# dictionary

word: Snath
definition:
Snath

Snath
(snăth)
n.
[Cf. AS. snīðan to cut, to mow, sn&aemacr_;d a bite, bit, snip.]
The handle of a scythe; a snead.
[Variously written in England snead, sneed, sneath, sneeth, snathe, etc.; in Scotland written sned.]


word: Snathe
definition:
Snathe

Snathe
(snā&thlig_;)
v. t.
[Cf. Icel. sneiða to cut into alices, snīða to cut; akin to AS. besn&aemacr_;dan, snīðan, G. schneiden, OHG. snīdan, Goth. sneiþan to cut, to reap, and E. snath, snithe.]
To lop; to prune.
[Prov. Eng.]


word: Sneak
definition:
Sneak

Sneak
(snēk)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Sneaked (snēkt); p. pr. & vb. n. Sneaking.]
[OE. sniken, AS. snīcan to creep; akin to Dan. snige sig; cf. Icel. snīkja to hanker after.]
1.
To creep or steal (away or about) privately; to come or go meanly, as a person afraid or ashamed to be seen; as, to sneak away from company.

You skulked behind the fence, and sneaked away.
Dryden.

2.
To act in a stealthy and cowardly manner; to behave with meanness and servility; to crouch.


word: Sneak₃
definition:
Sneak

Sneak
n.
1.
A mean, sneaking fellow.

A set of simpletons and superstitious sneaks.
Glanvill.

2.
(Cricket)
A ball bowled so as to roll along the ground; -- called also grub.
[Cant]
R. A. Proctor.


word: Sneak current
definition:
Sneak current

Sneak current
(Elec.)
A current which, though too feeble to blow the usual fuse or to injure at once telegraph or telephone instruments, will in time burn them out.


word: Sneaker
definition:
Sneaker

Sneak"er
(snēk"ẽr)
n.
1.
One who sneaks.
Lamb.

2.
A vessel of drink.
[Prov. Eng.]

A sneaker of five gallons.
Spectator.

3.
A type of soft shoe with a flat, pliable, typically rubber or other soft sole, and canvas-like upper, used in sports such as tennis, or for comfort.  Called sneaker because they give no warning of one's approach.  Usually used in the pl.

4.
A punch bowl.
[Obs.]
Spectator.


word: Sneaking
definition:
Sneaking

Sneak"ing
a.
Marked by cowardly concealment; deficient in openness and courage; underhand; mean; crouching.
Sneak"ing*ly, adv. -- Sneak"ing*ness, n.


word: Sneap
definition:
Sneap

Sneap
(?)
v. t.
[Cf. Icel. sneypa to dishonor, disgrace, chide, but also E. snip, and snub.]
1.
To check; to reprimand; to rebuke; to chide.
[Obs.]
Bp. Hall.

2.
To nip; to blast; to blight.
[Obs.]

Biron is like an envious, sneaping frost.
Shak.


word: Sneap₂
definition:
Sneap

Sneap
n.
A reprimand; a rebuke.
[Obs.]

My lord, I will not undergo this sneap without reply.
Shak.


word: Sneck
definition:
Sneck

Sneck
(?)
v. t.
[See Snatch.]
To fasten by a hatch; to latch, as a door.
[Scot. & Prov. Eng.]

Sneck up, be silent; shut up; hold your peace.
Shak.


word: Sneck₂
definition:
Sneck

Sneck
n.
A door latch.
[Scot. & Prov. Eng.]

Sneck band, a latchstring. Burns. -- Sneck drawer, a latch lifter; a bolt drawer; hence, a sly person; a cozener; a cheat; -- called also sneckdraw. -- Sneck drawing, lifting the latch.


word: Sneer
definition:
Sneer

Sneer
(?)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Sneered (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Sneering.]
[OE. sneren, Dan. sn_;rre to snarl or grin (like a dog); cf. Prov. E. sneer to grin, sner to snort, snert to sneer at. See Snore, v. i.]
1.
To show contempt by turning up the nose, or by a particular facial expression.

2.
To inssinuate contempt by a covert expression; to speak derisively.

I could be content to be a little sneared at.
Pope.

3.
To show mirth awkwardly.
[R.]
Tatler.

And sneers as learnedly as they,
Like females o'er their morning tea.
Swift.

Midas, exposed to all their jeers,
Had lost his art, and kept his ears.
Swift.

The fop, with learning at defiance,
Scoffs at the pedant and science.
Gay.


word: Sneer₂
definition:
Sneer

Sneer
v. t.
1.
To utter with a grimace or contemptuous expression; to utter with a sneer; to say sneeringly; as, to sneer fulsome lies at a person.
Congreve.

“A ship of fools,” he sneered.
Tennyson.

2.
To treat with sneers; to affect or move by sneers.

Nor sneered nor bribed from virtue into shame.
Savage.


word: Sneer₃
definition:
Sneer

Sneer
n.
1.
The act of sneering.

2.
A smile, grin, or contortion of the face, indicative of contempt; an indirect expression or insinuation of contempt.
sneer
Raley.


word: Sneeze
definition:
Sneeze

Sneeze
(?)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Sneezed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Sneezing.]
[OE. snesen; of uncertain origin; cf. D. snuse to sniff, E. neese, and AS. fneósan.]
To emit air, chiefly through the nose, audibly and violently, by a kind of involuntary convulsive force, occasioned by irritation of the inner membrane of the nose.

Not to be sneezed at, not to be despised or contemned; not to be treated lightly. [Colloq.] “He had to do with old women who were not to be sneezed at.”  Prof. Wilson.


word: Sneeze₂
definition:
Sneeze

Sneeze
n.
A sudden and violent ejection of air with an audible sound, chiefly through the nose.


word: Sneezeweed
definition:
Sneezeweed

Sneeze"weed`
(?)
n.
(Bot.)
A yellow-flowered composite plant (Helenium autumnale) the odor of which is said to cause sneezing.


word: Sneezewort
definition:
Sneezewort

Sneeze"wort`
(?)
n.
(Bot.)
A European herbaceous plant (Achillea Ptarmica) allied to the yarrow, having a strong, pungent smell.


word: Sneezing
definition:
Sneezing

Sneez"ing
n.
(Physiol.)
The act of violently forcing air out through the nasal passages while the cavity of the mouth is shut off from the pharynx by the approximation of the soft palate and the base of the tongue.


word: Snell
definition:
Snell

Snell
(?)
a.
[AS. snell; akin to D. snel, G. schnell, OHG. snel, Icel. snjallr valiant.]
Active; brisk; nimble; quick; sharp.
[Archaic or Prov. Eng. & Scot.]

That horny-handed, snell, peremptory little man.
Dr. J. Brown.


word: Snell₂
definition:
Snell

Snell
n.
A short line of horsehair, gut, etc., by which a fishhook is attached to a longer line.


word: Snet
definition:
Snet

Snet
(?)
n.
[Cf. G. schnitt that which is cut, fr. schneiden to cut, E. snath.]
The fat of a deer.
[Obs. or Prov. Eng.]


word: Snew
definition:
Snew

Snew
(?)
v. i.
To snow; to abound.
[Obs.]

It snewed in his house of meat and drink.
Chaucer.


word: Snib
definition:
Snib

Snib
(?)
v. t.
[OE. snibben; cf. Dan. snibbe, and E. snub, v. t.]
To check; to sneap; to sneb.
[Obs.]

Him would he snib sharply for the nones.
Chaucer.


word: Snick
definition:
Snick

Snick
(?)
n.
[Prov. E. snick a notch; cf. Icel. snikka nick, cut.]
1.
A small cut or mark.

2.
(Cricket)
A slight hit or tip of the ball, often unintentional.

3.
(Fiber)
A knot or irregularity in yarn.
Knight.

4.
(Furriery)
A snip or cut, as in the hair of a beast.

Snick and snee [cf. D. snee, snede, a cut], a combat with knives. [Obs.] Wiseman.


word: Snick₂
definition:
Snick

Snick
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Snicked (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Snicking.]
1.
To cut slightly; to strike, or strike off, as by cutting.
H. Kingsley.

2.
(Cricket)
To hit (a ball) lightly.
R. A. Proctor.


word: Snick₃
definition:
Snick

Snick
n. & v. t.
See Sneck.
[Prov. Eng. & Scot.]

Snick up, shut up; silenced. See Sneck up, under Sneck.
[1913 Webster]
Give him money, George, and let him go snick up. Beau. & Fl.


word: Snicker
definition:
Snicker

Snick"er
(?)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Snickered (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Snickering.]
[Cf. D. snikken to sob, to sigh.]
[Written also snigger.]
1.
To laugh slyly; to laugh in one's sleeve.

2.
To laugh with audible catches of voice, as when persons attempt to suppress loud laughter.


word: Snide
definition:
Snide

Snide
(?)
a.
1.
Tricky; deceptive; contemptible; as, a snide lawyer; snide goods.
[Slang, archaic]

2.
derogatory in an insinuating manner; as, a snide remark.


word: Snider
definition:
Snider

Snider rifle

{ Sni"der ri"fle, or Sni"der, }
n.
(Mil.)
A breech-loading rifle formerly used in the British service; -- so called from the inventor.


word: Sniff
definition:
Sniff

Sniff
(?)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Sniffed (?) or Snift; p. pr. & vb. n. Sniffing.]
[OE. sneven; akin to snivel, snuff; cf. Dan. snive to sniff. See Snuff, v. t.]
To draw air audibly up the nose; to snuff; -- sometimes done as a gesture of suspicion, offense, or contempt.

So ye grow squeamish, gods, and sniff at heaven.
M. Arnold.


word: Sniff₂
definition:
Sniff

Sniff
v. t.
1.
To draw in with the breath through the nose; as, to sniff the air of the country.

2.
To perceive as by sniffing; to snuff, to scent; to smell; as, to sniff danger.


word: Sniff₃
definition:
Sniff

Sniff
n.
The act of sniffing; perception by sniffing; that which is taken by sniffing; as, a sniff of air.


word: Sniffing
definition:
Sniffing

Sniff"ing
n.
(Physiol.)
A rapid inspiratory act, in which the mouth is kept shut and the air drawn in through the nose.


word: Sniffle
definition:
Sniffle

Snif"fle
(?)
v. i.
[Freq. of sniff. See Snivel.]
To snuffle, as one does with a catarrh.
[Prov. Eng.]


word: Snift
definition:
Snift

Snift
(?)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Snifted; p. pr. & vb. n. Snifting.]
[From Sniff.]
1.
To snort.
[Obs.]
snifting
Johnson.

2.
To sniff; to snuff; to smell.

It now appears that they were still snifing and hankering after their old quarters.
Landor.


word: Snift₂
definition:
Snift

Snift
n.
1.
A moment.
[Prov. Eng.]
Halliwell.

2.
Slight snow; sleet.
[Prov. Eng.]
Halliwell.


word: Snifting
definition:
Snifting

Snift"ing
a. & n. from Snift.

Snifting valve, a small valve opening into the atmosphere from the cylinder or condenser of a steam engine, to allow the escape of air when the piston makes a stroke; -- so called from the noise made by its action.


word: Sniggle
definition:
Sniggle

Snig"gle
(?)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Sniggled (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Sniggling(?).]
[See Snig a kind of eel.]
To fish for eels by thrusting the baited hook into their holes or hiding places.
Walton.


word: Snip
definition:
Snip

Snip
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Snipped (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Snipping.]
[D. snippen; akin to G. schnippen.]
To cut off the nip or neb of, or to cut off at once with shears or scissors; to clip off suddenly; to nip; hence, to break off; to snatch away.

Curbed and snipped in my younger years by fear of my parents from those vicious excrescences to which that age was subject.
Fuller.

The captain seldom ordered anything out of the ship's stores . . . but I snipped some of it for my own share.
De Foe.


word: Snip₂
definition:
Snip

Snip
(?)
n.
1.
A single cut, as with shears or scissors; a clip.
Shak.

2.
A small shred; a bit cut off.
Wiseman.

3.
A share; a snack.
[Obs.]
L'Estrange

4.
A tailor.
[Slang]
Nares. C. Kingsley.

5.
Small hand shears for cutting sheet metal.


word: Snipe
definition:
Snipe

Snipe
(?)
n.
[OE. snipe; akin to D. snep, snip, LG. sneppe, snippe, G. schnepfe, Icel. snīpa (in comp.), Dan. sneppe, Sw. snäppa a sanpiper, and possibly to E. snap. See Snap, Snaffle.]
1.
(Zool.)
Any one of numerous species of limicoline game birds of the family Scolopacidae, having a long, slender, nearly straight beak.

&hand_; The common, or whole, snipe (Gallinago cœlestis) and the great, or double, snipe (Gallinago major), are the most important European species. The Wilson's snipe (Gallinago delicata) (sometimes erroneously called English snipe) and the gray snipe, or dowitcher (Macrohamphus griseus), are well-known American species.

2.
A fool; a blockhead.
[R.]
Shak.

Half snipe, the dunlin; the jacksnipe. -- Jack snipe. See Jacksnipe. -- Quail snipe. See under Quail. -- Robin snipe, the knot. -- Sea snipe. See in the Vocabulary. -- Shore snipe, any sandpiper. -- Snipe hawk, the marsh harrier. [Prov. Eng.] -- Stone snipe, the tattler. -- Summer snipe, the dunlin; the green and the common European sandpipers. -- Winter snipe. See Rock snipe, under Rock. -- Woodcock snipe, the great snipe.


word: Snipe₂
definition:
Snipe

Snipe
(?)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Sniped (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Sniping (?).]
1.
To shoot or hunt snipe.

2.
To shoot at detached men of an enemy's forces at long range, esp. when not in action; -- often with at.

snipe at, to aim petty or snide criticisms at (a person) in his absence.


word: Snipe₃
definition:
Snipe

Snipe
(?)
v. t.
1.
To shoot at (detached men of an enemy's force) at long range, esp. when not in action.

2.
To nose (a log) to make it drag or slip easily in skidding.


word: Snipebill
definition:
Snipebill

Snipe"bill`
(?)
n.
1.
A plane for cutting deep grooves in moldings.

2.
A bolt by which the body of a cart is fastened to the axle.
[Local, U.S.]


word: Snipefish
definition:
Snipefish

Snipe"fish`
(?)
n.
(Zool.)
(a)
The bellows fish.
(b)
A long, slender deep-sea fish (Nemichthys scolopaceus) with a slender beak.


word: Snip-snap
definition:
Snip-snap

Snip"-snap`
(?)
n.
[Reduplication of snap.]
A tart dialogue with quick replies.
[R.]
Pope.


word: Snite₂
definition:
Snite

Snite
v. t.
[Icel. snīfa. See Snout.]
To blow, as the nose; to snuff, as a candle.
[Obs. or Scot.]


word: Snithy
definition:
Snithy

Snithe

{ Snithe (?), Snith"y (?), }
a.
[AS. snīðan to cut. See Snathe.]
Sharp; piercing; cutting; -- applied to the wind.
[Prov. Eng.]


word: Snivel
definition:
Snivel

Sniv"el
(?)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Sniveled (?) or Snivelled; p. pr. & vb. n. Sniveling or Snivelling.]
[OE. snivelen, snevelen, snuvelen, freg. of sneven. See Sniff, and cf. Snuffle.]
1.
To run at the nose; to make a snuffling noise.

2.
To cry or whine with snuffling, as children; to cry weakly or whiningly.

Put stop to thy sniveling ditty.
Sir W. Scott.


word: Sniveler
definition:
Sniveler

Sniv"el*er
(?)
n.
[Written also sniveller.]
One who snivels, esp. one who snivels habitually.


word: Snob
definition:
Snob

Snob
(?)
n.
[Icel. snāpr a dolt, impostor, charlatan.  Cf. Snub.]
1.
A vulgar person who affects to be better, richer, or more fashionable, than he really is; a vulgar upstart; one who apes his superiors.
Thackeray.

Essentially vulgar, a snob. -- a gilded snob, but none the less a snob.
R. G. White.

2.
(Eng. Univ.)
A townsman.
[Canf]

3.
A journeyman shoemaker.
[Prov. Eng.]
Halliwell.

4.
A workman who accepts lower than the usual wages, or who refuses to strike when his fellows do; a rat; a knobstick.

Those who work for lower wages during a strike are called snobs, the men who stand out being “nobs”
De Quincey.


word: Snobbish
definition:
Snobbish

Snob"bish
(?)
a.
Of or pertaining to a snob; characteristic of, or befitting, a snob; vulgarly pretentious.
Snob"bish*ly, adv.


word: Snobbishness
definition:
Snobbishness

Snob"bish*ness
n.
Vulgar affectation or ostentation; mean admiration of mean things; conduct or manners of a snob.


word: Snobocracy
definition:
Snobocracy

Snob*oc"ra*cy
(sn&obreve_;b*&obreve_;k"rȧ*s&ybreve_;)
n.
[Snob + -cracy, as in aristocracy, mobocracy.]
Snobs, collectively.
[Hybrid & Recent]
C. Kingsley.


word: Snod₂
definition:
Snod

Snod
a.
[Scot. snod to prune, put in order.]
Trimmed; smooth; neat; trim; sly; cunning; demure.
[Prov. Eng. & Scot.]


word: Snoff
definition:
Snoff

Snoff
(sn&obreve_;f; 115)
n.
[Cf. Snuff.]
(Mining)
A short candle end used for igniting a fuse.
Raymond.


word: Snood
definition:
Snood

Snood
(?)
n.
[AS. sn&omacrd.  Cf. Snare.]
1.
The fillet which binds the hair of a young unmarried woman, and is emblematic of her maiden character.
[Scot.]

And seldom was a snood amid
Such wild, luxuriant ringlets hid.
Sir W. Scott.

2.
A short line (often of horsehair) connecting a fishing line with the hook; a snell; a leader.


word: Snook
definition:
Snook

Snook
(snōk)
v. i.
[Prov. E. snook to search out, to follow by the scent; cf. Sw. snoka to lurk, LG. snöggen, snuckern, snökern, to snuffle, to smell about, to search for.]
To lurk; to lie in ambush.
[Obs.]


word: Snook₂
definition:
Snook

Snook
n.
[D. snoek.]
(Zool.)
(a)
A large perchlike marine food fish (Centropomus undecimalis) found both on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of tropical America; -- called also ravallia, and robalo.
(b)
The cobia.
(c)
The garfish.


word: Snooze
definition:
Snooze

Snooze
(snōz)
n.
[Scot. snooze to sleep; cf. Dan. & Sw. snus snuff.]
A short sleep; a nap.
[Colloq.]


word: Snooze₂
definition:
Snooze

Snooze
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Snoozed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Snoozing.]
To doze; to drowse; to take a short nap; to slumber.
[Colloq.]


word: Snore
definition:
Snore

Snore
(sn&omacrr)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Snored (sn&omacrrd); p. pr. & vb. n. Snoring.]
[OE. snoren, AS. snora a snoring; akin to LG. snoren, snorken, snurken, to snore, D. snorken, G. schnarchen to snore, schnarren to rattle, MHG. snarren, Sw. snarka to snore, Icel. snarka to sputter, fizzle.  Cf. Snarl to growl, Sneer, Snort. See Snoring.]
To breathe with a rough, hoarse, nasal voice in sleep.


word: Snoring
definition:
Snoring

Snor"ing
n.
(Physiol.)
The act of respiring through the open mouth so that the currents of inspired and expired air cause a vibration of the uvula and soft palate, thus giving rise to a sound more or less harsh. It is usually unvoluntary, but may be produced voluntarily.


word: Snort
definition:
Snort

Snort
(?)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Snorted; p. pr. & vb. n. Snorting.]
[OE. snorten; akin to snoren. See Snore.]
1.
To force the air with violence through the nose, so as to make a noise, as do high-spirited horsed in prancing and play.
Fairfax.

2.
To snore.
[R.]
snorting
Shak.

3.
To laugh out loudly.
[Colloq.]
Halliwell.


word: Snorter
definition:
Snorter

Snort"er
(?)
n.
1.
One who snorts.

2.
(Zool.)
The wheather; -- so called from its cry.
[Prov. Eng.]


word: Snot
definition:
Snot

Snot
(?)
n.
[AS. snot; akin to D. snot, LG. snotte, Dan. snot, and to E. snout. See Snout.]
1.
Mucus secreted in, or discharged from, the nose.
[Low]

2.
A mean, insignificant fellow.
[Low]


word: Snotter₂
definition:
Snotter

Snot"ter
n.
[Etymol. uncertain.]
(Naut.)
A rope going over a yardarm, used to bend a tripping line to, in sending down topgallant and royal yards in vessels of war; also, the short line supporting the heel of the sprit in a small boat.


word: Snottery
definition:
Snottery

Snot"ter*y
(?)
n.
Filth; abomination.
[Obs.]

To purge the snottery of our slimy time.
Marston.


word: Snout
definition:
Snout

Snout
(snout)
n.
[OE. snoute, probably of Scand, or Low German origin; cf. LG. snute, D. snuit, G. schnauze, Sw. snut, snyte, Dan. snude, Icel. sn_;ta to blow the nose; probably akin to E. snuff, v.t.  Cf. Snite, Snot, Snuff.]
1.
The long, projecting nose of a beast, as of swine.

2.
The nose of a man; -- in contempt.
Hudibras.

3.
The nozzle of a pipe, hose, etc.

4.
(Zool.)
(a)
The anterior prolongation of the head of a gastropod; -- called also rostrum.
(b)
The anterior prolongation of the head of weevils and allied beetles.

Snout beetle (Zool.), any one of many species of beetles having an elongated snout and belonging to the tribe Rhynchophora; a weevil. -- Snout moth (Zool.), any pyralid moth. See Pyralid.


word: Snouty
definition:
Snouty

Snout"y
(?)
a.
Resembling a beast's snout.

The nose was ugly, long, and big,
Broad and snouty like a pig.
Otway.


word: Snow
definition:
Snow

Snow
(?)
n.
[LG. snaue, or D. snaauw, from LG. snau a snout, a beak.]
(Naut.)
A square-rigged vessel, differing from a brig only in that she has a trysail mast close abaft the mainmast, on which a large trysail is hoisted.


word: Snow₂
definition:
Snow

Snow
n.
[OE. snow, snaw, AS. snāw; akin to D. sneeuw, OS. & OHG. snēo, G. schnee, Icel. snær, snj&omacrr, snajār, Sw. snö, Dan. snee, Goth. snaiws, Lith. snëgas, Russ. snieg', Ir. & Gael. sneachd, W. nyf, L. nix, nivis, Gr. acc. ni`fa, also AS. snīwan to snow, G. schneien, OHG. snīwan, Lith. snigti, L. ningit it snows, Gr. ni`fei, Zend snizh to snow; cf. Skr. snih to be wet or sticky. √172.]
1.
Watery particles congealed into white or transparent crystals or flakes in the air, and falling to the earth, exhibiting a great variety of very beautiful and perfect forms.

&hand_; Snow is often used to form compounds, most of which are of obvious meaning; as, snow-capped, snow-clad, snow-cold, snow-crowned, snow-crust, snow-fed, snow-haired, snowlike, snow-mantled, snow-nodding, snow-wrought, and the like.

2.
Fig.: Something white like snow, as the white color (argent) in heraldry; something which falls in, or as in, flakes.

The field of snow with eagle of black therein.
Chaucer.

Red snow. See under Red.

Snow bunting. (Zool.) See Snowbird, 1. -- Snow cock (Zool.), the snow pheasant. -- Snow flea (Zool.), a small black leaping poduran (Achorutes nivicola) often found in winter on the snow in vast numbers. -- Snow flood, a flood from melted snow. -- Snow flower (Bot.), the fringe tree. -- Snow fly, or Snow insect (Zool.), any one of several species of neuropterous insects of the genus Boreus.  The male has rudimentary wings; the female is wingless.  These insects sometimes appear creeping and leaping on the snow in great numbers. -- Snow gnat (Zool.), any wingless dipterous insect of the genus Chionea found running on snow in winter. -- Snow goose (Zool.), any one of several species of arctic geese of the genus Chen.  The common snow goose (Chen hyperborea), common in the Western United States in winter, is white, with the tips of the wings black and legs and bill red.  Called also white brant, wavey, and Texas goose.  The blue, or blue-winged, snow goose (Chen coerulescens) is varied with grayish brown and bluish gray, with the wing quills black and the head and upper part of the neck white.  Called also white head, white-headed goose, and bald brant. -- Snow leopard (Zool.), the ounce. -- Snow line, lowest limit of perpetual snow. In the Alps this is at an altitude of 9,000 feet, in the Andes, at the equator, 16,000 feet. -- Snow mouse (Zool.), a European vole (Arvicola nivalis) which inhabits the Alps and other high mountains. -- Snow pheasant (Zool.), any one of several species of large, handsome gallinaceous birds of the genus Tetraogallus, native of the lofty mountains of Asia. The Himalayn snow pheasant (Tetraogallus Himalayensis) in the best-known species. Called also snow cock, and snow chukor. -- Snow partridge. (Zool.) See under Partridge. -- Snow pigeon (Zool.), a pigeon (Columba leuconota) native of the Himalaya mountains. Its back, neck, and rump are white, the top of the head and the ear coverts are black. -- Snow plant (Bot.), a fleshy parasitic herb (Sarcodes sanguinea) growing in the coniferous forests of California. It is all of a bright red color, and is fabled to grow from the snow, through which it sometimes shoots up.


word: Snow₃
definition:
Snow

Snow
(?)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Snowed (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Snowing.]
To fall in or as snow; -- chiefly used impersonally; as, it snows; it snowed yesterday.


word: Snowball
definition:
Snowball

Snow"ball`
(?)
n.
1.
A round mass of snow pressed or roller together, or anything resembling such a mass.

2.
(Bot.)
The Guelder-rose.

3.
(Bot.)
a shrub of the genus Viburnum, having large clusters of white flowers.

Snowball bush or Snowball tree (Bot.), the Guelder-rose. -- a snowball's chance in hell, [Colloq.] no chance; an infinitesimal chance.


word: Snowball₂
definition:
Snowball

Snow"ball`
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Snowballed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Snowballing.]
To pelt with snowballs; to throw snowballs at.


word: Snowball₃
definition:
Snowball

Snow"ball`
v. i.
1.
To throw snowballs.

2.
To increase in magnitude at an accelerating rate, achieving large proportions; -- by analogy with a snowball rolling down a steep hill, causing a large snow slide.


word: Snow banner
definition:
Snow banner

Snow banner
A bannerlike stream of snow blown into the air from a mountain peak, often having a pinkish color and extending horizontally for several miles across the sky.


word: Snowberry
definition:
Snowberry

Snow"ber`ry
(?)
n.
(Bot.)
A name of several shrubs with white berries; as, the Symphoricarpus racemosus of the Northern United States, and the Chiococca racemosa of Florida and tropical America.

Creeping snowberry. (Bot.) See under Creeping.


word: Snowbird
definition:
Snowbird

Snow"bird
(?)
n.
(Zool.)
(a)
An arctic finch (Plectrophenax nivalis syn. Plectrophanes nivalis) common, in winter, both in Europe and the United States, and often appearing in large flocks during snowstorms.  It is partially white, but variously marked with chestnut and brown.  Called also snow bunting, snowflake, snowfleck, and snowflight.
(b)
Any finch of the genus Junco which appears in flocks in winter time, especially Junco hyemalis in the Eastern United States; -- called also blue snowbird. See Junco.
(c)
The fieldfare.
[Prov. Eng.]


word: Snow-blind
definition:
Snow-blind

Snow"-blind`
(?)
a.
Affected with blindness by the brilliancy of snow.
Snow"-blind`ness, n.


word: Snowcap
definition:
Snowcap

Snow"cap`
(?)
n.
(Zool.)
A very small humming bird (Microchaera albocoronata) native of New Grenada.

&hand_; The feathers of the top of the head are white and snining, the body blue black with a purple and bronzy luster. The name is applied also to Microchaera parvirostris of Central America, which is similar in color.


word: Snow-capped
definition:
Snow-capped

Snow"-capped`
(?)
a.
Having the top capped or covered with snow; as, snow-capped mountains.


word: Snowdrop
definition:
Snowdrop

Snow"drop`
(?)
n.
(Bot.)
A bulbous plant (Galanthus nivalis) bearing white flowers, which often appear while the snow is on the ground. It is cultivated in gardens for its beauty.

Snowdrop tree. See Silver-bell tree, under Silver, a.


word: Snowflake
definition:
Snowflake

Snow"flake`
(?)
n.
1.
A flake, or small filmy mass, of snow.

2.
(Zool.)
See Snowbird, 1.

3.
(Bot.)
A name given to several bulbous plants of the genus Leucoium (Leucoium vernum, Leucoium aestivum, etc.) resembling the snowdrop, but having all the perianth leaves of equal size.


word: Snowplough
definition:
Snowplough

Snowplow

{ Snow"plow`, Snow"plough`  }
(?)
n.
An implement operating like a plow, but on a larger scale, for clearing away the snow from roads, railways, etc.


word: Snowshed
definition:
Snowshed

Snow"shed
(?)
n.
A shelter to protect from snow, esp. a long roof over an exposed part of a railroad.


word: Snowshoe
definition:
Snowshoe

Snow"shoe`
(?)
n.
A slight frame of wood three or four feet long and about one third as wide, with thongs or cords stretched across it, and having a support and holder for the foot; -- used by persons for walking on soft snow.


word: Snowshoer
definition:
Snowshoer

Snow"sho`er
(?)
n.
One who travels on snowshoes; an expert in using snowshoes.
W. G. Beers.


word: Snowslip
definition:
Snowslip

Snow"slip`
(?)
n.
A large mass or avalanche of snow which slips down the side of a mountain, etc.


word: Snowy
definition:
Snowy

Snow"y
(?)
a.
1.
White like snow.
snowy
Shak.

2.
Abounding with snow; covered with snow.
snowy
Milton.

3.
Fig.: Pure; unblemished; unstained; spotless.

There did he lose his snowy innocence.
J. Hall (1646).

Snowy heron (Zool.), a white heron, or egret (Ardea candidissima), found in the Southern United States, and southward to Chile; -- called also plume bird. -- Snowy lemming (Zool.), the collared lemming (Cuniculus torquatus), which turns white in winter. -- Snowy owl (Zool.), a large arctic owl (Nyctea Scandiaca, or Nyctea nivea) common all over the northern parts of the United States and Europe in winter time.  Its plumage is sometimes nearly pure white, but it is usually more or less marked with blackish spots.  Called also white owl. -- Snowy plover (Zool.), a small plover (Aegialitis nivosa) of the western parts of the United States and Mexico. It is light gray above, with the under parts and portions of the head white.


word: Snub
definition:
Snub

Snub
(?)
v. i.
[Cf. D. snuiven to snort, to pant, G. schnauben, MHG. snūben, Prov. G. schnupfen, to sob, and E. snuff, v.t.]
To sob with convulsions.
[Obs.]
Bailey.


word: Snub₂
definition:
Snub

Snub
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Snubbed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Snubbing.]
[Cf. Icel. ssnubba to snub, chide, Sw. snubba, Icel. snubb&omacrttr snubbed, nipped, and E. snib.]
1.
To clip or break off the end of; to check or stunt the growth of; to nop.

2.
To check, stop, or rebuke, with a tart, sarcastic reply or remark; to reprimand; to check.
J. Foster.

3.
To treat with contempt or neglect, as a forward or pretentious person; to slight designedly.

To snub a cable or To snub a rope (Naut.), to check it suddenly in running out. Totten.


word: Snub₃
definition:
Snub

Snub
n.
1.
A knot; a protuberance; a song.
[Obs.]

[A club] with ragged snubs and knotty grain.
Spenser.

2.
A check or rebuke; an intended slight.
J. Foster.

Snub nose, a short or flat nose. -- Snub post, or Snubbing post (Naut.), a post on a dock or shore, around which a rope is thrown to check the motion of a vessel.


word: Snub-nosed
definition:
Snub-nosed

Snub"-nosed`
(?)
a.
Having a short, flat nose, slightly turned up; as, the snub-nosed eel.

Snub-nosed cachalot (Zool.), the pygmy sperm whale.


word: Snuff
definition:
Snuff

Snuff
(?)
n.
[Cf. G. schnuppe candle snuff, schnuppen to snuff a candle (see Snuff, v. t., to snuff a candle), or cf. Snub, v. t.]
The part of a candle wick charred by the flame, whether burning or not.

If the burning snuff happens to get out of the snuffers, you have a chance that it may fall into a dish of soup.
Swift.


word: Snuff₂
definition:
Snuff

Snuff
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Snuffed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Snuffing.]
[OE. snuffen. See Snuff of a candle Snuff to sniff.]
To crop the snuff of, as a candle; to take off the end of the snuff of.

To snuff out, to extinguish by snuffing.


word: Snuff₃
definition:
Snuff

Snuff
(?)
v. t.
[Akin to D. snuffen, G. schnupfen, schnuppen, to snuff, schnupfen a cold in the head, schnuppen to snuff (air), also, to snuff (a candle).  Cf. Sniff, Snout, Snub, v. i.]
1.
To draw in, or to inhale, forcibly through the nose; to sniff.

He snuffs the wind, his heels the sand excite.
Dryden.

2.
To perceive by the nose; to scent; to smell.


word: Snuff₄
definition:
Snuff

Snuff
v. i.
1.
To inhale air through the nose with violence or with noise, as do dogs and horses.
Dryden.

2.
To turn up the nose and inhale air, as an expression of contempt; hence, to take offense.

Do the enemies of the church rage and snuff?
Bp. Hall.


word: Snuff₅
definition:
Snuff

Snuff
n.
1.
The act of snuffing; perception by snuffing; a sniff.

2.
Pulverized tobacco, etc., prepared to be taken into the nose; also, the amount taken at once.

3.
Resentment, displeasure, or contempt, expressed by a snuffing of the nose.
[Obs.]

Snuff dipping. See Dipping, n., 5. -- Snuff taker, one who uses snuff by inhaling it through the nose. -- To take it in snuff, to be angry or offended. Shak. -- Up to snuff, not likely to be imposed upon; knowing; acute. [Slang]


word: Snuffle
definition:
Snuffle

Snuf"fle
(?)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Snuffled(?); p. pr. & vb. n. Snuffling (?).]
[Freq. of snuff, v.i.; akin to LG. snuffeln, G. schnüffeln, D. snuffeln, Dan. snövle.  Cf. Sniffle.]
To speak through the nose; to breathe through the nose when it is obstructed, so as to make a broken sound.

One clad in purple
Eats, and recites some lamentable rhyme . . . 
Snuffling at nose, and croaking in his throat.
Dryden.


word: Snuffle₂
definition:
Snuffle

Snuf"fle
n.
1.
The act of snuffing; a sound made by the air passing through the nose when obstructed.

This dread sovereign, Breath, in its passage, gave a snort or snuffle.
Coleridge.

2.
An affected nasal twang; hence, cant; hypocrisy.

3.
pl.
Obstruction of the nose by mucus; nasal catarrh of infants or children.
[Colloq.]


word: Snug
definition:
Snug

Snug
(?)
a.
[Compar. Snugger (?); superl. Snuggest (?).]
[Prov. E. snug tight, handsome; cf. Icel. snöggr smooth, ODan. snög neat, Sw. snugg.]
1.
Close and warm; as, an infant lies snug.

2.
Close; concealed; not exposed to notice.

Lie snug, and hear what critics say.
Swift.

3.
Compact, convenient, and comfortable; as, a snug farm, house, or property.


word: Snug₃
definition:
Snug

Snug
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Snugged (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Snugging(?).]
To lie close; to snuggle; to snudge; -- often with up, or together; as, a child snugs up to its mother.


word: Snug₄
definition:
Snug

Snug
v. t.
1.
To place snugly.
[R.]
Goldsmith.

2.
To rub, as twine or rope, so as to make it smooth and improve the finish.


word: Snuggle
definition:
Snuggle

Snug"gle
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Snuggled (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Snuggling (?).]
[Freq. of snug.]
To move one way and the other so as to get a close place; to lie close for comfort; to cuddle; to nestle.


word: Sny
definition:
Sny

Sny
(?)
n.
[Cf. Icel. snūa to turn.]
An upward bend in a piece of timber; the sheer of a vessel.


word: Snying
definition:
Snying

Sny"ing
n.
(Naut.)
A curved plank, placed edgewise, to work in the bows of a vessel.
R. H. Dana, Jr.


word: So
definition:
So

So
(?)
adv.
[OE. so, sa, swa, AS. swā; akin to OFries, sā, s_;, D. zoo, OS. & OHG. s_;, G. so, Icel. svā, sv_;, svo, so, Sw. s_;, Dan. saa, Goth. swa so, sw_; as; cf. L. suus one's own, Skr. sva one's own, one's self. √192.  Cf. As, Custom, Ethic, Idiom, Such.]
1.
In that manner or degree; as, indicated (in any way), or as implied, or as supposed to be known.

Why is his chariot so long in coming?
Judges v. 28.

2.
In like manner or degree; in the same way; thus; for like reason; whith equal reason; -- used correlatively, following as, to denote comparison or resemblance; sometimes, also, following inasmuch as.

As a war should be undertaken upon a just motive, so a prince ought to consider the condition he is in.
Swift.

3.
In such manner; to such degree; -- used correlatively with as or that following; as, he was so fortunate as to escape.

I viewed in may mind, so far as I was able, the beginning and progress of a rising world.
T. Burnet.

He is very much in Sir Roger's esteem, so that he lives in the family rather as a relation than dependent.
Addison.

4.
Very; in a high degree; that is, in such a degree as can not well be expressed; as, he is so good; he planned so wisely.

5.
In the same manner; as has been stated or suggested; in this or that condition or state; under these circumstances; in this way; -- with reflex reference to something just asserted or implied; used also with the verb to be, as a predicate.

Use him [your tutor] with great respect yourself, and cause all your family to do so too.
Locke.

It concerns every man, with the greatest seriousness, to inquire into those matters, whether they be so or not.
Tillotson.

He is Sir Robert's son, and so art thou.
Shak.

6.
The case being such; therefore; on this account; for this reason; on these terms; -- used both as an adverb and a conjuction.

God makes him in his own image an intellectual creature, and so capable of dominion.
Locke.

Here, then, exchange we mutually forgiveness;
So may the guilt of all my broken vows,
My perjuries to thee, be all forgotten.
Rowe.

7.
It is well; let it be as it is, or let it come to pass; -- used to express assent.

And when 't is writ, for my sake read it over,
And if it please you, so; if not, why, so.
Shak.

There is Percy; if your father will do me any honor, so; if not, let him kill the next Percy himself.
Shak.

8.
Well; the fact being as stated; -- used as an expletive; as, so the work is done, is it?

9.
Is it thus? do you mean what you say? -- with an upward tone; as, do you say he refuses? So?
[Colloq.]

10.
About the number, time, or quantity specified; thereabouts; more or less; as, I will spend a week or so in the country; I have read only a page or so.

A week or so will probably reconcile us.
Gay.

&hand_; See the Note under Ill, adv.

So . . . as. So is now commonly used as a demonstrative correlative of as when it is the puprpose to emphasize the equality or comparison suggested, esp. in negative assertions, and questions implying a negative answer. By Shakespeare and others so . . . as was much used where as . . . as is now common. See the Note under As, 1.
[1913 Webster]
So do, as thou hast said. Gen. xviii. 5.
[1913 Webster]
As a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. Ps. ciii. 15.
[1913 Webster]
Had woman been so strong as men. Shak.
[1913 Webster]
No country suffered so much as England. Macaulay.
[1913 Webster]
-- So far, to that point or extent; in that particular. “The song was moral, and so far was right.” Cowper. -- So far forth, as far; to such a degree. Shak. Bacon. -- So forth, further in the same or similar manner; more of the same or a similar kind. See And so forth, under And.  -- So, so, well, well. “So, so, it works; now, mistress, sit you fast.” Dryden. Also, moderately or tolerably well; passably; as, he succeeded but so so.  “His leg is but so so.” Shak. -- So that, to the end that; in order that; with the effect or result that. -- So then, thus then it is; therefore; the consequence is.


word: So₂
definition:
So

So
(?)
conj.
Provided that; on condition that; in case that; if.

Though all the winds of doctrine were let loose play upon the earth, so truth be in the field, we do injuriously, by licensing and prohibiting, to misdoubt her strength.
Milton.


word: So₃
definition:
So

So
interj.
Be as you are; stand still; stop; that will do; right as you are; -- a word used esp. to cows; also used by sailors.


word: Soak
definition:
Soak

Soak
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Soaked (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Soaking.]
[OE. soken, AS. socian to sioak, steep, fr. s_;can, s_;gan, to suck. See Suck.]
1.
To cause or suffer to lie in a fluid till the substance has imbibed what it can contain; to macerate in water or other liquid; to steep, as for the purpose of softening or freshening; as, to soak cloth; to soak bread; to soak salt meat, salt fish, or the like.

2.
To drench; to wet thoroughly.

Their land shall be soaked with blood.
Isa. xxiv. 7.

3.
To draw in by the pores, or through small passages; as, a sponge soaks up water; the skin soaks in moisture.

4.
To make (its way) by entering pores or interstices; -- often with through.

The rivulet beneath soaked its way obscurely through wreaths of snow.
Sir W. Scott.

5.
Fig.: To absorb; to drain.
[Obs.]
Sir H. Wotton.


word: Soak₂
definition:
Soak

Soak
v. i.
1.
To lie steeping in water or other liquid; to become sturated; as, let the cloth lie and soak.

2.
To enter (into something) by pores or interstices; as, water soaks into the earth or other porous matter.

3.
To drink intemperately or gluttonously.
[Slang]


word: Soakage
definition:
Soakage

Soak"age
(?)
n.
The act of soaking, or the state of being soaked; also, the quantity that enters or issues by soaking.


word: Soap
definition:
Soap

Soap
(?)
n.
[OE. sope, AS. sāpe; akin to D. zeep, G. seife, OHG. seifa, Icel. sāpa, Sw. s_;pa, Dan. s_;be, and perhaps to AS. sīpan to drip, MHG. sīfen, and L. sebum tallow.  Cf. Saponaceous.]
A substance which dissolves in water, thus forming a lather, and is used as a cleansing agent. Soap is produced by combining fats or oils with alkalies or alkaline earths, usually by boiling, and consists of salts of sodium, potassium, etc., with the fatty acids (oleic, stearic, palmitic, etc.). See the Note below, and cf. Saponification. By extension, any compound of similar composition or properties, whether used as a cleaning agent or not.

&hand_; In general, soaps are of two classes, hard and soft. Calcium, magnesium, lead, etc., form soaps, but they are insoluble and useless.

The purifying action of soap depends upon the fact that it is decomposed by a large quantity of water into free alkali and an insoluble acid salt. The first of these takes away the fatty dirt on washing, and the latter forms the soap lather which envelops the greasy matter and thus tends to remove it.
Roscoe & Schorlemmer.

Castile soap, a fine-grained hard soap, white or mottled, made of olive oil and soda; -- called also Marseilles soap or Venetian soap. -- Hard soap, any one of a great variety of soaps, of different ingredients and color, which are hard and compact.  All solid soaps are of this class. -- Lead soap, an insoluble, white, pliable soap made by saponifying an oil (olive oil) with lead oxide; -- used externally in medicine.  Called also lead plaster, diachylon, etc. -- Marine soap. See under Marine. -- Pills of soap (Med.), pills containing soap and opium. -- Potash soap, any soap made with potash, esp. the soft soaps, and a hard soap made from potash and castor oil. -- Pumice soap, any hard soap charged with a gritty powder, as silica, alumina, powdered pumice, etc., which assists mechanically in the removal of dirt. -- Resin soap, a yellow soap containing resin, -- used in bleaching. -- Silicated soap, a cheap soap containing water glass (sodium silicate). -- Soap bark. (Bot.) See Quillaia bark. -- Soap bubble, a hollow iridescent globe, formed by blowing a film of soap suds from a pipe; figuratively, something attractive, but extremely unsubstantial.
[1913 Webster]
This soap bubble of the metaphysicians. J. C. Shairp.
[1913 Webster]
-- Soap cerate, a cerate formed of soap, olive oil, white wax, and the subacetate of lead, sometimes used as an application to allay inflammation. -- Soap fat, the refuse fat of kitchens, slaughter houses, etc., used in making soap. -- Soap liniment (Med.), a liniment containing soap, camphor, and alcohol. -- Soap nut, the hard kernel or seed of the fruit of the soapberry tree, -- used for making beads, buttons, etc. -- Soap plant (Bot.), one of several plants used in the place of soap, as the Chlorogalum pomeridianum, a California plant, the bulb of which, when stripped of its husk and rubbed on wet clothes, makes a thick lather, and smells not unlike new brown soap. It is called also soap apple, soap bulb, and soap weed. -- Soap tree. (Bot.) Same as Soapberry tree. -- Soda soap, a soap containing a sodium salt. The soda soaps are all hard soaps. -- Soft soap, a soap of a gray or brownish yellow color, and of a slimy, jellylike consistence, made from potash or the lye from wood ashes. It is strongly alkaline and often contains glycerin, and is used in scouring wood, in cleansing linen, in dyehouses, etc. Figuratively, flattery; wheedling; blarney. [Colloq.] -- Toilet soap, hard soap for the toilet, usually colored and perfumed.


word: Soap₂
definition:
Soap

Soap
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Soaped (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Soaping.]
1.
To rub or wash over with soap.

