understanding.

Syn. -- uncomprehending.

2.
discouraged by failure to accomplish a goal and uncertain how to proceed; -- used especially of feelings of defeat and discouragement.

Syn. -- balked, discomfited, discouraged, frustrated.


word: Bafflement
definition:
Bafflement

Baf"fle*ment
(băf"f'l*ment)
n.
The process or act of baffling, or of being baffled; frustration; check.


word: Baffling
definition:
Baffling

Baf"fling
(băf"flĭng)
a.
Frustrating; discomfiting; disconcerting; as, baffling currents, winds, tasks.
Baff"ling*ly, adv. -- Baff"ling*ness, n.


word: Baffy
definition:
Baffy

Baff"y
(bȧf"&ybreve_;)
n.
[See Baff, v. t.]
(Golf)
A short wooden club having a deeply concave face, seldom used.


word: Bafta
definition:
Bafta

Baf"ta
(băf"tȧ)
n.
[Cf. Per. baft woven, wrought.]
A coarse stuff, usually of cotton, originally made in India.  Also, an imitation of this fabric made for export.


word: Bag
definition:
Bag

Bag
(băg)
n.
[OE. bagge; cf. Icel. baggi, and also OF. bague, bundle, LL. baga.]
1.
A sack or pouch, used for holding anything; as, a bag of meal or of money.

2.
A sac, or dependent gland, in animal bodies, containing some fluid or other substance; as, the bag of poison in the mouth of some serpents; the bag of a cow.

3.
A sort of silken purse formerly tied about men's hair behind, by way of ornament.
[Obs.]

4.
The quantity of game bagged.

5.
(Com.)
A certain quantity of a commodity, such as it is customary to carry to market in a sack; as, a bag of pepper or hops; a bag of coffee.

Bag and baggage, all that belongs to one. -- To give one the bag, to disappoint him. [Obs.] Bunyan.


word: Bag₂
definition:
Bag

Bag
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Bagged (băgd); p. pr. & vb. n. Bagging]
1.
To put into a bag; as, to bag hops.

2.
To seize, capture, or entrap; as, to bag an army; to bag game.

3.
To furnish or load with a bag or with a well filled bag.

A bee bagged with his honeyed venom.
Dryden.


word: Bag₃
definition:
Bag

Bag
v. i.
1.
To swell or hang down like a full bag; as, the skin bags from containing morbid matter.

2.
To swell with arrogance.
[Obs.]
Chaucer.

3.
To become pregnant.
[Obs.]
Warner. (Alb. Eng.).


word: Bagasse
definition:
Bagasse

Ba*gasse"
(bȧ*găs")
n.
[F.]
Sugar cane, as it comes crushed from the mill. It is then dried and used as fuel. Also extended to the refuse of beetroot sugar.


word: Bagatelle
definition:
Bagatelle

Bag`a*telle"
(băg`ȧ*tĕl")
n.
[F., fr. It. bagatella; cf. Prov. It. bagata trifle, OF. bague, Pr. bagua, bundle. See Bag, n.]
1.
A trifle; a thing of no importance.

Rich trifles, serious bagatelles.
Prior.

2.
A game played on an oblong board, having, at one end, cups or arches into or through which balls are to be driven by a rod held in the hand of the player.


word: bagel
definition:
bagel

ba"gel
(bā"g'l)
n.
[Yiddish beygl, prob. fr. dial. G. Beugel. RHUD]
a glazed leavened doughnut-shaped roll with a hard crust.
A similar roll in Russia is called a bublik.


word: bagful
definition:
bagful

bag"ful
(băg"f&usdot_;l)
n.
The quantity that a bag will hold; as, he ate a bagful of popcorn.

Syn. -- bag.


word: baggage
definition:
baggage

bag"gage
(băg"ga̝j)
n.
[F. bagage, from OF. bague bundle.  In senses 6 and 7 cf. F. bagasse a prostitute. See Bag, n.]
1.
The clothes, tents, utensils, and provisions of an army.

&hand_; “The term itself is made to apply chiefly to articles of clothing and to small personal effects.”  Farrow.

2.
The trunks, valises, satchels, etc., which a traveler carries with him on a journey; luggage.

The baronet's baggage on the roof of the coach.
Thackeray.

We saw our baggage following below.
Johnson.

&hand_; The English usually call this luggage.

3.
Purulent matter.
[Obs.]
Barrough.

4.
Trashy talk.
[Obs.]
Ascham.

5.
A man of bad character.
[Obs.]
Holland.

6.
A woman of loose morals; a prostitute.

A disreputable, daring, laughing, painted French baggage.
Thackeray.