2.
To flatter; to wheedle.
[Slang]


word: Soapberry tree
definition:
Soapberry tree

Soap"ber`ry tree`
(?)
(Bot.)
Any tree of the genus Sapindus, esp. Sapindus saponaria, the fleshy part of whose fruit is used instead of soap in washing linen; -- also called soap tree.


word: Soapfish
definition:
Soapfish

Soap"fish`
(?)
n.
(Zool.)
Any serranoid fish of the genus Rhypticus; -- so called from the soapy feeling of its skin.


word: Soaproot
definition:
Soaproot

Soap"root`
(?)
n.
(Bot.)
A perennial herb (Gypsophila Struthium) the root of which is used in Spain as a substitute for soap.


word: Soapwort
definition:
Soapwort

Soap"wort`
(?)
n.
(Bot.)
A common plant (Saponaria officinalis) of the Pink family; -- so called because its bruised leaves, when agitated in water, produce a lather like that from soap. Called also Bouncing Bet.


word: Soapy
definition:
Soapy

Soap"y
(?)
a.
[Compar. Soapier (?); superl. Soapiest.]
1.
Resembling soap; having the qualities of, or feeling like, soap; soft and smooth.

2.
Smeared with soap; covered with soap.


word: Soar
definition:
Soar

Soar
(?)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Soared (#); p. pr. & vb. n. Soaring.]
[F. s'essorer to soar, essorer to dry (by exposing to the air), fr. L. ex out + aura the air, a breeze; akin to Gr. _;_;_;_;_;.]
1.
To fly aloft, as a bird; to mount upward on wings, or as on wings.
Chaucer.

When soars Gaul's vulture with his wings unfurled.
Byron.

2.
Fig.: To rise in thought, spirits, or imagination; to be exalted in mood.

Where the deep transported mind may soar.
Milton.

Valor soars above
What the world calls misfortune.
Addison.

3.
(Aeronautics)
To fly by wind power; to  glide indefinitely without loss of altitude.


word: Soar₂
definition:
Soar

Soar
n.
The act of soaring; upward flight.

This apparent soar of the hooded falcon.
Coleridge.


word: Sob₂
definition:
Sob

Sob
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Sobbed (s&obreve_;bd); p. pr. & vb. n. Sobbing.]
[OE. sobben; akin to AS. seófian, siófian, to complain, bewail, seófung, siófung, sobbing, lamentation; cf. OHG. sūft&omacrn, sūftj&omacrn, to sigh, MHG. siuften, siufzen, G. seufzen, MHG. sūft a sigh, properly, a drawing in of breath, from sūfen to drink, OHG. sūfan.  Cf. Sup.]
To sigh with a sudden heaving of the breast, or with a kind of convulsive motion; to sigh with tears, and with a convulsive drawing in of the breath.

Sobbing is the same thing [as sighing], stronger.
Bacon.

She sighed, she sobbed, and, furious with despair.
She rent her garments, and she tore her hair.
Dryden.


word: Sob₃
definition:
Sob

Sob
n.
1.
The act of sobbing; a convulsive sigh, or inspiration of the breath, as in sorrow.

Break, heart, or choke with sobs my hated breath.
Dryden.

2.
Any sorrowful cry or sound.

The tremulous sob of the complaining owl.
Wordsworth.


word: Sobbing
definition:
Sobbing

Sob"bing
(?)
n.
A series of short, convulsive inspirations, the glottis being suddenly closed so that little or no air enters into the lungs.


word: Sober
definition:
Sober

Sober
(?)
a.
[Compar. Soberer (?); superl. Soberest.]
[OE. sobre, F. sobre, from L. sobrius, probably from a prefix so- expressing separation + ebrius drunken.  Cf. Ebriety.]
1.
Temperate in the use of spirituous liquors; habitually temperate; as, a sober man.

That we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life, to the glory of Thy holy name.
Bk. of Com. Prayer.

2.
Not intoxicated or excited by spirituous liquors; as, the sot may at times be sober.

3.
Not mad or insane; not wild, visionary, or heated with passion; exercising cool, dispassionate reason; self-controlled; self-possessed.

There was not a sober person to be had; all was tempestuous and blustering.
Druden.

No sober man would put himself into danger for the applause of escaping without breaking his neck.
Dryden.

4.
Not proceeding from, or attended with, passion; calm; as, sober judgment; a man in his sober senses.

5.
Serious or subdued in demeanor, habit, appearance, or color; solemn; grave; sedate.

What parts gay France from sober Spain?
Prior.

See her sober over a sampler, or gay over a jointed baby.
Pope.

Twilight gray
Had in her sober livery all things clad.
Milton.


word: Sober₂
definition:
Sober

So"ber
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Sobered (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Sobering.]
To make sober.

There shallow draughts intoxicate the brain,
And drinking largely sobers us again.
Pope.


word: Sober₃
definition:
Sober

So"ber
v. i.
To become sober; -- often with down.

Vance gradually sobered down.
Ld. Lytton.


word: Soberly₂
definition:
Soberly

So"ber*ly
a.
Grave; serious; solemn; sad.
[Obs.]

[He] looked hollow and thereto soberly.
Chaucer.


word: Sober-minded
definition:
Sober-minded

So"ber-mind`ed
(?)
a.
Having a disposition or temper habitually sober.
So"ber-mind`ed*ness, n.


word: Soboles
definition:
Soboles

Sob"o*les
(?)
n.
[L., a short.]
(Bot.)
(a)
A shoot running along under ground, forming new plants at short distances.
(b)
A sucker, as of tree or shrub.


word: Soboliferous
definition:
Soboliferous

Sob`o*lif"er*ous
(?)
a.
[L. soboles + -ferous.]
(Bot.)
Producing soboles. See Illust. of Houseleek.


word: Sobranje
definition:
Sobranje

So*bran"je
(?)
n.
[Bulgarian, lit., assembly.]
The unicameral national assembly of Bulgaria, elected for a term of five years by universal suffrage of adult males.


word: Sobriety
definition:
Sobriety

So*bri"e*ty
(?)
n.
[L. sobrietas: cf. F. sobriété. See Sober.]
1.
Habitual soberness or temperance as to the use of spirituous liquors; as, a man of sobriety.

Public sobriety is a relative duty.
Blackstone.

2.
Habitual freedom from enthusiasm, inordinate passion, or overheated imagination; calmness; coolness; gravity; seriousness; as, the sobriety of riper years.

Mirth makes them not mad,
Nor sobriety sad.
Denham.


word: Sobriquet
definition:
Sobriquet

So`bri`quet"
(so̝`bre̝`ka̝")
n.
[F. sobriquet, OF. soubzbriquet, soubriquet, a chuck under the chin, hence, an affront, a nickname; of uncertain origin; cf. It. sottobecco a chuck under the chin.]
An assumed name; a fanciful epithet or appellation; a nickname.
[Sometimes less correctly written soubriquet.]


word: Soc
definition:
Soc

Soc
(s&obreve_;k)
n.
[AS. s&omacrc the power of holding court, sway, domain, properly, the right of investigating or seeking; akin to E. sake, seek. Sake, Seek, and cf. Sac, and Soke.]
[Written also sock, and soke.]
1.
(O. Eng. Law)
(a)
The lord's power or privilege of holding a court in a district, as in manor or lordship; jurisdiction of causes, and the limits of that jurisdiction.
(b)
Liberty or privilege of tenants excused from customary burdens.

2.
An exclusive privilege formerly claimed by millers of grinding all the corn used within the manor or township which the mill stands.
[Eng.]

Soc and sac (O. Eng. Law), the full right of administering justice in a manor or lordship.


word: Socage
definition:
Socage

Soc"age
(?)
n.
[From Soc; cf. LL. socagium.]
(O.Eng. Law)
A tenure of lands and tenements by a certain or determinate service; a tenure distinct from chivalry or knight's service, in which the obligations were uncertain. The service must be certain, in order to be denominated socage, as to hold by fealty and twenty shillings rent.
[Written also soccage.]

&hand_; Socage is of two kinds; free socage, where the services are not only certain, but honorable; and villein socage, where the services, though certain, are of a baser nature.
Blackstone.


word: So-called
definition:
So-called

So"-called`
(?)
a.
So named; called by such a name (but perhaps called thus with doubtful propriety).


word: Sociability
definition:
Sociability

So`cia*bil"i*ty
(?)
n.
[Cf. F. sociabilité.]
The quality of being sociable; sociableness.


word: Sociable
definition:
Sociable

So"cia*ble
(?)
a.
[F., fr. L. sociabilis, fr. sociare to associate, fr. socius a companion. See Social.]
1.
Capable of being, or fit to be, united in one body or company; associable.
[R.]

They are sociable parts united into one body.
Hooker.

2.
Inclined to, or adapted for, society; ready to unite with others; fond of companions; social.

Society is no comfort to one not sociable.
Shak.

What can be more uneasy to this sociable creature than the dry, pensive retirements of solitude?
South.

3.
Ready to converse; inclined to talk with others; not taciturn or reserved.

4.
Affording opportunites for conversation; characterized by much conversation; as, a sociable party.

5.
No longer hostile; friendly.
[Obs.]
Beau. & Fl.

Sociable bird, or Sociable weaver (Zool.), a weaver bird which builds composite nests. See Republican, n., 3. (b).


word: Sociable₂
definition:
Sociable

So"cia*ble
n.
1.
A gathering of people for social purposes; an informal party or reception; as, a church sociable.
[Colloq. U. S.]

2.
A carriage having two double seats facing each other, and a box for the driver.
Miss Edgeworth.


word: Social
definition:
Social

So"cial
(?)
a.
[L. socialis, from socius a companion; akin to sequi to follow: cf. F. social. See Sue to follow.]
1.
Of or pertaining to society; relating to men living in society, or to the public as an aggregate body; as, social interest or concerns; social pleasure; social benefits; social happiness; social duties.
Social
J. S. Mill.

2.
Ready or disposed to mix in friendly converse; companionable; sociable; as, a social person.

3.
Consisting in union or mutual intercourse.

Best with thyself accompanied, seek'st not
Social communication.
Milton.

4.
(Bot.)
Naturally growing in groups or masses; -- said of many individual plants of the same species.

5.
(Zool.)
(a)
Living in communities consisting of males, females, and neuters, as do ants and most bees.
(b)
Forming compound groups or colonies by budding from basal processes or stolons; as, the social ascidians.

Social science, the science of all that relates to the social condition, the relations and institutions which are involved in man's existence and his well-being as a member of an organized community; sociology. It concerns itself with questions of the public health, education, labor, punishment of crime, reformation of criminals, and the like. -- Social whale (Zool.), the blackfish. -- The social evil, prostitution.


word: Socialism
definition:
Socialism

So"cial*ism
(?)
n.
[Cf. F. socialisme.]
A theory or system of social reform which contemplates a complete reconstruction of society, with a more just and equitable distribution of property and labor. In popular usage, the term is often employed to indicate any lawless, revolutionary social scheme. See Communism, Fourierism, Saint-Simonianism, forms of socialism.

[Socialism] was first applied in England to Owen's theory of social reconstruction, and in France to those also of St. Simon and Fourier . . . The word, however, is used with a great variety of meaning, . . . even by economists and learned critics. The general tendency is to regard as socialistic any interference undertaken by society on behalf of the poor, . . . radical social reform which disturbs the present system of private property . . . The tendency of the present socialism is more and more to ally itself with the most advanced democracy.
Encyc. Brit.

We certainly want a true history of socialism, meaning by that a history of every systematic attempt to provide a new social existence for the mass of the workers.
F. Harrison.

-- Socialism of the chair [G. katheder socialismus], a term applied about 1872, at first in ridicule, to a group of German political economists who advocated state aid for the betterment of the working classes.


word: Socialist
definition:
Socialist

So"cial*ist
n.
[Cf. F. socialiste.]
One who advocates or practices the doctrines of socialism.


word: Socialistic
definition:
Socialistic

Socialist

{ So"cial*ist, So`cial*is"tic, }
a.
Pertaining to, or of the nature of, socialism.


word: Sociality
definition:
Sociality

So`ci*al"i*ty
(?)
n.
[Cf. F. socialisté, L. socialitas.]
The quality of being social; socialness.


word: Socialize
definition:
Socialize

So"cial*ize
(?)
v. t.
1.
To render social.

2.
To subject to, or regulate by, socialism.


word: Sociate
definition:
Sociate

So"ci*ate
(?)
a.
[L. sociatus, p. p. of sociare to associate, fr. socius companion.]
Associated.
[Obs.]


word: Societarian
definition:
Societarian

So*ci`e*ta"ri*an
(?)
a.
Of or pertaining to society; social.

The all-sweeping besom of societarian reformation.
Lamb.


word: Society
definition:
Society

So*ci"e*ty
(?)
n.
pl. Societies (#).
[L. societas, fr. socius a companion: cf. F. société. See Social.]
1.
The relationship of men to one another when associated in any way; companionship; fellowship; company.
society
Milton.

There is society where none intrudes
By the deep sea, and music in its roar.
Byron.

2.
Connection; participation; partnership.
[R.]

The meanest of the people and such as have the least society with the acts and crimes of kings.
Jer. Taylor.

3.
A number of persons associated for any temporary or permanent object; an association for mutual or joint usefulness, pleasure, or profit; a social union; a partnership; as, a missionary society.

4.
The persons, collectively considered, who live in any region or at any period; any community of individuals who are united together by a common bond of nearness or intercourse; those who recognize each other as associates, friends, and acquaintances.

5.
Specifically, the more cultivated portion of any community in its social relations and influences; those who mutually give receive formal entertainments.

Society of Jesus. See Jesuit. -- Society verses [a translation of F. vers de société], the lightest kind of lyrical poetry; verses for the amusement of polite society.


word: Socinianism
definition:
Socinianism

So*cin"i*an*ism
(?)
n.
(Eccl. Hist.)
The tenets or doctrines of Faustus Socinus, an Italian theologian of the sixteenth century, who denied the Trinity, the deity of Christ, the personality of the Devil, the native and total depravity of man, the vicarious atonement, and the eternity of future punishment. His theory was, that Christ was a man divinely commissioned, who had no existence before he was conceived by the Virgin Mary; that human sin was the imitation of Adam's sin, and that human salvation was the imitation and adoption of Christ's virtue; that the Bible was to be interpreted by human reason; and that its language was metaphorical, and not to be taken literally.


word: Socinianize
definition:
Socinianize

So*cin"i*an*ize
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Socinianized (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Socinianizing (?).]
To cause to conform to Socinianism; to regulate by, or imbue with, the principles of Socinianism.


word: Sociological
definition:
Sociological

Sociologic

{ So`ci*o*log"ic (?), So`ci*o*log"ic*al (?) }
a.
Of or pertaining to sociology, or social science.
So`ci*o*log"ic*al*ly, adv.


word: Sociologist
definition:
Sociologist

So`ci*ol"o*gist
(?)
n.
One who treats of, or devotes himself to, the study of sociology.
J. S. Mill.


word: Sociology
definition:
Sociology

So`ci*ol"o*gy
(?)
n.
[L. socius a companion + -logy.]
That branch of philosophy which treats of the constitution, phenomena, and development of human society; social science.
H. Spencer.


word: Sock₂
definition:
Sock

Sock
n.
[OE. sock, AS. socc, fr. L. soccus a kind of low-heeled, light shoe.  Cf. Sucket.]
1.
The shoe worn by actors of comedy in ancient Greece and Rome, -- used as a symbol of comedy, or of the comic drama, as distinguished from tragedy, which is symbolized by the buskin.

Great Fletcher never treads in buskin here,
Nor greater Jonson dares in socks appear.
Dryden.

2.
A knit or woven covering for the foot and lower leg; a stocking with a short leg.

3.
A warm inner sole for a shoe.
Simmonds.


word: Sock₃
definition:
Sock

Sock
(s&obreve_;k)
v. t.
[Perh. shortened fr. sockdolager.]
To hurl, drive, or strike violently; -- often with it as an object.
[Prov. or Vulgar]
Kipling.


word: Sock in
definition:
Sock in

Sock in
(?)
v. t.
to cause (an airport) to cease functioning, by severe weather conditions, such as fog or a snowstorm.  Used often in the passive; the airport was socked in for two days by a blizzard.


word: Sockdolager
definition:
Sockdolager

Sock*dol"a*ger
(?)
n.
[A corruption of doxology.]
[Written also sockdologer.]
1.
That which finishes or ends a matter; a settler; a poser, as a heavy blow, a conclusive answer, and the like.
[Slang, U.S.]

2.
(Angling)
A combination of two hooks which close upon each other, by means of a spring, as soon as the fish bites.
[U. S.]

3.
Something unusually large.
[Slang, U. S.]


word: Socket
definition:
Socket

Sock"et
(?)
n.
[OE. soket, a dim. through OF. fr. L. soccus. See Sock a covering for the foot.]
1.
An opening into which anything is fitted; any hollow thing or place which receives and holds something else; as, the sockets of the teeth.

His eyeballs in their hollow sockets sink.
Dryden.

2.
Especially, the hollow tube or place in which a candle is fixed in the candlestick.

3.
(Electricity)
the receptacle of an electric lamp into which a light bulb is inserted, containing contacts to conduct electricity to the bulb.

4.
(Electricity)
the receptacle fixed in a wall and connected by conductive wiring to an electrical supply, containing contacts to conduct electricity, and into which the plug of an electrical device is inserted; -- called also a wall socket or outlet.  The socket will typically have two or three contacts; if three, the third is connected to a ground for safety.

And in the sockets oily bubbles dance.
Dryden.

Socket bolt (Mach.), a bolt that passes through a thimble that is placed between the parts connected by the bolt. -- Socket chisel. Same as Framing chisel. See under Framing. -- Socket pipe, a pipe with an expansion at one end to receive the end of a connecting pipe. -- Socket pole, a pole armed with iron fixed on by means of a socket, and used to propel boats, etc. [U.S.] -- Socket wrench, a wrench consisting of a socket at the end of a shank or rod, for turning a nut, bolthead, etc., in a narrow or deep recess.


word: Socle
definition:
Socle

So"cle
(?)
n.
[F., fr. L. socculus, dim. of soccus. See Sock a covering for the foot.  Cf. Zocco.]
(Arch.)
(a)
A plain block or plinth forming a low pedestal; any base; especially, the base of a statue, column, or the like. See Plinth.
(b)
A plain face or plinth at the lower part of a wall.
Oxf. Gloss.


word: Socman
definition:
Socman

Soc"man
(?)
n.
pl. Socmen (#).
[See Socage.]
(O. Eng. Law)
One who holds lands or tenements by socage; a socager.
Cowell.


word: Socome
definition:
Socome

Soc"ome
(?)
n.
[AS. s&omacrcen, s&omacrcn, searching, or the right of searching, the lord's court. See Soc.]
(O.Eng. Law)
A custom of tenants to grind corn at the lord's mill.
Cowell.


word: Socotrine
definition:
Socotrine

Soc"o*trine
(?)
a.
Of or pertaining to Socotra, an island in the Indian Ocean, on the east coast of Africa.
n. A native or inhabitant of Socotra.


word: Socratical
definition:
Socratical

Socratic

{ So*crat"ic (?), So*crat"ic*al (?), }
a.
[L. Socraticus, Gr. _;_;_;_;.]
Of or pertaining to Socrates, the Grecian sage and teacher. (b. c. 469-399), or to his manner of teaching and philosophizing.

&hand_; The Socratic method of reasoning and instruction was by a series of questions leading the one to whom they were addressed to perceive and admit what was true or false in doctrine, or right or wrong in conduct.


word: Sod₃
definition:
Sod

Sod
n.
[Akin to LG. sode, D. zode, OD. sode, soode, OFries. satha, and E. seethe. So named from its sodden state in wet weather. See Seethe.]
That stratum of the surface of the soil which is filled with the roots of grass, or any portion of that surface; turf; sward.

She there shall dress a sweeter sod
Than Fancy's feet have ever trod.
Collins.


word: Soda
definition:
Soda

So"da
(?)
n.
[It., soda, in OIt., ashes used in making glass, fr. L. solida, fem. of solidus solid; solida having probably been a name of glasswort. See Solid.]
1.
(Chem.)
(a)
Sodium oxide or hydroxide.
(b)
Popularly, sodium carbonate or bicarbonate.  Sodium bicarbonate is also called baking soda

2.
same as sodium, used in terms such as bicarbonate of soda.

3.
same as soda water.

4.
a non-alcoholic beverage, sweetened by various means, containing flavoring and supersaturated with carbon dioxide, so as to be effervescent when the container is opened; -- in different localities it is variously called also soda pop, pop, mineral water, and minerals. It has many variants. The sweetening agent may be natural, such as cane sugar or corn syrup, or artificial, such as saccharin or aspartame.  The flavoring varies widely, popular variants being fruit or cola flavoring.

Caustic soda, sodium hydroxide. -- Cooking soda, sodium bicarbonate. [Colloq.] -- Sal soda. See Sodium carbonate, under Sodium. -- Soda alum (Min.), a mineral consisting of the hydrous sulphate of alumina and soda. -- Soda ash, crude sodium carbonate; -- so called because formerly obtained from the ashes of sea plants and certain other plants, as saltwort (Salsola). See under Sodium. -- Soda fountain, an apparatus for drawing soda water, fitted with delivery tube, faucets, etc. -- Soda lye, a lye consisting essentially of a solution of sodium hydroxide, used in soap making. -- Soda niter. See Nitratine. -- Soda salts, salts having sodium for the base; specifically, sodium sulphate or Glauber's salts. -- Soda waste, the waste material, consisting chiefly of calcium hydroxide and sulphide, which accumulates as a useless residue or side product in the ordinary Leblanc process of soda manufacture; -- called also alkali waste. -- Washing soda, sodium carbonate. [Colloq.]


word: Soda biscuit
definition:
Soda biscuit

So"da biscuit
(?)
n.
a bicuit leavened with baking soda and with buttermilk or sour milk.


word: Soda fountain
definition:
Soda fountain

So"da foun`tain
(?)
n.
a counter at which people may sit and be served soda pop, ice cream, or light meals.  Such counters may be located for example in restaurants, ice cream shops, drugstores, departments stores.


word: Soda jerk
definition:
Soda jerk

So"da jerk
(?)
n.
a person who serves soda, ice cream, similar foods from behind a soda fountain.


word: Sodalite
definition:
Sodalite

So"da*lite
(?)
n.
[Soda + -lite: cf. F. sodalithe.]
(Min.)
A mineral of a white to blue or gray color, occuring commonly in dodecahedrons, also massive.  It is a silicate of alumina and soda with some chlorine.


word: Sodality
definition:
Sodality

So*dal"i*ty
(?)
n.
pl. Sodalities (#).
[L. sodalitas, fr. sodalis a comrade.]
1.
A fellowship or fraternity; a brotherhood.

2.
(R. C. Ch.)
Specifically, a lay association for devotion or for charitable purposes.


word: Sodamide
definition:
Sodamide

Sod*am"ide
(?)
n.
(Chem.)
A greenish or reddish crystalline substance, NaNH2, obtained by passing ammonia over heated sodium.


word: Soda water
definition:
Soda water

So"da wat`er
(?)
n.
1.
originally, a beverage consisting of a weak solution of sodium bicarbonate to which an acid (such as phosphoric acid) has been added to generate carbon dioxide and thus cause effervescence; the term now is also used as a synonym for soda pop.  Soda water without flavoring is used as a beverage or as a component of a mixed beverage.  It is typically bottled or canned under pressure so that the carbon dioxide and effervescence will be preserved until use.

2.
a beverage containing supersaturated carbon dioxide  (carbonic acid) and thus effervescent.

3.
same as soda pop.


word: Soda pop
definition:
Soda pop

So"da pop
(?)
n.
a popular non-alcoholic beverage, sweetened by various means, containing flavoring and supersaturated with carbon dioxide, so as to be effervescent when the container is opened; -- in different localities it is variously called also soda, pop, mineral water, and minerals. It has many variants. The sweetening agent may be natural, such as cane sugar or corn syrup, or artificial, such as saccharin or aspartame.  The flavoring varies widely, popular variants being fruit juices, fruit sirups, cream, or cola flavoring; the soda pop is usually served chilled.
Several large corporations started primarily as bottlers of soda pop, such as Coca-Cola, Pepsi-Cola, and Dr. Pepper.


word: Sodden
definition:
Sodden

Sod"den
(?)
a.
p. p.
Seethe
Boiled; seethed; also, soaked; heavy with moisture; saturated; as, sodden beef; sodden bread; sodden fields.


word: Sodio-
definition:
Sodio-

So"di*o-
(?)
(Chem.)
A combining form (also used adjectively) denoting the presence of sodium or one of its compounds.


word: Sodium
definition:
Sodium

So"di*um
(?)
n.
[NL., fr.E. soda.]
(Chem.)
A common metallic element of the alkali group, in nature always occuring combined, as in common salt, in albite, etc. It is isolated as a soft, waxy, white, unstable metal, so highly reactive that it combines violently with water, and to be preserved must be kept under petroleum or some similar liquid. Sodium is used combined in many salts, in the free state as a reducer, and as a means of obtaining other metals (as magnesium and aluminium) is an important commercial product. Symbol Na (Natrium). Atomic weight 22.990.  Specific gravity 0.97.

Sodium amalgam, an alloy of sodium and mercury, usually produced as a gray metallic crystalline substance, which is used as a reducing agent, and otherwise. -- Sodium carbonate, a white crystalline substance, Na2CO3.10H2O, having a cooling alkaline taste, found in the ashes of many plants, and produced artifically in large quantities from common salt. It is used in making soap, glass, paper, etc., and as alkaline agent in many chemical industries. Called also sal soda, washing soda, or soda.  Cf. Sodium bicarbonate, and Trona. -- Sodium chloride, common, or table, salt, NaCl. -- Sodium hydroxide, a white opaque brittle solid, NaOH, having a fibrous structure, produced by the action of quicklime, or of calcium hydrate (milk of lime), on sodium carbonate. It is a strong alkali, and is used in the manufacture of soap, in making wood pulp for paper, etc. Called also sodium hydrate, and caustic soda. By extension, a solution of sodium hydroxide.


word: Sodium bicarbonate
definition:
Sodium bicarbonate

Sodium bicarbonate
a white crystalline substance, HNaCO3, with a slight alkaline taste resembling that of sodium carbonate. It is found in many mineral springs and also produced artificially,. It is used in cookery, in baking powders, and as a source of carbonic acid gas (carbon dioxide) for soda water. Called also baking soda, cooking soda, bicarbonate of soda, bicarb, saleratus, and technically, acid sodium carbonate, sodium acid carbonate, primary sodium carbonate, sodium dicarbonate, etc.


word: Sodium sulphate
definition:
Sodium sulphate

So"di*um sul"phate
A salt well known as a catharic under the name of Glauber's salt, which term is properly applied to the hydrate, Na2SO4.10H2O.


word: Sodomitical
definition:
Sodomitical

Sod`om*it"ic*al
(?)
a.
Pertaining to, or of the nature of, sodomy.
Sod`om*it"ic*al*ly, adv.


word: Sodomy
definition:
Sodomy

Sod"om*y
(?)
n.
[From Sodom. a country mentioned in the Bible: cf. F. sodomite.]
Carnal copulation in a manner against nature; buggery.
Gen. xix. 5.


word: Soe
definition:
Soe

Soe
(?)
n.
[Scot. sae, say, saye; cf. Icel. sār a large cask, Sw. s_; a tub.]
A large wooden vessel for holding water; a cowl.
[Obs. or Prov. Eng.]
Dr. H. More.


word: Soever
definition:
Soever

So*ev"er
(?)
A word compounded of so and ever, used in composition with who, what, where, when, how, etc., and indicating any out of all possible or supposable persons, things, places, times, ways, etc. It is sometimes used separate from the pronoun or adverb.

For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.
Luke xii. 48.

What great thing soever a man proposed to do in his life, he should think of achieving it by fifty.
Sir W. Temple.


word: Sofa
definition:
Sofa

So"fa
(?)
n.
pl. Sofas (#).
[Ar. soffah, from saffa to dispose in order: cf. F. sofa, It. sofà.]
A long seat, usually with a cushioned bottom, back, and ends; -- much used as a comfortable piece of furniture.

Let fall the curtains, wheel the sofa round.
Cowper.

Sofa bed, a sofa so contrived that it may be extended to form a bed; -- called also sofa bedstead.


word: Soffit
definition:
Soffit

Sof"fit
(?)
n.
[It. soffitta, soffitto, fr. soffiggere to hide, properly, to fix or fasten under, L. suffigere to fasten beneath or below; sub under, beneath + figere to fix, faste: cf. F. soffite.]
(Arch.)
The under side of the subordinate parts and members of buildings, such as staircases, entablatures, archways, cornices, or the like. See Illust. of Lintel.


word: Soft
definition:
Soft

Soft
(s&obreve_;ft; 115)
a.
[Compar. Softer (s&obreve_;ft"ẽr); superl. Softest.]
[OE. softe, AS. s&omacrfte, properly adv. of sēfte, adj.; akin to OS. sāfto, adv., D. zacht, OHG. samfto, adv., semfti, adj., G. sanft, LG. sacht; of uncertain origin.]
1.
Easily yielding to pressure; easily impressed, molded, or cut; not firm in resisting; impressible; yielding; also, malleable; -- opposed to hard; as, a soft bed; a soft peach; soft earth; soft wood or metal.

2.
Not rough, rugged, or harsh to the touch; smooth; delicate; fine; as, soft silk; a soft skin.

They that wear soft clothing are in king's houses.
Matt. xi. 8.

3.
Hence, agreeable to feel, taste, or inhale; not irritating to the tissues; as, a soft liniment; soft wines.
soft
Milton.

4.
Not harsh or offensive to the sight; not glaring; pleasing to the eye; not exciting by intensity of color or violent contrast; as, soft hues or tints.

The sun, shining upon the upper part of the clouds . . . made the softest lights imaginable.
Sir T. Browne.

5.
Not harsh or rough in sound; gentle and pleasing to the ear; flowing; as, soft whispers of music.

Her voice was ever soft,
Gentle, and low, -- an excellent thing in woman.
Shak.

Soft were my numbers; who could take offense?
Pope.

6.
Easily yielding; susceptible to influence; flexible; gentle; kind.

I would to God my heart were flint, like Edward's;
Or Edward's soft and pitiful, like mine.
Shak.

The meek or soft shall inherit the earth.
Tyndale.

7.
Expressing gentleness, tenderness, or the like; mild; conciliatory; courteous; kind; as, soft eyes.

A soft answer turneth away wrath.
Prov. xv. 1.

A face with gladness overspread,
Soft smiles, by human kindness bred.
Wordsworth.

8.
Effeminate; not courageous or manly, weak.

A longing after sensual pleasures is a dissolution of the spirit of a man, and makes it loose, soft, and wandering.
Jer. Taylor.

9.
Gentle in action or motion; easy.

On her soft axle, white she paces even,
And bears thee soft with the smooth air along.
Milton.

10.
Weak in character; impressible.

The deceiver soon found this soft place of Adam's.
Glanvill.

11.
Somewhat weak in intellect.
[Colloq.]

He made soft fellows stark noddies, and such as were foolish quite mad.
Burton.

12.
Quiet; undisturbed; paceful; as, soft slumbers.

13.
Having, or consisting of, a gentle curve or curves; not angular or abrupt; as, soft outlines.

14.
Not tinged with mineral salts; adapted to decompose soap; as, soft water is the best for washing.

15.
(Phonetics)
(a)
Applied to a palatal, a sibilant, or a dental consonant (as g in gem, c in cent, etc.) as distinguished from a guttural mute (as g in go, c in cone, etc.); -- opposed to hard.
(b)
Belonging to the class of sonant elements as distinguished from the surd, and considered as involving less force in utterance; as, b, d, g, z, v, etc., in contrast with p, t, k, s, f, etc.

Soft clam (Zool.), the common or long clam (Mya arenaria). See Mya. -- Soft coal, bituminous coal, as distinguished from anthracite, or hard, coal. -- Soft crab (Zool.), any crab which has recently shed its shell. -- Soft dorsal (Zool.), the posterior part of the dorsal fin of fishes when supported by soft rays. -- Soft grass. (Bot.) See Velvet grass. -- Soft money, paper money, as distinguished from coin, or hard money. [Colloq. U.S.] -- Soft mute. (Phonetics) See Media. -- Soft palate. See the Note under Palate. -- Soft ray (Zool.), a fin ray which is articulated and usually branched. -- Soft soap. See under Soap. -- Soft-tack, leavened bread, as distinguished from hard-tack, or ship bread. -- Soft tortoise (Zool.), any river tortoise of the genus Trionyx. See Trionyx.


word: Soft₃
definition:
Soft

Soft
adv.
Softly; without roughness or harshness; gently; quietly.
Chaucer.

A knight soft riding toward them.
Spenser.


word: Soft₄
definition:
Soft

Soft
interj.
Be quiet; hold; stop; not so fast.

Soft, you; a word or two before you go.
Shak.


word: Softa
definition:
Softa

Sof"ta
(?)
n.
[Corruption of Per. s&omacrkhtah one who burns, is ardent or zealous.]
Any one attached to a Mohammedan mosque, esp. a student of the higher branches of theology in a mosque school.
[Written also sophta.]


word: Soften
definition:
Soften

Sof"ten
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Softened (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Softening.]
To make soft or more soft.

Their arrow's point they soften in the flame.
Gay.

Diffidence conciliates the proud, and softens the severe.
Rambler.

Music can soften pain to ease.
Pope.

All that cheers or softens life.
Pope.

He bore his great commision in his look,
But tempered awe, and softened all he spoke.
Dryden.


word: Softener
definition:
Softener

Sof"ten*er
(?)
n.
One who, or that which, softens.
[Written also, less properly, softner.]


word: Softening
definition:
Softening

Sof"ten*ing
a. & n. from Soften, v.

Softening of the brain, or Cerebral softening (Med.), a localized softening of the brain substance, due to hemorrhage or inflammation. Three varieties, distinguished by their color and representing different stages of the morbid process, are known respectively as red, yellow, and white, softening.


word: Soft-finned
definition:
Soft-finned

Soft"-finned`
(?)
a.
(Zool.)
Having the fin rays cartilaginous or flexible; without spines; -- said of certain fishes.


word: Soft-hearted
definition:
Soft-hearted

Soft"-heart`ed
(?)
a.
Having softness or tenderness of heart; susceptible of pity or other kindly affection; gentle; meek.
Soft"-heart`ed*ness, n.


word: Softness
definition:
Softness

Soft"ness
(?)
n.
[AS. s_;ftness, s_;ftnyss.]
The quality or state of being soft; -- opposed to hardness, and used in the various specific senses of the adjective.


word: Soft-shelled
definition:
Soft-shelled

Soft-shell

Soft"-shell` (?), Soft"-shelled` (?), }
a.
Having a soft or fragile shell.

Soft-shell clam (Zool.), the long clam. See Mya. -- Soft-shelled crab. (Zool.) See the Note under Crab, 1. -- Soft-shelled turtle. (Zool.) Same as Soft tortoise, under Soft.


word: Soft-spoken
definition:
Soft-spoken

Soft"-spo`ken
(?)
a.
Speaking softly; having a mild or gentle voice; hence, mild; affable.


word: Soggy
definition:
Soggy

Sog"gy
(?)
a.
[Compar. Soggier (?); superl. Soggiest.]
[Cf. Icel. söggr damp, wet, or E. soak.]
Filled with water; soft with moisture; sodden; soaked; wet; as, soggy land or timber.


word: Soho
definition:
Soho

So*ho"
(?)
interj.
Ho; -- a word used in calling from a distant place; a sportsman's halloo.
Shak.


word: Soi-disant
definition:
Soi-disant

Soi`-di*sant"
(swä"de̝`zäN")
a.
[F.; soi one's self + disant, p. pr. of dire to say.]
Self-named; self-styled; pretended; would-be.


word: Soil
definition:
Soil

Soil
(soil)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Soiled (soild); p. pr. & vb. n. Soiling.]
[OF. saoler, saouler, to satiate, F. soûler, L. satullare, fr. satullus, dim. of satur sated. See Satire.]
To feed, as cattle or horses, in the barn or an inclosure, with fresh grass or green food cut for them, instead of sending them out to pasture; hence (such food having the effect of purging them), to purge by feeding on green food; as, to soil a horse.


word: Soil₂
definition:
Soil

Soil
n.
[OE. soile, F. sol, fr. L. solum bottom, soil; but the word has probably been influenced in form by soil a miry place.  Cf. Saloon, Soil a miry place, Sole of the foot.]
1.
The upper stratum of the earth; the mold, or that compound substance which furnishes nutriment to plants, or which is particularly adapted to support and nourish them.

2.
Land; country.

Must I thus leave thee, Paradise? thus leave
Thee, native soil?
Milton.

3.
Dung; faeces; compost; manure; as, night soil.

Improve land by dung and other sort of soils.
Mortimer.

Soil pipe, a pipe or drain for carrying off night soil.


word: Soil₃
definition:
Soil

Soil
v. t.
To enrich with soil or muck; to manure.

Men . . . soil their ground, not that they love the dirt, but that they expect a crop.
South.


word: Soil₄
definition:
Soil

Soil
n.
[OF. soil, souil, F. souille, from OF. soillier, F. souiller. See Soil to make dirty.]
A marshy or miry place to which a hunted boar resorts for refuge; hence, a wet place, stream, or tract of water, sought for by other game, as deer.

As deer, being stuck, fly through many soils,
Yet still the shaft sticks fast.
Marston.

To take soil, to run into the mire or water; hence, to take refuge or shelter.

O, sir, have you taken soil here? It is well a man may reach you after three hours' running.
B. Jonson.


word: Soil₅
definition:
Soil

Soil
v. t.
[OE. soilen, OF. soillier, F. souiller, (assumed) LL. suculare, fr. L. sucula a little pig, dim. of sus a swine. See Sow, n.]
1.
To make dirty or unclean on the surface; to foul; to dirty; to defile; as, to soil a garment with dust.

Our wonted ornaments now soiled and stained.
Milton.

2.
To stain or mar, as with infamy or disgrace; to tarnish; to sully.
Shak.


word: Soil₇
definition:
Soil

Soil
n.
[See Soil to make dirty, Soil a miry place.]
That which soils or pollutes; a soiled place; spot; stain.

A lady's honor . . . will not bear a soil.
Dryden.


word: Soilure
definition:
Soilure

Soil"ure
(?)
n.
[OF. soillure, F. souillure. See Soil to make dirty.]
Stain; pollution.
Shak.

Then fearing rust or soilure, fashioned for it
A case of silk.
Tennyson.


word: Soiree
definition:
Soiree

Soi`ree"
(?)
n.
[F., fr. soir evening, fr. L. serus late, serum late time.  Cf. Serenade.]
An evening party; -- distinguished from levee, and matinée.


word: Soja
definition:
Soja

So"ja
(s&omacr"jȧ or s&omacr"yȧ)
n.
(Bot.)
An Asiatic leguminous herb (Glycine max, formerly Glycine Soja) the seeds of which (called soy beans) are used in preparing the sauce called soy.  Called also soya.


word: Sojourn
definition:
Sojourn

So"journ
(?)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Sojourned (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Sojourning.]
[OE. sojornen, sojournen, OF. sojorner, sejorner, F. séjourner, fr. L. sub under, about + diurnus belonging to the day. See Journal, Diurnal.]
To dwell for a time; to dwell or live in a place as a temporary resident or as a stranger, not considering the place as a permanent habitation; to delay; to tarry.

Abram went down into Egypt to sojourn there.
Gen. xii. 30.

Home he goeth, he might not longer sojourn.
Chaucer.

The soldiers first assembled at Newcastle, and there sojourned three days.
Hayward.


word: Sojourn₂
definition:
Sojourn

So"journ
n.
[Cf. OF. sujurn, sujur, sejor, F. séjour. See Sojourn, v. i.]
A temporary residence, as that of a traveler in a foreign land.

Though long detained
In that obscure sojourn.
Milton.


word: Sojourner
definition:
Sojourner

So"journ*er
(?)
n.
One who sojourns.

We are strangers before thee, and sojourners.
1. Chron. xxix. 15.


word: Soke
definition:
Soke

Soke
(?)
n.
1.
(Eng. Law)
See Soc.

2.
One of the small territorial divisions into which Lincolnshire, England, is divided.


word: Soken
definition:
Soken

Sok"en
(?)
n.
[Cf. Socome.]
1.
A toll. See Soc, n., 2.
[Obs.]

Great sooken had this miller, out of doubt.
Chaucer.

2.
A district held by socage.


word: Sol
definition:
Sol

Sol
(?)
n.
[L.]
1.
The sun.

2.
(Alchem.)
Gold; -- so called from its brilliancy, color, and value.
Chaucer.


word: Sol₂
definition:
Sol

Sol
(?)
n.
[It.]
(Mus.)
(a)
A syllable applied in solmization to the note G, or to the fifth tone of any diatonic scale.
(b)
The tone itself.


word: Sol₃
definition:
Sol

Sol
(?)
n.
[See Sou.]
1.
A sou.

2.
A silver and gold coin of Peru. The silver sol is the unit of value, and is worth about 68 cents.


word: Sole
definition:
Sole

Sol

{ Sol Sole }
(?)
n.
[From hydrosol an aqueous colloidal solution, confused with G. sole, soole, salt water from which salt is obtained.]
(Chem.)
A fluid mixture of a colloid and a liquid; a liquid colloidal solution or suspension.


word: Sola₂
definition:
Sola

So"la
n.
[Native name.]
(Bot.)
A leguminous plant (Aeschynomene aspera) growing in moist places in Southern India and the East Indies. Its pithlike stem is used for making hats, swimming-jackets, etc.
[Written also solah, shola.]


word: Solace
definition:
Solace

Sol"ace
(?)
n.
[OF. solas, ssoulaz, L. solacium, solatium, fr. solari to comfort, console.  Cf. Console, v. t.]
1.
Comfort in grief; alleviation of grief or anxiety; also, that which relieves in distress; that which cheers or consoles; relief.

In business of mirth and of solace.
Chaucer.

The proper solaces of age are not music and compliments, but wisdom and devotion.
Rambler.

2.
Rest; relaxation; ease.
[Obs.]

To make his steed some solace.
Chaucer.


word: Solace₂
definition:
Solace

Sol"ace
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Solaced (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Solacing (?).]
[OF. solacier, soulacier, F. solacier, LL. solatiare. See Solace, n.]
1.
To cheer in grief or under calamity; to comfort; to relieve in affliction, solitude, or discomfort; to console; -- applied to persons; as, to solace one with the hope of future reward.

2.
To allay; to assuage; to soothe; as, to solace grief.


word: Solacement
definition:
Solacement

Sol"ace*ment
(?)
n.
The act of solacing, or the state of being solaced; also, that which solaces.
[R.]


word: Solacious
definition:
Solacious

So*la"cious
(?)
a.
[Cf. OF. solacieux.]
Affording solace; as, a solacious voice.
[Obs.]
Bale.


word: Solanaceous
definition:
Solanaceous

Sol`a*na"ceous
(?)
a.
(Bot.)
Of or pertaining to plants of the natural order Solanaceae, of which the nightshade (Solanum) is the type. The order includes also the tobacco, ground cherry, tomato, eggplant, red pepper, and many more.


word: Solanicine
definition:
Solanicine

So*lan"i*cine
(?)
n.
[See Solanine.]
(Chem.)
An alkaloid produced by the action of hydrochloric acid on solanidine, as a tasteless yellow crystalline substance.


word: Solanidine
definition:
Solanidine

So*lan"i*dine
(?)
n.
[See Solanine.]
(Chem.)
An alkaloid produced by the decomposition of solanine, as a white crystalline substance having a harsh bitter taste.


word: Solanine
definition:
Solanine

Sol"a*nine
(?)
n.
[L. solanum nightshade.]
(Chem.)
A poisonous alkaloid glucoside extracted from the berries of common nightshade (Solanum nigrum), and of bittersweet, and from potato sprouts, as a white crystalline substance having an acrid, burning taste; -- called also solonia, and solanina.


word: Solano
definition:
Solano

So*la"no
(?)
[Sp., fr. L. solanus (sc. ventus), from sol the sun.]
A hot, oppressive wind which sometimes blows in the Mediterranean, particularly on the eastern coast of Spain.


word: Solanoid
definition:
Solanoid

Sol"a*noid
(?)
a.
[Solanum + -oid.]
(Med.)
Resembling a potato; -- said of a kind of cancer.


word: Solanum
definition:
Solanum

So*la"num
(?)
prop. n.
[L., nightshade.]
(Bot.)
A genus of plants comprehending the potato (Solanum tuberosum), the eggplant (Solanum melongena, and several hundred other species; nightshade.


word: Solar
definition:
Solar

So"lar
(?)
n.
[OE. soler, AS. solere, L. solarium, from sol the sun. See Solar, a.]
A loft or upper chamber; a garret room.
[Obs.]
[Written also soler, solere, sollar.]
Oxf. Gloss.


word: Solar₂
definition:
Solar

So"lar
a.
[L. solaris, fr. sol the sun; akin to As. s&omacrl, Icel. s&omacrl, Goth. sauil, Lith. saule, W. haul,. sul, Skr. svar, perhaps to E. sun:F. solaire.  Cf. Parasol. Sun.]
1.
Of or pertaining to the sun; proceeding from the sun; as, the solar system; solar light; solar rays; solar influence. See Solar system, below.

2.
(Astrol.)
Born under the predominant influence of the sun.
[Obs.]

And proud beside, as solar people are.
Dryden.

3.
Measured by the progress or revolution of the sun in the ecliptic; as, the solar year.

4.
Produced by the action of the sun, or peculiarly affected by its influence.

They denominate some herbs solar, and some lunar.
Bacon.

Solar cycle. See under Cycle. -- Solar day. See Day, 2. -- Solar engine, an engine in which the energy of solar heat is used to produce motion, as in evaporating water for a steam engine, or expanding air for an air engine. -- Solar flowers (Bot.), flowers which open and shut daily at certain hours. -- Solar lamp, an argand lamp. -- Solar microscope, a microscope consisting essentially, first, of a mirror for reflecting a beam of sunlight through the tube, which sometimes is fixed in a window shutter; secondly, of a condenser, or large lens, for converging the beam upon the object; and, thirdly, of a small lens, or magnifier, for throwing an enlarged image of the object at its focus upon a screen in a dark room or in a darkened box.
[1913 Webster]

[1913 Webster]
 -- Solar month. See under Month. -- Solar oil, a paraffin oil used an illuminant and lubricant. -- Solar phosphori (Physics), certain substances, as the diamond, siulphide of barium (Bolognese or Bologna phosphorus), calcium sulphide, etc., which become phosphorescent, and shine in the dark, after exposure to sunlight or other intense light. -- Solar plexus (Anat.), a nervous plexus situated in the dorsal and anterior part of the abdomen, consisting of several sympathetic ganglia with connecting and radiating nerve fibers; -- so called in allusion to the radiating nerve fibers. -- Solar spots. See Sun spots, under Sun. -- Solar system (Astron.), the sun, with the group of celestial bodies which, held by its attraction, revolve round it. The system comprises the major planets, with their satellites; the minor planets, or asteroids, and the comets; also, the meteorids, the matter that furnishes the zodiacal light, and the rings of Saturn. The satellites that revolve about the major planets are twenty-two in number, of which the Earth has one (see Moon.), Mars two, Jupiter five, Saturn nine, Uranus four, and Neptune one. The asteroids, between Mars and Jupiter, thus far discovered (1900), number about five hundred, the first four of which were found near the beginning of the century, and are called Ceres, Pallas, Juno, and Vesta.
[1913 Webster]
The principal elements of the major planets, and of the comets seen at more than one perihelion passage, are exhibited in the following tables: --
[1913 Webster]

 I. -- Major Planets.
Symbol.Name.Mean distance -- that of the Earth being unity.Period in days.Eccentricity.Inclination of orbit.Diameter in miles
_;_;_;_;_;_;_;_;_;_;_;_;_;_;_;_;_;_;_;_;_;

[1913 Webster]

 II. -- Periodic Comets.
Name.Greatest distance from sun.Least distance from sun.Inclination of orbit.Perihelion passage.
° ′ 54
Encke's3.314.100.34212 541885.2
_;_;_;_;_;_;_;_;_;_;_;_;_;_;_;_;_;_;_;_;_;


[1913 Webster]
-- Solar telegraph, telegraph for signaling by flashes of reflected sunlight. -- Solar time. See Apparent time, under Time.


word: Solarium
definition:
Solarium

So*la"ri*um
(?)
n.
pl. Solaria (#).
[L. See Solar, n.]
1.
An apartment freely exposed to the sun; anciently, an apartment or inclosure on the roof of a house; in modern times, an apartment in a hospital, used as a resort for convalescents.

2.
(Zool.)
Any one of several species of handsome marine spiral shells of the genus Solarium and allied genera.  The shell is conical, and usually has a large, deep umbilicus exposing the upper whorls. Called also perspective shell.


word: Solarization
definition:
Solarization

So`lar*i*za"tion
(?)
n.
(Photog.)
Injury of a photographic picture caused by exposing it for too long a time to the sun's light in the camera; burning; excessive insolation.


word: Solarize
definition:
Solarize

So"lar*ize
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Solarized (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Solarizing (?).]
(Photog.)
To injure by too long exposure to the light of the sun in the camera; to burn.


word: Solarize₂
definition:
Solarize

So"lar*ize
v. i.
(Photog.)
To become injured by undue or too long exposure to the sun's rays in the camera; -- an older term now replaced by overexpose.


word: Solar myth
definition:
Solar myth

So"lar myth
A myth which essentially consists of allegory based upon ideas as to the sun's course, motion, influence, or the like.


word: Solar parallax
definition:
Solar parallax

Solar parallax
The parallax of the sun, that is, the angle subtended at the sun by the semidiameter of the earth.  It is 8.80′′, and is the fundamental datum.


word: Solatium
definition:
Solatium

So*la"ti*um
(?)
n.
[L. See Solace, n.]
Anything which alleviates or compensates for suffering or loss; a compensation; esp., an additional allowance, as for injured feelings.


word: Soldan
definition:
Soldan

Sol"dan
(?)
n.
[OE. soudan, F. soudan, from the Arabic. See Sultan.]
A sultan.
[Obs.]
Milton.


word: Soldanel
definition:
Soldanel

Sol"da*nel
(?)
n.
(Bot.)
A plant of the genus Soldanella, low Alpine herbs of the Primrose family.


word: Soldanrie
definition:
Soldanrie

Sol"dan*rie
(?)
n.
The country ruled by a soldan, or sultan; a sultanate{2}.
[Poet.]
Sir W. Scott.


word: Solder
definition:
Solder

Sol"der
(?)
n.
[Formerly soder; F. soudure, OF. soudeure, fr. OF. & F. souder to solder, L. solidare to fasten, to make solid. See Solid, and cf. Sawder.]
A metal or metallic alloy used when melted for uniting adjacent metallic edges or surfaces; a metallic cement.
Hence,
anything which unites or cements.

Hard solder, a solder which fuses only at a red heat, as one composed of zinc and copper, or silver and copper, etc. -- Soft solder, a solder fusible at comparatively low temperatures; as, plumbers' solder, consisting of two parts lead and one part tin, is a soft solder.


word: Solder₂
definition:
Solder

Sol"der
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Soldered (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Soldering.]
[Formerlysoder. See Solder, n.]
1.
To unite (metallic surfaces or edges) by the intervention of a more fusible metal or metallic alloy applied when melted; to join by means of metallic cement.

2.
To mend; to patch up.
solder
Hooker.


word: Soldering
definition:
Soldering

Sol"der*ing
a. & n. from Solder, v. t.

Soldering iron, Soldering tool, an instrument for soldering, consisting of a bit or bolt of copper having a pointed or wedge-shaped end, and furnished with a handle.


word: Soldier
definition:
Soldier

Sol"dier
(?)
n.
[OE. souldier, soudiour, souder, OF. soldier, soldoier, soldeier, sodoier, soudoier, soudier, fr. L. solidus a piece of money (hence applied to the pay of a soldier), fr. solidus solid. See Solid, and cf. Sold, n.]
1.
One who is engaged in military service as an officer or a private; one who serves in an army; one of an organized body of combatants.

I am a soldier and unapt to weep.
Shak.

2.
Especially, a private in military service, as distinguished from an officer.

It were meet that any one, before he came to be a captain, should have been a soldier.
Spenser.

3.
A brave warrior; a man of military experience and skill, or a man of distinguished valor; -- used by way of emphasis or distinction.
Shak.

4.
(Zool.)
The red or cuckoo gurnard (Trigla pini.)
[Prov. Eng.]

5.
(Zool.)
One of the asexual polymorphic forms of white ants, or termites, in which the head and jaws are very large and strong. The soldiers serve to defend the nest. See Termite.

Soldier beetle (Zool.), an American carabid beetle (Chauliognathus Americanus) whose larva feeds upon other insects, such as the plum curculio. -- Soldier bug (Zool.), any hemipterous insect of the genus Podisus and allied genera, as the spined soldier bug (Podius spinosus). These bugs suck the blood of other insects. -- Soldier crab (Zool.) (a) The hermit crab. (b) The fiddler crab. -- Soldier fish (Zool.), a bright-colored etheostomoid fish (Etheostoma coeruleum) found in the Mississippi River; -- called also blue darter, and rainbow darter. -- Soldier fly (Zool.), any one of numerous species of small dipterous flies of the genus Stratyomys and allied genera. They are often bright green, with a metallic luster, and are ornamented on the sides of the back with markings of yellow, like epaulets or shoulder straps. -- Soldier moth (Zool.), a large geometrid moth (Euschema militaris), having the wings bright yellow with bluish black lines and spots. -- Soldier orchis (Bot.), a kind of orchis (Orchis militaris).


word: Soldier₂
definition:
Soldier

Sol"dier
v. i.
1.
To serve as a soldier.

2.
To make a pretense of doing something, or of performing any task.
[Colloq.U.S.]

&hand_; In this sense the vulgar pronounciation (s&omacr"jẽr) is jocosely preserved.

It needs an opera glass to discover whether the leaders are pulling, or only soldiering.
C. D. Warner.


word: Soldiering
definition:
Soldiering

Sol"dier*ing
n.
1.
The act of serving as a soldier; the state of being a soldier; the occupation of a soldier.

2.
The act of feigning to work. See the Note under Soldier, v. i., 2.
[Colloq. U.S.]


word: Soldierly
definition:
Soldierly

Sol"dier*ly
a.
Like or becoming a real soldier; brave; martial; heroic; honorable; soldierlike.
Soldierly
Sir P. Sidney.


word: Soldiership
definition:
Soldiership

Sol"dier*ship
n.
Military qualities or state; martial skill; behavior becoming a soldier.
[R.]
Shak.


word: Soldierwood
definition:
Soldierwood

Sol"dier*wood`
(?)
n.
(Bot.)
A showy leguminous plant (Calliandra purpurea) of the West Indies. The flowers have long tassels of purple stamens.


word: Soldiery
definition:
Soldiery

Sol"dier*y
(?)
n.
1.
A body of soldiers; soldiers, collectivelly; the military.

A camp of faithful soldiery.
Milton.

2.
Military service.
[Obs.]
Sir P. Sidney.


word: Soldo
definition:
Soldo

Sol"do
(?)
n.
pl. Soldi (#).
[It. See Sou.]
A small Italian coin worth a sou or a cent; the twentieth part of a lira.


word: Sole₂
definition:
Sole

Sole
(?)
n.
[F. sole, L. solea; -- so named from its flat shape. See Sole of the foot.]
(Zool.)
(a)
Any one of several species of flatfishes of the genus Solea and allied genera of the family Soleidae, especially the common European species (Solea vulgaris), which is a valuable food fish.
(b)
Any one of several American flounders somewhat resembling the true sole in form or quality, as the California sole (Lepidopsetta bilineata), the long-finned sole (Glyptocephalus zachirus), and other species.

Lemon, or French, sole (Zool.), a European species of sole (Solea pegusa). -- Smooth sole (Zool.), the megrim.


word: Sole₃
definition:
Sole

Sole
(s&omacrl)
n.
[AS. sole, fr. L. soolea (or rather an assumed L. sola), akin to solumround, soil, sole of the foot.  Cf. Exile, Saloon, Soil earth, Sole the fish.]
1.
The bottom of the foot; hence, also, rarely, the foot itself.

The dove found no rest for the sole of her foot.
Gen. viii. 9.

Hast wandered through the world now long a day,
Yet ceasest not thy weary soles to lead.
Spenser.

2.
The bottom of a shoe or boot, or the piece of leather which constitutes the bottom.

The “caliga” was a military shoe, with a very thick sole, tied above the instep.
Arbuthnot.

3.
The bottom or lower part of anything, or that on which anything rests in standing.
(a)
(Agric.)
The bottom of the body of a plow; -- called also slade; also, the bottom of a furrow.
(b)
(Far.)
The horny substance under a horse's foot, which protects the more tender parts.
(c)
(Fort.)
The bottom of an embrasure.
(d)
(Naut.)
A piece of timber attached to the lower part of the rudder, to make it even with the false keel.
Totten.
(e)
(Mining)
The seat or bottom of a mine; -- applied to horizontal veins or lodes.

Sole leather, thick, strong, used for making the soles of boots and shoes, and for other purposes.


word: Sole₄
definition:
Sole

Sole
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Soled (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Soling.]
To furnish with a sole; as, to sole a shoe.


word: Sole₅
definition:
Sole

Sole
a.
[L. solus, or OF. sol, F. seul (fr. L. solus; cf. L. sollus whole, entire.  Cf. Desolate, Solemn, Solo, Sullen.]
1.
Being or acting without another; single; individual; only.
sole
Shak.

He, be sure . . . first and last will reign
Sole king.
Milton.

2.
(Law)
Single; unmarried; as, a feme sole.

Corporation sole. See the Note under Corporation.


word: Solecism
definition:
Solecism

Sol"e*cism
(?)
n.
[F. solécisme, L. soloecismus, Gr. soloikismo`s, fr. soloiki`zein to speak or write incorrectly, fr. so`loikos speaking incorrectly, from the corruption of the Attic dialect among the Athenian colonists of So`loi in Cilicia.]
1.
An impropriety or incongruity of language in the combination of words or parts of a sentence; esp., deviation from the idiom of a language or from the rules of syntax.

A barbarism may be in one word; a solecism must be of more.
Johnson.

2.
Any inconsistency, unfitness, absurdity, or impropriety, as in deeds or manners.

Caesar, by dismissing his guards and retaining his power, committed a dangerous solecism in politics.
C. Middleton.

The idea of having committed the slightest solecism in politeness was agony to him.
Sir W. Scott.


word: Solecistical
definition:
Solecistical

Sol`e*cis"tic*al
(?)
a.
Pertaining to, or involving, a solecism; incorrect.
solecistical
Blackwall.


word: Solely
definition:
Solely

Sole"ly
(?)
adv.
Singly; alone; only; without another; as, to rest a cause solely one argument; to rely solelyn one's own strength.


word: Solemn
definition:
Solemn

Sol"emn
(?)
a.
[OE. solempne, OF. solempne, L. solemnis, solennis, sollemnis, sollennis; sollus all, entire + annus a year; properly, that takes place every year; -- used especially of religious solemnities.  Cf. Silly, Annual.]
1.
Marked with religious rites and pomps; enjoined by, or connected with, religion; sacred.

His holy rites and solemn feasts profaned.
Milton.

The worship of this image was advanced, and a solemn supplication observed everry year.
Bp. Stillingfleet.

2.
Pertaining to a festival; festive; festal.
[Obs.]
solemn
Chaucer.

3.
Stately; ceremonious; grand.
[Archaic]

His feast so solemn and so rich.
Chaucer.

To-night we hold a splemn supper.
Shak.

4.
Fitted to awaken or express serious reflections; marked by seriousness; serious; grave; devout; as, a solemn promise; solemn earnestness.

Nor wanting power to mitigate and swage
With solemn touches troubled thoughts.
Milton.

There reigned a solemn silence over all.
Spenser.

5.
Real; earnest; downright.
[Obs. & R.]

Frederick, the emperor, . . . has spared no expense in strengthening this city; since which time we find no solemn taking it by the Turks.
Fuller.

6.
Affectedly grave or serious; as, to put on a solemn face.
solemn
Swift.

7.
(Law)
Made in form; ceremonious; as, solemn war; conforming with all legal requirements; as, probate in solemn form.
Burrill. Jarman. Greenleaf.

Solemn League and Covenant. See Covenant, 2.


word: Solemnity
definition:
Solemnity

So*lem"ni*ty
(?)
n.
pl. Solemnities (#).
[L. solemnitas, solennitas: cf. F. solennité, solemnité, OF. also sollempnité.]
1.
A rite or ceremony performed with religious reverence; religious or ritual ceremony; as, the solemnity of a funeral, a sacrament.

Great was the cause; our old solemnities
From no blind zeal or fond tradition rise,
But saved from death, our Argives yearly pay
These grateful honors to the god of day.
Pope.

2.
ceremony adapted to impress with awe.

The forms and solemnities of the last judgment.
Atterburry.

3.
Ceremoniousness; impressiveness; seriousness; grave earnestness; formal dignity; gravity.

With much glory and great solemnity.
Chaucer.

The statelines and gravity of the Spaniards shows itself in the solemnity of their language.
Addison.

These promises were often made with great solemnity and confirmed with an oath.
J. Edwards.

4.
Hence, affected gravity or seriousness.

Solemnity 's a cover for a sot.
Young.

5.
Solemn state or feeling; awe or reverence; also, that which produces such a feeling; as, the solemnity of an audience; the solemnity of Westminster Abbey.

6.
(Law)
A solemn or formal observance; proceeding according to due form; the formality which is necessary to render a thing done valid.


word: Solemnization
definition:
Solemnization

Sol`em*ni*za"tion
(?)
n.
[Cf. F. solemnisation, solennisation.]
The act of solemnizing; celebration; as, the solemnization of a marriage.


word: Solemnize
definition:
Solemnize

Sol"em*nize
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Solemnized (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Solemnizing (?).]
[Cf. F. solemniser, sollemniser.]
1.
To perform with solemn or ritual ceremonies, or according to legal forms.

Baptism to be administered in one place, and marriage solemnized in another.
Hooker.

2.
To dignify or honor by ceremonies; to celebrate.

Their choice nobility and flowers . . . 
Met from all parts to solemnize this feast.
Milton.

3.
To make grave, serious, and reverential.

Wordsworth was solemnizzed and elevated by this his first look on Yarrow.
J. C. Shairp.

Every Israelite . . . arose, solemnized his face, looked towards Jerusalem . . . and prayed.
L. Wallace.


word: Solemnize₂
definition:
Solemnize

Sol"em*nize
n.
Solemnization.
[R.]

Though spoused, yet wanting wedlock's solemnize.
Spenser.


word: Solemnly
definition:
Solemnly

Sol"emn*ly
(?)
adv.
In a solemn manner; with gravity; seriously; formally.

There in deaf murmurs solemnly are wise.
Dryden.

I do solemnly assure the reader.
Swift.


word: Solemnness
definition:
Solemnness

Sol"emn*ness
n.
The state or quality of being solemn; solemnity; impressiveness; gravity; as, the solemnness of public worship.
[Written also solemness.]


word: Solempne
definition:
Solempne

So*lemp"ne
(?)
a.
[See Solemn.]
Solemn; grand; stately; splendid; magnificent.
[Obs.]
Chaucer.


word: Solen
definition:
Solen

So"len
(?)
n.
[NL., fr. Gr. _;_;_; channel, a shellfish.]
1.
(Med.)
A cradle, as for a broken limb. See Cradle, 6.

2.
(Zool.)
Any marine bivalve mollusk belonging to Solen or allied genera of the family Solenidae; a razor shell.


word: Solenacean
definition:
Solenacean

Sol`e*na"cean
(?)
n.
(Zool.)
Any species of marine bivalve shells belonging to the family Solenidae.


word: Solenodon
definition:
Solenodon

So*le"no*don
(?)
n.
[Gr. _;_;_;_; a channel + _;_;_;_;, _;_;_;, a tooth.]
(Zool.)
Either one of two species of singular West Indian insectivores, allied to the tenrec. One species (Solendon paradoxus), native of St. Domingo, is called also agouta; the other (Solendon Cubanus), found in Cuba, is called almique.


word: Solenogastra
definition:
Solenogastra

So*le`no*gas"tra
(?)
n. pl.
[NL., from Gr. _;_;_;_; channel + _;_;_;_;, _;_;_;_;, stomach.]
(Zool.)
An order of lowly organized Mollusca belonging to the Isopleura. A narrow groove takes the place of the foot of other gastropods.


word: Solenoglyph
definition:
Solenoglyph

So*le"no*glyph
(?)
a.
(Zool.)
Pertaining to the Selenoglypha. See Ophidia.
n. One of the Selenoglypha.


word: Solenoglypha
definition:
Solenoglypha

So`le*nog"ly*pha
(?)
n. pl.
[NL., fr. Gr. _;_;_;_; a channel + _;_;_;_; to engrave.]
(Zool.)
A suborder of serpents including those which have tubular erectile fangs, as the viper and rattlesnake. See Fang.


word: Solenoid
definition:
Solenoid

So"len*oid
(?)
n.
[Gr. _;_;_; channel + -oid.]
(Elec.)
An electrodynamic spiral having the conjuctive wire turned back along its axis, so as to neutralize that component of the effect of the current which is due to the length of the spiral, and reduce the whole effect to that of a series of equal and parallel circular currents. When traversed by a current the solenoid exhibits polarity and attraction or repulsion, like a magnet.


word: Solenostomi
definition:
Solenostomi

So`le*nos"to*mi
(?)
n. pl.
[NL., from Gr. _;_;_;_;_; a channel + _;_;_;_; a mouth.]
(Zool.)
A tribe of lophobranch fishes having a tubular snout. The female carries the eggs in a ventral pouch.


word: Soleplate
definition:
Soleplate

Sole"plate`
(?)
n.
(Mach.)
(a)
A bedplate; as, the soleplate of a steam engine.
(b)
The plate forming the back of a waterwheel bucket.


word: Solere
definition:
Solere

Soler

{ So"ler (?), So"lere (?), }
n.
[OE. See Solar, n.]
A loft or garret. See Solar, n.
Sir W. Scott.


word: Solert
definition:
Solert

So"lert
(?)
a.
[L. solers, sollers, -ertis,clever, skillful.]
Skillful; clever; crafty.
[Obs.]
Cudworth.


word: Sol-fa
definition:
Sol-fa

Sol`-fa"
(?)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Sol-faed (?);p. pr. & vb. n. Sol-faing.]
[It. solfa the gamut, from the syllables fa, sol.]
To sing the notes of the gamut, ascending or descending; as, do or ut, re, mi, fa, sol, la, si, do, or the same in reverse order.

Yet can I neither solfe ne sing.
Piers Plowman.


word: Solfatara
definition:
Solfatara

Sol`fa*ta"ra
(?)
n.
[It., from solfo brimstone, sulphur, L. sulfur, E. sulphur.]
(Geol.)
A volcanic area or vent which yields only sulphur vapors, steam, and the like. It represents the stages of the volcanic activity.


word: Solfeggio
definition:
Solfeggio

Sol*feg"gio
(?)
n.
[It., fr. solfa the gamut.]
(Mus.)
The system of arranging the scale by the names do, re, mi, fa, sol, la, si, by which singing is taught; a singing exercise upon these syllables.


word: Solferino
definition:
Solferino

Sol`fe*ri"no
(?)
n.
A brilliant deep pink color with a purplish tinge, one of the dyes derived from aniline; -- so called from Solferino in Italy, where a battle was fought about the time of its discovery.


word: Solicit
definition:
Solicit

So*lic"it
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Solicited; p. pr. & vb. n. Soliciting.]
[F. sollicier, L. sollicitare, solicitare, -atum, fr. sollicitus wholly (i. e., violently) moved; sollus whole + citus, p. p. of ciere to move, excite. See Solemn, Cite.]
1.
To ask from with earnestness; to make petition to; to apply to for obtaining something; as, to solicit person for alms.

Did I solicit thee
From darkness to promote me?
Milton.

2.
To endeavor to obtain; to seek; to plead for; as, to solicit an office; to solicit a favor.

I view my crime, but kindle at the view,
Repent old pleasures, and solicit new.
Pope.

3.
To awake or excite to action; to rouse desire in; to summon; to appeal to; to invite.

That fruit . . . solicited her longing eye.
Milton.

Sounds and some tangible qualities solicit their proper senses, and force an entrance to the mind.
Locke.

4.
To urge the claims of; to plead; to act as solicitor for or with reference to.
[Obs.]

Should
My brother henceforth study to forget
The vow that he hath made thee, I would ever
Solicit thy deserts.
Ford.

5.
To disturb; to disquiet; -- a Latinism rarely used.

Hath any ill solicited thine ears?
Chapman.

But anxious fears solicit my weak breast.
Dryden.


word: Solicitation
definition:
Solicitation

So*lic`i*ta"tion
(?)
n.
[F. sollicitation, or L. sollicitatio.]
1.
The act of soliciting; earnest request; persistent asking; importunity.

2.
Excitement; invitation; as, the solicitation of the senses.
Locke.


word: Solicitor
definition:
Solicitor

So*lic"it*or
(?)
n.
[F. solliciteur, L. sollicitator.]
1.
One who solicits.

2.
(Law)
(a)
An attorney or advocate; one who represents another in court; -- formerly, in English practice, the professional designation of a person admitted to practice in a court of chancery or equity. See the Note under Attorney.
(b)
The law officer of a city, town, department, or government; as, the city solicitor; the solicitor of the treasury.


word: Solicitor-general
definition:
Solicitor-general

So*lic"it*or-gen"er*al
(?)
n.
The second law officer in the government of Great Britain; also, a similar officer under the United States government, who is associated with the attorney-general; also, the chief law officer of some of the States.


word: Solicitous
definition:
Solicitous

So*lic"it*ous
(?)
a.
[L. sollicitus, solicitus. See Solicit, v. t.]
Disposed to solicit; eager to obtain something desirable, or to avoid anything evil; concerned; anxious; careful.
Solicitous
Dryden.
solicitous
Calerendon.

Enjoy the present, whatsoever it be, and be not solicitous about the future.
Jer. Taylor.

The colonel had been intent upon other things, and not enough solicitous to finish the fortifications.
Clarendon.


word: Solicitude
definition:
Solicitude

So*lic"i*tude
(?)
n.
[F. sollicitude,r L. sollicitudo.]
The state of being solicitous; uneasiness of mind occasioned by fear of evil or desire good; anxiety.

The many cares and great labors of worldly men, their solicitude and outward shows.
Sir W. Raleigh.

The mother looked at her with fond solicitude.
G. W. Cable.


word: Solid
definition:
Solid

Sol"id
(s&obreve_;l"ĭd)
a.
[L. solidus, probably akin to sollus whole, entire, Gr. _;_;_;: cf. F. solide.  Cf. Consolidate,Soda, Solder, Soldier, Solemn.]
1.
Having the constituent parts so compact, or so firmly adhering, as to resist the impression or penetration of other bodies; having a fixed form; hard; firm; compact; -- opposed to fluid and liquid or to plastic, like clay, or to incompact, like sand.

2.
Not hollow; full of matter; as, a solid globe or cone, as distinguished from a hollow one; not spongy; dense; hence, sometimes, heavy.

3.
(Arith.)
Having all the geometrical dimensions; cubic; as, a solid foot contains 1,728 solid inches.

&hand_; In this sense, cubics now generally used.

4.
Firm; compact; strong; stable; unyielding; as, a solid pier; a solid pile; a solid wall.

5.
Applied to a compound word whose parts are closely united and form an unbroken word; -- opposed to hyphened.

6.
Fig.: Worthy of credit, trust, or esteem; substantial, as opposed to frivolous or fallacious; weighty; firm; strong; valid; just; genuine.

The solid purpose of a sincere and virtuous answer.
Milton.

These, wanting wit, affect gravity, and go by the name of solid men.
Dryden.

The genius of the Italians wrought by solid toil what the myth-making imagination of the Germans had projected in a poem.
J. A. Symonds.

7.
Sound; not weakly; as, a solid constitution of body.
I. Watts.

8.
(Bot.)
Of a fleshy, uniform, undivided substance, as a bulb or root; not spongy or hollow within, as a stem.

9.
(Metaph.)
Impenetrable; resisting or excluding any other material particle or atom from any given portion of space; -- applied to the supposed ultimate particles of matter.

10.
(Print.)
Not having the lines separated by leads; not open.

11.
United; without division; unanimous; as, the delegation is solid for a candidate.
[Polit. Cant. U.S.]

Solid angle. (Geom.) See under Angle. -- Solid color, an even color; one not shaded or variegated. -- Solid green. See Emerald green (a), under Green. -- Solid measure (Arith.), a measure for volumes, in which the units are each a cube of fixed linear magnitude, as a cubic foot, yard, or the like; thus, a foot, in solid measure, or a solid foot, contains 1,728 solid inches. -- Solid newel (Arch.), a newel into which the ends of winding stairs are built, in distinction from a hollow newel. See under Hollow, a. -- Solid problem (Geom.), a problem which can be construed geometrically, only by the intersection of a circle and a conic section or of two conic sections. Hutton. -- Solid square (Mil.), a square body or troops in which the ranks and files are equal.

Repose you there; while I [return] to this hard house,
More harder than the stones whereof 't is raised.
Shak.

I hear his thundering voice resound,
And trampling feet than shake the solid ground.
Dryden.


word: Solid₂
definition:
Solid

Sol"id
n.
1.
A substance that is held in a fixed form by cohesion among its particles; a substance not fluid.

2.
(Geom.)
A magnitude which has length, breadth, and thickness; a part of space bounded on all sides.

Solid of revolution. (Geom.) See Revolution, n., 5.


word: Solidago
definition:
Solidago

Sol`i*da"go
(?)
n.
[NL., fr. L. solidare to strengthen, unite; -- so called in allusion to its reputed healing qualities.]
(Bot.)
A genus of yellow-flowered composite perennial herbs; golden-rod.


word: Solidarity
definition:
Solidarity

Sol`i*dar"i*ty
(?)
n.
[F. solidarité, fr. solide. See Solid.]
An entire union or consolidation of interests and responsibilities; fellowship; community.

Solidarity [a word which we owe to the French Communists], signifies a fellowship in gain and loss, in honor and dishonor, in victory and defeat, a being, so to speak, all in the same boat.
Trench.

The solidarity . . . of Breton and Welsh poetry.
M. Arnold.


word: Solidary
definition:
Solidary

Sol"i*da*ry
(?)
a.
Having community of interests and responsibilities.

 Men are solidary, or copartners; and not isolated.
M. Arnold.


word: Solidate
definition:
Solidate

Sol"i*date
(?)
v. t.
[L. solidatus, p. p. of solidare. See Solder.]
To make solid or firm.
[Obs.]
Cowley.


word: Solid-drawn
definition:
Solid-drawn

Sol"id-drawn`
a.
Drawn out from a heated solid bar, as by a process of spiral rolling which first hollows the bar and then expands the cavity by forcing the bar over a pointed mandrel fixed in front of the rolls; -- said of a weldless tube.


word: Solidification
definition:
Solidification

So*lid`i*fi*ca"tion
(?)
n.
[Cf. F. solidification.]
Act of solidifying, or state of being solidified.


word: Solidify
definition:
Solidify

So*lid"i*fy
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Solidified (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Solidifying (?).]
[Solid + -fy: cf. F. solidifier.]
To make solid or compact.

Every machine is a solidified mechanical theorem.
H. Spencer.


word: Solidism
definition:
Solidism

Sol"id*ism
(?)
n.
(Med.)
The doctrine that refers all diseases to morbid changes of the solid parts of the body. It rests on the view that the solids alone are endowed with vital properties, and can receive the impression of agents tending to produce disease.


word: Solidity
definition:
Solidity

So*lid"i*ty
(?)
n.
[L. soliditas: cf. F. solidité.]
1.
The state or quality of being solid; density; consistency, -- opposed to fluidity; compactness; fullness of matter, -- opposed to openness or hollowness; strength; soundness, -- opposed to weakness or instability; the primary quality or affection of matter by which its particles exclude or resist all others; hardness; massiveness.

That which hinders the approach of two bodies when they are moving one toward another, I call solidity.
Locke.

2.
Moral firmness; soundness; strength; validity; truth; certainty; -- as opposed to weakness or fallaciousness; as, the solidity of arguments or reasoning; the solidity of principles, triuths, or opinions.

3.
(Geom.)
The solid contents of a body; volume; amount of inclosed space.


word: Solidness
definition:
Solidness

Sol"id*ness
n.
1.
State or quality of being solid; firmness; compactness; solidity, as of material bodies.

2.
Soundness; strength; truth; validity, as of arguments, reasons, principles, and the like.


word: Solidungula
definition:
Solidungula

Sol`id*un"gu*la
(?)
n. pl.
[NL., from L. solidus solid + ungula a hoof.]
(Zool.)
A tribe of ungulates which includes the horse, ass, and related species, constituting the family Equidae.


word: Solifidian
definition:
Solifidian

Sol`i*fid"i*an
(?)
n.
[L. solus alone + fides faith.]
(Eccl.)
One who maintains that faith alone, without works, is sufficient for justification; -- opposed to nullifidian.
Hammond.


word: Solifidian₂
definition:
Solifidian

Sol`i*fid"i*an
a.
Holding the tenets of Solifidians; of or pertaining to the solifidians.


word: Soliform
definition:
Soliform

Sol"i*form
(?)
a.
[L. sol sun + -form.]
Like the sun in form, appearance, or nature; resembling the sun.
[R.]
Soliform
Cudworth.


word: Solifugae
definition:
Solifugae

So*lif"u*gae
(?)
n. pl.
[NL., from L. solifuga (better solipuga), a kind of venomous ant, or spider.]
(Zool.)
A division of arachnids having large, powerful fangs and a segmented abdomen; -- called also Solpugidea, and Solpugides.


word: Soliloquize
definition:
Soliloquize

So*lil"o*quize
(?)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Soliloquized (#); p. pr. & vb. n. Soliloquizing (#).]
To utter a soliloquy; to talk to one's self.


word: Soliloquy
definition:
Soliloquy

So*lil"o*quy
(?)
n.
pl. Soliloquies (#).
[L. soliloquium; solus alone + loqui to speak. See Sole ly, and Loquacious.]
1.
The act of talking to one's self; a discourse made by one in solitude to one's self; monologue.

Lovers are always allowed the comfort of soliloquy.
Spectator.

2.
A written composition, reciting what it is supposed a person says to himself.

The whole poem is a soliloquy.
Prior.


word: Soliped
definition:
Soliped

Sol"i*ped
(?)
n.
[Cf. F. solipède, It. solipede, Sp. solipedo; apparently fr. L. solus alone + pes, pedis, a foot; but probably fr. L. solidipes solid-footed, whole-hoofed. See Solid, and Pedal.]
(Zool.)
A mammal having a single hoof on each foot, as the horses and asses; a solidungulate.
[Written also solipede.]

The solipeds, or firm-hoofed animals, as horses, asses, and mules, etc., -- they are, also, in mighty number.
Sir T. Browne.


word: Solipsism
definition:
Solipsism

So*lip"sism
(?)
n.
[L. solus alone + ipse self.]
1.
(Ethics)
Egotism.
Krauth-Fleming.

2.
(Metaph.)
Egoism.
Krauth-Fleming.


word: Solisequious
definition:
Solisequious

Sol`i*se"qui*ous
(?)
a.
[L. sol sun + sequi to follow.]
Following the course of the sun; as, solisequious plants.
[R.]
Sir T. Browne.


word: Solitaire
definition:
Solitaire

Sol`i*taire"
(?)
n.
[F. See Solitary.]
1.
A person who lives in solitude; a recluse; a hermit.
Pope.

2.
A single diamond in a setting; also, sometimes, a precious stone of any kind set alone.

Diamond solitaires blazing on his breast and wrists.
Mrs. R. H. Davis.

3.
A game which one person can play alone; -- applied to many games of cards, etc.; also, to a game played on a board with pegs or balls, in which the object is, beginning with all the places filled except one, to remove all but one of the pieces by “jumping,” as in draughts.

4.
(Zool.)
(a)
A large extinct bird (Pezophaps solitaria) which formerly inhabited the islands of Mauritius and Rodrigeuz. It was larger and taller than the wild turkey. Its wings were too small for flight. Called also solitary.
(b)
Any species of American thrushlike birds of the genus Myadestes. They are noted their sweet songs and retiring habits. Called also fly-catching thrush. A West Indian species (Myadestes sibilans) is called the invisible bird.


word: Solitary
definition:
Solitary

Sol"i*ta*ry
(?)
a.
[L. solitarius, fr. solus alone: cf. F. solitaire. See Sole, a., and cf. Solitaire.]
1.
Living or being by one's self; having no companion present; being without associates; single; alone; lonely.

Those rare and solitary, these in flocks.
Milton.

Hie home unto my chamber,
Where thou shalt find me, sad and solitary.
Shak.

2.
Performed, passed, or endured alone; as, a solitary journey; a solitary life.

Satan . . . explores his solitary flight.
Milton.

3.
Not much visited or frequented; remote from society; retired; lonely; as, a solitary residence or place.

4.
Not inhabited or occupied; without signs of inhabitants or occupation; desolate; deserted; silent; still; hence, gloomy; dismal; as, the solitary desert.

How doth the city sit solitary, that was full of people.
Lam. i. 1.

Let that night be solitary; let no joyful voice come therein.
Job iii. 7.

5.
Single; individual; sole; as, a solitary instance of vengeance; a solitary example.

6.
(Bot.)
Not associated with others of the same kind.

Solitary ant (Zool.), any solitary hymenopterous insect of the family Mutillidae. The female of these insects is destitute of wings and has a powerful sting. The male is winged and resembles a wasp. Called also spider ant. -- Solitary bee (Zool.), any species of bee which does not form communities. -- Solitary sandpiper (Zool.), an American tattler (Totanus solitarius). -- Solitary snipe (Zool.), the great snipe. [Prov. Eng.] -- Solitary thrush (Zool.) the starling. [Prov. Eng.]


word: Solitary₂
definition:
Solitary

Sol"i*ta*ry
(?)
n.
One who lives alone, or in solitude; an anchoret; a hermit; a recluse.


word: Solitude
definition:
Solitude

Sol"i*tude
(?)
n.
[F., from L. solitudo, solus alone. See Sole, a.]
1.
state of being alone, or withdrawn from society; a lonely life; loneliness.

Whosoever is delighted with solitude is either a wild beast or a god.
Bacon.

O Solitude! where are the charms
That sages have seen in thy face?
Cowper.

2.
Remoteness from society; destitution of company; seclusion; -- said of places; as, the solitude of a wood.

The solitude of his little parish is become matter of great comfort to him.
Law.

3.
solitary or lonely place; a desert or wilderness.

In these deep solitudes and awful cells
Where heavenly pensive contemplation dwells.
Pope.

O blest retirement, friend to life's decline.
Goldsmith.

Such only can enjoy the country who are capable of thinking when they are there; then they are prepared for solitude; and in that [the country] solitude is prepared for them.
Dryden.

It is a place of seclusion from the external world.
Bp. Horsley.

These evils . . . seem likely to reduce it [a city] ere long to the loneliness and the insignificance of a village.
Eustace.


word: Solivagant
definition:
Solivagant

So*liv"a*gant
(?)
a.
[L. solus alone + vagans wandering.]
Wandering alone.
[R.]
T. Grander.


word: Sollar
definition:
Sollar

Sol"lar
(?)
n.
1.
See Solar, n.
[Obs.]

2.
(Mining)
A platform in a shaft, especially one of those between the series of ladders in a shaft.


word: Solleret
definition:
Solleret

Sol*ler*et"
(?)
n.
[F. soleretim. fr. OF. soler shoe.]
A flexible steel shoe (or one of the plates forming such a shoe), worn with mediaeval armor.


word: Solmization
definition:
Solmization

Sol`mi*za"tion
(?)
n.
[F. solmisation, fr. solmiser to sol-fa; -- called from the musical notes sol, mi. See Sol-fa.]
(Mus.)
The act of sol-faing.
[Written also solmisation.]

&hand_; This art was practiced by the Greeks; but six of the seven syllables now in use are generally attributed to Guido d' Arezzo, an Italian monk of the eleventh century, who is said to have taken them from the first syllables of the first six lines of the following stanza of a monkish hymn to St. John the Baptist. --
[1913 Webster]
Ut queant laxis
Resonare fibris
Mira gestorum
Famuli tuorum
Solve polluti
Labii reatum,
Sancte Joannes.
[1913 Webster]
Professor Skeat says the name of the seventh note, si, was also formed by him [Guido] from the initials of the two words of the last line; but this is disputed, Littré attributing the first use of it to Anselm of Flanders long afterwards. The syllable do is often substituted for ut.


word: Solo
definition:
Solo

So"lo
(s&omacr"lo̝)
n.
pl. E. Solos (s&omacr"l&omacrz), It. Soli (#).
[It., from L. solus alone. See Sole, a.]
(Mus.)
A tune, air, strain, or a whole piece, played by a single person on an instrument, or sung by a single voice.


word: Solo₂
definition:
Solo

So"lo
a.
(Music)
Performing, or performed, alone; uncombined, except with subordinate parts, voices, or instruments; not concerted.


word: Solomon
definition:
Solomon

Sol"o*mon
(?)
n.
One of the kings of Israel, noted for his superior wisdom and magnificent reign; hence, a very wise man.
Sol`o*mon"ic (#), a.

Solomon's seal (Bot.), a perennial liliaceous plant of the genus Polygonatum, having simple erect or curving stems rising from thick and knotted rootstocks, and with white or greenish nodding flowers. The commonest European species is Polygonatum multiflorum.  Polygonatum biflorum and Polygonatum giganteum are common in the Eastern United States. See Illust. of Rootstock. -- False Solomon's seal (Bot.), any plant of the liliaceous genus Smilacina having small whitish flowers in terminal racemes or panicles.


word: Solomon's seal
definition:
Solomon's seal

Sol"o*mon's seal
A mystic symbol consisting of two interlaced triangles forming a star with six points, often with one triangle dark and one light, symbolic of the union of soul and body.  It is shaped identically to the hexagram and Star of David, distinguished only in its usage.


word: Solon
definition:
Solon

So"lon
(?)
n.
A celebrated Athenian lawmaker, born about 638 b. c.; hence, a legislator; a publicist; -- often used ironically.


word: Solo whist
definition:
Solo whist

Solo whist
A card game played with the full pack ranking as at whist, each player declaring for which of seven different points he proposes to play.


word: Solstice
definition:
Solstice

Sol"stice
(?)
n.
[L. solstitium; sol the sun + sistere to cause to stand, akin to stare to stand: cf. F. solstice. See Solar, a., Stand, v. i.]
1.
A stopping or standing still of the sun.
[Obs.]
Sir T. Browne.