7.
A romping, saucy girl.
[Playful]
Goldsmith.


word: Baggage master
definition:
Baggage master

Bag"gage mas`ter
(_;)
One who has charge of the baggage at a railway station or upon a line of public travel.
[U.S.]


word: Baggager
definition:
Baggager

Bag"ga*ger
(_;)
n.
One who takes care of baggage; a camp follower.
[Obs.]
Sir W. Raleigh.


word: Baggala
definition:
Baggala

Bag"ga*la
(_;)
n.
[Ar. “fem. of baghl a mule.” Balfour.]
(Naut.)
A two-masted Arab or Indian trading vessel, used in the Indian Ocean.


word: Bagging
definition:
Bagging

Bag"ging
n.
1.
Cloth or other material for bags.

2.
The act of putting anything into, or as into, a bag.

3.
The act of swelling; swelling.


word: Bagging₂
definition:
Bagging

Bag"ging
n.
[Etymol. uncertain.]
Reaping peas, beans, wheat, etc., with a chopping stroke.
[Eng.]


word: Baggy
definition:
Baggy

Bag"gy
(_;)
a.
Resembling a bag; loose or puffed out, or pendent, like a bag; flabby; as, baggy trousers; baggy cheeks.


word: Bagman
definition:
Bagman

Bag"man
(_;)
n.
pl. Bagmen (_;).
A commercial traveler; one employed to solicit orders for manufacturers and tradesmen.
Thackeray.


word: Bagnio
definition:
Bagnio

Bagn"io
(_;)
n.
[It. bagno, fr. L. balneum. Cf. Bain.]
1.
A house for bathing, sweating, etc.; -- also, in Turkey, a prison for slaves.
[Obs.]

2.
A brothel; a stew; a house of prostitution.


word: Bagpipe
definition:
Bagpipe

Bag"pipe
(_;)
n.
A musical wind instrument, now used chiefly in the Highlands of Scotland.

&hand_; It consists of a leather bag, which receives the air by a tube that is stopped by a valve; and three sounding pipes, into which the air is pressed by the performer. Two of these pipes produce fixed tones, namely, the bass, or key tone, and its fifth, and form together what is called the drone; the third, or chanter, gives the melody.


word: Bagpipe₂
definition:
Bagpipe

Bag"pipe
v. t.
To make to look like a bagpipe.

To bagpipe the mizzen (Naut.), to lay it aback by bringing the sheet to the mizzen rigging. Totten.


word: Bagreef
definition:
Bagreef

Bag"reef`
(_;)
n.
[Bag + reef.]
(Naut.)
The lower reef of fore and aft sails; also, the upper reef of topsails.
Ham. Nav. Encyc.


word: Bague
definition:
Bague

Bague
(_;)
n.
[F., a ring]
(Arch.)
The annular molding or group of moldings dividing a long shaft or clustered column into two or more parts.


word: Baguette
definition:
Baguette

Baguet

{ Ba*guet", Ba*guette"  }
(_;)
n.
[F. baguette, prop. a rod_; It. bacchetta, fr. L. baculum, baculu_; stick, staff.]
1.
(Arch.)
A small molding, like the astragal, but smaller; a bead.

2.
(Zool.)
One of the minute bodies seen in the divided nucleoli of some Infusoria after conjugation.


word: Bagwig
definition:
Bagwig

Bag"wig"
(_;)
n.
A wig, in use in the 18th century, with the hair at the back of the head in a bag.


word: Bagworm
definition:
Bagworm

Bag"worm`
(_;)
n.
(Zool.)
One of several lepidopterous insects which construct, in the larval state, a baglike case which they carry about for protection. One species (Platœceticus Gloveri) feeds on the orange tree. See Basket worm.


word: Bah
definition:
Bah

Bah
(_;)
interj.
An exclamation expressive of extreme contempt.

Twenty-five years ago the vile ejaculation, Bah! was utterly unknown to the English public.
De Quincey.


word: Bahaudur
definition:
Bahaudur

Bahadur

{ &VerbarBa*ha"dur   &VerbarBa*hau"dur  }
(?)
n.
[Written also bahawder.]
[Hind. bahādur hero, champion.]
A title of respect or honor given to European officers in East Indian state papers, and colloquially, and among the natives, to distinguished officials and other important personages.


word: Bahai
definition:
Bahai

Ba*hai"
(bȧ*hī")
n.
pl. Bahais (-hīz).
A member of the sect of the Babis consisting of the adherents of Baha (Mirza Husain Ali, entitled “Baha 'u 'llah,” or, “the Splendor of God”), the elder half brother of Mirza Yahya of Nur, who succeeded the Bab as the head of the Babists.  Baha in 1863 declared himself the supreme prophet of the sect, and became its recognized head.  There are upwards of 20,000 Bahais in the United States.


word: Bahar
definition:
Bahar

Ba*har"
(_;)
n.
[Ar. bahār, from bahara to charge with a load.]
A weight used in certain parts of the East Indies, varying considerably in different localities, the range being from 223 to 625 pounds.


word: Bahrain
definition:
Bahrain

Bahrain
n.
1.
an island in the Persian Gulf.

Syn. -- Bahrein.

2.
an island country in the Persian Gulf.