2.
(Astron.)
(a)
The point in the ecliptic at which the sun is farthest from the equator, north or south, namely, the first point of the sign Cancer and the first point of the sign Capricorn, the former being the summer solstice, latter the winter solstice, in northern latitudes; -- so called because the sun then apparently stands still in its northward or southward motion.
(b)
The time of the sun's passing the solstices, or solstitial points, namely, about June 21 and December 21. See Illust. in Appendix.


word: Solstitial
definition:
Solstitial

Sol*sti"tial
(?)
a.
[L. solstitialis: cf. F. solsticial.]
1.
Of or pertaining to a solstice.

2.
Happening at a solstice; esp. (with reference to the northern hemisphere), happening at the summer solstice, or midsummer.
Solstitial
Milton.


word: Solubility
definition:
Solubility

Sol`u*bil"i*ty
(?)
n.
[Cf. F. solubilité.]
1.
The quality, condition, or degree of being soluble or solvable; as, the solubility of a salt; the solubility of a problem or intricate difficulty.

2.
(Bot.)
The tendency to separate readily into parts by spurious articulations, as the pods of tick trefoil.


word: Soluble
definition:
Soluble

Sol"u*ble
(?)
a.
[L. solubilis, fr. solvere, solutum, to loosen, to dissolve: cf. F. soluble. See Solve, and cf. Solvable.]
1.
Susceptible of being dissolved in a fluid; capable of solution; as, some substances are soluble in alcohol which are not soluble in water.

Sugar is . . . soluble in water and fusible in fire.
Arbuthnot.

2.
Susceptible of being solved; as, a soluble algebraic problem; susceptible of being disentangled, unraveled, or explained; as, the mystery is perhaps soluble.
soluble
Tennyson.

3.
Relaxed; open or readily opened.
[R.]
soluble
Dunglison.

Soluble glass. (Chem.) See under Glass.


word: Sola₃
definition:
Sola

Solus

{ &VerbarSo"lus (?), masc. a., So"la (?), fem. a. }
[L.]
Alone; -- chiefly used in stage directions, and the like.


word: Solute
definition:
Solute

So*lute"
(?)
a.
[L. solutus, p. p. of solvere to loosen. See Solve.]
1.
Loose; free; liberal; as, a solute interpretation.
[Obs.]
Bacon.

2.
Relaxed; hence; merry; cheerful.
[R.]

A brow solute, and ever-laughing eye.
Young.

3.
Soluble; as, a solute salt.
[Obs.]

4.
(Bot.)
Not adhering; loose; -- opposed to adnate; as, a solute stipule.


word: Solute₂
definition:
Solute

So*lute"
v. t.
1.
To dissolve; to resolve.
[Obs.]

2.
To absolve; as, to solute sin.
[Obs.]
Bale.


word: Solution
definition:
Solution

So*lu"tion
(so̝*lū"shŭn)
n.
[OE. solucion, OF. solucion, F. solution, fr. L. solutio, fr. solvere, solutum, to loosen, dissolve. See Solve.]
1.
The act of separating the parts of any body, or the condition of undergoing a separation of parts; disruption; breach.

In all bodies there is an appetite of union and evitation of solution of continuity.
Bacon.

2.
The act of solving, or the state of being solved; the disentanglement of any intricate problem or difficult question; explanation; clearing up; -- used especially in mathematics, either of the process of solving an equation or problem, or the result of the process.

3.
The state of being dissolved or disintegrated; resolution; disintegration.

It is unquestionably an enterprise of more promise to assail the nations in their hour of faintness and solution, than at a time when magnificent and seductive systems of worship were at their height of energy and splendor.
I. Taylor.

4.
(Chem.Phys.)
The act or process by which a body (whether solid, liquid, or gaseous) is absorbed into a liquid, and, remaining or becoming fluid, is diffused throughout the solvent; also, the product resulting from such absorption.

&hand_; When a solvent will not take in any more of a substance the solution is said to be saturated. Solution is of two kinds; viz.: (a) Mechanical solution, in which no marked chemical change takes place, and in which, in the case of solids, the dissolved body can be regained by evaporation, as in the solution of salt or sugar in water. (b) Chemical solution, in which there is involved a decided chemical change, as when limestone or zinc undergoes solution in hydrochloric acid. Mechanical solution is regarded as a form of molecular or atomic attraction, and is probably occasioned by the formation of certain very weak and unstable compounds which are easily dissociated and pass into new and similar compounds.

&hand_; This word is not used in chemistry or mineralogy for fusion, or the melting of bodies by the heat of fire.

5.
Release; deliverance; discharge.
[Obs.]
Barrow.

6.
(Med.)
(a)
The termination of a disease; resolution.
(b)
A crisis.
(c)
A liquid medicine or preparation (usually aqueous) in which the solid ingredients are wholly soluble.
U. S. Disp.

Fehling's solution (Chem.), a standardized solution of cupric hydrate in sodium potassium tartrate, used as a means of determining the reducing power of certain sugars and sirups by the amount of red cuprous oxide thrown down. -- Heavy solution (Min.), a liquid of high density, as a solution of mercuric iodide in potassium iodide (called the Sonstadt solution or Thoulet solution) having a maximum specific gravity of 3.2, or of borotungstate of cadium (Klein solution, specific gravity 3.6), and the like. Such solutions are much used in determining the specific gravities of minerals, and in separating them when mechanically mixed as in a pulverized rock. -- Nessler's solution. See Nesslerize. -- Solution of continuity, the separation of connection, or of connected substances or parts; -- applied, in surgery, to a fracture, laceration, or the like. “As in the natural body a wound, or solution of continuity, is worse than a corrupt humor, so in the spiritual.” Bacon. -- Standardized solution (Chem.), a solution which is used as a reagent, and is of a known and standard strength; specifically, a normal solution, containing in each cubic centimeter as many milligrams of the element in question as the number representing its atomic weight; thus, a normal solution of silver nitrate would contain 107.7 mgr. of silver in each cubic centimeter.


word: Solutive
definition:
Solutive

Sol"u*tive
(s&obreve_;l"&uuptack_;*tĭv)
a.
[Cf. F. solutif.]
Tending to dissolve; loosening; laxative.
Bacon.


word: Solvability
definition:
Solvability

Solv`a*bil"i*ty
(?)
n.
[F. solvabilité.]
1.
The quality or state of being solvable; as, the solvability of a difficulty; the solvability of a problem.

2.
The condition of being solvent; ability to pay all just debts; solvency; as, the solvability of a merchant.


word: Solvable
definition:
Solvable

Solv"a*ble
(?)
a.
[F. solvable. See Solve, and cf. Soluble, Solvible.]
1.
Susceptible of being solved, resolved, or explained; admitting of solution.

2.
Capable of being paid and discharged; as, solvable obligations.
Tooke.

3.
Able to pay one's debts; solvent.
[Obs.]
Fuller.


word: Solve
definition:
Solve

Solve
(s&obreve_;lv)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Solved (s&obreve_;lvd); p. pr. & vb. n. Solving.]
[L. solvere, solutum; from a prefix so- expressing separation (cf. Sober) + luere to loosen; cf. OF. soldre, soudre. See Loose, and cf. Absolve.]
To explain; to resolve; to unfold; to clear up (what is obscure or difficult to be understood); to work out to a result or conclusion; as, to solve a doubt; to solve difficulties; to solve a problem.

True piety would effectually solve such scruples.
South.

God shall solve the dark decrees of fate.
Tickell.


word: Solvency
definition:
Solvency

Sol"ven*cy
(s&obreve_;l"ven*s&ybreve_;)
n.
[See Solvent.]
The quality or state of being solvent.


word: Solvend
definition:
Solvend

Sol"vend
(s&obreve_;l"vĕnd)
n.
[L. solvendus to be loosened or dissolved, fr. solvere. See Solution.]
A substance to be dissolved.
[R.]


word: Solvent
definition:
Solvent

Sol"vent
(s&obreve_;l"vent)
a.
[L. solvens, p. pr. of solvere. See Solvable.]
1.
Having the power of dissolving; dissolving; as, a solvent fluid.
solvent
Boyle.

2.
Able or sufficient to pay all just debts; as, a solvent merchant; the estate is solvent.


word: Solvent₂
definition:
Solvent

Sol"vent
n.
(Chem.)
A substance (usually liquid) suitable for, or employed in, solution, or in dissolving something; as, water is the appropriate solvent of most salts, alcohol of resins, ether of fats, and mercury or acids of metals, etc.

2.
That which resolves; as, a solvent of mystery.


word: Soma
definition:
Soma

So"ma
(s&omacr"mȧ)
n.
[NL., fr. Gr. sw^ma, sw`matos, the body.]
(Anat.)
The whole axial portion of an animal, including the head, neck, trunk, and tail.
B. G. Wilder.


word: Samaj₂
definition:
Samaj

Somaj

{ So"maj" (so̝*mäj"), Sa*maj" (sȧ*mäj"), }
n.
A society; a congregation, a worshiping assembly, or church, esp. of the Brahmo-somaj.
[India]


word: Somal
definition:
Somal

Somali

{ So*ma"li (so̝*mä"le̝), So*mal" (so̝*mäl"), }
n.
1.
(Ethnol.)
A Hamitic people of East Central Africa.

2.
of or pertaining to Somalia or to the inhabitants of Somalia.


word: Somatic
definition:
Somatic

So*mat"ic
(so̝*măt"ĭk)
a.
[Gr. swmatiko`s, fr. sw^ma the body.]
1.
Of or pertaining to the body as a whole; corporeal; as, somatic death; somatic changes.

2.
Of or pertaining to the wall of the body; somatopleuric; parietal; as, the somatic stalk of the yolk sac of an embryo.

Somatic death. See the Note under Death, n., 1.


word: Somatics
definition:
Somatics

So*mat"ics
(?)
n.
The science which treats of the general properties of matter; somatology.


word: Somatist
definition:
Somatist

So"ma*tist
(?)
n.
One who admits the existence of material beings only; a materialist.
Glanvill.


word: Somatocyst
definition:
Somatocyst

So"ma*to*cyst
(?)
n.
[Gr. sw^ma, sw`matos, body + ky`stis a bladder.]
(Zool.)
A cavity in the primary nectocalyx of certain Siphonophora. See Illust. under Nectocalyx.


word: Somatology
definition:
Somatology

So`ma*tol"o*gy
(?)
n.
[Gr. sw^ma, sw`matos, body + -logy.]
1.
The doctrine or the science of the general properties of material substances; somatics.

2.
A treatise on the human body; anatomy.
Dunglison.

3.
(Biol.)
The science which treats of anatomy and physiology, apart from psychology.

4.
(Anthropol.)
The consideration of the physical characters of races and classes of men and of mankind in general.


word: Somatopleure
definition:
Somatopleure

So"ma*to*pleure
(?)
n.
[Gr. sw^ma, sw`matos, body + pleyra` side.]
(Anat.)
The outer, or parietal, one of the two lamellae into which the vertebrate blastoderm divides on either side of the notochord, and from which the walls of the body and the amnion are developed. See Splanchnopleure.


word: Somatotropism
definition:
Somatotropism

So`ma*tot"ro*pism
(?)
n.
[Gr. sw^ma, sw`matos, the body + tre`pein to turn.]
(Physiol.)
A directive influence exercised by a mass of matter upon growing organs.
Encyc. Brit.


word: Sombre
definition:
Sombre

Somber

{ Som"ber, Som"bre }
(?; 277)
a.
[F. sombre; cf. Sp. sombra, shade, prob. from LL. subumbrare to put in the shade; L. sub under + umbra shade. See Umbrage.]
1.
Dull; dusky; somewhat dark; gloomy; as, a somber forest; a somber house.

2.
Melancholy; sad; grave; depressing; as, a somber person; somber reflections.

The dinner was silent and somber; happily it was also short.
Beaconsfield.


word: Sombrely
definition:
Sombrely

Somberly

{ Som"ber*ly, Som"bre*ly  }
adv.
In a somber manner; sombrously; gloomily; despondingly.


word: Sombreness
definition:
Sombreness

Somberness

{ Som"ber*ness, Som"bre*ness  }
n.
The quality or state of being somber; gloominess.


word: Sombrero
definition:
Sombrero

Som*bre"ro
(?)
n.
[Sp., from sombra shade. See Sombre.]
A kind of broad-brimmed hat, worn in Spain and in Spanish America.
Marryat.


word: -some
definition:
-some

-some
(-s&omacrm)
A combining form or suffix from Gr. sw^ma (gen. sw`matos) the body; as in merosome, a body segment; cephalosome, etc.


word: -some₂
definition:
-some

-some
(-sŭm)
[AS. -sum; akin to G. & OHG. -sam, Icel. samr, Goth. lustusams longed for. See Same, a., and cf. Some, a.]
An adjective suffix having primarily the sense of like or same, and indicating a considerable degree of the thing or quality denoted in the first part of the compound; as in mettlesome, full of mettle or spirit; gladsome, full of gladness; winsome, blithesome, etc.


word: Some
definition:
Some

Some
(sŭm)
a.
[OE. som, sum, AS. sum; akin to OS., OFries., & OHG. sum, OD. som, D. sommig, Icel. sumr, Dan. somme (pl.), Sw. somlige (pl.), Goth. sums, and E. same. √191. See Same, a., and cf. -some.]
1.
Consisting of a greater or less portion or sum; composed of a quantity or number which is not stated; -- used to express an indefinite quantity or number; as, some wine; some water; some persons.  Used also pronominally; as, I have some.

Some theoretical writers allege that there was a time when there was no such thing as society.
Blackstone.

2.
A certain; one; -- indicating a person, thing, event, etc., as not known individually, or designated more specifically; as, some man, that is, some one man.
Some
Mrs. Barbauld.

Some man praiseth his neighbor by a wicked intent.
Chaucer.

Most gentlemen of property, at some period or other of their lives, are ambitious of representing their county in Parliament.
Blackstone.

3.
Not much; a little; moderate; as, the censure was to some extent just.

4.
About; near; more or less; -- used commonly with numerals, but formerly also with a singular substantive of time or distance; as, a village of some eighty houses; some two or three persons; some hour hence.
Shak.

The number slain on the rebel's part were some two thousand.
Bacon.

5.
Considerable in number or quantity.
some
Shak.

On its outer point, some miles away.
The lighthouse lifts its massive masonry.
Longfellow.

6.
Certain; those of one part or portion; -- in distinction from other or others; as, some men believe one thing, and others another.

Some [seeds] fell among thorns; . . . but other fell into good ground.
Matt. xiii. 7, 8.

7.
A part; a portion; -- used pronominally, and followed sometimes by of; as, some of our provisions.

Your edicts some reclaim from sins,
But most your life and blest example wins.
Dryden.

All and some, one and all. See under All, adv. [Obs.]

&hand_; The illiterate in the United States and Scotland often use some as an adverb, instead of somewhat, or an equivalent expression; as, I am some tired; he is some better; it rains some, etc.

Some . . . some, one part . . . another part; these . . . those; -- used distributively.

Some to the shores do fly,
Some to the woods, or whither fear advised.
Daniel.

&hand_; Formerly used also of single persons or things: this one . . . that one; one . . . another.

Some in his bed, some in the deep sea.
Chaucer.


word: Somebody
definition:
Somebody

Some"bod*y
(sŭm"b&obreve_;d*&ybreve_;)
n.
1.
A person unknown or uncertain; a person indeterminate; some person.

Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me.
Luke viii. 46.

We must draw in somebody that may stand
'Twixt us and danger.
Denham.

2.
A person of consideration or importance.

Before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody.
Acts v. 36.


word: Somedeal
definition:
Somedeal

Some"deal`
(sŭm"dēl`)
adv.
In some degree; somewhat.
[Written also sumdel, sumdeale, and sumdele.]
[Obs.]
somedeal
Chaucer.

Thou lackest somedeal their delight.
Spenser.


word: Somehow
definition:
Somehow

Some"how`
(sŭm"hou`)
adv.
In one way or another; in some way not yet known or designated; by some means; as, the thing must be done somehow; he lives somehow.

By their action upon one another they may be swelled somehow, so as to shorten the length.
Cheyne.

&hand_; The indefiniteness of somehow is emphasized by the addition of or other.

Although youngest of the familly, he has somehow or other got the entire management of all the others.
Sir W. Scott.


word: Somerset
definition:
Somerset

Somersault

{ Som"er*sault (?), Som"er*set (?), }
n.
[F. soubresaut a jump, leap, OF. soubresault, It. soprassalto an overleap, fr. L. supra over + saltus a leap, fr. salire to leap; or the French may be from Sp. sobresalto a sudden asault, a surprise. See Supra, and Salient.]
A leap in which a person turns his heels over his head and lights upon his feet; a turning end over end.
[Written also summersault, sommerset, summerset, etc.]
sombersalts
Donne.

Now I'll only
Make him break his neck in doing a sommerset.
Beau. & Fl.


word: Something
definition:
Something

Some"thing
(?)
n.
1.
Anything unknown, undetermined, or not specifically designated; a certain indefinite thing; an indeterminate or unknown event; an unspecified task, work, or thing.

There is something in the wind.
Shak.

The whole world has something to do, something to talk of, something to wish for, and something to be employed about.
Pope.

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

2.
A part; a portion, more or less; an indefinite quantity or degree; a little.

Something yet of doubt remains.
Milton.

Something of it arises from our infant state.
I. Watts.

3.
A person or thing importance.

If a man thinketh himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
Gal. vi. 3.


word: Something₂
definition:
Something

Some"thing
adv.
In some degree; somewhat; to some extent; at some distance.
Shak.

I something fear my father's wrath.
Shak.

We have something fairer play than a reasoner could have expected formerly.
Burke.

My sense of touch is something coarse.
Tennyson.

It must be done to-night,
And something from the palace.
Shak.


word: Sometime
definition:
Sometime

Some"time`
(?)
adv.
1.
At a past time indefinitely referred to; once; formerly.

Did they not sometime cry “All hail” to me?
Shak.

2.
At a time undefined; once in a while; now and then; sometimes.

Sometime we see a cloud that's dragonish,
A vapor sometime like a bear or lion.
Shak.

3.
At one time or other hereafter; as, I will do it sometime.
Sometime
Chaucer.


word: Sometime₂
definition:
Sometime

Some"time`
(sŭm"tīm`)
a.
Having been formerly; former; late; whilom.

Our sometime sister, now our queen.
Shak.

Ion, our sometime darling, whom we prized.
Talfourd.


word: Sometimes
definition:
Sometimes

Some"times`
(?)
adv.
[Sometime + adverbial ending -s, as in -wards.]
1.
Formerly; sometime.
[Obs.]

That fair and warlike form
In which the majesty of buried Denmark
Did sometimes march.
Shak.

2.
At times; at intervals; not always; now and then; occasionally.

It is good that we sometimes be contradicted.
Jer. Taylor.

Sometimes . . . sometimes, at certain times . . . at certain other times; as, sometimes he is earnest, sometimes he is frivolous.


word: Somewhat
definition:
Somewhat

Some"what`
(?)
n.
1.
More or less; a certain quantity or degree; a part, more or less; something.

These salts have somewhat of a nitrous taste.
Grew.

Somewhat of his good sense will suffer, in this transfusion, and much of the beauty of his thoughts will be lost.
Dryden.

2.
A person or thing of importance; a somebody.

Here come those that worship me.
They think that I am somewhat.
Tennyson.


word: Somewhat₂
definition:
Somewhat

Some"what`
adv.
In some degree or measure; a little.

His giantship is gone, somewhat crestfallen.
Milton.

Somewhat back from the village street.
Longfellow.


word: Somewhere
definition:
Somewhere

Some"where`
(?)
adv.
In some place unknown or not specified; in one place or another.
Somewhere
Milton.


word: Somewhile
definition:
Somewhile

Some"while`
(?)
adv.
Once; for a time.

Though, under color of shepherds, somewhile
There crept in wolves, full of fraud and guile.
Spenser.


word: Somewhither
definition:
Somewhither

Some"whith`er
(?)
adv.
To some indeterminate place; to some place or other.

Driven by the winds of temptation somewhither.
Barrow.


word: Somite
definition:
Somite

So"mite
(s&omacr"mīt)
n.
[Gr. sw^ma body.]
(Anat. & Zool.)
One of the actual or ideal serial segments of which an animal, esp. an articulate or vertebrate, is composed; somatome; metamere.
So*mit`ic (#), a.


word: Somnambular
definition:
Somnambular

Som*nam"bu*lar
(?)
a.
Of or pertaining to somnambulism; somnambulistic.
Mrs. Browning.


word: Somnambulation
definition:
Somnambulation

Som*nam`bu*la"tion
(?)
n.
[L. somnus sleep + ambulatio a walking about, from ambulare to walk. See Somnolent, Amble.]
The act of walking in sleep, called also sleepwalking.


word: Somnambulism
definition:
Somnambulism

Som*nam"bu*lism
(?)
n.
[Cf. F. somnambulisme. See Somnambulation.]
A condition of the nervous system in which an individual during sleep performs actions appropriate to the waking state; a state of sleep in which some of the senses and voluntary powers are partially awake; noctambulism.


word: Somnambulist
definition:
Somnambulist

Som*nam"bu*list
(?)
n.
A person who is subject to somnambulism; one who walks in his sleep; a sleepwalker; a noctambulist.

Syn. -- somnambulator.


word: Somnambulistic
definition:
Somnambulistic

Som*nam`bu*lis"tic
(?)
a.
Of or pertaining to a somnambulist or somnambulism; affected by somnambulism; appropriate to the state of a somnambulist.

Whether this was an intentional and waking departure, or a somnambulistic leave-taking and walking in her sleep, may remain a subject of contention.
Dickens.


word: Somner
definition:
Somner

Som"ner
(?)
n.
A summoner; esp., one who summons to an ecclesiastical court.
[Obs.]
Piers Plowman.


word: Somnial
definition:
Somnial

Som"ni*al
(?)
a.
[L. somnialis dream bringing, fr. somnium dream, fr. somnus sleep.]
Of or pertaining to sleep or dreams.

The somnial magic superinduced on, without suspending, the active powers of the mind.
Coleridge.


word: Somniferous
definition:
Somniferous

Som*nif"er*ous
(?)
a.
[L. somnifer; somnus sleep + ferre to bring.]
Causing or inducing sleep; soporific; dormitive; as, a somniferous potion.
Walton.


word: Somnific
definition:
Somnific

Som*nif"ic
(?)
a.
[L. somnificus; somnus sleep + facere to make.]
Causing sleep; somniferous.


word: Somnifugous
definition:
Somnifugous

Som*nif"u*gous
(?)
a.
[L. somnus sleep + fugare to put to flight.]
Driving away sleep.
[Obs.]


word: Somniloquism
definition:
Somniloquism

Som*nil"o*quism
(?)
n.
The act or habit of talking in one's sleep; somniloquy.
Coleridge.


word: Somniloquy
definition:
Somniloquy

Som*nil"o*quy
(?)
n.
A talking in sleep; the talking of one in a state of somnipathy.
[R.]
Coleridge.


word: Somnipathy
definition:
Somnipathy

Som*nip"a*thy
(?)
n.
[L. somnus sleep + Gr. _; a suffering of the body, fr. _;, _;, to suffer.]
Sleep from sympathy, or produced by mesmerism or the like.
[Written also somnopathy.]


word: Somnolency
definition:
Somnolency

Somnolence

{ Som"no*lence (?), Som"no*len*cy (?), }
n.
[L. somnolentia: cf. F. somnolence.]
Sleepiness; drowsiness; inclination to sleep.


word: Somnolent
definition:
Somnolent

Som"no*lent
(?)
a.
[F. somnolent, L. somnolentus, from somnus sleep, akin to Gr. _;, Skr. svapna sleep, dream, svap to sleep, Icel. sofa, AS. swefn sleep.  Cf. Hypnotic, Somnambulism, Soporific.]
Sleepy; drowsy; inclined to sleep.
Som"no*lent*ly, adv.

He had no eye for such phenomena, because he had a somnolent want of interest in them.
De Quincey.


word: somnolism
definition:
somnolism

som"no*lism
(?)
n.
1.
The somnolent state induced by animal magnetism (hypnotism); the hypnotic state.
[archaic]
Thomas (Med. Dict.).

2.
the act or process of inducing the hypnotic state; hypnotism; hyonotizing.
Stedman.


word: Somonce
definition:
Somonce

Somonaunce

{ Som"on*aunce (?), Som"once (?), }
n.
[See Summon, Summons.]
A summons; a citation.
[Obs.]
Chaucer.


word: Son
definition:
Son

Son
(?)
n.
[OE. sone, sune, AS. sunu; akin to D. zoon, OS., OFries., & OHG. sunu, G. sohn, Icel. sonr, Sw. son, Dan. sön, Goth. sunus, Lith. sunus, Russ. suin', Skr. sūnu (from sū to beget, to bear), and Gr. _; son. √293.  Cf. Sow, n.]
1.
A male child; the male issue, or offspring, of a parent, father or mother.

Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son.
Gen. xxi. 2.

2.
A male descendant, however distant; hence, in the plural, descendants in general.

I am the son of the wise, the son of ancient kings.
Isa. xix. 11.

I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.
Mal. iii. 6.

3.
Any young male person spoken of as a child; an adopted male child; a pupil, ward, or any other young male dependent.

The child grew, and she brought him unto Pharaoh's daughter, and he became her son.
Ex. ii. 10.

Be plain, good son, and homely in thy drift.
Shak.

4.
A native or inhabitant of some specified place; as, sons of Albion; sons of New England.

5.
The produce of anything.

Earth's tall sons, the cedar, oak, and pine.
Blackmore.

6.
Jesus Christ, the Savior; -- called the Son of God, and the Son of man.

We . . . do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world.
1 John iv. 14.

Who gave His Son sure all has given.
Keble.

&hand_; The expressions son of pride, sons of light, son of Belial, are Hebraisms, which denote persons possessing the qualitites of pride, of light, or of Belial, as children inherit the qualities of their ancestors.

Sons of the prophets. See School of the prophets, under Prophet.


word: Sonance
definition:
Sonance

So"nance
(?)
n.
1.
A sound; a tune; as, to sound the tucket sonance.
[Obs.]
Shak.

2.
The quality or state of being sonant.


word: Sonant
definition:
Sonant

So"nant
(?)
a.
[L. sonans, -antis, p. pr. of sonare to sound. See Sound a noise.]
1.
Of or pertaining to sound; sounding.

2.
(Phonetics)
Uttered, as an element of speech, with tone or proper vocal sound, as distinguished from mere breath sound; intonated; voiced; vocal; tonic; the opposite of nonvocal, or surd; -- said of the vowels, semivowels, liquids, and nasals, and particularly of the consonants b, d, g hard, v, etc., as compared with their cognates p, t, k, f, etc., which are called nonvocal, surd, or aspirate.
n. A sonant letter.


word: Sonata
definition:
Sonata

So*na"ta
(?)
n.
[It., fr. It. & L. sonare to sound. See Sound a noise.]
(Mus.)
An extended composition for one or two instruments, consisting usually of three or four movements; as, Beethoven's sonatas for the piano, for the violin and piano, etc.

&hand_; The same general structure prevails in symphonies, instrumental trios, quartets, etc., and even in classical concertos. The sonata form, distinctively, characterizes the quick opening movement, which may have a short, slow introduction; the second, or slow, movement is either in the song or variation form; third comes the playful minuet or the more modern scherzo; then the quick finale in the rondo form. But both form and order are sometimes exceptional.


word: Sonsy
definition:
Sonsy

Soncy

{ Son"cy, Son"sy (?), }
a.
[Scot. sonce, sons, prosperity, happiness, fr. Gael. & Ir. sonas.]
Lucky; fortunate; thriving; plump.
[Prov. Eng. & Scot.]


word: Sonde
definition:
Sonde

Sond

{ Sond (?), Sonde  }
n.
[AS. sand. See Send, v. t.]
1.
That which is sent; a message or messenger; hence, also, a visitation of providence; an affliction or trial.
[Obs.]

Ye have enough, parde, of Goddes sond.
Chaucer.

2.
(Rocketry)
a rocket or balloon sent into the upper atmosphere to measure atmospheric conditions or other phenomena at altitudes unattainable by aircraft.


word: Sonderclass
definition:
Sonderclass

Son"der*class`
(?)
n.
[G. sonderklasse special class.]
(Yachting)
A special class of small yachts developed in Germany under the patronage of  Emperor William and Prince Henry of Prussia, and so called because these yachts do not conform to the restrictions for the regular classes established by the rules of the International Yacht Racing Union. In yachts of the sonderclass, as prescribed for the season of 1911, the  aggregate of the length on water line, extreme beam, and  extreme draft must be not more than 32 feet; the weight, not less than 4,035 pounds (without crew); the sail area, not more than 550 square yards; and the cost of construction (for American boats) not more than $2400. The crew must be amateurs and citizens of the country in which the yacht was built.


word: Song
definition:
Song

Song
(s&obreve_;ng; 115)
n.
[AS. song, sang, fr. singan to sing; akin to D. zang, G. sang, Icel. söngr, Goth. saggws. See Sing.]
1.
That which is sung or uttered with musical modulations of the voice, whether of a human being or of a bird, insect, etc.
song
Hawthorne.

2.
A lyrical poem adapted to vocal music; a ballad.

3.
More generally, any poetical strain; a poem.

The bard that first adorned our native tongue
Tuned to his British lyre this ancient song.
Dryden.

4.
Poetical composition; poetry; verse.

This subject for heroic song.
Milton.

5.
An object of derision; a laughingstock.

And now am I their song, yea, I am their byword.
Job xxx. 9.

6.
A trifle; an insignificant sum of money; as, he bought it for a song.
song
Silliman.

Old song, a trifle; nothing of value.  “I do not intend to be thus put off with an old song.” Dr. H. More. -- Song bird (Zool.), any singing bird; one of the Oscines. -- Song sparrow (Zool.), a very common North American sparrow (Melospiza fasciata, or Melospiza melodia) noted for the sweetness of its song in early spring. Its breast is covered with dusky brown streaks which form a blotch in the center. -- Song thrush (Zool.), a common European thrush (Turdus musicus), noted for its melodius song; -- called also mavis, throstle, and thrasher.


word: Songcraft
definition:
Songcraft

Song"craft`
(s&obreve_;ng"krȧft`)
n.
The art of making songs or verses; metrical composition; versification.

A half-effaced inscription,
Written with little skill of songcraft.
Longfellow.


word: Songless
definition:
Songless

Song"less
a.
Destitute of the power of song; without song; as, songless birds; songless woods.


word: Songster
definition:
Songster

Song"ster
(s&obreve_;ng"stẽr)
n.
[AS. sangestre a female singer.]
1.
One who sings; one skilled in singing; -- not often applied to human beings.

2.
(Zool.)
A singing bird.


word: Songstress
definition:
Songstress

Song"stress
(?)
n.
[See Songster, and -ess.]
A woman who sings; also, a female singing bird.
Thomson.


word: Sonifer
definition:
Sonifer

Son"i*fer
(?)
n.
[NL. See Soniferous.]
A kind of ear trumpet for the deaf, or the partially deaf.


word: Soniferous
definition:
Soniferous

So*nif"er*ous
(?)
a.
[L. sonus sound + -ferous.]
Sounding; producing sound; conveying sound.


word: Sonification
definition:
Sonification

Son`i*fi*ca"tion
(?)
n.
[L. sonus sound + -ficare (in comp.) to make. See -fy.]
The act of producing sound, as the stridulation of insects.


word: Son-in-law
definition:
Son-in-law

Son"-in-law`
(?)
n.
pl. Sons-in-law (_;).
The husband of one's daughter; a man in his relationship to his wife's parents.

To take me as for thy son in lawe.
Chaucer.


word: Sonless
definition:
Sonless

Son"less
a.
Being without a son.
Marston.

As no baron who was sonless could give a husband to his daughter, save with his lord's consent.
J. R. Green.


word: Sonnet
definition:
Sonnet

Son"net
(?)
n.
[F., fr. It. sonetto, fr. suono a sound, a song, fr. L. sonus a sound. See Sound noise.]
1.
A short poem, -- usually amatory.
[Obs.]
Shak.

He had a wonderful desire to chant a sonnet or hymn unto Apollo Pythius.
Holland.

2.
A poem of fourteen lines, -- two stanzas, called the octave, being of four verses each, and two stanzas, called the sestet, of three verses each, the rhymes being adjusted by a particular rule.

&hand_; In the proper sonnet each line has five accents, and the octave has but two rhymes, the second, third, sixth, and seventh lines being of one rhyme, and the first, fourth, fifth, and eighth being of another. In the sestet there are sometimes two and sometimes three rhymes; but in some way its two stazas rhyme together. Often the three lines of the first stanza rhyme severally with the three lines of the second. In Shakespeare's sonnets, the first twelve lines are rhymed alternately, and the last two rhyme together.


word: Sonneteer
definition:
Sonneteer

Son`net*eer"
(?)
n.
A composer of sonnets, or small poems; a small poet; -- usually in contempt.

What woful stuff this madrigal would be
In some starved hackney sonneteer or me!
Pope.


word: Sonometer
definition:
Sonometer

So*nom"e*ter
(?)
n.
[L. sonus a sound + -meter.]
1.
(Physiol.)
An instrument for exhibiting the transverse vibrations of cords, and ascertaining the relations between musical notes. It consists of a cord stretched by weight along a box, and divided into different lengths at pleasure by a bridge, the place of which is determined by a scale on the face of the box.

2.
An instrument for testing the hearing capacity.


word: Sonoran
definition:
Sonoran

So*no"ran
(?)
a.
(Biogeography)
Pertaining to or designating the arid division of the Austral zone, including the warmer parts of the western United States and central Mexico. It is divided into the Upper Sonoran, which lies next to the Transition zone, and the Lower Sonoran, next to the Tropical.


word: Sonorific
definition:
Sonorific

Son`o*rif"ic
(?)
a.
[L. sonor, -oris, a sound + facere to make. See Sonorous.]
Producing sound; as, the sonorific quality of a body.
[R.]
I. Watts.


word: Sonorous
definition:
Sonorous

So*no"rous
(?)
a.
[L. sonorus, fr. sonor, -oris, a sound, akin to sonus a sound. See Sound.]
1.
Giving sound when struck; resonant; as, sonorous metals.

2.
Loud-sounding; giving a clear or loud sound; as, a sonorous voice.

3.
Yielding sound; characterized by sound; vocal; sonant; as, the vowels are sonorous.

4.
Impressive in sound; high-sounding.

The Italian opera, amidst all the meanness and familiarty of the thoughts, has something beautiful and sonorous in the expression.
Addison.

There is nothing of the artificial Johnsonian balance in his style. It is as often marked by a pregnant brevity as by a sonorous amplitude.
E. Everett.

5.
(Med.)
Sonant; vibrant; hence, of sounds produced in a cavity, deep-toned; as, sonorous rhonchi.

Sonorous figures (Physics), figures formed by the vibrations of a substance capable of emitting a musical tone, as when the bow of a violin is drawn along the edge of a piece of glass or metal on which sand is strewed, and the sand arranges itself in figures according to the musical tone. Called also acoustic figures. -- Sonorous tumor (Med.), a tumor which emits a clear, resonant sound on percussion.


word: Sonship
definition:
Sonship

Son"ship
(?)
n.
The state of being a son, or of bearing the relation of a son; filiation.
Dr. H. More.


word: Sontag
definition:
Sontag

Son"tag
(?)
n.
[So called from from Mme. Henriette Sontag, a famous singer.]
A knitted worsted jacket, worn over the waist of a woman's dress.


word: Sonties
definition:
Sonties

Son"ties
(?)
n.
Probably from “saintes” saints, or from sanctities; -- used as an oath.
[Obs.]
Shak.


word: Soon
definition:
Soon

Soon
(sōn)
adv.
[OE. sone, AS. s&omacrna; cf. OFries. s&omacrn, OS. sāna, sāno, OHG. sār, Goth. suns.]
1.
In a short time; shortly after any time specified or supposed; as, soon after sunrise.
Sooner
Old Proverb.
soon
Chaucer.

She finished, and the subtle fiend his lore
Soon learned.
Milton.

2.
Without the usual delay; before any time supposed; early.

How is it that ye are come so soon to-day?
Ex. ii. 18.

3.
Promptly; quickly; easily.

Small lights are soon blown out, huge fires abide.
Shak.

4.
Readily; willingly; -- in this sense used with would, or some other word expressing will.

I would as soon see a river winding through woods or in meadows, as when it is tossed up in so many whimsical figures at Versailles.
Addison.

As soon as, or So soon as, immediately at or after another event. “As soon as he came nigh unto the camp . . . he saw the calf, and the dancing.” Ex. xxxii. 19. See So . . . as, under So. -- Soon at, as soon as; or, as soon as the time referred to arrives. [Obs.] “I shall be sent for soon at night.” Shak. -- Sooner or later, at some uncertain time in the future; as, he will discover his mistake sooner or later. -- With the soonest, as soon as any; among the earliest; too soon. [Obs.] Holland.


word: Sooner
definition:
Sooner

Soon"er
(?)
n.
In the western United States, one who settles on government land before it is legally open to settlement in order to gain the prior claim that the law gives to the first settler when the land is opened to settlement; hence, any one who does a thing prematurely or anticipates another in acting in order to gain an unfair advantage.


word: Soorma
definition:
Soorma

Soor"ma
(?)
n.
[Hind. & Per. surma.]
A preparation of antimony with which Mohammedan men anoint their eyelids.


word: Soosoo
definition:
Soosoo

Soo"soo
(?)
n.
(Zool.)
A kind of dolphin (Platanista Gangeticus) native of the river Ganges; the Gangetic dolphin. It has a long, slender, somewhat spatulate beak.
[Written also susu.]


word: Soot
definition:
Soot

Soot
(? or ?; 277)
n.
[OE. sot, AS. s_;t; akin to Icel. s_;t, Sw. sot, Dan. sod, OD. soet, Lith. s_;dis; cf. Gael. suith, Ir. suth.]
A black substance formed by combustion, or disengaged from fuel in the process of combustion, which rises in fine particles, and adheres to the sides of the chimney or pipe conveying the smoke; strictly, the fine powder, consisting chiefly of carbon, which colors smoke, and which is the result of imperfect combustion. See Smoke.


word: Soot₂
definition:
Soot

Soot
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Sooted; p. pr. & vb. n. Sooting.]
To cover or dress with soot; to smut with, or as with, soot; as, to soot land.
Mortimer.


word: Sooterkin
definition:
Sooterkin

Soot"er*kin
(?)
n.
[Cf. Prov. G. suttern to boil gently.]
A kind of false birth, fabled to be produced by Dutch women from sitting over their stoves; also, an abortion, in a figurative sense; an abortive scheme.

Fruits of dull heat, and sooterkins of wit.
Pope.


word: Sooth
definition:
Sooth

Sooth
(sōth)
a.; also adv.
[Compar. Soother (sōth"ẽr); superl. Soothest.]
[OE. soth, AS. s&omacrð, for sanð; akin to OS. s&omacrð, OHG. sand, Icel. sannr, Sw. sann, Dan. sand, Skr. sat, sant, real, genuine, present, being; properly p. pr. from a root meaning, to be, Skr. as, L. esse; also akin to Goth. sunjis true, Gr. 'eteo`s, Skr. satya. √9.  Cf. Absent, Am, Essence, Is, Soothe, Sutee.]
1.
True; faithful; trustworthy.
[Obs. or Scot.]

The sentence [meaning] of it sooth is, out of doubt.
Chaucer.

That shall I sooth (said he) to you declare.
Spensser.

2.
Pleasing; delightful; sweet.
[R.]

The soothest shepherd that ever piped on plains.
Milton.

With jellies soother than the creamy curd.
Keats.


word: Sooth₂
definition:
Sooth

Sooth
n.
[AS. s&omacrð. See Sooth, a.]
1.
Truth; reality.
[Archaic]

The sooth it this, the cut fell to the knight.
Chaucer.

In sooth, I know not why I am so sad.
Shak.

In good sooth,
Its mystery is love, its meaninng youth.
Longfellow.

2.
Augury; prognostication.
[Obs.]

The soothe of birds by beating of their wings.
Spenser.

3.
Blandishment; cajolery.
[Obs.]
Shak.


word: Soothe
definition:
Soothe

Soothe
(sō&thlig_;)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Soothed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Soothing.]
[Originally, to assent to as true; OE. soðien to verify, AS. ges&omacrðian to prove the truth of, to bear witness. See Sooth, a.]
1.
To assent to as true.
[Obs.]
Testament of Love.

2.
To assent to; to comply with; to gratify; to humor by compliance; to please with blandishments or soft words; to flatter.

Good, my lord, soothe him, let him take the fellow.
Shak.

I've tried the force of every reason on him,
Soothed and caressed, been angry, soothed again.
Addison.

3.
To assuage; to mollify; to calm; to comfort; as, to soothe a crying child; to soothe one's sorrows.

Music hath charms to soothe the savage breast,
To soften rocks, or bend a knotted oak.
Congreve.

Though the sound of Fame
May for a moment soothe, it can not slake
The fever of vain longing.
Byron.


word: Soothfast
definition:
Soothfast

Sooth"fast`
(?)
a.
[Sooth + fast, that is, fast or firm with respect to truth.]
Firmly fixed in, or founded upon, the thruth; true; genuine; real; also, truthful; faithful.
[Archaic]
Sooth"fast`ness, n. [Archaic]
soothfastness.
Chaucer.

Why do not you . . . bear leal and soothfast evidence in her behalf, as ye may with a clear conscience!
Sir W. Scott.


word: Soothfast₂
definition:
Soothfast

Sooth"fast`
adv.
Soothly; really; in fact.
[Archaic]

I care not if the pomps you show
Be what they soothfast appear.
Emerson.


word: Soothsay
definition:
Soothsay

Sooth"say`
(?)
v. i.
[Sooth + say; properly to say truth, tell the truth.]
To foretell; to predict.
soothsay
Shak.
soothsaying
Milton.


word: Soothsay₂
definition:
Soothsay

Sooth"say`
n.
1.
A true saying; a proverb; a prophecy.
[Obs.]
Spenser.

2.
Omen; portent. Having

God turn the same to good soothsay.
Spenser.


word: Soothsayer
definition:
Soothsayer

Sooth"say`er
(?)
n.
1.
One who foretells events by the art of soothsaying; a prognosticator.

2.
(Zool.)
A mantis.


word: Soothsaying
definition:
Soothsaying

Sooth"say`ing
n.
1.
A true saying; truth.
[Obs.]

2.
The act of one who soothsays; the foretelling of events; the art or practice of making predictions.

A damsel, possessed with a spirit of divination . . . which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying.
Acts xvi. 16.

3.
A prediction; a prophecy; a prognostication.

Divinations and soothsayings and dreams are vain.
Eclus. xxxiv. 5.


word: Sooty
definition:
Sooty

Soot"y
(?)
a.
[Compar. Sootier (?); superl. Sootiest.]
[AS. s_;tig. See Soot.]
1.
Of or pertaining to soot; producing soot; soiled by soot.
sooty
Milton.

2.
Having a dark brown or black color like soot; fuliginous; dusky; dark.
sooty
Milton.

Sooty albatross (Zool.), an albatross (Phoebetria fuliginosa) found chiefly in the Pacific Ocean; -- called also nellie. -- Sooty tern (Zool.), a tern (Sterna fuliginosa) found chiefly in tropical seas.


word: Sop
definition:
Sop

Sop
(?)
n.
[OE. sop, soppe; akin to AS. s_;pan to sup, to sip, to drink, D. sop sop, G. suppe soup, Icel. soppa sop. See Sup, v. t., and cf. Soup.]
1.
Anything steeped, or dipped and softened, in any liquid; especially, something dipped in broth or liquid food, and intended to be eaten.

He it is to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it.
John xiii. 26.

Sops in wine, quantity, inebriate more than wine itself.
Bacon.

The bounded waters
Should lift their bosoms higher than the shores,
And make a sop of all this solid globe.
Shak.

2.
Anything given to pacify; -- so called from the sop given to Cerberus, as related in mythology.

All nature is cured with a sop.
L'Estrange.