Syn. -- Bahrein.


word: Bahraini₂
definition:
Bahraini

Bahraini
adj.
1.
of or pertaining to Bahrain (definition 2).
The Bahraini ruling families

2.
of, pertaining to, or characteristic of Bahrain.
Bahraini beaches.


word: Bahrein
definition:
Bahrein

Bahrein
n.
an island in the Persian Gulf; same as Bahrain.

Syn. -- Bahrain.

2.
an island country in the Persian Gulf.

Syn. -- Bahrain.


word: Baigne
definition:
Baigne

Baigne
(bān)
v. t.
[F. baigner to bathe, fr. L. balneum bath.]
To soak or drench.
[Obs.]
Carew.


word: Baignoire
definition:
Baignoire

Bai`gnoire"
(?)
n.
[Written also baignoir.]
[F., lit., bath tub.]
A box of the lowest tier in a theater.
Du Maurier.


word: Bail
definition:
Bail

Bail
(bāl)
n.
[F. baille a bucket, pail; cf. LL. bacula, dim. of bacca a sort of vessel.  Cf. Bac.]
A bucket or scoop used in bailing water out of a boat.
[Obs.]

The bail of a canoe . . . made of a human skull.
Capt. Cook.


word: Bail₂
definition:
Bail

Bail
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Bailed (bāld); p. pr. & vb. n. Bailing.]
1.
To lade; to dip and throw; -- usually with out; as, to bail water out of a boat.

Buckets . . . to bail out the water.
Capt. J. Smith.

2.
To dip or lade water from; -- often with out to express completeness; as, to bail a boat.

By the help of a small bucket and our hats we bailed her out.
R. H. Dana, Jr.


word: Bail₃
definition:
Bail

Bail
v. t.
[OF. bailler to give, to deliver, fr. L. bajulare to bear a burden, keep in custody, fr. bajulus he who bears burdens.]
1.
To deliver; to release.
[Obs.]

Ne none there was to rescue her, ne none to bail.
Spenser.

2.
(Law)
(a)
To set free, or deliver from arrest, or out of custody, on the undertaking of some other person or persons that he or they will be responsible for the appearance, at a certain day and place, of the person bailed.

&hand_; The word is applied to the magistrate or the surety. The magistrate bails (but admits to bail is commoner) a man when he liberates him from arrest or imprisonment upon bond given with sureties. The surety bails a person when he procures his release from arrest by giving bond for his appearance.
Blackstone.


word: Bail₄
definition:
Bail

Bail
n.
[OF. bail guardian, administrator, fr. L. bajulus. See Bail to deliver.]
1.
Custody; keeping.
[Obs.]

Silly Faunus now within their bail.
Spenser.

2.
(Law)
(a)
The person or persons who procure the release of a prisoner from the custody of the officer, or from imprisonment, by becoming surety for his appearance in court.

The bail must be real, substantial bondsmen.
Blackstone.

A. and B. were bail to the arrest in a suit at law.
Kent.

Excessive bail ought not to be required.
Blackstone.


word: Bail₅
definition:
Bail

Bail
n.
[OE. beyl; cf. Dan. böile a bending, ring, hoop, Sw. bögel, bygel, and Icel. beyla hump, swelling, akin to E. bow to bend.]
1.
The arched handle of a kettle, pail, or similar vessel, usually movable.
Forby.

2.
A half hoop for supporting the cover of a carrier's wagon, awning of a boat, etc.


word: Bail₆
definition:
Bail

Bail
n.
[OF. bail, baille. See Bailey.]
1.
pl.
A line of palisades serving as an exterior defense.
[Written also bayle.]
[Obs.]

2.
The outer wall of a feudal castle. Hence: The space inclosed by it; the outer court.
Holinshed.

3.
A certain limit within a forest.
[Eng.]

4.
A division for the stalls of an open stable.

5.
(Cricket)
The top or cross piece (or either of the two cross pieces) of the wicket.


word: Bailable
definition:
Bailable

Bail"a*ble
(_;)
a.
1.
Having the right or privilege of being admitted to bail, upon bond with sureties; -- used of persons.
bailable
Ford.

2.
Admitting of bail; as, a bailable offense.

3.
That can be delivered in trust; as, bailable goods.


word: Bail bond
definition:
Bail bond

Bail" bond`
(bāl" b&obreve_;nd`)
(Law)
(a)
A bond or obligation given by a prisoner and his surety, to insure the prisoner's appearance in court, at the return of the writ.
(b)
Special bail in court to abide the judgment.
Bouvier.


word: Bailee
definition:
Bailee

Bail`ee"
(bāl`ē")
n.
[OF. baillé, p. p. of bailler. See Bail to deliver.]
(Law)
The person to whom goods are committed in trust, and who has a temporary possession and a qualified property in them, for the purposes of the trust.
Blackstone.

&hand_; In penal statutes the word includes those who receive goods for another in good faith.
Wharton.