3.
A thing of little or no value.
[Obs.]
P. Plowman.

Sops in wine (Bot.), an old name of the clove pink, alluding to its having been used to flavor wine.
[1913 Webster]
Garlands of roses and sops in wine. Spenser.
[1913 Webster]
-- Sops of wine (Bot.), an old European variety of apple, of a yellow and red color, shading to deep red; -- called also sopsavine, and red shropsavine.


word: Sophical
definition:
Sophical

Sophic

{ Soph"ic (?), Soph"ic*al (?), }
a.
[Gr. _;, fr. _; wise, _; wisdom.]
Teaching wisdom.
[Obs.]
S. Harris.


word: Sophime
definition:
Sophime

So*phime"
(? or ?)
n.
[OF. soffime, sophisme.]
Sophism.
[Obs.]

I trow ye study aboute some sophime.
Chaucer.


word: Sophism
definition:
Sophism

Soph"ism
(?)
n.
[F. sophisme, L. sophisma, fr. Gr. _;, fr. _; to make wise, _; to be become wise, to play the sophist, fr. _; wise.]
The doctrine or mode of reasoning practiced by a sophist; hence, any fallacy designed to deceive.

When a false argument puts on the appearance of a true one, then it is properly called a sophism, or “fallacy”.
I. Watts.

Let us first rid ourselves of sophisms, those of depraved men, and those of heartless philosophers.
I. Taylor.


word: Sophist
definition:
Sophist

Soph"ist
n.
[F. sophiste, L. sophistes, fr. Gr. _;. See Sophism.]
1.
One of a class of men who taught eloquence, philosophy, and politics in ancient Greece; especially, one of those who, by their fallacious but plausible reasoning, puzzled inquirers after truth, weakened the faith of the people, and drew upon themselves general hatred and contempt.

Many of the Sophists doubdtless card not for truth or morality, and merely professed to teach how to make the worse appear the better reason; but there scems no reason to hold that they were a special class, teaching special opinions; even Socrates and Plato were sometimes styled Sophists.
Liddell & Scott.

2.
Hence, an impostor in argument; a captious or fallacious reasoner.


word: Sophister
definition:
Sophister

Soph"ist*er
(?)
n.
1.
A sophist. See Sophist.
[Obs.]
Hooker.

2.
(Eng. Univ.)
A student who is advanced beyond the first year of his residence.

&hand_; The entire course at the university consists of three years and one term, during which the students have the titles of first-year men, or freshmen; second-year men or junior sophs or sophisters; third-year men, or senior sophs or sophisters; and, in the last term, questionists, with reference to the approaching examination. In the older American colleges, the junior and senior classes were originally called, and in some of them are still called, junior sophisters and senior sophisters.


word: Sophister₂
definition:
Sophister

Soph"ist*er
(?)
v. t.
To maintain by sophistry, or by a fallacious argument.
[Obs.]
obham.


word: Sophistical
definition:
Sophistical

Sophistic

{ So*phis"tic (?), So*phis"tic*al  }
a.
[L. sophisticus, Gr. _;: cf. F. sophistique.]
Of or pertaining to a sophist; embodying sophistry; fallaciously subtile; not sound.

His argument . . . is altogether sophistical.
Macaulay.


word: Sophisticate
definition:
Sophisticate

So*phis"ti*cate
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Sophisticated (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Sophisticating.]
[LL. sophisticatus, p. p. of sophisticare to sophisticate.]
To render worthless by admixture; to adulterate; to damage; to pervert; as, to sophisticate wine.
Howell.

To sophisticate the understanding.
Southey.

Yet Butler professes to stick to plain facts, not to sophisticate, not to refine.
M. Arnold.

They purchase but sophisticated ware.
Dryden.


word: Sophisticated
definition:
Sophisticated

Sophisticate

{ So*phis"ti*cate (?), So*phis"ti*ca`ted (?), }
a.
Adulterated; not pure; not genuine.

So truth, while only one supplied the state,
Grew scare and dear, and yet sophisticate.
Dryden.


word: Sophistication
definition:
Sophistication

So*phis`ti*ca"tion
(?)
n.
[Cf. LL. sophisticatio, F. sophistication.]
The act of sophisticating; adulteration; as, the sophistication of drugs.
Boyle.


word: Sophistry
definition:
Sophistry

Soph"ist*ry
(?)
n.
[OE. sophistrie, OF. sophisterie.]
1.
The art or process of reasoning; logic.
[Obs.]

2.
The practice of a sophist; fallacious reasoning; reasoning sound in appearance only.

The juggle of sophistry consists, for the most part, in usig a word in one sense in the premise, and in another sense in the conclusion.
Coleridge.


word: Sophomore
definition:
Sophomore

Soph"o*more
(?)
n.
[Probably fr. soph or sophister + Gr. _; foolish. The word was probably introduced into the United States at an early date, from the University of Cambridge, England. Among the cant terms at that university, as given in the Gradus ad Cantabrigiam, we find Soph-Mor as “the next distinctive appellation to Freshman,” but the term has now almost ceased to be known at the English university from whence it came.]
One belonging to the second of the four classes in an American college, or one next above a freshman.
[Formerly written also sophimore.]


word: Sophomorical
definition:
Sophomorical

Sophomoric

{ Soph`o*mor"ic (?), Soph`o*mor"ic*al (?), }
a.
Of or pertaining to a sophomore; resembling a sophomore; hence, pretentious; inflated in style or manner; as, sophomoric affectation.
[U. S.]


word: Sophora
definition:
Sophora

So*pho"ra
(?)
n.
[Ar. _;ufair.]
(Bot.)
(a)
A genus of leguminous plants.
(b)
A tree (Sophora Japonica) of Eastern Asia, resembling the common locust; occasionally planted in the United States.


word: Sopite
definition:
Sopite

So"pite
(?)
v. t.
[L. sopitus, p. p. of sopire to put to sleep; akin to sopor a sleeping draught, a heavy sleep.]
To lay asleep; to put to sleep; to quiet.
[Obs.]

The king's declaration for the sopiting of all Arminian heresies.
Fuller.


word: Sopition
definition:
Sopition

So*pi"tion
(?)
n.
The act of putting to sleep, or the state of being put to sleep; sleep.
[Obs.]

Dementation and sopition of reason.
Sir T. Browne.


word: Sopor
definition:
Sopor

So"por
(?)
n.
[L.]
(Med.)
Profound sleep from which a person can be roused only with difficulty.


word: Soporate
definition:
Soporate

Sop"o*rate
(?)
v. t.
[L. soporatus, p. p. or soporare to put to sleep, fr. sopor a heavy sleep.]
To lay or put to sleep; to stupefy.
[Obs.]
Cudworth.


word: Soporiferous
definition:
Soporiferous

Sop`o*rif"er*ous
(?)
a.
[L. soparifer; sopor a heavy sleep + ferere to bring.]
Causing sleep; somniferous; soporific.
Soporiferous
Swift.


word: Soporific
definition:
Soporific

Sop`o*rif"ic
(?; 277)
a.
[L. sopor a heavy sleep (akin to somnus sleep) + facere to make. See Somnolent, Fact.]
Causing sleep; tending to cause sleep; soporiferous; as, the soporific virtues of opium.


word: Soporific₂
definition:
Soporific

Sop`o*rif"ic
n.
A medicine, drug, plant, or other agent that has the quality of inducing sleep; a narcotic.


word: Soporous
definition:
Soporous

Soporose

{ Sop"o*rose` (?), Sop"o*rous (?), }
a.
[From Sopor; cf. L. soporus, fr. sopor a heavy sleep; F. soporeux.]
Causing sleep; sleepy.


word: Soppy
definition:
Soppy

Sop"py
(?)
a.
Soaked or saturated with liquid or moisture; very wet or sloppy.

It [Yarmouth] looked rather spongy and soppy.
Dickens.


word: Soprano
definition:
Soprano

So*pra"no
(?)
n.
pl. E. Sopranos (#), It. Soprani (#).
[It., fr. soprano superior, highest, fr. sopra above, L. supra. See Sovereign.]
(Mus.)
(a)
The treble; the highest vocal register; the highest kind of female or boy's voice; the upper part in harmony for mixed voices.
(b)
A singer, commonly a woman, with a treble voice.


word: Sora
definition:
Sora

So"ra
(?)
n.
(Zool.)
A North American rail (Porzana Carolina) common in the Eastern United States. Its back is golden brown, varied with black and white, the front of the head and throat black, the breast and sides of the head and neck slate-colored. Called also American rail, Carolina rail, Carolina crake, common rail, sora rail, soree, meadow chicken, and orto.

King sora, the Florida gallinule.


word: Sorb
definition:
Sorb

Sorb
(?)
n.
[L. sorbus the tree, sorbum the fruit; cf. F. sorbe. See Service tree.]
(Bot.)
(a)
The wild service tree (Pyrus torminalis) of Europe; also, the rowan tree.
(b)
The fruit of these trees.

Sorb apple, the fruit of the sorb, or wild service tree. -- Sorb tree, the wild service tree.


word: Sorbefacient
definition:
Sorbefacient

Sor`be*fa"cient
(?)
a.
[L. sorbere to suck in, absorb + faciens, p. pr. of facere to make.]
(Med.)
Producing absorption.
n. A medicine or substance which produces absorption.


word: Sorbet
definition:
Sorbet

Sor"bet
(?)
n.
[F. sorbet or It. sorbetto or Sp. sorbete, from the same source as E. sherbet. See Sherbet.]
A kind of beverage; sherbet.
Smolett.


word: Sorbic
definition:
Sorbic

Sor"bic
(?)
a.
[Cf. F. sorbique. See Sorb.]
(Chem.)
Pertaining to, or obtained from, the rowan tree, or sorb; specifically, designating an acid, C_;H_;CO_;H, of the acetylene series, found in the unripe berries of this tree, and extracted as a white crystalline substance.


word: Sorbile
definition:
Sorbile

Sor"bile
(?)
a.
[L. sorbilis, fr. sorbere to suck in, to drink down.]
Fit to be drunk or sipped.
[Obs.]


word: Sorbin
definition:
Sorbin

Sor"bin
(?)
n.
(Chem.)
An unfermentable sugar, isomeric with glucose, found in the ripe berries of the rowan tree, or sorb, and extracted as a sweet white crystalline substance; -- called also mountain-ash sugar.


word: Sorbite
definition:
Sorbite

Sor"bite
(?)
n.
[L. sorbus service tree.]
(Chem.)
A sugarlike substance, isomeric with mannite and dulcite, found with sorbin in the ripe berries of the sorb, and extracted as a sirup or a white crystalline substance.
Sor*bit"ic (#), a.


word: Sorbonist
definition:
Sorbonist

Sor"bon*ist
(?)
n.
[F. sorboniste.]
A doctor of the Sorbonne, or theological college, in the University of Paris, founded by Robert de Sorbon, a. d. 1252.  It was suppressed in the Revolution of 1789.


word: Sorcerer
definition:
Sorcerer

Sor"cer*er
(?)
n.
[Cf. F. sorcier. See Sorcery.]
A conjurer; an enchanter; a magician.
Bacon.

Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers.
Ex. vii. 11.


word: Sorcery
definition:
Sorcery

Sor"cer*y
(?)
n.
pl. Sorceries (#).
[OE. sorcerie, OF. sorcerie, fr. OF. & F. sorcier a sorcerer, LL. sortiarius, fr. L. sors, sortis, a lot, decision by lot, fate, destiny. See Sort, n.]
Divination by the assistance, or supposed assistance, of evil spirits, or the power of commanding evil spirits; magic; necromancy; witchcraft; enchantment.

Adder's wisdom I have learned,
To fence my ear against thy sorceries.
Milton.


word: Sordes
definition:
Sordes

Sor"des
(?)
n.
[L., fr. sordere to be dirty or foul.]
Foul matter; excretion; dregs; filthy, useless, or rejected matter of any kind; specifically (Med.), the foul matter that collects on the teeth and tongue in low fevers and other conditions attended with great vital depression.


word: Sordid
definition:
Sordid

Sor"did
(?)
a.
[L. sordidus, fr. sordere to be filthy or dirty; probably akin to E. swart: cf. F. sordide. See Swart, a.]
1.
Filthy; foul; dirty.
[Obs.]

A sordid god; down from his hoary chin
A length of beard descends, uncombed, unclean.
Dryden.

2.
Vile; base; gross; mean; as, vulgar, sordid mortals.
sordid
Milton.

3.
Meanly avaricious; covetous; niggardly.

He may be old,
And yet sordid, who refuses gold.
Sir J. Denham.


word: Sordine
definition:
Sordine

Sor"dine
(? or ?; 277)
n.
[It. sordina, sordino, from sordo deaf, dull-sounding, L. surdus. See Surd.]
(Mus.)
See Damper, and 5th Mute.


word: Sore
definition:
Sore

Sore
(?)
a.
[F. saure, sore, sor; faucon sor a sore falcon. See Sorrel, n.]
Reddish brown; sorrel.
[R.]

Sore falcon. (Zool.) See Sore, n., 1.


word: Sore₂
definition:
Sore

Sore
n.
(Zool.)
A young hawk or falcon in the first year.

2.
(Zool.)
A young buck in the fourth year. See the Note under Buck.


word: Sore₃
definition:
Sore

Sore
a.
[Compar. Sorer (_;); superl. Sorest.]
[OE. sor, sar, AS. sār; akin to D. zeer, OS. & OHG. s_;r, G. sehr very, Icel. sārr, Sw. sår, Goth. sair pain.  Cf. Sorry.]
1.
Tender to the touch; susceptible of pain from pressure; inflamed; painful; -- said of the body or its parts; as, a sore hand.

2.
Fig.: Sensitive; tender; easily pained, grieved, or vexed; very susceptible of irritation.

Malice and hatred are very fretting and vexatious, and apt to make our minds sore and uneasy.
Tillotson.

3.
Severe; afflictive; distressing; as, a sore disease; sore evil or calamity.
Shak.

4.
Criminal; wrong; evil.
[Obs.]
Shak.

Sore throat (Med.), inflammation of the throat and tonsils; pharyngitis. See Cynanche. -- Malignant sore throat, Ulcerated sore throat or Putrid sore throat. See Angina, and under Putrid.


word: Sore₄
definition:
Sore

Sore
(?)
n.
[OE. sor, sar, AS. sār. See Sore, a.]
1.
A place in an animal body where the skin and flesh are ruptured or bruised, so as to be tender or painful; a painful or diseased place, such as an ulcer or a boil.

The dogs came and licked his sores.
Luke xvi. 21.

2.
Fig.: Grief; affliction; trouble; difficulty.
Chaucer.

I see plainly where his sore lies.
Sir W. Scott.

Gold sore. (Med.) See under Gold, n.


word: Sore₅
definition:
Sore

Sore
adv.
[AS. sāre. See Sore, a.]
1.
In a sore manner; with pain; grievously.

Thy hand presseth me sore.
Ps. xxxviii. 2.

2.
Greatly; violently; deeply.

[Hannah] prayed unto the Lord and wept sore.
1 Sam. i. 10.

Sore sighed the knight, who this long sermon heard.
Dryden.


word: Sorediiferous
definition:
Sorediiferous

Sorediferous

{Sor`e*dif"er*ous (?), or So*re`di*if"er*ous (?), }
a.
[Soredium + -ferous.]
(Bot.)
Bearing soredia; sorediate.


word: Soredium
definition:
Soredium

So*re"di*um
(?)
n.
pl. Soredia (#).
[NL., fr. Gr. _; a heap.]
(Bot.)
A patch of granular bodies on the surface of the thallus of lichens.


word: Sorehead
definition:
Sorehead

Sore"head`
(?)
n.
One who is disgruntled by a failure in politics, or the like.
[Slang, U.S.]


word: Sorehon
definition:
Sorehon

Sore"hon
(?)
n.
[Corrupted from sojourn, Scot. soirne, sorn.]
Formerly, in Ireland, a kind of servile tenure which subjected the tenant to maintain his chieftain gratuitously whenever he wished to indulge in a revel.
Spenser.


word: Sorel
definition:
Sorel

Sor"el
(?)
n.
[A diminutive. See Sore reddish brown.]
1.
(Zool.)
A young buck in the third year. See the Note under Buck.
Shak.

2.
A yellowish or reddish brown color; sorrel.


word: Sorema
definition:
Sorema

So*re"ma
(?)
n.
[NL., fr. Gr. _; a heap.]
(Bot.)
A heap of carpels belonging to one flower.


word: Soreness
definition:
Soreness

Sore"ness
(?)
n.
The quality or state of being sore; tenderness; painfull; as, the soreness of a wound; the soreness of an affliction.


word: Sorex
definition:
Sorex

So"rex
(?)
n.
[L., a shrew.]
(Zool.)
A genus of small Insectivora, including the common shrews.


word: Sorghum
definition:
Sorghum

Sor"ghum
(?)
n.
[NL., probably of Chinese origin.]
(Bot.)
(a)
A genus of grasses, properly limited to two species, Sorghum Halepense, the Arabian millet, or Johnson grass (see Johnson grass), and Sorghum vulgare, the Indian millet (see Indian millet, under Indian).
(b)
A variety of Sorghum vulgare, grown for its saccharine juice; the Chinese sugar cane.


word: Sorgo
definition:
Sorgo

Sor"go
(?)
n.
[Cf. It. sorgo. See Sorghum.]
(Bot.)
Indian millet and its varieties. See Sorghum.


word: Soricine
definition:
Soricine

So"ri*cine
(?)
a.
[L. sorricinus, fr. sorex a shrew.]
(Zool.)
Of or pertaining to the Shrew family (Soricidae); like a shrew in form or habits; as, the soricine bat (Glossophaga soricina).


word: Sorites
definition:
Sorites

So*ri"tes
(?)
n.
[L., from Gr. swrei`ths (sc. syllogismo`s), properly, heaped up (hence, a heap of syllogisms), fr. swro`s a heap.]
(Logic)
An abridged form of stating of syllogisms in a series of propositions so arranged that the predicate of each one that precedes forms the subject of each one that follows, and the conclusion unites the subject of the first proposition with the predicate of the last proposition

The soul is a thinking agent;
A thinking agent can not be severed into parts;
That which can not be severed can not be destroyed;
Therefore the soul can not be destroyed.

&hand_; When the series is arranged in the reverse order, it is called the Goclenian sorites, from Goclenius, a philosopher of the sixteenth century.

Destructive sorities. See under Destructive.


word: Sorn
definition:
Sorn

Sorn
(?)
v. i.
[See Sorehon.]
To obtrude one's self on another for bed and board.
[Scot.]
Sir W. Scott.


word: Sororicide
definition:
Sororicide

So*ror"i*cide
(?; 277)
n.
[L. sororocida, and sororicidium; soror a sister + caedere to kill.]
The murder of one's sister; also, one who murders or kills one's own sister.
Johnson.


word: Sororize
definition:
Sororize

So*ro"rize
(? or ?)
v. i.
[L. soror, sororis, a sister.]
To associate, or hold fellowship, as sisters; to have sisterly feelings; -- analogous to fraternize.
[Recent & R.]


word: Sorosis₂
definition:
Sorosis

So*ro"sis
n.
[NL., fr. Gr. _; a heap.]
(Bot.)
A fleshy fruit formed by the consolidation of many flowers with their receptacles, ovaries, etc., as the breadfruit, mulberry, and pineapple.


word: Sorrel
definition:
Sorrel

Sor"rel
(?)
a.
[F. saur, saure, OF. sor, sore, probably of Teutonic origin; cf. D. zoor dry, LG. soor; the meaning probably coming from the color of dry leaves. See Sear, a., and cf. Sorel.]
Of a yellowish or redish brown color; as, a sorrel horse.


word: Sorrel₃
definition:
Sorrel

Sor"rel
n.
[F. surelle, fr. sur sour, fr. OHG. s_;r sour. See Sour.]
(Bot.)
One of various plants having a sour juice; especially, a plant of the genus Rumex, as Rumex Acetosa, Rumex Acetosella, etc.

Mountain sorrel. (Bot.) See under Mountain. -- Red sorrel. (Bot.) (a) A malvaceous plant (Hibiscus Sabdariffa) whose acid calyxes and capsules are used in the West Indies for making tarts and acid drinks. (b) A troublesome weed (Rumex Acetosella), also called sheep sorrel. -- Salt of sorrel (Chem.), binoxalate of potassa; -- so called because obtained from the juice of Rumex Acetosella, or Rumex Axetosa. -- Sorrel tree (Bot.), a small ericaceous tree (Oxydendrum arboreum) whose leaves resemble those of the peach and have a sour taste. It is common along the Alleghanies. Called also sourwood. -- Wood sorrel (Bot.), any plant of the genus Oxalis.


word: Sorrento work
definition:
Sorrento work

Sor"ren"to work`
(?)
Ornamental work, mostly carved in olivewood, decorated with inlay, made at or near Sorrento, Italy. Hence, more rarely, jig-saw work and the like done anywhere.


word: Sorrily
definition:
Sorrily

Sor"ri*ly
(?)
adv.
In a sorry manner; poorly.

Thy pipe, O Pan, shall help, though I sing sorrily.
Sir P. Sidney.


word: Sorrow
definition:
Sorrow

Sor"row
(?)
n.
[OE. sorwe, sorewe, sor_;e, AS. sorg, sorh; akin to D. zorg care, anxiety, OS. sorga, OHG. sorga, soraga, suorga, G. sorge, Icel., Sw., & Dan. sorg, Goth. saúrga; of unknown origin.]
The uneasiness or pain of mind which is produced by the loss of any good, real or supposed, or by diseappointment in the expectation of good; grief at having suffered or occasioned evil; regret; unhappiness; sadness.
Milton.

How great a sorrow suffereth now Arcite!
Chaucer.

The safe and general antidote against sorrow is employment.
Rambler.


word: Sorrow₂
definition:
Sorrow

Sor"row
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Sorrowed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Sorrowing.]
[OE. sorowen, sorwen, sorhen, AS. sorgian; akin to Goth. saúrgan. See Sorrow, n.]
To feel pain of mind in consequence of evil experienced, feared, or done; to grieve; to be sad; to be sorry.

Sorrowing most of all . . . that they should see his face no more.
Acts xx. 38.

I desire no man to sorrow for me.
Sir J. Hayward.


word: Sorrowful
definition:
Sorrowful

Sor"row*ful
(?)
a.
[OE. sorweful, AS. sorgful.]
1.
Full of sorrow; exhibiting sorrow; sad; dejected; distressed.
sorrowful
Chaucer.

My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death.
Matt. xxvi. 38.

2.
Producing sorrow; exciting grief; mournful; lamentable; grievous; as, a sorrowful accident.


word: Sorry
definition:
Sorry

Sor"ry
(?)
a.
[Compar. Sorrier (?); superl. Sorriest.]
[OE. sory, sary, AS. sārig, fr. sār, n., sore. See Sore, n. & a. The original sense was, painful; hence, miserable, sad.]
1.
Grieved for the loss of some good; pained for some evil; feeling regret; -- now generally used to express light grief or affliction, but formerly often used to express deeper feeling.
sorry
Piers Plowman.

Ye were made sorry after a godly manner.
2 Cor. vii. 9.

I am sorry for thee, friend; 't is the duke's pleasure.
Shak.

She entered, were he lief or sorry.
Spenser.

2.
Melancholy; dismal; gloomy; mournful.
Spenser.

All full of chirking was this sorry place.
Chaucer.

3.
Poor; mean; worthless; as, a sorry excuse.
sorry
Chaucer.

Cheeks of sorry grain will serve.
Milton.

 Good fruit will sometimes grow on a sorry tree.
Sir W. Scott.


word: Sors
definition:
Sors

Sors
(?)
n.
pl. Sortes (#).
[L.]
A lot; also, a kind of divination by means of lots.

Sortes Homericae or Sortes Virgilianae [L., Homeric or Virgilian lots], a form of divination anciently practiced, which consisted in taking the first passage on which the eye fell, upon opening a volume of Homer or Virgil, or a passage drawn from an urn which several were deposited, as indicating future events, or the proper course to be pursued.  In later times the Bible was used for the same purpose by Christians.


word: Sort
definition:
Sort

Sort
(?)
n.
[F. sorl, L. sors, sortis. See Sort kind.]
Chance; lot; destiny.
[Obs.]

By aventure, or sort, or cas [chance].
Chaucer.

Let blockish Ajax draw
The sort to fight with Hector.
Shak.


word: Sort₂
definition:
Sort

Sort
n.
[F. sorie (cf. It. sorta, sorte), from L. sors, sorti, a lot, part, probably akin to serere to connect. See Series, and cf. Assort, Consort, Resort, Sorcery, Sort lot.]
1.
A kind or species; any number or collection of individual persons or things characterized by the same or like qualities; a class or order; as, a sort of men; a sort of horses; a sort of trees; a sort of poems.

2.
Manner; form of being or acting.

Which for my part I covet to perform,
In sort as through the world I did proclaim.
Spenser.

Flowers, in such sort worn, can neither be smelt nor seen well by those that wear them.
Hooker.

I'll deceive you in another sort.
Shak.

To Adam in what sort
Shall I appear?
Milton.

I shall not be wholly without praise, if in some sort I have copied his style.
Dryden.

3.
Condition above the vulgar; rank.
[Obs.]
Shak.

4.
A chance group; a company of persons who happen to be together; a troop; also, an assemblage of animals.
[Obs.]
sort
Spenser.
sort
Spenser.
sort
Dryden.
sort
Massinger.

A boy, a child, and we a sort of us,
Vowed against his voyage.
Chapman.

5.
A pair; a set; a suit.
Johnson.

6.
pl.
(Print.)
Letters, figures, points, marks, spaces, or quadrats, belonging to a case, separately considered.

Out of sorts (Print.), with some letters or sorts of type deficient or exhausted in the case or font; hence, colloquially, out of order; ill; vexed; disturbed. -- To run upon sorts (Print.), to use or require a greater number of some particular letters, figures, or marks than the regular proportion, as, for example, in making an index.

As when the total kind
Of birds, in orderly array on wing,
Came summoned over Eden to receive
Their names of there.
Milton.

None of noble sort
Would so offend a virgin.
Shak.


word: Sort₃
definition:
Sort

Sort
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Sorted; p. pr. & vb. n. Sorting.]
1.
To separate, and place in distinct classes or divisions, as things having different qualities; as, to sort cloths according to their colors; to sort wool or thread according to its fineness.

Rays which differ in refrangibility may be parted and sorted from one another.
Sir I. Newton.

2.
To reduce to order from a confused state.
Hooker.

3.
To conjoin; to put together in distribution; to class.

Shellfish have been, by some of the ancients, compared and sorted with insects.
Bacon.

She sorts things present with things past.
Sir J. Davies.

4.
To choose from a number; to select; to cull.

That he may sort out a worthy spouse.
Chapman.

I'll sort some other time to visit you.
Shak.

5.
To conform; to adapt; to accommodate.
[R.]

I pray thee, sort thy heart to patience.
Shak.


word: Sort₄
definition:
Sort

Sort
v. i.
1.
To join or associate with others, esp. with others of the same kind or species; to agree.

Nor do metals only sort and herd with metals in the earth, and minerals with minerals.
Woodward.

The illiberality of parents towards children makes them base, and sort with any company.
Bacon.

2.
To suit; to fit; to be in accord; to harmonize.

They are happy whose natures sort with their vocations.
Bacon.

Things sort not to my will.
herbert.

I can not tell you precisely how they sorted.
Sir W. Scott.


word: Sortable
definition:
Sortable

Sort"a*ble
(?)
a.
[Cf. F. sortable suitable.]
1.
Capable of being sorted.

2.
Suitable; befitting; proper.
[Obs.]
con.


word: Sortie
definition:
Sortie

Sor"tie
(?; 277)
n.
[F., fr. sortir to go out, to issue, probably fr. L. sortus, for surrectus, p. p. of surgere to raise up, to rise up. See Source.]
(Mil.)
The sudden issuing of a body of troops, usually small, from a besieged place to attack or harass the besiegers; a sally.


word: Sortilege
definition:
Sortilege

Sor"ti*lege
(?)
n.
[F. sortilège, fr. L. sors, sortis, a lot + legere to gather, to select.]
The act or practice of drawing lots; divination by drawing lots.

A woman infamous for sortileges and witcheries.
Sir W. Scott.


word: Sortita
definition:
Sortita

Sor*ti"ta
(?)
n.
[It., a coming out.]
1.
The air sung by any of the principal characters in an opera on entering.

2.
A closing voluntary; a postlude.


word: Sortition
definition:
Sortition

Sor*ti"tion
(?)
n.
[L. sortitio, from sortiri to draw or cast lots, fr. sors, sortis, a lot.]
Selection or appointment by lot.
[Obs.]
Bp. Hall.


word: Sorus
definition:
Sorus

So"rus
(?)
n.
pl. Sori (#).
[NL., fr. Gr. _; a heap.]
1.
(Bot.)
One of the fruit dots, or small clusters of sporangia, on the back of the fronds of ferns.

2.
(a)
In parasitic fungi, any mass of spores bursting through the epidermis of a host plant.
(b)
In lichens, a heap of soredia on the thallus.


word: Sory
definition:
Sory

So"ry
(?)
n.
[L. sory, Gr. _;.]
(Old Min. Chem.)
Green vitriol, or some earth imregnated with it.


word: SOS
definition:
SOS

SOS
The letters signified by the signal ( . . . --- . . . ) prescribed by the International Radiotelegraphic Convention of 1912 for use by ships in distress.


word: So-so
definition:
So-so

So"-so`
(?)
a.
[So + so.]
Neither very good nor very bad; middling; passable; tolerable; indifferent.

In some Irish houses, where things are so-so,
One gammon of bacon hangs up for a show.
Goldsmith.

He [Burns] certainly wrote some so-so verses to the Tree of Liberty.
Prof. Wilson.


word: Soss
definition:
Soss

Soss
(?; 115)
v. i.
[Cf. Souse.]
To fall at once into a chair or seat; to sit lazily.
[Obs.]
Swift.


word: Sostenuto
definition:
Sostenuto

Sos`te*nu"to
(?)
a.
[It.]
(Mus.)
Sustained; -- applied to a movement or passage the sounds of which are to sustained to the utmost of the nominal value of the time; also, to a passage the tones of which are to be somewhat prolonged or protacted.


word: Sot
definition:
Sot

Sot
(?)
n.
[F., fr. LL. sottus; of unknown origin, cf. Ir. sotal pride, soithir proud, or Chald. & NHeb. shoten foolish.]
1.
A stupid person; a blockhead; a dull fellow; a dolt.
[Obs.]
outh.

In Egypt oft has seen the sot bow down,
And reverence some d_;ified baboon.
Oldham.

2.
A person stupefied by excessive drinking; an habitual drunkard.
sot
Granville.

Every sign
That calls the staring sots to nasty wine.
Roscommon.


word: Sot₃
definition:
Sot

Sot
v. t.
To stupefy; to infatuate; to besot.
[R.]

I hate to see a brave, bold fellow sotted.
Dryden.


word: Sotadic
definition:
Sotadic

So*tad"ic
(?)
a.
Pertaining to, or resembling, the lascivious compositions of the Greek poet Sotades.
n. A Sotadic verse or poem.


word: soteriology
definition:
soteriology

so*te`ri*ol"o*gy
(so̝*tē`rĭ*&obreve_;l"o̝*j&ybreve_;)
n.
[Gr. swthri`a safety (from swth`rios saving, swth`r a savior, sw`zein to save) + -logy.]
1.
A discourse on health, or the science of promoting and preserving health.

2.
(Theol.)
The doctrine of salvation by Jesus Christ.


word: Sothic
definition:
Sothic

Sothiac

{ So"thi*ac (?), Soth"ic (?), }
a.
Of or pertaining to Sothis, the Egyptian name for the Dog Star; taking its name from the Dog Star; canicular.

Sothiac year, or Sothic year (Chronol.), the Egyptian year of 365 days and 6 hours, as distinguished from the Egyptian vague year, which contained 365 days.  The Sothic period consists of 1,460 Sothic years, being equal to 1,461 vague years.  One of these periods ended in July, a. d. 139.


word: Sottish
definition:
Sottish

Sot"tish
(?)
a.
[From Sot.]
Like a sot; doltish; very foolish; drunken.

How ignorant are sottish pretenders to astrology!
Swift.


word: Sotto voce
definition:
Sotto voce

Sot`to vo"ce
(?)
[It.]
1.
(Mus.)
With a restrained voice or moderate force; in an undertone.

2.
Spoken low or in an undertone.


word: Sou
definition:
Sou

Sou
(?)
n.
pl. Sous (#) or (#).
[F. sou, OF. sol, from L. solidus a gold coin, in LL., a coin of less value. See Sold, n., Solid, and and cf. Sol, Soldo.]
An old French copper coin, equivalent in value to, and now displaced by, the five-centime piece (1/20 of a franc), which is popularly called a sou.


word: Souari nut
definition:
Souari nut

Sou*a"ri nut`
(?)
(Bot.)
The large edible nutlike seed of a tall tropical American tree (Caryocar nuciferum) of the same natural order with the tea plant; -- also called butternut.
[Written also sawarra nut.]


word: Soubise
definition:
Soubise

Sou`bise"
(sō`bēz")
n.
1.
[F.]
A sauce made of white onions and melted butter mixed with velouté sauce.

2.
A kind of cravat worn by men in the late 18th century.


word: Soubrette
definition:
Soubrette

Sou`brette"
n.
[F.]
A female servant or attendant; specifically, as a term of the theater, a lady's maid, in comedies, who acts the part of an intrigante; a meddlesome, mischievous female servant or young woman.


word: Souchong
definition:
Souchong

Sou*chong"
(?)
n.
[Chin. seou chong little plant or sort.]
A kind of black tea of a fine quality.


word: Soudet
definition:
Soudet

Souded

Soud"ed (_;), Soud"et (_;)
a.
[See Solder.]
United; consolidated; made firm; strengthened.
[Obs.]

O martyr souded for virginity!
Chaucer.


word: Souffle
definition:
Souffle

Souf"fle
(?)
n.
[F.]
(Med.)
A murmuring or blowing sound; as, the uterine souffle heard over the pregnant uterus.


word: Souffle₂
definition:
Souffle

Souf"flé
(?)
n.
[F., fr. soufflé, p. p. of souffler to puff.]
(Cookery)
A side dish served hot from the oven at dinner, made of eggs, milk, and flour or other farinaceous substance, beaten till very light, and flavored with fruits, liquors, or essence.


word: Souffle₃
definition:
Souffle

Soufflee

Souf`flé"
(?)
a.
[F., fr. soufflé, p. p. of souffler to puff.]
1.
(Ceramics)
Decorated with very small drops or sprinkles of color, as if blown from a bellows.

2.
(Cookery)
Often &VerbarSoufflée.
Filled with air by beating, and baked; as, an omelette soufflé.


word: Sough₃
definition:
Sough

Sough
(?; 277)
n.
[Cf. Icel. s_;gr (in comp.) a rushing sound, or OE. swough, swogh, a sound, AS. sw_;gan to rustle.  Cf. Surf, Swoon, v. i.]
1.
The sound produced by soughing; a hollow murmur or roaring.

The whispering leaves or solemn sough of the forest.
W. Howitt.

2.
Hence, a vague rumor or flying report.
[Scot.]

3.
A cant or whining mode of speaking, especially in preaching or praying.
[Scot.]
Jamieson.


word: Soul₂
definition:
Soul

Soul
v. i.
[F. soûler to satiate. See Soil to feed.]
To afford suitable sustenance.
[Obs.]
Warner.


word: Soul₃
definition:
Soul

Soul
n.
[OE. soule, saule, AS. sāwel, sāwl; akin to OFries. s_;le, OS. s_;ola, D. ziel, G. seele, OHG. s_;la, s_;ula, Icel. sāla, Sw. själ, Dan. siael, Goth. saiwala; of uncertain origin, perhaps akin to L. saeculum a lifetime, age (cf. Secular.)]
1.
The spiritual, rational, and immortal part in man; that part of man which enables him to think, and which renders him a subject of moral government; -- sometimes, in distinction from the higher nature, or spirit, of man, the so-called animal soul, that is, the seat of life, the sensitive affections and phantasy, exclusive of the voluntary and rational powers; -- sometimes, in distinction from the mind, the moral and emotional part of man's nature, the seat of feeling, in distinction from intellect; -- sometimes, the intellect only; the understanding; the seat of knowledge, as distinguished from feeling.  In a more general sense, “an animating, separable, surviving entity, the vehicle of individual personal existence.”
Tylor.

The eyes of our souls only then begin to see, when our bodily eyes are closing.
Law.

2.
The seat of real life or vitality; the source of action; the animating or essential part.
soul
Milton.

Thou sun, of this great world both eye and soul.
Milton.

3.
The leader; the inspirer; the moving spirit; the heart; as, the soul of an enterprise; an able general is the soul of his army.

He is the very soul of bounty!
Shak.

4.
Energy; courage; spirit; fervor; affection, or any other noble manifestation of the heart or moral nature; inherent power or goodness.

That he wants algebra he must confess;
But not a soul to give our arms success.
Young.

5.
A human being; a person; -- a familiar appellation, usually with a qualifying epithet; as, poor soul.

As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.
Prov. xxv. 25.

God forbid so many simple souls
Should perish by the sword!
Shak.

Now mistress Gilpin (careful soul).
Cowper.

6.
A pure or disembodied spirit.

That to his only Son . . . every soul in heaven
Shall bend the knee.
Milton.

7.
A perceived shared community and awareness among African-Americans.

8.
Soul music.

&hand_; Soul is used in the formation of numerous compounds, most of which are of obvious signification; as, soul-betraying, soul-consuming, soul-destroying, soul-distracting, soul-enfeebling, soul-exalting, soul-felt, soul-harrowing, soul-piercing, soul-quickening, soul-reviving, soul-stirring, soul-subduing, soul-withering, etc.

Cure of souls. See Cure, n., 2. -- Soul bell, the passing bell. Bp. Hall. -- Soul foot. See Soul scot, below. [Obs.] -- Soul scot or Soul shot. [Soul + scot, or shot; cf. AS. sāwelsceat.] (O. Eccl. Law) A funeral duty paid in former times for a requiem for the soul. Ayliffe. 


word: soul
definition:
soul

soul
(s&omacrl)
a.
By or for African-Americans, or characteristic of their culture; as, soul music; soul newspapers; soul food.


word: Souled
definition:
Souled

Souled
(s&omacrld)
a.
Furnished with a soul; possessing soul and feeling; -- used chiefly in composition; as, great-souled Hector.
souled
Dryden.


word: Soulili
definition:
Soulili

Sou"li*li`
(sō"le̝*lē`)
n.
(Zool.)
A long-tailed, crested Javan monkey (Semnopithecus mitratus).  The head, the crest, and the upper surface of the tail, are black.


word: soul kiss
definition:
soul kiss

soul" kiss`
(?)
n.
A kiss in which both parties have their mouths open and pressed together, and the tongue of one or both is maneuvered within the mouth of the other.

Syn. -- French kiss, deep kiss.


word: Soulless
definition:
Soulless

Soul"less
(?)
a.
Being without a soul, or without greatness or nobleness of mind; mean; spiritless.

Slave, souless villain, dog!
Shak.


word: Sound
definition:
Sound

Sound
(?)
n.
[AS. sund a swimming, akin to E. swim. See Swim.]
The air bladder of a fish; as, cod sounds are an esteemed article of food.


word: Sound₃
definition:
Sound

Sound
a.
[Compar. Sounder (?); superl. Soundest.]
[OE. sound, AS. sund; akin to D. gezond, G. gesund, OHG. gisunt, Dan. & Sw. sund, and perhaps to L. sanus.  Cf. Sane.]
1.
Whole; unbroken; unharmed; free from flaw, defect, or decay; perfect of the kind; as, sound timber; sound fruit; a sound tooth; a sound ship.

2.
Healthy; not diseased; not being in a morbid state; -- said of body or mind; as, a sound body; a sound constitution; a sound understanding.

3.
Firm; strong; safe.

The brasswork here, how rich it is in beams,
And how, besides, it makes the whole house sound.
Chapman.

4.
Free from error; correct; right; honest; true; faithful; orthodox; -- said of persons; as, a sound lawyer; a sound thinker.

Do not I know you a favorer
Of this new seat? Ye are nor sound.
Shak.

5.
Founded in truth or right; supported by justice; not to be overthrown on refuted; not fallacious; as, sound argument or reasoning; a sound objection; sound doctrine; sound principles.

Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me.
2 Tim. i. 13.

6.
heavy; laid on with force; as, a sound beating.

7.
Undisturbed; deep; profound; as, sound sleep.

8.
Founded in law; legal; valid; not defective; as, a sound title to land.

&hand_; Sound is sometimes used in the formation of self-explaining compounds; as, sound-headed, sound-hearted, sound-timbered, etc.

Sound currency (Com.), a currency whose actual value is the same as its nominal value; a currency which does not deteriorate or depreciate or fluctuate in comparision with the standard of values.


word: Sound₅
definition:
Sound

Sound
n.
[AS. sund a narrow sea or strait; akin to Icel., Sw., Dan. & G. sund, probably so named because it could be swum across. See Swim.]
(Geog.)
A narrow passage of water, or a strait between the mainland and an island; also, a strait connecting two seas, or connecting a sea or lake with the ocean; as, the Sound between the Baltic and the german Ocean; Long Island Sound.

The Sound of Denmark, where ships pay toll.
Camden.

Sound dues, tolls formerly imposed by Denmark on vessels passing through the Baltic Sound.


word: Sound₆
definition:
Sound

Sound
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Sounded; p. pr. & vb. n. Sounding.]
[F. sonder; cf. AS. sundgyrd a sounding rod, sundline a sounding line (see Sound a narrow passage of water).]
1.
To measure the depth of; to fathom; especially, to ascertain the depth of by means of a line and plummet.

2.
Fig.: To ascertain, or try to ascertain, the thoughts, motives, and purposes of (a person); to examine; to try; to test; to probe.

I was in jest,
And by that offer meant to sound your breast.
Dryden.

I've sounded my Numidians man by man.
Addison.

3.
(Med.)
To explore, as the bladder or urethra, with a sound; to examine with a sound; also, to examine by auscultation or percussion; as, to sound a patient.


word: Sound₇
definition:
Sound

Sound
(?)
v. i.
To ascertain the depth of water with a sounding line or other device.

I sound as a shipman soundeth in the sea with his plummet to know the depth of sea.
Palsgrave.


word: Sound₈
definition:
Sound

Sound
n.
[F. sonde. See Sound to fathom.]
(Med.)
Any elongated instrument or probe, usually metallic, by which cavities of the body are sounded or explored, especially the bladder for stone, or the urethra for a stricture.


word: Sound₉
definition:
Sound

Sound
n.
[OE. soun, OF. son, sun, F. son, fr. L. sonus akin to Skr. svana sound, svan to sound, and perh. to E. swan.  Cf. Assonant, Consonant, Person, Sonata, Sonnet, Sonorous, Swan.]
1.
The peceived object occasioned by the impulse or vibration of a material substance affecting the ear; a sensation or perception of the mind received through the ear, and produced by the impulse or vibration of the air or other medium with which the ear is in contact; the effect of an impression made on the organs of hearing by an impulse or vibration of the air caused by a collision of bodies, or by other means; noise; report; as, the sound of a drum; the sound of the human voice; a horrid sound; a charming sound; a sharp, high, or shrill sound.

The warlike sound
Of trumpets loud and clarions.
Milton.

2.
The occasion of sound; the impulse or vibration which would occasion sound to a percipient if present with unimpaired; hence, the theory of vibrations in elastic media such cause sound; as, a treatise on sound.

&hand_; In this sense, sounds are spoken of as audible and inaudible.

3.
Noise without signification; empty noise; noise and nothing else.

Sense and not sound . . . must be the principle.
Locke.

Sound boarding, boards for holding pugging, placed in partitions of under floors in order to deaden sounds. -- Sound bow, in a series of transverse sections of a bell, that segment against which the clapper strikes, being the part which is most efficacious in producing the sound. See Illust. of Bell. -- Sound post. (Mus.) See Sounding post, under Sounding.


word: Sound₁₀
definition:
Sound

Sound
v. i.
[OE. sounen, sownen, OF. soner, suner, F. sonner, from L. sonare. See Sound a noise.]
1.
To make a noise; to utter a voice; to make an impulse of the air that shall strike the organs of hearing with a perceptible effect.
sound
Dryden.

How silver-sweet sound lovers' tongues!
Shak.

2.
To be conveyed in sound; to be spread or published; to convey intelligence by sound.

From you sounded out the word of the Lord.
1 Thess. i. 8.

3.
To make or convey a certain impression, or to have a certain import, when heard; hence, to seem; to appear; as, this reproof sounds harsh; the story sounds like an invention.

Good sir, why do you start, and seem to fear
Things that do sound so fair?
Shak.

To sound in or To sound into, to tend to; to partake of the nature of; to be consonant with. [Obs., except in the phrase To sound in damages, below.]
[1913 Webster]
Soun[d]ing in moral virtue was his speech. Chaucer.
[1913 Webster]
-- To sound in damages (Law), to have the essential quality of damages. This is said of an action brought, not for the recovery of a specific thing, as replevin, etc., but for damages only, as trespass, and the like.


word: Sound₁₁₁
definition:
Sound

Sound
v. t.
1.
To cause to make a noise; to play on; as, to sound a trumpet or a horn; to sound an alarm.

A bagpipe well could he play and soun[d].
Chaucer.

2.
To cause to exit as a sound; as, to sound a note with the voice, or on an instrument.

3.
To order, direct, indicate, or proclain by a sound, or sounds; to give a signal for by a certain sound; as, to sound a retreat; to sound a parley.

The clock sounded the hour of noon.
G. H. Lewes.

4.
To celebrate or honor by sounds; to cause to be reported; to publish or proclaim; as, to sound the praises of fame of a great man or a great exploit.

5.
To examine the condition of (anything) by causing the same to emit sounds and noting their character; as, to sound a piece of timber; to sound a vase; to sound the lungs of a patient.

6.
To signify; to import; to denote.
[Obs.]
Milton.

Soun[d]ing alway the increase of his winning.
Chaucer.


word: Sound-board
definition:
Sound-board

Sound"-board`
(?)
n.
A sounding-board.

To many a row of pipes the sound-board breathes.
Milton.


word: Sounder
definition:
Sounder

Sound"er
(?)
n.
One who, or that which; sounds; specifically, an instrument used in telegraphy in place of a register, the communications being read by sound.


word: Sounding₂
definition:
Sounding

Sound"ing
n.
1.
The act of one who, or that which, sounds (in any of the senses of the several verbs).

2.
(Naut.)
[From Sound to fathom.]
(a)
measurement by sounding; also, the depth so ascertained.
(b)
Any place or part of the ocean, or other water, where a sounding line will reach the bottom; -- usually in the plural.
(c)
The sand, shells, or the like, that are brought up by the sounding lead when it has touched bottom.

Sounding lead, the plummet at the end of a sounding line. -- Sounding line, a line having a plummet at the end, used in making soundings. -- Sounding post (Mus.), a small post in a violin, violoncello, or similar instrument, set under the bridge as a support, for propagating the sounds to the body of the instrument; -- called also sound post. -- Sounding rod (Naut.), a rod used to ascertain the depth of water in a ship's hold. -- In soundings, within the eighty-fathom line. Ham. Nav. Encyc.


word: Sounding balloon
definition:
Sounding balloon

Sound"ing bal*loon"
An unmanned balloon sent aloft for meteorological or aeronautic purposes.


word: Sounding-board
definition:
Sounding-board

Sound"ing-board`
(?)
n.
1.
(Mus.)
A thin board which propagates the sound in a piano, in a violin, and in some other musical instruments.

2.
A board or structure placed behind or over a pulpit or rostrum to give distinctness to a speaker's voice.

3.
pl.
See Sound boarding, under Sound, a noise.


word: Soundless₂
definition:
Soundless

Sound"less
a.
Having no sound; noiseless; silent.
Sound"less*ly, adv. -- Sound"less*ness, n.


word: Soundness
definition:
Soundness

Sound"ness
n.
The quality or state of being sound; as, the soundness of timber, of fruit, of the teeth, etc.; the soundness of reasoning or argument; soundness of faith.


word: Soup
definition:
Soup

Soup
(?)
n.
[F. soupe, OF. sope, supe, soupe, perhaps originally, a piece of bread; probably of Teutonic origin; cf. D. sop sop, G. suppe soup. See Sop something dipped in a liquid, and cf. Supper.]
A liquid food of many kinds, usually made by boiling meat and vegetables, or either of them, in water, -- commonly seasoned or flavored; strong broth.

Soup kitchen, an establishment for preparing and supplying soup to the poor. -- Soup ticket, a ticket conferring the privilege of receiving soup at a soup kitchen.


word: Soupcon
definition:
Soupcon

Soup`çon"
(?)
n.
[F.]
A suspicion; a suggestion; hence, a very small portion; a taste; as, coffee with a soupçon of brandy; a soupçon of coquetry.


word: Soupe-maigre
definition:
Soupe-maigre

Soupe`-mai"gre
(?)
n.
[F.]
(Cookery)
Soup made chiefly from vegetables or fish with a little butter and a few condiments.


word: Sour
definition:
Sour

Sour
(?)
a.
[Compar. Sourer (?); superl. Sourest.]
[OE. sour, sur, AS. s_;r; akin to D. zuur, G. sauer, OHG. s_;r, Icel. s_;rr, Sw. sur, Dan. suur, Lith. suras salt, Russ. surovui harsh, rough.  Cf. Sorrel, the plant.]
1.
Having an acid or sharp, biting taste, like vinegar, and the juices of most unripe fruits; acid; tart.

All sour things, as vinegar, provoke appetite.
Bacon.

2.
Changed, as by keeping, so as to be acid, rancid, or musty, turned.

3.
Disagreeable; unpleasant; hence; cross; crabbed; peevish; morose; as, a man of a sour temper; a sour reply.
sour
Swift.

He was a scholar . . . 
Lofty and sour to them that loved him not,
But to those men that sought him sweet as summer.
Shak.

4.
Afflictive; painful.
Sour
Shak.

5.
Cold and unproductive; as, sour land; a sour marsh.

Sour dock (Bot.), sorrel. -- Sour gourd (Bot.), the gourdlike fruit Adansonia Gregorii, and Adansonia digitata; also, either of the trees bearing this fruit. See Adansonia. -- Sour grapes. See under Grape. -- Sour gum (Bot.) See Turelo. -- Sour plum (Bot.), the edible acid fruit of an Australian tree (Owenia venosa); also, the tree itself, which furnished a hard reddish wood used by wheelwrights.


word: Sour₃
definition:
Sour

Sour
v. t.
[AS. s_;rian to sour, to become sour.]
1.
To cause to become sour; to cause to turn from sweet to sour; as, exposure to the air sours many substances.

So the sun's heat, with different powers,
Ripens the grape, the liquor sours.
Swift.

2.
To make cold and unproductive, as soil.
Mortimer.

3.
To make unhappy, uneasy, or less agreeable.

To sour your happiness I must report,
The queen is dead.
Shak.

4.
To cause or permit to become harsh or unkindly.
Souring
Shak.

Pride had not sour'd nor wrath debased my heart.
Harte.

5.
To macerate, and render fit for plaster or mortar; as, to sour lime for business purposes.


word: Sour₄
definition:
Sour

Sour
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Soured (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Souring.]
To become sour; to turn from sweet to sour; as, milk soon sours in hot weather; a kind temper sometimes sours in adversity.

They keep out melancholy from the virtuous, and hinder the hatred of vice from souring into severity.
Addison.


word: Source
definition:
Source

Source
(?)
n.
[OE. sours, OF. sourse, surse, sorse, F. source, fr. OF. sors, p. p. of OF. sordre, surdre, sourdre, to spring forth or up, F. sourdre, fr. L. surgere to lift or raise up, to spring up. See Surge, and cf. Souse to plunge or swoop as a bird upon its prey.]
1.
The act of rising; a rise; an ascent.
[Obs.]

Therefore right as an hawk upon a sours
Up springeth into the air, right so prayers . . . 
Maken their sours to Goddes ears two.
Chaucer.

2.
The rising from the ground, or beginning, of a stream of water or the like; a spring; a fountain.

Where as the Poo out of a welle small
Taketh his firste springing and his sours.
Chaucer.

Kings that rule
Behind the hidden sources of the Nile.
Addison.

3.
That from which anything comes forth, regarded as its cause or origin; the person from whom anything originates; first cause.

This source of ideas every man has wholly in himself.
Locke.

The source of Newton's light, of Bacon's sense.
Pope.


word: Sourde
definition:
Sourde

Sourde
(?)
v. i.
[F. sourdre. See Source.]
To have origin or source; to rise; to spring.
[Obs.]

Now might men ask whereof that pride sourdeth.
Chaucer.


word: Soursop
definition:
Soursop

Sour"sop`
(?)
n.
(Bot.)
The large succulent and slightly acid fruit of a small tree (Anona muricata) of the West Indies; also, the tree itself. It is closely allied to the custard apple.


word: Souse
definition:
Souse

Sous

{ Sous, Souse  }
(F. sō; colloq. Eng. sous)
n.
A corrupt form of Sou.
[Obs.]
Colman, the Elder.


word: Souse₂
definition:
Souse

Souse
(?)
n.
[OF. sausse. See Sauce.]
[Written also souce, sowce, and sowse.]
1.
Pickle made with salt.

2.
Something kept or steeped in pickle; esp., the pickled ears, feet, etc., of swine.

And he that can rear up a pig in his house,
Hath cheaper his bacon, and sweeter his souse.
Tusser.

3.
The ear; especially, a hog's ear.
[Prov. Eng.]

4.
The act of sousing; a plunging into water.


word: Souse₄
definition:
Souse

Souse
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Soused (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Sousing.]
[Cf. F. saucer to wet with sauce. See Souse pickle.]
1.
To steep in pickle; to pickle.
soused
Shak.

2.
To plunge or immerse in water or any liquid.

They soused me over head and ears in water.
Addison.

3.
To drench, as by an immersion; to wet throughly.

Although I be well soused in this shower.
Gascoigne.


word: Souse₅
definition:
Souse

Souse
v. i.
[Probably fr. OF. sors, p. p. of sordre to rise, and first used of an upward swood, then of a swoop in general, but also confused with Souse, v. t. See Source.]
To swoop or plunge, as a bird upon its prey; to fall suddenly; to rush with speed; to make a sudden attack.

For then I viewed his plunge and souse
Into the foamy main.
Marston.

Jove's bird will souse upon the timorous hare.
J. Dryden. Jr.


word: Souse₆
definition:
Souse

Souse
v. t.
To pounce upon.
[R.]

[The gallant monarch] like eagle o'er his serie towers,
To souse annoyance that comes near his nest.
Shak.


word: Souse₇
definition:
Souse

Souse
n.
The act of sousing, or swooping.

As a falcon fair
That once hath failed or her souse full near.
Spenser.


word: Soused
definition:
Soused

Soused
(?)
adj.
Thoroughly drunken; inebriated.
[slang]

Syn. -- bombed; pickled; drunk; intoxicated.


word: Soutache
definition:
Soutache

Sou`tache"
(?)
n.
[F.]
A kind of narrow braid, usually of silk; -- also known as Russian braid.


word: Soutage
definition:
Soutage

Sout"age
(? or ?; 48)
n.
[Etymol. uncertain.]
That in which anything is packed; bagging, as for hops.
[Obs.]
Halliwell.


word: Soutane
definition:
Soutane

Sou`tane"
(?)
n.
[F., fr. Sp. sotana, or It. sottana, LL. subtana, fr. L. subtus below, beneath, fr. sub under.]
(Eccl. Costume)
A close garnment with straight sleeves, and skirts reaching to the ankles, and buttoned in front from top to bottom; especially, the black garment of this shape worn by the clergy in France and Italy as their daily dress; a cassock.


word: Souter
definition:
Souter

Sou"ter
(?)
n.
[AS. s_;t_;re, fr. It. sutor, fr. suere to sew.]
A shoemaker; a cobbler.
[Obs.]
Chaucer.

There is no work better than another to please God: . . . to wash dishes, to be a souter, or an apostle, -- all is one.
Tyndale.


word: Souterly
definition:
Souterly

Sou"ter*ly
a.
Of or pertaining to a cobbler or cobblers; like a cobbler; hence, vulgar; low.
[Obs.]


word: Souterrain
definition:
Souterrain

Sou"ter*rain
(?)
n.
[F. See Subterranean.]
A grotto or cavern under ground.
[Obs.]
Arbuthnot.


word: South
definition:
South

South
(?; by sailors sou)
n.
[OE. south, suþ, AS. sūð for sunð; akin to D. zuid, OHG. sund, G. süd, süden, Icel. suðr, sunnr, Dan. syd, sönden, Sw. syd, söder, sunnan; all probably akin to E. sun, meaning, the side towards the sun. √297. See Sun.]
1.
That one of the four cardinal points directly opposite to the north; the region or direction to the right or direction to the right of a person who faces the east.

2.
A country, region, or place situated farther to the south than another; the southern section of a country.
south
Matt. xii. 42.

3.
Specifically: That part of the United States which is south of Mason and Dixon's line. See under Line.

4.
The wind from the south.
[Obs.]
Shak.


word: South₂
definition:
South

South
a.
Lying toward the south; situated at the south, or in a southern direction from the point of observation or reckoning; proceeding toward the south, or coming from the south; blowing from the south; southern; as, the south pole.
south
Shak.

South-Sea tea (Bot.) See Yaupon.


word: South₃
definition:
South

South
adv.
1.
Toward the south; southward.

2.
From the south; as, the wind blows south.
Bacon.


word: South₄
definition:
South

South
(?)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Southed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Southing.]
1.
To turn or move toward the south; to veer toward the south.

2.
(Astron.)
To come to the meridian; to cross the north and south line; -- said chiefly of the moon; as, the moon souths at nine.


word: Southcottian
definition:
Southcottian

South*cot"ti*an
(?)
n.
(Eccl. Hist.)
A follower of Joanna Southcott (1750-1814), an Englishwoman who, professing to have received a miraculous calling, preached and prophesied, and committed many impious absurdities.


word: Southdown
definition:
Southdown

South"down`
(?)
a.
Of or pertaining to the South Downs, a range of pasture hills south of the Thames, in England.

Southdown sheep (Zool.), a celebrated breed of shortwooled, hornless sheep, highly valued on account of the delicacy of their flesh. So called from the South Downs where the breed originated.


word: Southeast
definition:
Southeast

South`east"
(?; by sailors sou"-)
n.
The point of the compass equally distant from the south and the east; the southeast part or region.


word: Southeast₂
definition:
Southeast

South`east
(?; by sailors sou"-)
a.
Of or pertaining to the southeast; proceeding toward, or coming from, the southeast; as, a southeast course; a southeast wind.


word: Southeastwardly
definition:
Southeastwardly

Southeastward

{ South`east"ward (?), South`east"ward*ly  }
adv.
Toward the southeast.


word: Southerliness
definition:
Southerliness

South"er*li*ness
(?)
n.
The quality or state of being southerly; direction toward the south.


word: Southern
definition:
Southern

South"ern
(?; 277)
a.
[AS. sūðern. See South.]
Of or pertaining to the south; situated in, or proceeding from, the south; situated or proceeding toward the south.

Southern Cross (Astron.), a constellation of the southern hemisphere containing several bright stars so related in position as to resemble a cross. -- Southern Fish (Astron.), a constelation of the southern hemisphere (Piscis Australis) containing the bright star Fomalhaut. -- Southern States (U.S. Hist. & Geog.), the States of the American Union lying south of Pennsylvania and the Ohio River, with Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas. Before the Civil War, Missouri also, being a slave State, was classed as one of the Southern States.


word: Southerner
definition:
Southerner

South"ern*er
(?)
n.
An inhabitant or native of the south, esp. of the Southern States of North America; opposed to Northerner.


word: Southernly
definition:
Southernly

South"ern*ly
(?)
a.
Somewhat southern.
adv. In a southerly manner or course; southward.


word: Southernwood
definition:
Southernwood

South"ern*wood`
(?)
n.
(Bot.)
A shrubby species of wormwood (Artemisia Abrotanum) having aromatic foliage. It is sometimes used in making beer.


word: Southing
definition:
Southing

South"ing
(?; 277)
n.
1.
Tendency or progress southward; as, the southing of the sun.
Emerson.

2.
The time at which the moon, or other heavenly body, passes the meridian of a place.

3.
(Astron.)
Distance of any heavenly body south of the equator; south declination; south latitude.

4.
(Surv. & Navigation)
Distance southward from any point departure or of reckoning, measured on a meridian; -- opposed to northing.


word: Southness
definition:
Southness

South"ness
n.
A tendency in the end of a magnetic needle to point toward the south pole.
Faraday.


word: Southron
definition:
Southron

South"ron
(?)
n.
An inhabitant of the more southern part of a country; formerly, a name given in Scotland to any Englishman.


word: South southerly
definition:
South southerly

South` south"er*ly
(?)
(Zool.)
the old squaw; -- so called in imitation of its cry. Called also southerly, and southerland. See under Old.


word: Southwards
definition:
Southwards

Southward

{ South"ward (?; colloq. _;), South"wards (?; colloq. _;), }
adv.
Toward the south, or toward a point nearer the south than the east or west point; as, to go southward.


word: Southwest
definition:
Southwest

South`west
(?; colloq. sou"-.)
n.
The point of the compass equally from the south and the west; the southwest part or region.


word: Southwest₂
definition:
Southwest

South`west"
a.
Pertaining to, or in the direction of, the southwest; proceeding toward the southwest; coming from the southwest; as, a southwest wind.


word: Southwester
definition:
Southwester

South`west"er
(?; colloq. _;)
n.
1.
A storm, gale, or strong wind from the southwest.

2.
A hat made of painted canvas, oiled cloth, or the like, with a flap at the back, -- worn in stormy weather.


word: Southwesterly
definition:
Southwesterly

South`west"er*ly
a.
To ward or from the southwest; as, a southwesterly course; a southwesterly wind.


word: Southwestern
definition:
Southwestern

South`west"ern
(?)
a.
Of or pertaining to the southwest; southwesterly; as, to sail a southwestern course.


word: Southwestwardly
definition:
Southwestwardly

Southwestward

{ South`west"ward (?), South`west"ward*ly  }
adv.
Toward the southwest.


word: Sovenaunce
definition:
Sovenaunce

Souvenance

{ Sou"ve*nance (?), So"ve*naunce (?), }
n.
[F. souvenance.]
Remembrance.
[Obs.]

Of his way he had no sovenance.
Spenser.


word: Souvenir
definition:
Souvenir

Sou`ve*nir
(? or ?)
n.
[F., fr. souvenir to remember, fr. L. subvenire to come up, come to mind; sub under + venire to come, akin to E. come. See Come, and cf. Subvention.]
That which serves as a reminder; a remembrancer; a memento; a keepsake.


word: Sovereign
definition:
Sovereign

Sov"er*eign
(? or ?; 277)
a.
[OE. soverain, sovereyn, OF. soverain, suvrain, F. souverain, LL. superanus, fr. L. superus that is above, upper, higher, fr. super above. See Over, Super, and cf. Soprano. The modern spelling is due to a supposed connection with reign.]
1.
Supreme or highest in power; superior to all others; chief; as, our sovereign prince.

2.
Independent of, and unlimited by, any other; possessing, or entitled to, original authority or jurisdiction; as, a sovereign state; a sovereign discretion.

3.
Princely; royal.
sovereign
Shak.

At Babylon was his sovereign see.
Chaucer.

4.
Predominant; greatest; utmost; paramount.

We acknowledge him [God] our sovereign good.
Hooker.

5.
Efficacious in the highest degree; effectual; controlling; as, a sovereign remedy.
Dryden.

Such a sovereign influence has this passion upon the regulation of the lives and actions of men.
South.

Sovereign state, a state which administers its own government, and is not dependent upon, or subject to, another power.


word: Sovereign₂
definition:
Sovereign

Sov"er*eign
(? or ?; 277)
n.
1.
The person, body, or state in which independent and supreme authority is vested; especially, in a monarchy, a king, queen, or emperor.

No question is to be made but that the bed of the Mississippi belongs to the sovereign, that is, to the nation.
Jefferson.

2.
A gold coin of Great Britain, on which an effigy of the head of the reigning king or queen is stamped, valued at one pound sterling, or about $4.86.

3.
(Zool.)
Any butterfly of the tribe Nymphalidi, or genus Basilarchia, as the ursula and the viceroy.


word: Sovereignty
definition:
Sovereignty

Sov"er*eign*ty
(?)
n.
pl. Sovereignties (#).
[OE. soverainetee, OF. sovraineté, F. souveraineté.]
The quality or state of being sovereign, or of being a sovereign; the exercise of, or right to exercise, supreme power; dominion; sway; supremacy; independence; also, that which is sovereign; a sovereign state; as, Italy was formerly divided into many sovereignties.

Woman desiren to have sovereignty
As well over their husband as over their love.
Chaucer.


word: Sovran
definition:
Sovran

Sov"ran
(?)
a.
A variant of Sovereign.
[Poetic]

On thy bald, awful head, O sovran Blanc.
Coleridge.


word: Sow₂
definition:
Sow

Sow
(?)
n.
[OE. sowe, suwe, AS. sugu, akin to sū, D. zog, zeug, OHG. sū, G. sau, Icel. s&ymacr_;r, Dan. so, Sw. sugga, so, L. sus. Gr. "y^s, sy^s, Zend. hu boar; probably from the root seen in Skr. sū to beget, to bear; the animal being named in allusion to its fecundity. √294.  Cf. Hyena, Soil to stain, Son, Swine.]
1.
(Zool.)
The female of swine, or of the hog kind.

2.
(Zool.)
A sow bug.

3.
(Metal.)
(a)
A channel or runner which receives the rows of molds in the pig bed.
(b)
The bar of metal which remains in such a runner.
(c)
A mass of solidified metal in a furnace hearth; a salamander.

4.
(Mil.)
A kind of covered shed, formerly used by besiegers in filling up and passing the ditch of a besieged place, sapping and mining the wall, or the like.
Craig.

Sow bread. (Bot.) See Cyclamen. -- Sow bug, or Sowbug (Zool.), any one of numerous species of terrestrial Isopoda belonging to Oniscus, Porcellio, and allied genera of the family Oniscidae.  They feed chiefly on decaying vegetable substances. -- Sow thistle [AS. sugepistel] (Bot.), a composite plant (Sonchus oleraceus) said to be eaten by swine and some other animals.


word: Sow₃
definition:
Sow

Sow
(?)
v. t.
[imp. Sowed (?); p. p. Sown (?) or Sowed; p. pr. & vb. n. Sowing.]
[OE. sowen, sawen, AS. sāwan; akin to OFries. s_;a, D. zaaijen, OS. & HG. sājan, G. säen, Icel. sā, Sw. så, Dan. saae, Goth. saian, Lith. sēti, Russ. sieiate, L. serere, sevi.  Cf. Saturday, Season, Seed, Seminary.]
1.
To scatter, as seed, upon the earth; to plant by strewing; as, to sow wheat. Also used figuratively: To spread abroad; to propagate.
sow some difficulty
Chaucer.

A sower went forth to sow; and when he sowed, some seeds fell by the wayside.
Matt. xiii. 3, 4.

And sow dissension in the hearts of brothers.
Addison.

2.
To scatter seed upon, in, or over; to supply or stock, as land, with seeds. Also used figuratively: To scatter over; to besprinkle.

The intellectual faculty is a goodly field, . . . and it is the worst husbandry in the world to sow it with trifles.
Sir M. Hale.

[He] sowed with stars the heaven.
Milton.

Now morn . . . sowed the earth with orient pearl.
Milton.


word: Sow₄
definition:
Sow

Sow
v. i.
To scatter seed for growth and the production of a crop; -- literally or figuratively.

They that sow in tears shall reap in joi.
Ps. cxxvi. 5.


word: Sowbane
definition:
Sowbane

Sow"bane`
(?)
n.
(Bot.)
The red goosefoot (Chenopodium rubrum), -- said to be fatal to swine.


word: Sowens
definition:
Sowens

Sow"ens
(? or ?)
n. pl.
[Scottish; cf. AS. seáw juice, glue, paste.]
A nutritious article of food, much used in Scotland, made from the husk of the oat by a process not unlike that by which common starch is made; -- called flummery in England.
[Written also sowans, and sowins.]


word: Sowle
definition:
Sowle

Sowl

{ Sowl, Sowle  }
(?)
v. t.
[Cf. prov. G. zaulen, zauseln, G. zausen to tug, drag.]
To pull by the ears; to drag about.
[Obs.]
Shak.


word: Soya
definition:
Soya

Soy

Soy (soi), Soy"a
(soi"ȧ)
n.
[Chinese sh&omacryū.]
1.
A Chinese and Japanese liquid sauce for fish, etc., made by subjecting boiled beans (esp. soybeans), or beans and meal, to long fermentation and then long digestion in salt and water.

2.
(Bot.)
The soybean.


word: Soybean
definition:
Soybean

Soy"bean
(soi"bēn`)
n.
1.
(Bot.)
An Asiatic leguminous herb (Glycine max, formerly Glycine Soja) the seeds of which (also called soy beans) are used in preparing the sauce called soy.  Called also soya bean and soya.

2.
the seeds of the Glycine max, which produce soybean oil; --  called also soya bean.


word: Soybean oil
definition:
Soybean oil

Soy"bean oil
(soi"bēn` oil)
n.
an oil obtained from the soybean (Glycine max), rich in protein, fats, sterols, and phospholipids, used as a food and in paints and varnishes and in various industrial applications; -- called also soya oil.  It is also used in preparing the sauce called soy or soy sauce.


word: Soyle
definition:
Soyle

Soyle
(?)
v. t.
[Aphetic form of assoil.]
To solve, to clear up; as, to soyl all other texts.
[Obs.]
Tyndate.


word: Sozzle
definition:
Sozzle

Soz"zle
(?)
v. t.
[Freq. from soss, v.]
1.
To splash or wet carelessly; as, to sozzle the feet in water.
[Local, U.S.]
Bartlett.

2.
To heap up in confusion.
[Prov. Eng.]
Forby.


word: Sozzle₂
definition:
Sozzle

Soz"zle
n.
1.
One who spills water or other liquids carelessly; specifically, a sluttish woman.
[Local, U.S.]

2.
A mass, or heap, confusedly mingled.
[Prov. Eng.]


word: Spaad
definition:
Spaad

Spaad
(?)
n.
[Cf. G. spath spar. See Spar the mineral.]
(Min.)
A kind of spar; earth flax, or amianthus.
[Obs.]
oodward.


word: Space
definition:
Space

Space
(spās)
n.
[OE. space, F. espace, from L. spatium space; cf. Gr. spa^n to draw, to tear; perh. akin to E. span.  Cf. Expatiate.]
1.
Extension, considered independently of anything which it may contain; that which makes extended objects conceivable and possible.

Pure space is capable neither of resistance nor motion.
Locke.

2.
Place, having more or less extension; room.

They gave him chase, and hunted him as hare;
Long had he no space to dwell [in].
R. of Brunne.

While I have time and space.
Chaucer.

3.
A quantity or portion of extension; distance from one thing to another; an interval between any two or more objects; as, the space between two stars or two hills; the sound was heard for the space of a mile.

Put a space betwixt drove and drove.
Gen. xxxii. 16.

4.
Quantity of time; an interval between two points of time; duration; time.
space
R. of brunne.

Nine times the space that measures day and night.
Milton.

God may defer his judgments for a time, and give a people a longer space of repentance.
Tillotson.

5.
A short time; a while.
[R.]
space
Spenser.

6.
Walk; track; path; course.
[Obs.]

This ilke [same] monk let old things pace,
And held after the new world the space.
Chaucer.

7.
(Print.)
(a)
A small piece of metal cast lower than a face type, so as not to receive the ink in printing, -- used to separate words or letters.
(b)
The distance or interval between words or letters in the lines, or between lines, as in books, on a computer screen, etc.

&hand_; Spaces are of different thicknesses to enable the compositor to arrange the words at equal distances from each other in the same line.

8.
(Mus.)
One of the intervals, or open places, between the lines of the staff.

9.
that portion of the universe outside the earth or its atmosphere; -- called also outer space.

Absolute space, Euclidian space, etc. See under Absolute, Euclidian, etc.  -- deep space, the part of outer space which is beyond the limits of the solar system. -- Space line (Print.), a thin piece of metal used by printers to open the lines of type to a regular distance from each other, and for other purposes; a lead. Hansard. -- Space rule (Print.), a fine, thin, short metal rule of the same height as the type, used in printing short lines in tabular matter.


word: Space₂
definition:
Space

Space
v. i.
[Cf. OF. espacier, L. spatiari. See Space, n.]
To walk; to rove; to roam.
[Obs.]

And loved in forests wild to space.
Spenser.


word: Space₃
definition:
Space

Space
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Spaced (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Spacong (?).]
[Cf. F. espacer. See Space, n.]
(Print.)
To arrange or adjust the spaces in or between; as, to space words, lines, or letters.


word: Space age
definition:
Space age

Space age
n.
the time during which humans engaged in space exploration; -- generally considered as beginning on October 4, 1957 when the Soviet Union placed the first artificial satellite into orbit around the earth.


word: space key
definition:
space key

space bar

{ space bar or space key }
(Mach., Computers)
A bar or key, in a typewriter, typesetting machine, or other keyboard (as a computer keyboard), used to insert a space between letters.


word: Space cadet
definition:
Space cadet

Space cadet
n.
a person who appears disconnected from reality, or living in his own world; -- sometimes used of people who are under the influence of mind-altering drugs.
[derogatory]


word: spacecraft
definition:
spacecraft

space"craft
n.
a vehicle capable of travelling in or into outer space; at present, all such vehicles are powered by rocket engine.


word: space heater
definition:
space heater

space" heat`er
n.
a portable heating device used for warming the air of a single room; -- it may be electrical or use a combustible fuel.


word: spaceman
definition:
spaceman

space"man`
n.
1.
an astronaut.

2.
an intelligent creature from outer space; an extraterrestrial; -- a fictional or hypothetical being, never actually observed.


word: spaceport
definition:
spaceport

space"port
n.
[by analogy with airport.]
a facility where vehicles are launched into space.


word: space probe
definition:
space probe

space" probe
n.
an unmanned rocket carrying instruments to explore objects or conditions in outer space; -- used mostly for vehicles travelling beyond the earth's gravitational field, rather than in orbital or suborbital flight.


word: space shuttle
definition:
space shuttle

space" shut`tle
n.
a reusable vehicle that can carry people or objects into orbit around the earth and return to be used again for subsequent trips; -- distinguished from rockets that are used only once.  The present (1997) American space shuttle is a manned vehicle, having an external fuel tank that is expendable and not re-used.


word: space sickness
definition:
space sickness

space" sick`ness
n.
a group of symptoms, prominently nausea, but sometimes including lethargy, headache, and sweating, occuring under the weightless conditions of space flight.
[RHUD]


word: space station
definition:
space station

space" sta`tion
n.
a manned artificial satellite orbiting the earth designed for extended occupation and use by multiple crews in succession.


word: Space suit
definition:
Space suit

Space suit
n.
a protective suit covering the whole body, completely airtight and designed to withstand internal pressure, worn by astronauts to protect them from the vacuum and other hazards of outer space.  It typically contains an air supply and other life-support equipment to allow functioning independent of any other equipment for a period of time while in space.


word: space-time
definition:
space-time

space-time
n.
the four-dimensional coordinate system in which all physical objects of the known universe are located, and in which all physical events occur; it consists of three spatial dimensions and one time dimension; -- also called the space-time continuum.


word: Space walk
definition:
Space walk

Space walk
n.
any activity by a human outside of the protective environment of a spacecraft while it is in outer space, requiring a space suit to protect the person from the vacuum and other hazards of space.


word: Spacious
definition:
Spacious

Spa"cious
(?)
a.
[L. spatiousus: cf. F. spacieux. See Space, n.]
1.
Extending far and wide; vast in extent.
spacious
Milton.

2.
Inclosing an extended space; having large or ample room; not contracted or narrow; capacious; roomy; as, spacious bounds; a spacious church; a spacious hall.
Spa"cious*ly, adv. -- Spa"cious*ness, n.


word: Spad
definition:
Spad

Spad
(spăd)
n.
(Mining)
A nail one or two inches long, of iron, brass, tin, or tinner iron, with a hole through the flattened head, used to mark stations in underground surveying.


word: Spadassin
definition:
Spadassin

Spa`das`sin"
(?)
n.
[F., fr. It. spadaccino a swordsman, from spada a sword.]
A bravo; a bully; a duelist.
Ld. Lytton.


word: Spade
definition:
Spade

Spade
(?)
n.
[Cf. Spay, n.]
1.
(Zool.)
A hart or stag three years old.
[Written also spaid, spayade.]

2.
[Cf. L. spado.]
A castrated man or beast.


word: Spade₂
definition:
Spade

Spade
n.
[AS. spaed; spada; akin to D. spade, G. spaten, Icel. spaði, Dan. & Sw. spade, L. spatha a spatula, a broad two-edged sword, a spathe, Gr. spa`qh.  Cf. Epaulet, Spade at cards, Spathe, Spatula.]
1.
An implement for digging or cutting the ground, consisting usually of an oblong and nearly rectangular blade of iron, with a handle like that of a shovel.
spade
Milton.

2.
[Sp. espada, literally, a sword; -- so caused because these cards among the Spanish bear the figure of a sword. Sp. espada is fr. L. spatha, Gr. spa`qh. See the Etymology above.]
One of that suit of cards each of which bears one or more figures resembling a spade.

“Let spades be trumps!” she said.
Pope.

3.
A cutting instrument used in flensing a whale.

Spade bayonet, a bayonet with a broad blade which may be used digging; -- called also trowel bayonet. -- Spade handle (Mach.), the forked end of a connecting rod in which a pin is held at both ends. See Illust. of Knuckle joint, under Knuckle.


word: Spade₃
definition:
Spade

Spade
(spād)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Spaded; p. pr. & vb. n. Spading.]
To dig with a spade; to pare off the sward of, as land, with a spade.


word: Spadefish
definition:
Spadefish

Spade"fish`
(spād"fĭsh`)
n.
(Zool.)
An American market fish (Chaetodipterus faber) common on the southern coasts; -- called also angel fish, moonfish, and porgy.


word: Spadefoot
definition:
Spadefoot

Spade"foot`
(spād"fŏt`)
n.
(Zool.)
Any species of burrowing toads of the genus Scaphiopus, esp. Scaphiopus Holbrookii, of the Eastern United States; -- called also spade toad.


word: Spadeful
definition:
Spadeful

Spade"ful
(spād"f&usdot_;l)
n.
pl. Spadefuls (spād"f&usdot_;lz).
[Spade + full.]
As much as a spade will hold or lift.


word: Spadiceous
definition:
Spadiceous

Spa*di"ceous
(?)
a.
[L. spadix, -icis, a date-brown or nut-brown color. See Spadix.]
1.
Of a bright clear brown or chestnut color.
Sir T. Browne.

2.
(Bot.)
Bearing flowers on a spadix; of the nature of a spadix.


word: Spadille
definition:
Spadille

Spa*dille"
(?)
n.
[F., fr. Sp. espadilla, dim. of espada. See Spade a card.]
(Card Playing)
The ace of spades in omber and quadrille.


word: Spadix
definition:
Spadix

Spa"dix
(?)
n.
pl. L. Spadices (#), E. Spadixes (#).
[L., a palm branch broken off, with its fruit, Gr. _;.]
1.
(Bot.)
A fleshy spike of flowers, usually inclosed in a leaf called a spathe.

2.
(Zool.)
A special organ of the nautilus, due to a modification of the posterior tentacles.


word: Spado
definition:
Spado

Spa"do
(?)
n.
pl. Spadones (#).
[L., fr. Gr. _;.]
1.
Same as Spade, 2.

2.
(Law)
An impotent person.


word: Spadroon
definition:
Spadroon

Spa*droon"
(?)
n.
[Cf. F. & Sp. espadon, It. spadone. See Espadon, Spade.]
A sword, especially a broadsword, formerly used both to cut and thrust.


word: Spae
definition:
Spae

Spae
(?)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Spaed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Spaeing.]
[Scot. spae, spay, to foretell, to divine, Icel. spā.]
To foretell; to divine.
[Scot.]


word: Spagyrical
definition:
Spagyrical

Spagyric

{ Spa*gyr"ic (?), Spa*gyr"ic*al (?), }
a.
[LL. sparygicus, fr. Gr. _; to draw, to separate + _; to assemble; cf. F. spagirique.]
Chemical; alchemical.
[Obs.]


word: Spagyrist
definition:
Spagyrist

Spag"y*rist
(?)
n.
[Cf. F. spagiriste.]
1.
A chemist, esp. one devoted to alchemistic pursuits.
[Obs.]

2.
One of a sect which arose in the days of alchemy, who sought to discover remedies for disease by chemical means.  The spagyrists historically preceded the iatrochemists.
Encyc. Brit.


word: Spahee
definition:
Spahee

Spahi

{ &VerbarSpa"hi (?), &VerbarSpa"hee  }
n.
[Per., Turk., & Hind. sipāhī: cf. F. spahi. See Seroy.]
1.
Formerly, one of the Turkish cavalry.

2.
An Algerian cavalryman in the French army.


word: Spale
definition:
Spale

Spale
(?)
n.
[Cf. Spell a splinter.]
1.
A lath; a shaving or chip, as of wood or stone.
[Prov. Eng. & Scot.]

2.
(Shipbuilding)
A strengthening cross timber.


word: Spall₂
definition:
Spall

Spall
n.
[Prov. E. spall, spell. See Spale, Spell a splinter.]
A chip or fragment, especially a chip of stone as struck off the block by the hammer, having at least one feather-edge.


word: Spall₃
definition:
Spall

Spall
v. t.
1.
(Mining)
To break into small pieces, as ore, for the purpose of separating from rock.
Pryce.

2.
(Masonry)
To reduce, as irregular blocks of stone, to an approximately level surface by hammering.


word: Spall₄
definition:
Spall

Spall
v. i.
To give off spalls, or wedge-shaped chips; -- said of stone, as when badly set, with the weight thrown too much on the outer surface.


word: Spalpeen
definition:
Spalpeen

Spal"peen
(?)
n.
[Ir. spailpin, fr. spailp a beau, pride, self-conceit.]
A scamp; an Irish term for a good-for-nothing fellow; -- often used in good-humored contempt or ridicule.
[Colloq.]


word: Spalt
definition:
Spalt

Spalt
(?)
n.
[Cf. G. spaltstein, from spalten to split. See 1st Spell.]
(Metal.)
Spelter.
[Colloq.]


word: Spalt₂
definition:
Spalt

Spalt
a.
[See 1st Spell.]
1.
Liable to break or split; brittle; as, spalt timber.
[Prov. Eng.]
Halliwell.

2.
Heedless; clumsy; pert; saucy.
[Prov. Eng.]


word: Spalt₃
definition:
Spalt

Spalt
v. t. & i.
[Cf. OE. spalden. See Spalt, a.]
To split off; to cleave off, as chips from a piece of timber, with an ax.
[Prov. Eng. & Local, U.S.]


word: Spalting knife
definition:
Spalting knife

Spalt"ing knife`
(?)
A knife used in splitting codfish.
[Written also spalding knife.]


word: Span₂
definition:
Span

Span
n.
[AS. spann; akin to D. span, OHG. spanna, G. spanne, Icel. spönn. √170. See Span, v. t. ]
1.
The space from the thumb to the end of the little finger when extended; nine inches; eighth of a fathom.

2.
Hence, a small space or a brief portion of time.

Yet not to earth's contracted span
Thy goodness let me bound.
Pope.

Life's but a span; I'll every inch enjoy.
Farquhar.

3.
The spread or extent of an arch between its abutments, or of a beam, girder, truss, roof, bridge, or the like, between its supports.

4.
(Naut.)
A rope having its ends made fast so that a purchase can be hooked to the bight; also, a rope made fast in the center so that both ends can be used.

5.
[Cf. D. span, Sw. spann, Dan. spaend, G. gespann. See Span, v. t. ]
A pair of horses or other animals driven together; usually, such a pair of horses when similar in color, form, and action.

Span blocks (Naut.), blocks at the topmast and topgallant-mast heads, for the studding-sail halyards. -- Span counter, an old English child's game, in which one throws a counter on the ground, and another tries to hit it with his counter, or to get his counter so near it that he can span the space between them, and touch both the counters. Halliwell. “Henry V., in whose time boys went to span counter for French crowns.” Shak. -- Span iron (Naut.), a special kind of harpoon, usually secured just below the gunwale of a whaleboat. -- Span roof, a common roof, having two slopes and one ridge, with eaves on both sides. Gwilt. -- Span shackle (Naut.), a large bolt driven through the forecastle deck, with a triangular shackle in the head to receive the heel of the old-fashioned fish davit. Ham. Nav. Encyc.


word: Span₃
definition:
Span

Span
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Spanned (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Spanning.]
[AS. pannan; akin to D. & G. spannen, OHG. spannan, Sw. spänna, Dan. spaende, Icel. spenna, and perh. to Gr. _; to draw, to drag, L. spatium space. √170.  Cf. Spin, v. t., Space, Spasm.]
1.
To measure by the span of the hand with the fingers extended, or with the fingers encompassing the object; as, to span a space or distance; to span a cylinder.

My right hand hath spanned the heavens.
Isa. xiviii. 13.

2.
To reach from one side of to the order; to stretch over as an arch.

The rivers were spanned by arches of solid masonry.
prescott.

3.
To fetter, as a horse; to hobble.


word: Spanaemia
definition:
Spanaemia

Spa*nae"mi*a
(?)
n.
[NL., fr. Gr. _; scarce + _; blood.]
(Med.)
A condition of impoverishment of the blood; a morbid state in which the red corpuscles, or other important elements of the blood, are deficient.


word: Spanaemic
definition:
Spanaemic

Spa*nae"mic
(? or ?)
a.
(Med.)
Of or pertaining to spanaemia; having impoverished blood.


word: Spancel
definition:
Spancel

Span"cel
(?)
n.
[Perhaps span + AS. sāl a rope.]
A rope used for tying or hobbling the legs of a horse or cow.
[Prov. Eng. & Local, U.S.]
Grose.


word: Spancel₂
definition:
Spancel

Span"cel
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Spanceled (?) or Spancelled; p. pr. & vb. n. Spanceling or Spancelling.]
To tie or hobble with a spancel.
[Prov. Eng. & Local, U.S.]
Malone.


word: Spandrel
definition:
Spandrel

Span"drel
(?)
n.
[From Span.]
1.
(Arch.)
The irregular triangular space between the curve of an arch and the inclosing right angle; or the space between the outer moldings of two contiguous arches and a horizontal line above them, or another arch above and inclosing them.

2.
A narrow mat or passe partout for a picture.
[Cant]


word: Spane
definition:
Spane

Spane
(?)
v. t.
[Akin to G. spänen, LG. & D. spennen, AS. spanu a teat.]
To wean.
[Obs. or Prov. Eng.]


word: Spang₂
definition:
Spang

Spang
v. i.
To spring; to bound; to leap.
[Scot.]

But when they spang o'er reason's fence,
We smart for't at our own expense.
Ramsay.


word: Spang₄
definition:
Spang

Spang
n.
[AS. spange a clasp or fastening; akin to D. spang, G. spange, OHG. spanga, Icel. spöng a spangle.]
A spangle or shining ornament.
[Obs.]

With glittering spangs that did like stars appear.
Spenser.


word: Spangle
definition:
Spangle

Span"gle
(?)
n.
[OE. spangel, dim. of AS. spange. See Spang a spangle.]
1.
A small plate or boss of shining metal; something brilliant used as an ornament, especially when stitched on the dress.

2.
Figuratively, any little thing that sparkless.
spangles
Waller.

Oak spangle. See under Oak.


word: Spangle₂
definition:
Spangle

Span"gle
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Spangled (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Spangling (?).]
To set or sprinkle with, or as with, spangles; to adorn with small, distinct, brilliant bodies; as, a spangled breastplate.
Donne.

What stars do spangle heaven with such beauty?
Shak.

Spangled coquette (Zool.), a tropical humming bird (Lophornis reginae). See Coquette, 2.


word: Spangle₃
definition:
Spangle

Span"gle
v. i.
To show brilliant spots or points; to glisten; to glitter.

Some men by feigning words as dark as mine
Make truth to spangle, and its rays to shine.
Bunyan.


word: Spaniel
definition:
Spaniel

Span"iel
(?)
n.
[OF. espagneul, F. épagneul, espagnol Spanish, Sp. españnol, fr. España Spain, from L. Hispania.]
1.
(Zool.)
One of a breed of small dogs having long and thick hair and large drooping ears. The legs are usually strongly feathered, and the tail bushy. See Illust. under Clumber, and Cocker.

&hand_; There are several varieties of spaniels, some of which, known as field spaniels, are used in hunting; others are used for toy or pet dogs, as the Blenheim spaniel, and the King Charles spaniel (see under Blenheim). Of the field spaniels, the larger kinds are called springers, and to these belong the Sussex, Norfolk, and Clumber spaniels (see Clumber). The smaller field spaniels, used in hunting woodcock, are called cocker spaniels (see Cocker). Field spaniels are remarkable for their activity and intelligence.

As a spaniel she will on him leap.
Chaucer.

2.
A cringing, fawning person.
Shak.


word: Spanish
definition:
Spanish

Span"ish
(?)
a.
Of or pertaining to Spain or the Spaniards.

Spanish bayonet (Bot.), a liliaceous plant (Yucca alorifolia) with rigid spine-tipped leaves. The name is also applied to other similar plants of the Southwestern United States and mexico. Called also Spanish daggers. -- Spanish bean (Bot.) See the Note under Bean. -- Spanish black, a black pigment obtained by charring cork. Ure. -- Spanish broom (Bot.), a leguminous shrub (Spartium junceum) having many green flexible rushlike twigs. -- Spanish brown, a species of earth used in painting, having a dark reddish brown color, due to the presence of sesquioxide of iron. -- Spanish buckeye (Bot.), a small tree (Ungnadia speciosa) of Texas, New Mexico, etc., related to the buckeye, but having pinnate leaves and a three-seeded fruit. -- Spanish burton (Naut.), a purchase composed of two single blocks. A double Spanish burton has one double and two single blocks. Luce (Textbook of Seamanship). -- Spanish chalk (Min.), a kind of steatite; -- so called because obtained from Aragon in Spain. -- Spanish cress (Bot.), a cruciferous plant (Lepidium Cadamines), a species of peppergrass. -- Spanish curlew (Zool.), the long-billed curlew. [U.S.] -- Spanish daggers (Bot.) See Spanish bayonet. -- Spanish elm (Bot.), a large West Indian tree (Cordia Gerascanthus) furnishing hard and useful timber. -- Spanish feretto, a rich reddish brown pigment obtained by calcining copper and sulphur together in closed crucibles. -- Spanish flag (Zool.), the California rockfish (Sebastichthys rubrivinctus). It is conspicuously colored with bands of red and white. -- Spanish fly (Zool.), a brilliant green beetle, common in the south of Europe, used for raising blisters. See Blister beetle under Blister, and Cantharis. -- Spanish fox (Naut.), a yarn twisted against its lay. -- Spanish grass. (Bot.) See Esparto. -- Spanish juice (Bot.), licorice. -- Spanish leather. See Cordwain. -- Spanish mackerel. (Zool.) (a) A species of mackerel (Scomber colias) found both in Europe and America. In America called chub mackerel, big-eyed mackerel, and bull mackerel. (b) In the United States, a handsome mackerel having bright yellow round spots (Scomberomorus maculatus), highly esteemed as a food fish. The name is sometimes erroneously applied to other species. See Illust. under Mackerel. -- Spanish main, the name formerly given to the southern portion of the Caribbean Sea, together with the contiguous coast, embracing the route traversed by Spanish treasure ships from the New to the Old World. -- Spanish moss. (Bot.) See Tillandsia (and note at that entry). -- Spanish needles (Bot.), a composite weed (Bidens bipinnata) having achenia armed with needlelike awns. -- Spanish nut (Bot.), a bulbous plant (Iris Sisyrinchium) of the south of Europe. -- Spanish potato (Bot.), the sweet potato. See under Potato. -- Spanish red, an ocherous red pigment resembling Venetian red, but slightly yellower and warmer. Fairholt. -- Spanish reef (Naut.), a knot tied in the head of a jib-headed sail. -- Spanish sheep (Zool.), a merino. -- Spanish white, an impalpable powder prepared from chalk by pulverizing and repeated washings, -- used as a white pigment. -- Spanish windlass (Naut.), a wooden roller, with a rope wound about it, into which a marline spike is thrust to serve as a lever.


word: Spank
definition:
Spank

Spank
(spă&nsmacr_;k)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Spanked (spă&nsmacr_;kt); p. pr. & vb. n. Spanking.]
[Of unknown origin; cf. LG. spakken, spenkern, to run and spring about quickly.]
To strike, as the breech, with the open hand; to slap.


word: Spank₃
definition:
Spank

Spank
v. i.
To move with a quick, lively step between a trot and gallop; to move quickly.
Thackeray.


word: Spanker
definition:
Spanker

Spank"er
(spă&nsmacr_;k"ẽr)
n.
1.
One who spanks, or anything used as an instrument for spanking.

2.
(Naut.)
The after sail of a ship or bark, being a fore-and-aft sail attached to a boom and gaff; -- sometimes called driver. See Illust. under Sail.
Totten.

3.
One who takes long, quick strides in walking; also, a fast horse.
[Colloq.]

4.
Something very large, or larger than common; a whopper, as a stout or tall person.
[Colloq.]

Spanker boom (Naut.), a boom to which a spanker sail is attached. See Illust. of Ship.


word: spanking
definition:
spanking

spank"ing
a.
1.
Moving with a quick, lively pace, or capable of so doing; dashing.

Four spanking grays ready harnessed.
G. Colman, the Younger.

2.
Large; considerable.
[Colloq.]

3.
Very; extremely; -- used especially in the phrase spanking new or brand spanking new, meaning completely new and unused.
[informal]


word: spanner
definition:
spanner

span"ner
(spăn"nẽr)
n.
1.
One who, or that which, spans.

2.
The lock of a fusee or carbine; also, the fusee or carbine itself.
[Obs.]

3.
An iron instrument having a jaw to fit a nut or the head of a bolt, and used as a lever to turn it with; a wrench; specifically, a wrench for unscrewing or tightening the couplings of hose.
[Chiefly British usage]

4.
pl.
A contrivance in some of the earlier steam engines for moving the valves for the alternate admission and shutting off of the steam.


word: span-new
definition:
span-new

span"-new`
(spăn"nū`)
a.
[Icel. spānn&ymacr_;r, properly, new as a ship just split; spānn chip + n&ymacr_;r new. See Spoon, and New.]
Quite new; brand-new; fire-new.
span-new
Fuller.


word: spannishing
definition:
spannishing

span"nish*ing
(spăn"nĭsh*ĭng)
n.
[From OF. espanir to spread, F. épanouir. See Expand.]
The full blooming of a flower.
[Obs.]
Rom. of R.


word: spanworm
definition:
spanworm

span"worm`
(spăn"wûrm`)
n.
(Zool.)
The larva of any geometrid moth, as the cankerworm; a geometer; a measuring worm.


word: spar
definition:
spar

spar
(spär)
n.
[AS. spaer in spaerstān chalkstone; akin to MHG. spar, G. sparkalk plaster.]
(Min.)
An old name for a nonmetallic mineral, usually cleavable and somewhat lustrous; as, calc spar, or calcite, fluor spar, etc.  It was especially used in the case of the gangue minerals of a metalliferous vein.

Blue spar, Cube spar, etc. See under Blue, Cube, etc.


word: Spar
definition:
Spar

Spar
n.
[OE. sparre; akin to D. spar, G. sparren, OHG. sparro, Dan. & Sw. sparre, Icel. sparri; of uncertain origin.  √171.  Cf. Spar, v. t. ]
1.
(Naut.)
A general term any round piece of timber used as a mast, yard, boom, or gaff.

2.
(Arch.)
Formerly, a piece of timber, in a general sense; -- still applied locally to rafters.

3.
The bar of a gate or door.
[Obs.]
Chaucer.

Spar buoy (Naut.), a buoy anchored by one end so that the other end rises above the surface of the water. -- Spar deck (Naut.), the upper deck of a vessel; especially, in a frigate, the deck which is continued in a straight line from the quarter-deck to the forecastle, and on which spare spars are usually placed. See under Deck. -- Spar torpedo (Naut.), a torpedo carried on the end of a spar usually projecting from the bow of a vessel, and intended to explode upon contact with an enemy's ships.


word: Spar₂
definition:
Spar

Spar
v. t.
[OE. sparren, AS. sparrian; akin to G. sperren, Icel. sperra; from the noun. √171. See Spara beam, bar.]
1.
To bolt; to bar.
[Obs.]
Chaucer.

2.
To To supply or equip with spars, as a vessel.

&hand_; A vessel equipped with spars that are too large or too small is said to be oversparred or undersparred.


word: Spar₃
definition:
Spar

Spar
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Sparred (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Sparring.]
[Of uncertain origin; cf. OF. esparer to kick, F. éparer, or Icel. sperra to stretch out the legs, to struggle.]
1.
To strike with the feet or spurs, as cocks do.

2.
To use the fists and arms scientifically in attack or defense; to contend or combat with the fists, as for exercise or amusement; to box.

Made believe to spar at Paul with great science.
Dickens.

3.
To contest in words; to wrangle.
[Colloq.]


word: Sparable
definition:
Sparable

Spar"a*ble
(?)
n.
[Corrupted from sparrow bill.]
A kind of small nail used by shoemakers.


word: Sparada
definition:
Sparada

Spar"a*da
(?)
n.
(Zool.)
A small California surf fish (Micrometrus aggregatus); -- called also shiner.


word: Sparadrap
definition:
Sparadrap

Spar"a*drap
(?)
n.
[F. sparadrap; cf. It. sparadrappo, NL. sparadrapa.]
1.
A cerecloth.
[Obs.]

2.
(Med.)
Any adhesive plaster.


word: Sparagrass
definition:
Sparagrass

Sparagus

Sparage

{ Spar"age (?; 48), Spar"a*gus (?), Spar"a*grass` (?), }
n.
Obs. or corrupt forms of Asparagus.


word: Sparble
definition:
Sparble

Spar"ble
(?)
v. t.
[OF. esparpiller to scatter, F. éparpiller.]
To scatter; to disperse; to rout.
[Obs.]

The king's host was sparbled and chased.
Fabyan.


word: Spare
definition:
Spare

Spare
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Spared (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Sparing.]
[AS. sparian, fr. spaer spare, sparing, saving; akin to D. & G. sparen, OHG. spar_;n, Icel. & Sw. spara, Dan. spare See Spare, a.]
1.
To use frugally or stintingly, as that which is scarce or valuable; to retain or keep unused; to save.
spare
Chaucer.

[Thou] thy Father's dreadful thunder didst not spare.
Milton.

He that hath knowledge, spareth his words.
Prov. xvii. 27.

2.
To keep to one's self; to forbear to impart or give.

Be pleased your plitics to spare.
Dryden.

Spare my sight the pain
Of seeing what a world of tears it costs you.
Dryden.

3.
To preserve from danger or punishment; to forbear to punish, injure, or harm; to show mercy to.

Spare us, good Lord.
Book of Common Prayer.

Dim sadness did not spare
That time celestial visages.
Milton.

Man alone can whom he conquers spare.
Waller.

4.
To save or gain, as by frugality; to reserve, as from some occupation, use, or duty.

All the time he could spare from the necessary cares of his weighty charge, he _;estowed on . . . serving of God.
Knolles.

5.
To deprive one's self of, as by being frugal; to do without; to dispense with; to give up; to part with.

Where angry Jove did never spare
One breath of kind and temperate air.
Roscommon.

I could have better spared a better man.
Shak.

To spare one's self. (a) To act with reserve. [Obs.]
[1913 Webster]
Her thought that a lady should her spare. Chaucer.
[1913 Webster]
(b) To save one's self labor, punishment, or blame.


word: Spare₂
definition:
Spare

Spare
(?)
v. i.
1.
To be frugal; not to be profuse; to live frugally; to be parsimonious.

I, who at some times spend, at others spare,
Divided between carelessness and care.
Pope.

2.
To refrain from inflicting harm; to use mercy or forbearance.

He will not spare in the day of vengeance.
Prov. vi. 34.

3.
To desist; to stop; to refrain.
[Obs.]
Chaucer.


word: Spare₃
definition:
Spare

Spare
a.
[Compar. Sparer (?); superl. Sparest; -- not used in all the senses of the word.]
[AS. spaer sparing.  Cf. Spare, v. t. ]
1.
Scanty; not abundant or plentiful; as, a spare diet.

2.
Sparing; frugal; parsimonious; chary.

He was spare, but discreet of speech.
Carew.

3.
Being over and above what is necessary, or what must be used or reserved; not wanted, or not used; superfluous; as, I have no spare time.

If that no spare clothes he had to give.
Spenser.

4.
Held in reserve, to be used in an emergency; as, a spare anchor; a spare bed or room.

5.
Lean; wanting flesh; meager; thin; gaunt.

O, give me the spare men, and spare me the great ones.
Shak.

6.
Slow.
[Obs. or prov. Eng.]
Grose.


word: Spare₄
definition:
Spare

Spare
(?)
n.
1.
The act of sparing; moderation; restraint.
[Obs.]

Killing for sacrifice, without any spare.
Holland.

2.
Parsimony; frugal use.
[Obs.]
Bacon.

Poured out their plenty without spite or spare.
Spenser.

3.
An opening in a petticoat or gown; a placket.
[Obs.]

4.
That which has not been used or expended.

5.
(Tenpins)
The right of bowling again at a full set of pins, after having knocked all the pins down in less than three bowls. If all the pins are knocked down in one bowl it is a double spare; in two bowls, a single spare.  For the meaning in  modern bowling, see sense 6.

6.
(Bowling)
The act of knocking down all ten pins in two bowls, which entitles the bowler to add the number of pins knocked down in the next bowl to the score for the frame in which the spare occurred.


word: Spareness
definition:
Spareness

Spare"ness
n.
[Cf. AS. spaernis frugality.]
The quality or state of being lean or thin; leanness.


word: Sparerib
definition:
Sparerib

Spare"rib`
(?)
n.
[Spare, a. + rib.]
A piece of pork, consisting or ribs with little flesh on them.


word: Sparge
definition:
Sparge

Sparge
(?)
v. t.
[L. spargere; cf. F. asperger.]
To sprinkle; to moisten by sprinkling; as, to sparge paper.


word: Spargefaction
definition:
Spargefaction

Spar`ge*fac"tion
(?)
n.
[L. spargere to strew + facere, factum, to make.]
The act of sprinkling.
[Obs.]
Swift.


word: Sparger
definition:
Sparger

Spar"ger
(?)
n.
[Cf. F. asperger to sprinkle, L. aspergere, spargere.]
A vessel with a perforated cover, for sprinkling with a liquid; a sprinkler.


word: Spark
definition:
Spark

Spark
(?)
n.
[OE. sparke, AS. spearca; akin to D. spark, sperk; cf. Icel. spraka to crackle, Lith. spragëti, Gr. _; a bursting with a noise, Skr. sph_;rj to crackle, to thunder.  Cf. Speak.]
1.
A small particle of fire or ignited substance which is emitted by a body in combustion.

Man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward.
Job v. 7.

2.
A small, shining body, or transient light; a sparkle.

3.
That which, like a spark, may be kindled into a flame, or into action; a feeble germ; an elementary principle.
spark
Shak.
spark
Macaulay.
spark
Pope.

We have here and there a little clear light, some sparks of bright knowledge.
Locke.

Bright gem instinct with music, vocal spark.
Wordsworth.

Spark arrester, a contrivance to prevent the escape of sparks while it allows the passage of gas, -- chiefly used in the smokestack of a wood-burning locomotive. Called also spark consumer. [U.S.]


word: Spark₂
definition:
Spark

Spark
n.
[Icel. sparkr lively, sprightly.]
1.
A brisk, showy, gay man.

The finest sparks and cleanest beaux.
Prior.

2.
A lover; a gallant; a beau.


word: Spark₃
definition:
Spark

Spark
v. i.
1.
To sparkle.
[Obs.]
Spenser.

2.
(Elec.)
To produce, or give off, sparks, as a dynamo at the commutator when revolving under the collecting brushes.


word: Spark₄
definition:
Spark

Spark
v. i.
To play the spark, beau, or lover.

A sure sign that his master was courting, or, as it is termed, sparking, within.
W. Irwing.


word: Spark coil
definition:
Spark coil

Spark coil
(Elec.)
(a)
An induction coil used for producing sparks, esp. in an internal-combustion engine, wireless telegraph apparatus, etc.
(b)
A self-induction coil used to increase the spark in an electric gas-lighting apparatus.


word: Spark gap
definition:
Spark gap

Spark gap
(Elec.)
The space filled with air or other dielectric between high potential terminals (as of an electrostatic machine, induction coil, or condenser), through which the discharge passes; the air gap of a jump spark.


word: Sparkish
definition:
Sparkish

Spark"ish
a.
1.
Like a spark; airy; gay.
W. Walsh.

2.
Showy; well-dresed; fine.
L'Estrange.


word: Sparkle
definition:
Sparkle

Spar"kle
(?)
n.
[Dim. of spark.]
1.
A little spark; a scintillation.

As fire is wont to quicken and go
From a sparkle sprungen amiss,
Till a city brent up is.
Chaucer.

The shock was sufficiently strong to strike out some sparkles of his fiery temper.
Prescott.

2.
Brilliancy; luster; as, the sparkle of a diamond.


word: Sparkle₂
definition:
Sparkle

Spar"kle
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Sparkled (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Sparkling (?).]
[See Sparkle, n., Spark of fire.]
1.
To emit sparks; to throw off ignited or incandescent particles; to shine as if throwing off sparks; to emit flashes of light; to scintillate; to twinkle; as, the blazing wood sparkles; the stars sparkle.

A mantelet upon his shoulder hanging
Bretful of rubies red, as fire sparkling.
Chaucer.

2.
To manifest itself by, or as if by, emitting sparks; to glisten; to flash.

I see bright honor sparkle through your eyes.
Milton.

3.
To emit little bubbles, as certain kinds of liquors; to effervesce; as, sparkling wine.


word: Sparkle₄
definition:
Sparkle

Spar"kle
v. t.
[Cf. Sparble.]
1.
To disperse.
[Obs.]

The Landgrave hath sparkled his army without any further enterprise.
State Papers.

2.
To scatter on or over.
[Obs.]
Purchas.


word: Sparkler
definition:
Sparkler

Spar"kler
(?)
n.
One who scatters; esp., one who scatters money; an improvident person.
[Obs.]


word: Sparkling
definition:
Sparkling

Spar"kling
(?)
a.
Emitting sparks; glittering; flashing; brilliant; lively; as, sparkling wine; sparkling eyes.
Spar"kling*ly, adv. -- Spar"kling*ness, n.


word: Spark plug
definition:
Spark plug

Spark plug
In internal-combustion engines with electric ignition, a plug, screwed into the cylinder head, connected with the induction coil or magneto circuit on the outside, and used to produce a spark to ignite the fuel-air mixture in the engine.


word: Sparling
definition:
Sparling

Spar"ling
(?)
n.
[Akin to G. spierling, spiering, D. spiering: cf. F. éperlan.]
(Zool.)
(a)
The European smelt (Osmerus eperlanus).
(b)
A young salmon.
(c)
A tern.
[Scot. & Prov. Eng.]


word: Sparlyre
definition:
Sparlyre

Spar"lyre`
(?)
n.
[AS. spear-lira.]
The calf of the leg.
[Obs.]
Wyclif (Deut. xxviii. 35).


word: Sparoid
definition:
Sparoid

Spa"roid
(?; 277)
a.
[L. sparus the gilthead + -oid: cf. F. sparoïde.]
(Zool.)
Of or pertaining to the Sparidae, a family of spinous-finned fishes which includes the scup, sheepshead, and sea bream.
n. One of the Sparidae.


word: Sparrow
definition:
Sparrow

Spar"row
(?)
n.
[OE. sparwe, AS. spearwa; akin to OHG. sparo, G. sperling, Icel. spörr, Dan. spurv, spurre, Sw. sparf, Goth. sparwa; -- originally, probably, the quiverer or flutterer, and akin to E. spurn. See Spurn, and cf. Spavin.]
1.
(Zool.)
One of many species of small singing birds of the family Fringilligae, having conical bills, and feeding chiefly on seeds. Many sparrows are called also finches, and buntings. The common sparrow, or house sparrow, of Europe (Passer domesticus) is noted for its familiarity, its voracity, its attachment to its young, and its fecundity. See House sparrow, under House.

&hand_; The following American species are well known; the chipping sparrow, or chippy, the sage sparrow, the savanna sparrow, the song sparrow, the tree sparrow, and the white-throated sparrow (see Peabody bird). See these terms under Sage, Savanna, etc.

2.
(Zool.)
Any one of several small singing birds somewhat resembling the true sparrows in form or habits, as the European hedge sparrow. See under Hedge.

He that doth the ravens feed,
Yea, providently caters for the sparrow,
Be comfort to my age!
Shak.

Field sparrow, Fox sparrow, etc. See under Field, Fox, etc. -- Sparrow bill, a small nail; a castiron shoe nail; a sparable. -- Sparrow hawk. (Zool.) (a) A small European hawk (Accipiter nisus) or any of the allied species. (b) A small American falcon (Falco sparverius). (c) The Australian collared sparrow hawk (Accipiter torquatus). The name is applied to other small hawks, as the European kestrel and the New Zealand quail hawk. -- Sparrow owl (Zool.), a small owl (Glaucidium passerinum) found both in the Old World and the New. The name is also applied to other species of small owls. -- Sparrow spear (Zool.), the female of the reed bunting. [Prov. Eng.]


word: Sparrowgrass
definition:
Sparrowgrass

Spar"row*grass`
(?)
n.
[Corrupted from asparagus.]
Asparagus.
[Colloq.]
See the Note under Asparagus.


word: Sparry
definition:
Sparry

Spar"ry
(?)
a.
[From Spar.]
Resembling spar, or consisting of spar; abounding with spar; having a confused crystalline structure; spathose.

Sparry iron (Min.), siderite. See Siderite (a). -- Sparry limestone (Min.), a coarsely crystalline marble.


word: Sparse
definition:
Sparse

Sparse
(?)
a.
[Compar. Sparser (?); superl. Sparsest.]
[L. sparsus, p. p. of spargere to strew, scatter.  Cf. Asperse, Disperse.]
1.
Thinly scattered; set or planted here and there; not being dense or close together; as, a sparse population.
Carlyle.

2.
(Bot.)
Placed irregularly and distantly; scattered; -- applied to branches, leaves, peduncles, and the like.


word: Sparse₂
definition:
Sparse

Sparse
v. t.
[L. sparsus, p. p. of spargere to scatter.]
To scatter; to disperse.
[Obs.]
Spenser.


word: Spartan
definition:
Spartan

Spar"tan
(?)
a.
[L. Spartanus.]
Of or pertaining to Sparta, especially to ancient Sparta; hence, hardy; undaunted; as, Spartan souls; Spartan bravey.
n. A native or inhabitant of Sparta; figuratively, a person of great courage and fortitude.


word: Sparteine
definition:
Sparteine

Spar"te*ine
(?)
n.
(Chem.)
A narcotic alkaloid extracted from the tops of the common broom (Cytisus scoparius, formerly Spartium scoparium), as a colorless oily liquid of aniline-like odor and very bitter taste.


word: Sparterie
definition:
Sparterie

Spar"ter*ie
(?)
n.
[F., from Sp. esparto esparto, L. spartum, Gr. _;.]
Articles made of the blades or fiber of the Lygeum Spartum and Stipa tenacissima (syn. Macrochloa tenacissima), kinds of grass used in Spain and other countries for making ropes, mats, baskets, nets, and mattresses.
Loudon.


word: Sparth
definition:
Sparth

Sparth
(?)
n.
[Cf. Icel. spar_;a.]
An Anglo-Saxon battle-ax, or halberd.
[Obs.]

He hath a sparth of twenty pound of weight.
Chaucer.


word: Spasm
definition:
Spasm

Spasm
(?)
n.
[F. spasme, L. spasmus, Gr. _;, from _;, _;, to draw, to cause convulsion.  Cf. Span, v. t.]
1.
(Med.)
An involuntary and unnatural contraction of one or more muscles or muscular fibers.

&hand_; Spasm are usually either clonic or tonic. In clonic spasm, the muscles or muscular fibers contract and relax alternately in very quick succession. In tonic spasm, the contraction is steady and uniform, and continues for a comparatively long time, as in tetanus.

2.
A sudden, violent, and temporary effort or emotion; as, a spasm of repentance.

Cynic spasm (Med.) See under Cynic. -- Spasm of the chest. See Angina pectoris, under Angina.


word: Spasmodic
definition:
Spasmodic

Spas"mod"ic
(?)
a.
[Gr. _;; _; a convulsion + _; likeness: cf. F. spasmotique.]
1.
(Med.)
Of or pertaining to spasm; consisting in spasm; occuring in, or characterized by, spasms; as, a spasmodic asthma.

2.
Soon relaxed or exhausted; convulsive; intermittent; as, spasmodic zeal or industry.

Spasmodic croup (Med.), an affection of childhood characterized by a stoppage of brathing developed suddenly and without fever, and produced by spasmodic contraction of the vocal cords. It is sometimes fatal. Called also laryngismus stridulus, and childcrowing. -- Spasmodic stricture, a stricture caused by muscular spasm without structural change. See Organic stricture, under Organic.


word: Spastic
definition:
Spastic

Spas"tic
(?)
a.
[L. spasticus, Gr. _;, fr. _; to draw: cf. F. spastique. See Spasm.]
(Med.)
Of or pertaining to spasm; spasmodic; especially, pertaining to tonic spasm; tetanic.


word: Spasticity
definition:
Spasticity

Spas*tic"i*ty
(?)
n.
1.
A state of spasm.

2.
The tendency to, or capability of suffering, spasm.


word: Spat₂
definition:
Spat

Spat
n.
[From the root of spit; hence, literally, that which is ejected.]
A young oyster or other bivalve mollusk, both before and after it first becomes adherent, or such young, collectively.


word: Spat₄
definition:
Spat

Spat
n.
[Cf. Pat.]
1.
A light blow with something flat.
[U.S. & Prov. Eng.]

2.
Hence, a petty combat, esp. a verbal one; a little quarrel, dispute, or dissension.
[U. S.]


word: Spat₆
definition:
Spat

Spat
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Spatted; p. pr. & vb. n. Spatting.]
To slap, as with the open hand; to clap together; as the hands.
[Local, U.S.]

Little Isabel leaped up and down, spatting her hands.
Judd.


word: Spat₇
definition:
Spat

Spat
n.
[Short for Spatterdash.]
1.
A legging; a gaiter.
[Scot. & Dial. Eng.]

2.
A kind of short cloth or leather gaiter worn over the upper part of the shoe and fastened beneath the instep; -- chiefly in pl.


word: Spatangoid
definition:
Spatangoid

Spa*tan"goid
(?)
a.
(Zool.)
Of or pertaining to the Spatangoidea.
n. One of the Spatangoidea.


word: Spatangoidea
definition:
Spatangoidea

Spat`an*goi"de*a
(?)
n. pl.
[NL. See Spatangus, and -oid.]
(Zool.)
An order of irregular sea urchins, usually having a more or less heart-shaped shell with four or five petal-like ambulacra above. The mouth is edentulous and situated anteriorly, on the under side.


word: Spatangus
definition:
Spatangus

Spa*tan"gus
(?)
n.
[NL., fr. L. spatangius a kind of sea urchin, Gr. _;.]
(Zool.)
A genus of heart-shaped sea urchins belonging to the Spatangoidea.


word: Spate
definition:
Spate

Spate
(?)
n.
[Of Celtic origin; cf. Ir. speid.]
A river flood; an overflow or inundation.
Burns.

Gareth in a showerful spring
Stared at the spate.
Tennyson.


word: Spathe
definition:
Spathe

Spathe
(?)
n.
[L. spatha, Gr. _;: cf. F. spathe. See Spade for digging.]
(Bot.)
A special involucre formed of one leaf and inclosing a spadix, as in aroid plants and palms. See the Note under Bract, and Illust. of Spadix.

&hand_; The name is also given to the several-leaved involucre of the iris and other similar plants.


word: Spathic
definition:
Spathic

Spath"ic
(?)
a.
[Cf. F. spathique, fr. F. & G. spath spar.]
Like spar; foliated or lamellar; spathose.

Spathic iron (Min.), siderite. See Siderite (a).


word: Spathiform
definition:
Spathiform

Spath"i*form
(?)
a.
[F. spathiforme.]
Resembling spar in form.
spathiform
Lavoisier (Trans.).


word: Spathose₂
definition:
Spathose

Spath"ose`
a.
[See Spathe.]
(Bot.)
Having a spathe; resembling a spathe; spatheceous; spathal.


word: Spatiate
definition:
Spatiate

Spa"ti*ate
(?)
v. t.
[L. spatiatus, p. p. of spatiari, fr. spatiatum. See Space.]
To rove; to ramble.
[Obs.]
Bacon.


word: Spatter
definition:
Spatter

Spat"ter
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Spattered (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Spattering.]
[From the root of spit salvia.]
1.
To sprinkle with a liquid or with any wet substance, as water, mud, or the like; to make wet of foul spots upon by sprinkling; as, to spatter a coat; to spatter the floor; to spatter boots with mud.

Upon any occasion he is to be spattered over with the blood of his people.
Burke.

2.
To distribute by sprinkling; to sprinkle around; as, to spatter blood.
Pope.

3.
Fig.: To injure by aspersion; to defame; to soil; also, to throw out in a defamatory manner.


word: Spatter₂
definition:
Spatter

Spat"ter
v. i.
To throw something out of the mouth in a scattering manner; to sputter.

That mind must needs be irrecoverably depraved, which, . . . tasting but once of one just deed, spatters at it, and abhors the relish ever after.
Milton.


word: Spatterdashes
definition:
Spatterdashes

Spat"ter*dash`es
(?)
n. pl.
[Spatter + dash.]
Coverings for the legs, to protect them from water and mud; long gaiters.


word: Spattle₂
definition:
Spattle

Spat"tle
n.
1.
A spatula.

2.
(Pottery)
A tool or implement for mottling a molded article with coloring matter
Knoght.


word: Spattling-poppy
definition:
Spattling-poppy

Spat"tling-pop"py
(?)
n.
[Prov. E. spattle to spit + E. poppy.]
(Bot.)
A kind of catchfly (Silene inflata) which is sometimes frothy from the action of captured insects.


word: Spatula
definition:
Spatula

Spat"u*la
(?; 135)
n.
[L. spatula, spathula, dim. of spatha a spatula: F. spatule. See Spade for digging.]
An implement shaped like a knife, flat, thin, and somewhat flexible, used for spreading paints, fine plasters, drugs in compounding prescriptions, etc.  Cf. Palette knife, under Palette.


word: Spatulate
definition:
Spatulate

Spat"u*late
(?)
a.
[NL. spatulatus.]
(Nat. Hist.)
Shaped like spatula, or like a battledoor, being roundish, with a long, narrow, linear base.
[Also written spathulate.]


word: Spavin
definition:
Spavin

Spav"in
(?)
n.
[OE. spaveyne, OF. esparvain, F. éparvin; akin to OF. espervier a sparrow hawk, F. épervier, fr. OHG. sparwāri (G. sperber), fr. OHG. sparo sparrow, because this disease makes the horse raise the infirm leg in the manner of a sparrow hawk or sparrow. See Sparrow.]
(Far.)
A disease of horses characterized by a bony swelling developed on the hock as the result of inflammation of the bones; also, the swelling itself. The resulting lameness is due to the inflammation, and not the bony tumor as popularly supposed.
Harbaugh.

Bog spavin, a soft swelling produced by distention of the capsular ligament of the hock; -- called also blood spavin. -- Bone spavin, spavin attended with exostosis; ordinary spavin.


word: Spawl₂
definition:
Spawl

Spawl
n.
[Cf. AS. spātl, fr. sp&aemacr_;tan to spit; probably akin to spīwan, E. spew.  Cf. Spew.]
Scattered or ejected spittle.


word: Spawl₃
definition:
Spawl

Spawl
v. i. & t.
[imp. & p. p. Spawled (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Spawling.]
[Cf. AS. spātlian.]
To scatter spittle from the mouth; to spit, as saliva.

Why must he sputter, spawl, and slaver it
In vain, against the people's favorite.
Swift.


word: Spawn
definition:
Spawn

Spawn
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Spawned (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Spawning.]
[OE. spanen, OF. espandre, properly, to shed, spread, L. expandere to spread out. See Expand.]
1.
To produce or deposit (eggs), as fishes or frogs do.

2.
To bring forth; to generate; -- used in contempt.

One edition [of books] spawneth another.
Fuller.


word: Spawn₂
definition:
Spawn

Spawn
v. i.
1.
To deposit eggs, as fish or frogs do.

2.
To issue, as offspring; -- used contemptuously.


word: Spawn₃
definition:
Spawn

Spawn
n.
[√170. See Spawn, v. t.]
1.
The ova, or eggs, of fishes, oysters, and other aquatic animals.

2.
Any product or offspring; -- used contemptuously.

3.
(Hort.)
The buds or branches produced from underground stems.

4.
(Bot.)
The white fibrous matter forming the matrix from which fungi.

Spawn eater (Zool.), a small American cyprinoid fish (Notropis Hudsonius) allied to the dace.


word: Spawner
definition:
Spawner

Spawn"er
(?)
n.
1.
(Zool.)
A mature female fish.

The barbel, for the preservation or their seed, both the spawner and the milter, cover their spawn with sand.
Walton.

2.
Whatever produces spawn of any kind.


word: Spay
definition:
Spay

Spay
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Spayed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Spaying.]
[Cf. Armor. spac'hein, spaza to geld, W. dyspaddu to geld, L. spado a eunuch, Gr. _;.]
To remove or extirpate the ovaries of, as a sow or a bitch; to castrate (a female animal).


word: Spay₂
definition:
Spay

Spay
n.
[Cf. Spade a spay, Spay, v. t.]
(Zool.)
The male of the red deer in his third year; a spade.


word: Speak
definition:
Speak

Speak
(?)
v. i.
[imp. Spoke (?) (Spake (_;) Archaic); p. p. Spoken (?) (Spoke, Obs. or Colloq.); p. pr. & vb. n. Speaking.]
[OE. speken, AS. specan, sprecan; akin to OF.ries. spreka, D. spreken, OS. spreken, G. sprechen, OHG. sprehhan, and perhaps to Skr. sphūrj to crackle, to thunder.  Cf. Spark of fire, Speech.]
1.
To utter words or articulate sounds, as human beings; to express thoughts by words; as, the organs may be so obstructed that a man may not be able to speak.

Till at the last spake in this manner.
Chaucer.

Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth.
1 Sam. iii. 9.

2.
To express opinions; to say; to talk; to converse.

That fluid substance in a few minutes begins to set, as the tradesmen speak.
Boyle.

An honest man, is able to speak for himself, when a knave is not.
Shak.

During the century and a half which followed the Conquest, there is, to speak strictly, no English history.
Macaulay.

3.
To utter a speech, discourse, or harangue; to adress a public assembly formally.

Many of the nobility made themselves popular by speaking in Parliament against those things which were most grateful to his majesty.
Clarendon.

4.
To discourse; to make mention; to tell.

Lycan speaks of a part of Caesar's army that came to him from the Leman Lake.
Addison.

5.
To give sound; to sound.

Make all our trumpets speak.
Shak.

6.
To convey sentiments, ideas, or intelligence as if by utterance; as, features that speak of self-will.

Thine eye begins to speak.
Shak.

To speak of, to take account of, to make mention of. Robynson (More's Utopia). -- To speak out, to speak loudly and distinctly; also, to speak unreservedly. -- To speak well for, to commend; to be favorable to. -- To speak with, to converse with. “Would you speak with me?” Shak.


word: Speak₂
definition:
Speak

Speak
(?)
v. t.
1.
To utter with the mouth; to pronounce; to utter articulately, as human beings.

They sat down with him upn ground seven days and seven nights, and none spake a word unto him.
Job. ii. 13.

2.
To utter in a word or words; to say; to tell; to declare orally; as, to speak the truth; to speak sense.

3.
To declare; to proclaim; to publish; to make known; to exhibit; to express in any way.

It is my father;s muste
To speak your deeds.
Shak.

Speaking a still good morrow with her eyes.
Tennyson.

And for the heaven's wide circuit, let it speak
The maker's high magnificence.
Milton.

Report speaks you a bonny monk.
Sir W. Scott.

4.
To talk or converse in; to utter or pronounce, as in conversation; as, to speak Latin.

And French she spake full fair and fetisely.
Chaucer.

5.
To address; to accost; to speak to.

[He will] thee in hope; he will speak thee fair.
Ecclus. xiii. 6.

each village senior paused to scan
And speak the lovely caravan.
Emerson.

To speak a ship (Naut.), to hail and speak to her captain or commander.


word: Speakable
definition:
Speakable

Speak"a*ble
(?)
a.
1.
Capable of being spoken; fit to be spoken.
Ascham.

2.
Able to speak.
Milton.


word: speakeasy
definition:
speakeasy

speak"eas`y
(spēk"ē`ze̝)
n.
An establishment where alcoholic beverages were sold and drunk illegally, especially one operating during the prohibition era in the U.S. (1920-1932); a tavern or nightclub illegally selling alcoholic beverages.


word: Speaker
definition:
Speaker

Speak"er
(?)
n.
1.
One who speaks.
(a)
One who utters or pronounces a discourse; usually, one who utters a speech in public; as, the man is a good speaker, or a bad speaker.
(b)
One who is the mouthpiece of others; especially, one who presides over, or speaks for, a delibrative assembly, preserving order and regulating the debates; as, the Speaker of the House of Commons, originally, the mouthpiece of the House to address the king; the Speaker of a House of Representatives.

2.
A book of selections for declamation.
[U. S.]


word: Speakership
definition:
Speakership

Speak"er*ship
n.
The office of speaker; as, the speakership of the House of Representatives.


word: Speaking
definition:
Speaking

Speak"ing
a.
1.
Uttering speech; used for conveying speech; as, man is a speaking animal; a speaking tube.

2.
Seeming to be capable of speech; hence, lifelike; as, a speaking likeness.

A speaking acquaintance, a slight acquaintance with a person, or one which merely permits the exchange of salutations and remarks on indifferent subjects. -- Speaking trumpet, an instrument somewhat resembling a trumpet, by which the sound of the human voice may be so intensified as to be conveyed to a great distance. -- Speaking tube, a tube for conveying speech, especially from one room to another at a distance. -- To be on speaking terms, to be slightly acquainted.


word: Spear
definition:
Spear

Spear
(?)
n.
[OE. spere, AS. spere; akin to D. & G. speer, OS. & OHS. sper, Icel. spjör, pl., Dan. spaer, L. sparus.]
1.
A long, pointed weapon, used in war and hunting, by thrusting or throwing; a weapon with a long shaft and a sharp head or blade; a lance.
[See Illust. of Spearhead.]
spear
Chaucer.

They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks.
Micah iv. 3.

2.
Fig.: A spearman.
Sir W. Scott.

3.
A sharp-pointed instrument with barbs, used for stabbing fish and other animals.

4.
A shoot, as of grass; a spire.

5.
The feather of a horse. See Feather, n., 4.

6.
The rod to which the bucket, or plunger, of a pump is attached; a pump rod.

Spear foot, the off hind foot of a horse. -- Spear grass. (Bot.) (a) The common reed. See Reed, n., 1. (b) meadow grass. See under Meadow. -- Spear hand, the hand in which a horseman holds a spear; the right hand. Crabb. -- Spear side, the male line of a family. Lowell. -- Spear thistle (Bot.), the common thistle (Cnicus lanceolatus).


word: Spear₂
definition:
Spear

Spear
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Speared (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Spearing.]
To pierce with a spear; to kill with a spear; as, to spear a fish.


word: Spearfish
definition:
Spearfish

Spear"fish`
(?)
n.
(Zool.)
(a)
A large and powerful fish (Tetrapturus albidus) related to the swordfish, but having scales and ventral fins. It is found on the American coast and the Mediterranean.
(b)
The carp sucker.


word: Spearmint
definition:
Spearmint

Spear"mint`
(?)
n.
[So named from its spiry, not capitate, inflorescence. Dr. Prior.]
(Bot.)
A species of mint (Mentha viridis) growing in moist soil. It vields an aromatic oil. See Mint, and Mentha.


word: Spearwood
definition:
Spearwood

Spear"wood`
(?)
n.
(Bot.)
An Australian tree (Acacia Doratoxylon), and its tough wood, used by the natives for spears.


word: Spearwort
definition:
Spearwort

Spear"wort`
(?)
n.
[AS. sperewyrt.]
(Bot.)
A name given to several species of crowfoot (Ranunculus) which have spear-shaped leaves.


word: Special
definition:
Special

Spe"cial
(?)
a.
[L. specialis, fr. species a particular sort, kind, or quality: cf. F. spécial. See Species, and cf. Especial.]
1.
Of or pertaining to a species; constituting a species or sort.

A special is called by the schools a “species”.
I. Watts.

2.
Particular; peculiar; different from others; extraordinary; uncommon.

Our Savior is represented everywhere in Scripture as the special patron of the poor and the afficted.
Atterbury.

To this special evil an improvement of style would apply a special redress.
De Quincey.

3.
Appropriate; designed for a particular purpose, occasion, or person; as, a special act of Parliament or of Congress; a special sermon.

4.
Limited in range; confined to a definite field of action, investigation, or discussion; as, a special dictionary of commercial terms; a special branch of study.

5.
Chief in excellence.
[Obs.]

The king hath drawn
The special head of all the land together.
Shak.

Special administration (Law), an administration limited to certain specified effects or acts, or one granted during a particular time or the existence of a special cause, as during a controversy respecting the probate of a will, or the right of administration, etc. -- Special agency, an agency confined to some particular matter. -- Special bail, Bail above, or Bail to the action (Law), sureties who undertake that, if the defendant is convicted, he shall satisfy the plaintiff, or surrender himself into custody. Tomlins. Wharton (Law Dict.). -- Special constable. See under Constable. Bouvier. -- Special damage (Law), a damage resulting from the act complained of, as a natural, but not the necessary, consequence of it. -- Special demurrer (Law), a demurrer for some defect of form in the opposite party pleading, in which the cause of demurrer is particularly stated. -- Special deposit, a deposit made of a specific thing to be kept distinct from others. -- Special homology. (Biol.) See under Homology. -- Special injuction (Law), an injuction granted on special grounds, arising of the circumstances of the case. Daniell. -- Special issue (Law), an issue produced upon a special plea. Stephen. -- Special jury (Law), a jury consisting of persons of some particular calling, station, or qualification, which is called upon motion of either party when the cause is supposed to require it; a struck jury. -- Special orders (Mil.), orders which do not concern, and are not published to, the whole command, such as those relating to the movement of a particular corps, a detail, a temporary camp, etc. -- Special partner, a limited partner; a partner with a limited or restricted responsibility; -- unknown at common law. -- Special partnership, a limited or particular partnership; -- a term sometimes applied to a partnership in a particular business, operation, or adventure. -- Special plea in bar (Law), a plea setting forth particular and new matter, distinguished from the general issue. Bouvier. -- Special pleader (Law), originally, a counsel who devoted himself to drawing special counts and pleas; in a wider sense, a lawyer who draws pleadings. -- Special pleading (Law), the allegation of special or new matter, as distingiushed from a direct denial of matter previously alleged on the side. Bouvier. The popular denomination of the whole science of pleading. Stephen. The phrase is sometimes popularly applied to the specious, but unsound, argumentation of one whose aim is victory, and not truth. Burrill. -- Special property (Law), a qualified or limited ownership possession, as in wild animals, things found or bailed. -- Special session, an extraordinary session; a session at an unusual time or for an unusual purpose; as, a special session of Congress or of a legislature. -- Special statute, or Special law, an act of the legislature which has reference to a particular person, place, or interest; a private law; -- in distinction from a general law or public law. -- Special verdict (Law), a special finding of the facts of the case, leaving to the court the application of the law to them. Wharton (Law Dict.).


word: Special₂
definition:
Special

Spe"cial
n.
1.
A particular.
[Obs.]
Hammond.

2.
One appointed for a special service or occasion.

In special, specially; in particular. Chaucer.


word: Specialism
definition:
Specialism

Spe"cial*ism
(?)
n.
Devotion to a particular and restricted part or branch of knowledge, art, or science; as, medical specialism.


word: Specialist
definition:
Specialist

Spe"cial*ist
(?)
n.
One who devotes himself to some specialty; as, a medical specialist, one who devotes himself to diseases of particular parts of the body, as the eye, the ear, the nerves, etc.


word: Speciality
definition:
Speciality

Spe`ci*al"i*ty
(?)
n.
pl. Specialities (#).
[See Special, and Specialty.]
1.
A particular or peculiar case; a particularity.
Sir M. Hale.

2.
(Law)
See Specialty, 3.

3.
The special or peculiar mark or characteristic of a person or thing; that for which a person is specially distinguished; an object of special attention; a special occupation or object of attention; a specialty.

On these two general heads all other specialities are depedent.
Hooker.

Strive, while improving your one talent, to enrich your whole capital as a man. It is in this way that you escape from the wretched narrow-mindedness which is the characteristic of every one who cultivates his speciality.
Ld. Lytton.

We 'll say, instead, the inconsequent creature man, -
For that'a his speciality.
Mrs. Browning.

Think of this, sir, . . . remote from the impulses of passion, and apart from the specialities -- if I may use that strong remark -- of prejudice.
Dickens.

4.
An attribute or quality peculiar to a species.


word: Specialization
definition:
Specialization

Spe`cial*i*za"tion
(?)
n.
1.
The act of specializing, or the state of being spezialized.

2.
(Biol.)
The setting apart of a particular organ for the performance of a particular function.
Darwin.


word: Specialize
definition:
Specialize

Spe"cial*ize
(?)
v. t.
1.
To mention specially; to particularize.

2.
To apply to some specialty or limited object; to assign to a specific use; as, specialized knowledge.

3.
(Biol.)
To supply with an organ or organs having a special function or functions.


word: Specially
definition:
Specially

Spe"cial*ly
adv.
1.
In a special manner; particularly; especially.
Chaucer.

2.
For a particular purpose; as, a meeting of the legislature is specially summoned.


word: Specialty
definition:
Specialty

Spe"cial*ty
(?)
n.
pl. Specialties (#).
[F. spécialité.  Cf. Speciality.]
1.
Particularity.

Specialty of rule hath been neglected.
Shak.

2.
A particular or peculiar case.
[Obs.]

3.
(Law)
A contract or obligation under seal; a contract by deed; a writing, under seal, given as security for a debt particularly specified.
Chitty. Bouvier. Wharton (Law Dict.).

Let specialties be therefore drawn between us.
Shak.

4.
That for which a person is distinguished, in which he is specially versed, or which he makes an object of special attention; a speciality.

Men of boundless knowledge, like Humbold, must have had once their specialty, their pet subject.
C. Kingsley.


word: Specie
definition:
Specie

Spe"ci*e
(?)
abl. of L. species sort, kind.  Used in the phrase in specie, that is, in sort, in kind, in (its own) form.

“[The king] expects a return in specie from them” [i. e., kindness for kindness].
Dryden.

In specie (Law), in precise or definite form; specifically; according to the exact terms; of the very thing.


word: Species
definition:
Species

Spe"cies
(?)
n. sing. & pl.
[L., a sight, outward appearance, shape, form, a particular sort, kind, or quality, a species. See Spice, n., and cf. Specie, Special.]
1.
Visible or sensible presentation; appearance; a sensible percept received by the imagination; an image.
[R.]
species
Sir I. Newton.

Wit, . . . the faculty of imagination in the writer, which searches over all the memory for the species or ideas of those things which it designs to represent.
Dryden.

&hand_; In the scholastic philosophy, the species was sensible and intelligible.  The sensible species was that in any material, object which was in fact discerned by the mind through the organ of perception, or that in any object which rendered it possible that it should be perceived.  The sensible species, as apprehended by the understanding in any of the relations of thought, was called an intelligible species.  “An apparent diversity between the species visible and audible is, that the visible doth not mingle in the medium, but the audible doth.”
Bacon.

2.
(Logic)
A group of individuals agreeing in common attributes, and designated by a common name; a conception subordinated to another conception, called a genus, or generic conception, from which it differs in containing or comprehending more attributes, and extending to fewer individuals.  Thus, man is a species, under animal as a genus; and man, in its turn, may be regarded as a genus with respect to European, American, or the like, as species.

3.
In science, a more or less permanent group of existing things or beings, associated according to attributes, or properties determined by scientific observation.

&hand_; In mineralogy and chemistry, objects which possess the same definite chemical structure, and are fundamentally the same in crystallization and physical characters, are classed as belonging to a species.  In Zoology and botany, a species is an ideal group of individuals which are believed to have descended from common ancestors, which agree in essential characteristics, and are capable of indefinitely continued fertile reproduction through the sexes.  A species, as thus defined, differs from a variety or subspecies only in the greater stability of its characters and in the absence of individuals intermediate between the related groups.

4.
A sort; a kind; a variety; as, a species of low cunning; a species of generosity; a species of cloth.

5.
Coin, or coined silver, gold, or other metal, used as a circulating medium; specie.
[Obs.]

There was, in the splendor of the Roman empire, a less quantity of current species in Europe than there is now.
Arbuthnot.

6.
A public spectacle or exhibition.
[Obs.]
Bacon.

7.
(Pharmacy)
(a)
A component part of a compound medicine; a simple.
(b)
(Med.)
An officinal mixture or compound powder of any kind; esp., one used for making an aromatic tea or tisane; a tea mixture.
Quincy.

8.
(Civil Law)
The form or shape given to materials; fashion or shape; form; figure.
Burill.

Incipient species (Zool.), a subspecies, or variety, which is in process of becoming permanent, and thus changing to a true species, usually by isolation in localities from which other varieties are excluded.


word: specific
definition:
specific

spe*cif"ic
(spe̝*sĭf"ĭk)
a.
[F. spécifique, or NL. spesificus; L. species a particular sort or kind + facere to make.  Cf. specify.]
1.
Of or pertaining to a species; characterizing or constituting a species; possessing the peculiar property or properties of a thing which constitute its species, and distinguish it from other things; as, the specific form of an animal or a plant; the specific qualities of a drug; the specific distinction between virtue and vice.

Specific difference is that primary attribute which distinguishes each species from one another.
I. Watts.

2.
Specifying; definite, or making definite; limited; precise; discriminating; as, a specific statement.

3.
(Med.)
Exerting a peculiar influence over any part of the body; preventing or curing disease by a peculiar adaptation, and not on general principles; as, quinine is a specific medicine in cases of malaria.

In fact, all medicines will be found specific in the perfection of the science.
Coleridge.

Specific character (Nat. Hist.), a characteristic or characteristics distinguishing one species from every other species of the same genus. -- Specific disease (Med.) (a) A disease which produces a determinate definite effect upon the blood and tissues or upon some special tissue. (b) A disease which is itself uniformly produced by a definite and peculiar poison or organism. -- Specific duty. (Com.) See under Duty. -- Specific gravity. (Physics) See under Gravity. -- Specific heat (Physics), the quantity of heat required to raise the temperature of a body one degree, taking as the unit of measure the quantity required to raise the same weight of water from zero to one degree; thus, the specific heat of mercury is 0.033, that of water being 1.000. -- Specific inductive capacity (Physics), the effect of a dielectric body in producing static electric induction as compared with that of some other body or bodies referred to as a standard. -- Specific legacy (Law), a bequest of a particular thing, as of a particular animal or piece of furniture, specified and distinguished from all others. Wharton. Burrill. -- Specific name (Nat. Hist.), the name which, appended to the name of the genus, constitutes the distinctive name of the species; -- originally applied by Linnaeus to the essential character of the species, or the essential difference.  The present specific name he at first called the trivial name. -- Specific performance (Law), the peformance of a contract or agreement as decreed by a court of equity.


word: Specific
definition:
Specific

Spe*cif"ic
n.
1.
(Med.)
A specific remedy. See Specific, a., 3.

His parents were weak enough to believe that the royal touch was a specific for this malady.
Macaulay.

2.
Anything having peculiar adaption to the purpose to which it is applied.
Dr. H. More.


word: Specificate
definition:
Specificate

Spe*cif"i*cate
(spe̝*sĭf"ĭ*kāt)
v. t.
[See Specify.]
To show, mark, or designate the species, or the distinguishing particulars of; to specify.
[Obs.]
ir M. Hale.


word: specification
definition:
specification

spec`i*fi*ca"tion
(spĕs`ĭ*fĭ*kā"shŭn)
n.
[Cf. F. spécification, LL. specificatio.]
1.
The act of specifying or determining by a mark or limit; notation of limits.

This specification or limitation of the question hinders the disputers from wandering away from the precise point of inquiry.
I. Watts.

2.
The designation of particulars; particular mention; as, the specification of a charge against an officer.

3.
A written statement containing a minute description or enumeration of particulars, as of charges against a public officer, the terms of a contract, the description of an invention, as in a patent; also, a single article, item, or particular, an allegation of a specific act, as in a charge of official misconduct.

4.
A detailed listing or description of the required properties of some object proposed to be built or bought; -- usually used in the plural; as, the building specifications require that it withstand an earthquake of magnitude 8; the program specifications require an option to change the menus.


word: Specify
definition:
Specify

Spec"i*fy
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Specified (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Specifying (?).]
[F. spécifier, or OF. especifier, fr. LL. specificare. See Species, -fy.]
To mention or name, as a particular thing; to designate in words so as to distinguish from other things; as, to specify the uses of a plant; to specify articles purchased.

He has there given us an exact geography of Greece, where the countries and the uses of their soils are specified.
Pope.


word: Specimen
definition:
Specimen

Spec"i*men
(?)
n.
[L., fr. specere to look, to behold. See Spy.]
A part, or small portion, of anything, or one of a number of things, intended to exhibit the kind and quality of the whole, or of what is not exhibited; a sample; as, a specimen of a man's handwriting; a specimen of a person's blood; a specimen of painting; aspecimen of one's art.


word: Speciosity
definition:
Speciosity

Spe`ci*os"i*ty
(?)
n.
pl. Speciocities (#).
[Cf. LL. speciositas.]
1.
The quality or state of being specious; speciousness.

Professions built so largely on speciosity, instead of performance.
Carlyle.

2.
That which is specious.
Dr. H. More.


word: Specious
definition:
Specious

Spe"cious
(?)
a.
[L. speciosusgood-looking, beautiful, specious, fr. species look, show, appearance; cf. F. spécoeux. See Species.]
1.
Presenting a pleasing appearance; pleasing in form or look; showy.

Some [serpents] specious and beautiful to the eye.
Bp. Richardson.

The rest, far greater part,
Will deem in outward rites and specious forms
Religion satisfied.
Milton.

2.
Apparently right; superficially fair, just, or correct, but not so in reality; appearing well at first view; plausible; as, specious reasoning; a specious argument.

Misled for a moment by the specious names of religion, liberty, and property.
Macaulay.

In consequence of their greater command of specious expression.
J. Morley.


word: Speck
definition:
Speck

Speck
(?)
n.
[Cf. Icel. spik blubber, AS. spic, D. spek, G. speck.]
The blubber of whales or other marine mammals; also, the fat of the hippopotamus.

Speck falls (Naut.), falls or ropes rove through blocks for hoisting the blubber and bone of whales on board a whaling vessel.


word: Speck₂
definition:
Speck

Speck
n.
[OE. spekke, AS. specca; cf. LG. spaak.]
1.
A small discolored place in or on anything, or a small place of a color different from that of the main substance; a spot; a stain; a blemish; as, a speck on paper or loth; specks of decay in fruit.
specks
Anson.

2.
A very small thing; a particle; a mite; as, specks of dust; he has not a speck of money.

Many bright specks bubble up along the blue Egean.
Landor.

3.
(Zool.)
A small etheostomoid fish (Ulocentra stigmaea) common in the Eastern United States.


word: Speck₃
definition:
Speck

Speck
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Specked (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Specking.]
To cause the presence of specks upon or in, especially specks regarded as defects or blemishes; to spot; to speckle; as, paper specked by impurities in the water used in its manufacture.

Carnation, purple, azure, or specked with gold.
Milton.


word: Speckle
definition:
Speckle

Spec"kle
(?)
n.
[Dim. of speck; cf. D. spikkel.]
A little or spot in or anything, of a different substance or color from that of the thing itself.

An huge great serpent, all with speckles pied.
Spebser.


word: Speckle₂
definition:
Speckle

Spec"kle
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Speckled (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Speckling (?).]
To mark with small spots of a different color from that of the rest of the surface; to variegate with spots of a different color from the ground or surface.


word: Speckled
definition:
Speckled

Spec"kled
(?)
a.
Marked or variegated with small spots of a different color from that of the rest of the surface.

Speckled Indians (Ethnol.), the Pintos. -- Speckled trout. (Zool.) (a) The common American brook trout. See Trout. (b) The rainbow trout.


word: Specksioneer
definition:
Specksioneer

Speck`sion*eer"
(?)
n.
The chief harpooner, who also directs in cutting up the speck, or blubber; -- so called among whalers.


word: Spectacle
definition:
Spectacle

Spec"ta*cle
(?)
n.
[F., fr. L. spectaculum, fr. spectare to look at, to behold, v. intens. fr. specere. See Spy.]
1.
Something exhibited to view; usually, something presented to view as extraordinary, or as unusual and worthy of special notice; a remarkable or noteworthy sight; a show; a pageant; a gazingstock.

O, piteous spectacle? O, bloody times!
Shak.

2.
A spy-glass; a looking-glass.
[Obs.]

Poverty a spectacle is, as thinketh me,
Through which he may his very friends see.
Chaucer.

3.
pl.
An optical instrument consisting of two lenses set in a light frame, and worn to assist sight, to obviate some defect in the organs of vision, or to shield the eyes from bright light.

4.
pl.
Fig.: An aid to the intellectual sight.

Shakespeare . . . needed not the spectacles of books to read nature.
Dryden.


word: Spectacled
definition:
Spectacled

Spec"ta*cled
(?)
a.
1.
Furnished with spectacles; wearing spectacles.

As spectacled she sits in chimney nook.
Keats.

2.
(Zool.)
Having the eyes surrounded by color markings, or patches of naked skin, resembling spectacles.

Spectacled bear (Zool.), a South American bear (Tremarclos ornatus) which inhabits the high mountains of Chili and Peru. It has a light-colored ring around each eye. -- Spectacled coot, or Spectacled duck (Zool.), the surf scoter, or surf duck. [Local, U.S.] -- Spectacled eider (Zool.) See Eider. -- Spectacled goose (Zool.), the gannet. -- Spectacled snake (Zool.), the cobra de capello.


word: Spectacular
definition:
Spectacular

Spec*tac"u*lar
(?)
a.
1.
Of or pertaining to a shows; of the nature of a show.
Spectacular
G. Hickes.

2.
Adapted to excite wonder and admiration by a display of pomp or of scenic effects; as, a spectacular celebration of some event; a spectacular play.

3.
Pertaining to spectacles, or glasses for the eyes.


word: Spectator
definition:
Spectator

Spec*ta"tor
(?)
n.
[L. spectator: cf. F. spectateur. See Spectacle.]
One who on; one who sees or beholds; a beholder; one who is personally present at, and sees, any exhibition; as, the spectators at a show.
spectators
Shak.


word: Spectatorship
definition:
Spectatorship

Spec*ta"tor*ship
(?)
n.
1.
The office or quality of a spectator.
[R.]
Addison.

2.
The act of beholding.
[Obs.]
Shak.


word: Spectatrix
definition:
Spectatrix

Spectatress

{ Spec*ta"tress (?), Spec*ta"trix (?), }
n.
[L. spectatrix.]
A female beholder or looker-on.
spectatress
Jeffrey.


word: Spectre
definition:
Spectre

Specter

{ Spec"ter, Spec"tre  }
(?)
n.
[F. spectre, fr. L. spectrum an appearance, image, specter, fr. specere to look. See Spy, and cf. Spectrum.]
1.
Something preternaturally visible; an apparition; a ghost; a phantom.

The ghosts of traitors from the bridge descend,
With bold fanatic specters to rejoice.
Dryden.

2.
(Zool.)
(a)
The tarsius.
(b)
A stick insect.

Specter bat (Zool.), any phyllostome bat. -- Specter candle (Zool.), a belemnite. -- Specter shrimp (Zool.), a skeleton shrimp. See under Skeleton.


word: Spectral
definition:
Spectral

Spec"tral
(?)
a.
1.
Of or pertaining to a specter; ghosty.

He that feels timid at the spectral form of evil is not the man to spread light.
F. W. Robertson.

2.
(Opt.)
Of or pertaining to the spectrum; made by the spectrum; as, spectral colors; spectral analysis.

Spectral lemur. (Zool.) See Tarsius.


word: Spectrobolometer
definition:
Spectrobolometer

Spec`tro*bo*lom"e*ter
(?)
n.
(Physics)
A combination of spectroscope and bolometer for determining the distribution of energy in a spectrum.
Spec`tro*bo`lo*met"ric (#), a.


word: Spectroelectric
definition:
Spectroelectric

Spec`tro*e*lec"tric
(?)
a.
Pert. to or designating any form of spark tube the electric discharge within which is used in spectroscopic observations.


word: Spectrogram
definition:
Spectrogram

Spec"tro*gram
(?)
n.
[Spectrum + -gram.]
(Physics)
A photograph, map, or diagram of a spectrum.


word: Spectrograph
definition:
Spectrograph

Spec"tro*graph
(?)
n.
[Spectrum + graph.]
(Physics)
(a)
An apparatus for photographing or mapping a spectrum.
(b)
A photograph or picture of a spectrum.
Spec`tro*graph"ic (#), a. -- Spec`tro*graph"ic*al*ly (#), adv. -- Spec*trog"ra*phy (#), n.


word: Spectroheliogram
definition:
Spectroheliogram

Spec`tro*he"li*o*gram`
(?)
n.
[Spectrum + heloi- + -gram.]
(Astrophysics)
A photograph of the sun made by monochromatic light, usually of the calcium line (k), and showing the sun's faculae and prominences.


word: Spectroheliograph
definition:
Spectroheliograph

Spec`tro*he"li*o*graph
(?)
n.
(Astrophysics)
An apparatus for making spectroheliograms, consisting of a spectroscopic camera used in combination with a telescope, and provided with clockwork for moving the  sun's image across the slit.
Spec`tro*he`li*o*graph"ic (#), a.


word: Spectrological
definition:
Spectrological

Spec`tro*log"ic*al
(?)
a.
Of or pertaining to spectrology; as, spectrological studies or experiments.
Spec`tro*log"ic*al*ly, adv.


word: Spectrology
definition:
Spectrology

Spec*trol"o*gy
(?)
n.
[Spectrum + -logy.]
(Chem.Phys.)
The science of spectrum analysis in any or all of its relations and applications.


word: Spectrometer
definition:
Spectrometer

Spec*trom"e*ter
(?)
n.
[Spectrum + -meter.]
(Physics)
A spectroscope fitted for measurements of the luminious spectra observed with it.


word: Spectrometry
definition:
Spectrometry

Spec*trom"e*try
(?)
n.
(Physics)
Art or process of using a spectrometer, of any type; -- when used alone, it usually refers to the use of a spectrometer using light in the visible, infrared, or ultraviolet region.
Spec`tro*met"ric (#), a.

mass spectrometry, the art or process of using a mass spectrometer to analyse chemical samples.


word: Spectrophone
definition:
Spectrophone

Spec"tro*phone
(?)
n.
[Spectrum + Gr. _; sound.]
An instrument constructed on the principle of the photophone and used in spectrum analysis as an adjunct to the spectroscope.
Spec`tro*phon"ic (#), a.


word: Spectrophotometer
definition:
Spectrophotometer

Spec`tro*pho*tom"e*ter
(?)
n.
[Spectrum + photometer.]
1.
(Opt.)
An instrument for measuring or comparing the intensities of the colors of the spectrum.

2.
(Chem., Physics)
An analytical instrument for measuring the degree of absorption of light at different wavelengths by a chemical substance.  A specific pattern of absorption intensities at a series of wavelengths is a characteristic of each different chemical substance.


word: Spectrophotometry
definition:
Spectrophotometry

Spec`tro*pho*tom"e*try
(?)
n.
1.
The art of comparing, photometrically, the brightness of two spectra, wave length by wave length; the use of the spectrophotometer.

2.
(Chem., Physics)
the art or process of measuring the degree of absorption of light at different wavelengths by a chemical substance, by means of a spectrometer or spectrophotometer.  It is a technique for chemical analysis.


word: Spectroscope
definition:
Spectroscope

Spec"tro*scope
(?)
n.
[Spectrum + -scope.]
(Physics)
An optical instrument for forming and examining spectra (as that of solar light, or those produced by flames in which different substances are volatilized), so as to determine, from the position of the spectral lines, the composition of the substance.


word: Spectroscopical
definition:
Spectroscopical

Spectroscopic

{ Spec`tro*scop"ic (?), Spec`tro*scop"ic*al (?), }
a.
Of or pertaining to a spectroscope, or spectroscopy.
Spec`tro*scop"ic*al*ly, adv.


word: Spectroscopist
definition:
Spectroscopist

Spec*tros"co*pist
(? or ?)
n.
One who investigates by means of a spectroscope; one skilled in the use of the spectroscope.


word: Spectroscopy
definition:
Spectroscopy

Spec*tros"co*py
(?)
n.
the art and science dealing with the use of a spectroscope, and the production and analysis of spectra; the action of using a spectroscope.


word: Spectrum
definition:
Spectrum

Spec"trum
(?)
n.
pl. Spectra (#).
[L. See Specter.]
1.
An apparition; a specter.
[Obs.]

2.
(Opt.)
(a)
The several colored and other rays of which light is composed, separated by the refraction of a prism or other means, and observed or studied either as spread out on a screen, by direct vision, by photography, or otherwise. See Illust. of Light, and Spectroscope.
(b)
A luminous appearance, or an image seen after the eye has been exposed to an intense light or a strongly illuminated object. When the object is colored, the image appears of the complementary color, as a green image seen after viewing a red wafer lying on white paper. Called also ocular spectrum.

Absorption spectrum, the spectrum of light which has passed through a medium capable of absorbing a portion of the rays. It is characterized by dark spaces, bands, or lines. -- Chemical spectrum, a spectrum of rays considered solely with reference to their chemical effects, as in photography. These, in the usual photogrophic methods, have their maximum influence at and beyond the violet rays, but are not limited to this region. -- Chromatic spectrum, the visible colored rays of the solar spectrum, exhibiting the seven principal colors in their order, and covering the central and larger portion of the space of the whole spectrum. -- Continous spectrum, a spectrum not broken by bands or lines, but having the colors shaded into each other continously, as that from an incandescent solid or liquid, or a gas under high pressure. -- Diffraction spectrum, a spectrum produced by diffraction, as by a grating. -- Gaseous spectrum, the spectrum of an incandesoent gas or vapor, under moderate, or especially under very low, pressure. It is characterized by bright bands or lines. -- Normal spectrum, a representation of a spectrum arranged upon conventional plan adopted as standard, especially a spectrum in which the colors are spaced proportionally to their wave lengths, as when formed by a diffraction grating. -- Ocular spectrum. See Spectrum, 2 (b), above. -- Prismatic spectrum, a spectrum produced by means of a prism. -- Solar spectrum, the spectrum of solar light, especially as thrown upon a screen in a darkened room. It is characterized by numerous dark lines called Fraunhofer lines. -- Spectrum analysis, chemical analysis effected by comparison of the different relative positions and qualities of the fixed lines of spectra produced by flames in which different substances are burned or evaporated, each substance having its own characteristic system of lines. -- Thermal spectrum, a spectrum of rays considered solely with reference to their heating effect, especially of those rays which produce no luminous phenomena.


word: Specular
definition:
Specular

Spec"u*lar
(?)
a.
[L. specularis (cf., from the same root, specula a lookout, watchtower): cf. F. spéculaire. See Speculum.]
1.
Having the qualities of a speculum, or mirror; having a smooth, reflecting surface; as, a specular metal; a specular surface.

2.
(Med.)
Of or pertaining to a speculum; conducted with the aid of a speculum; as, a specular examination.

3.
Assisting sight, as a lens or the like.
[Obs.]

Thy specular orb
Apply to well-dissected kernels; lo!
In each observe the slender threads
Of first-beginning trees.
J. Philips.

4.
Affording view.
[R.]
specular
Milton.

Specular iron. (Min.) See Hematite.


word: Speculate
definition:
Speculate

Spec"u*late
(?)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Speculated (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Speculating.]
[L. speculatus, p. p. of speculari to spy out, observe, fr. specula a lookout, fr. specere to look. See Spy.]
1.
To consider by turning a subject in the mind, and viewing it in its different aspects and relations; to meditate; to contemplate; to theorize; as, to speculate on questions in religion; to speculate on political events.

It is remarkable that persons who speculate the most boldly often conform with the most pefect quietude to the external regulations of society.
Hawthorne.

2.
(Philos.)
To view subjects from certain premises given or assumed, and infer conclusions respecting them a priori.

3.
(Com.)
To purchase with the expectation of a contingent advance in value, and a consequent sale at a profit; -- often, in a somewhat depreciative sense, of unsound or hazardous transactions; as, to speculate in coffee, in sugar, or in bank stock.


word: Speculate₂
definition:
Speculate

Spec"u*late
v. t.
To consider attentively; as, to speculate the nature of a thing.
[R.]
Sir W. Hamilton.


word: Speculation
definition:
Speculation

Spec`u*la"tion
(?)
n.
[L. speculatio a spying out, observation: cf. F. spéculation.]
1.
The act of speculating.

Thenceforth to speculations high or deep
I turned my thoughts.
Milton.

Sudden fortunes, indeed, are sometimes made in such places, by what is called the trade of speculation.
A. Smith.

Speculation, while confined within moderate limits, is the agent for equalizing supply and demand, and rendering the fluctuations of price less sudden and abrupt than they would otherwise be.
F. A. Walker.

2.
A conclusion to which the mind comes by speculating; mere theory; view; notion; conjecture.

From him Socrates derived the principles of morality, and most part of his natural speculations.
Sir W. Temple.

To his speculations on these subjects he gave the lofty name of the “Oracles of Reason.”
Macaulay.

3.
Power of sight.
[Obs.]

Thou hast no speculation in those eyes.
Shak.

4.
A game at cards in which the players buy from one another trumps or whole hands, upon a chance of getting the highest trump dealt, which entitles the holder to the pool of stakes.


word: Speculatist
definition:
Speculatist

Spec"u*la*tist
(spĕk"&uuptack_;*lȧ*tĭst)
n.
One who speculates, or forms theories; a speculator; a theorist.

The very ingenious speculatist, Mr. Hume.
V. Knox.


word: Speculative
definition:
Speculative

Spec"u*la*tive
(spĕk"&uuptack_;*lȧ*tĭv)
a.
[Cf. F. spéculatif, L. speculativus.]
1.
Given to speculation; contemplative.

The mind of man being by nature speculative.
Hooker.

2.
Involving, or formed by, speculation; ideal; theoretical; not established by demonstration.
Cudworth.

3.
Of or pertaining to vision; also, prying; inquisitive; curious.
[R.]
Bacon.

4.
Of or pertaining to speculation in land, goods, shares, etc.; as, a speculative dealer or enterprise.

The speculative merchant exercises no one regular, established, or well-known branch of business.
A. Smith.

5.
(Finance)
More risky than typical investments; not investment grade.


word: Speculator
definition:
Speculator

Spec"u*la`tor
(spĕk"&uuptack_;*lā`tẽr)
n.
[L., a spy, explorer, investigator: cf. F. spéculateur.]
One who speculates. Specifically: (a) An observer; a contemplator; hence, a spy; a watcher.
[Obs.]
Sir T. Browne.

A speculator who had dared to affirm that the human soul is by nature mortal.
Macaulay.


word: Speculatorial
definition:
Speculatorial

Spec`u*la*to"ri*al
(spĕk`&uuptack_;*lȧ*t&omacr"rĭ*al)
a.
Speculatory; speculative.
[Obs.]


word: Speculatory
definition:
Speculatory

Spec"u*la*to*ry
(spĕk"&uuptack_;*lȧ*to̝*r&ybreve_;)
a.
[L. speculatorius belonging to spies or scouts.]
1.
Intended or adapted for viewing or espying; having oversight.
T. Warton.

2.
Exercising speculation; speculative.
T. Carew.


word: Speculum
definition:
Speculum

Spec"u*lum
(?)
n.
pl. L. Specula (#), E. Speculum (#).
[L., fr. specere to look, behold. See Spy.]
1.
A mirror, or looking-glass; especially, a metal mirror, as in Greek and Roman archaeology.

2.
A reflector of polished metal, especially one used in reflecting telescopes. See Speculum metal, below.

3.
(Surg.)
An instrument for dilating certain passages of the body, and throwing light within them, thus facilitating examination or surgical operations.

4.
(Zool.)
A bright and lustrous patch of color found on the wings of ducks and some other birds. It is usually situated on the distal portions of the secondary quills, and is much more brilliant in the adult male than in the female.

Speculum metal, a hard, brittle alloy used for making the reflectors of telescopes and other instruments, usually consisting of copper and tin in various proportions, one of the best being that in which there are 126.4 parts of copper to 58.9 parts of tin, with sometimes a small proportion of arsenic, antimony, or zinc added to improve the whiteness.


word: Speech
definition:
Speech

Speech
(?)
n.
[OE. speche, AS. sp_;c, spr_;, fr. specan, sprecan, to speak; akin to D. spraak speech, OHG. sprāhha, G. sprache, Sw. spr_;k, Dan. sprog. See Speak.]
1.
The faculty of uttering articulate sounds or words; the faculty of expressing thoughts by words or articulate sounds; the power of speaking.

There is none comparable to the variety of instructive expressions by speech, wherewith man alone is endowed for the communication of his thoughts.
Holder.

2.
he act of speaking; that which is spoken; words, as expressing ideas; language; conversation.

&hand_; Speech is voice modulated by the throat, tongue, lips, etc., the modulation being accomplished by changing the form of the cavity of the mouth and nose through the action of muscles which move their walls.

O goode God! how gentle and how kind
Ye seemed by your speech and your visage
The day that maked was our marriage.
Chaucer.

The acts of God . . . to human ears
Can nort without process of speech be told.
Milton.

3.
A particular language, as distinct from others; a tongue; a dialect.

People of a strange speech and of an hard language.
Ezek. iii. 6.

4.
Talk; mention; common saying.

The duke . . . did of me demand
What was the speech among the Londoners
Concerning the French journey.
Shak.

5.
formal discourse in public; oration; harangue.

The constant design of these orators, in all their speeches, was to drive some one particular point.
Swift.

6.
ny declaration of thoughts.

I. with leave of speech implored, . . . replied.
Milton.


word: Speechification
definition:
Speechification

Speech`i*fi*ca"tion
(?)
n.
[See Spechify.]
The act of speechifying.
[Used humorously or in contempt.]


word: Speechifier
definition:
Speechifier

Speech"i*fi`er
(?)
n.
One who makes a speech or speeches; an orator; a declaimer.
[Used humorously or in contempt.]
G. Eliot.


word: Speechify
definition:
Speechify

Speech"i*fy
(?)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Speechified (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Speechifying (?).]
[Speech + -fy.]
To make a speech; to harangue.
[Used derisively or humorously.]


word: Speechifying
definition:
Speechifying

Speech"i*fy`ing
n.
The act of making a speech or speeches.
[Used derisively or humorously.]

The dinner and speechifying . . . at the opening of the annual season for the buckhounds.
M. Arnold.


word: Speechless
definition:
Speechless

Speech"less
a.
1.
Destitute or deprived of the faculty of speech.

2.
Not speaking for a time; dumb; mute; silent.

Speechless with wonder, and half dead with fear.
Addison.


word: Speechmaker
definition:
Speechmaker

Speech"mak`er
(?)
n.
One who makes speeches; one accustomed to speak in a public assembly.


word: Speed
definition:
Speed

Speed
(?)
n.
[AS. sp_;d success, swiftness, from sp_;wan to succeed; akin to D. spoedd, OHG. spuot success, spuot to succees, Skr. sphā to increase, grow fat. √170b.]
1.
Prosperity in an undertaking; favorable issue; success.
speed
Chaucer.

O Lord God of my master Abraham, I pray thee, send me good speed this day.
Gen. xxiv. 12.

2.
The act or state of moving swiftly; swiftness; velocity; rapidly; rate of motion; dispatch; as, the speed a horse or a vessel.

Speed, to describe whose swiftness number fails.
Milton.

&hand_; In kinematics, speedis sometimes used to denote the amount of velocity without regard to direction of motion, while velocity is not regarded as known unless both the direction and the amount are known.

3.
One who, or that which, causes or promotes speed or success.
[Obs.]
speed
Shak.

God speed, Good speed; prosperity. See Godspeed. -- Speed gauge, Speed indicator, and Speed recorder (Mach.), devices for indicating or recording the rate of a body's motion, as the number of revolutions of a shaft in a given time. -- Speed lathe (Mach.), a power lathe with a rapidly revolving spindle, for turning small objects, for polishing, etc.; a hand lathe. -- Speed pulley, a cone pulley with steps.


word: Speed₂
definition:
Speed

Speed
(spēd)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Sped (spĕd), Speeded; p. pr. & vb. n. Speeding.]
[AS. spēdan, fr. spēd, n.; akin to D. spoeden, G. sich sputen.  See Speed, n.]
1.
To go; to fare.
[Obs.]

To warn him now he is too farre sped.
Remedy of Love.

2.
To experience in going; to have any condition, good or ill; to fare.
Shak.

Ships heretofore in seas like fishes sped;
 The mightiest still upon the smallest fed.
Waller.

3.
To fare well; to have success; to prosper.

Save London, and send true lawyers their meed!
For whoso wants money with them shall not speed!
Lydgate.

I told ye then he should prevail, and speed
On his bad errand.
Milton.

4.
To make haste; to move with celerity.

I have speeded hither with the very extremest inch of possibility.
Shak.

5.
To be expedient.
[Obs.]
Wyclif (2 Cor. xii. 1.)


word: Speed₃
definition:
Speed

Speed
v. t.
1.
To cause to be successful, or to prosper; hence, to aid; to favor.
speed
Shak.

With rising gales that speed their happy flight.
Dryden.

2.
To cause to make haste; to dispatch with celerity; to drive at full speed; hence, to hasten; to hurry.

He sped him thence home to his habitation.
Fairfax.

3.
To hasten to a conclusion; to expedite.

Judicial acts . . . are sped in open court at the instance of one or both of the parties.
Ayliffe.

4.
To hurry to destruction; to put an end to; to ruin; to undo.
Sped
Shak.

A dire dilemma! either way I 'm sped.
If foes, they write, if friends, they read, me dead.
Pope.

5.
To wish success or god fortune to, in any undertaking, especially in setting out upon a journey.

Welcome the coming, speed the parting guest.
Pope.

God speed you, them, etc., may God speed you; or, may you have good speed.


word: Speed counter
definition:
Speed counter

Speed counter
(Mach.)
A device for automatically counting the revolutions or pulsations of an engine or other machine; -- called also simply counter.


word: Speeder
definition:
Speeder

Speed"er
(?)
n.
1.
One who, or that which, speeds.

2.
(Spinning)
A machine for drawing and twisting slivers to form rovings.


word: Speedwell
definition:
Speedwell

Speed"well
(?)
n.
(Bot.)
Any plant of the genus Veronica, mostly low herbs with pale blue corollas, which quickly fall off.


word: Speedy
definition:
Speedy

Speed"y
(-&ybreve_;)
a.
[Compar. Speedier (?); superl. Speediest.]
[AS. spēdyg.]
Not dilatory or slow; quick; swift; nimble; hasty; rapid in motion or performance; as, a speedy flight; on speedy foot.

I will wish her speedy strength.
Shak.

Darts, which not the good could shun,
The speedy ould outfly.
Dryden.


word: Speet
definition:
Speet

Speet
(?)
v. t.
[Cf. D. speten. See Spit an iron prong.]
To stab.
[Obs.]
Gammer Gurton's Needle.


word: Speight
definition:
Speight

Speight
(?)
n.
[G. specht, probably akin to L. picus: cf. D. specht. √169. See Pie a magpie.]
(Zool.)
A woodpecker; -- called also specht, spekt, spight.
[Obs. or Prov. Eng.]


word: Speiss
definition:
Speiss

Speiss
(?)
n.
[Cf. G. speise food, mixed metal for bells, etc.]
1.
(Metal.)
A regulus consisting essentially of nickel, obtained as a residue in fusing cobalt and nickel ores with silica and sodium carbonate to make smalt.

2.
(Metal.)
Impure metallic arsenides, principally of iron, produced in copper and lead smelting.


word: Spekboom
definition:
Spekboom

Spek"boom
(?)
n.
[D., lit. fat tree.]
(Bot.)
The purslane tree of South Africa, -- said to be the favorite food of elephants.
Balfour (Cyc. of India).


word: Spelding
definition:
Spelding

Spel"ding
(?)
n.
[Scot. speld to spread out, spelder to split. spread open; cf. G. spalten split.]
A haddock or other small fish split open and dried in the sun; -- called also speldron.
[Scot.]


word: Spelk
definition:
Spelk

Spelk
(?)
n.
[AS. spelc, spilc, a little rod by which a thing is kept straight, a splint for binding up broken bones, akin to Icel. spelkur, pl., a splint.  Cf. Spell a splinter.]
A small stick or rod used as a spike in thatching; a splinter.
[Prov. Eng.]
Grose.


word: Spell
definition:
Spell

Spell
(?)
n.
[OE. speld, AS. speld a spill to light a candle with; akin to D. speld a pin, OD. spelle, G. spalten to split, OHG. spaltan, MHG. spelte a splinter, Icel. spjald a square tablet, Goth. spilda a writing tablet.  Cf. Spillsplinter, roll of paper, Spell to tell the letters of.]
A spelk, or splinter.
[Obs.]
Holland.


word: Spell₂
definition:
Spell

Spell
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Spelled (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Spelling.]
[AS. spelian to supply another's place.]
To supply the place of for a time; to take the turn of, at work; to relieve; as, to spell the helmsman.


word: Spell₃
definition:
Spell

Spell
n.
1.
The relief of one person by another in any piece of work or watching; also, a turn at work which is carried on by one person or gang relieving another; as, a spell at the pumps; a spell at the masthead.

A spell at the wheel is called a trick.
Ham. Nav. Encyc.

2.
The time during which one person or gang works until relieved; hence, any relatively short period of time, whether a few hours, days, or weeks.

Nothing new has happened in this quarter, except the setting in of a severe spell of cold weather.
Washington.

3.
One of two or more persons or gangs who work by spells.
[R.]

Their toil is so extreme that they can not endure it above four hours in a day, but are succeeded by spells.
Garew.

4.
A gratuitous helping forward of another's work; as, a logging spell.
[Local, U.S.]


word: Spell₄
definition:
Spell

Spell
(?)
n.
[AS. spell a saying, tale, speech; akin to OS. & OHG. spel, Icel. spjall,Goth. spill.  Cf. Gospel, Spell to tell the letters of.]
1.
A story; a tale.
[Obs.]
spell
Chaucer.

2.
A stanza, verse, or phrase supposed to be endowed with magical power; an incantation; hence, any charm.

 Start not; her actions shall be holy as
You hear my spell is lawful.
Shak.


word: Spell₅
definition:
Spell

Spell
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Spelled (_;) or Spelt (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Spelling.]
[OE. spellen, spellien, tell, relate, AS. spellian, fr. spell a saying, tale; akin to MHG. spellen to relate, Goth. spill_;n.e Spell a tale. In sense 4 and those following, OE. spellen, perhaps originally a different word, and from or influenced by spell a splinter, from the use of a piece of wood to point to the letters in schools: cf. D. spellen to spell.  Cf. Spell splinter.]
1.
To tell; to relate; to teach.
[Obs.]

Might I that legend find,
By fairies spelt in mystic rhymes.
T. Warton.

2.
To put under the influence of a spell; to affect by a spell; to bewitch; to fascinate; to charm.
Spelled
Dryden.

He was much spelled with Eleanor Talbot.
Sir G. Buck.

3.
To constitute; to measure.
[Obs.]

The Saxon heptarchy, when seven kings put together did spell but one in effect.
Fuller.

4.
To tell or name in their proper order letters of, as a word; to write or print in order the letters of, esp. the proper letters; to form, as words, by correct orthography.

The word “satire” ought to be spelled with i, and not with y.
Dryden.

5.
To discover by characters or marks; to read with difficulty; -- usually with out; as, to spell out the sense of an author; to spell out a verse in the Bible.

To spell out a God in the works of creation.
South.

To sit spelling and observing divine justice upon every accident.
Milton.


word: Spell₆
definition:
Spell

Spell
v. i.
1.
To form words with letters, esp. with the proper letters, either orally or in writing.

When what small knowledge was, in them did dwell,
And he a god, who could but read or spell.
Dryden.

2.
To study by noting characters; to gain knowledge or learn the meaning of anything, by study.
[Obs.]

Where I may sit and rightly spell
Of every star that heaven doth shew,
And every herb that sips the dew.
Milton.


word: Spellbind
definition:
Spellbind

Spell"bind`
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Spellbound (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Spellbinding.]
To bind or hold by, or as if by, a spell or charm; to entrance or fascinate, esp. by eloquence of speech, as in a political campaign.
Spell"bind`er (#), n.


word: Spellful
definition:
Spellful

Spell"ful
(?)
a.
Abounding in spells, or charms.

Here, while his eyes the learned leaves peruse,
Each spellful mystery explained he views.
Hoole.


word: Spelling₂
definition:
Spelling

Spell"ing
a.
Of or pertaining to spelling.

Spelling bee, a spelling match. [U.S.] -- Spelling book, a book with exercises for teaching children to spell; a speller. -- Spelling match, a contest of skill in spelling words, between two or more persons.


word: Spellwork
definition:
Spellwork

Spell"work`
(?)
n.
Power or effect of magic; that which is wrought by magic; enchantment.

Like those Peri isles of light
That hang by spellwork in the air.
Moore.


word: Spelt₂
definition:
Spelt

Spelt
n.
[AS. spelt, fr. L. spelta.]
(Bot.)
A species of grain (Triticum Spelta) much cultivated for food in Germany and Switzerland; -- called also German wheat.


word: Spelter
definition:
Spelter

Spel"ter
(?)
n.
[Cf. LG. spialter, G. & D. spiauter.  Cf. Pewter.]
(Metal.)
Zinc; -- especially so called in commerce and arts.


word: Spence
definition:
Spence

Spence
(?)
n.
[OF. despense, F. dépense, buffet, buttery, fr. OF. despendre to spend, distribute, L. dispendere, dispensum. See Dispense, Spend.]
1.
A place where provisions are kept; a buttery; a larder; a pantry.

In . . . his spence, or “pantry” were hung the carcasses of a sheep or ewe, and two cows lately slaughtered.
Sir W. Scott.

Bluff Harry broke into the spence,
And turned the cowls adrift.
Tennyson.

2.
The inner apartment of a country house; also, the place where the family sit and eat.
[Scot.]
Jamieson.


word: Spencer
definition:
Spencer

Spen"cer
(?)
n.
[OF. despensier. See Spence, and cf. Dispenser.]
One who has the care of the spence, or buttery.
[Obs.]
Promptorium Parvulorum.


word: Spencer₂
definition:
Spencer

Spen"cer
n.
[From the third Earl Spencer, who first wore it, or brought it into fashion.]
A short jacket worn by men and by women.
Ld. Lutton.


word: Spencer₃
definition:
Spencer

Spen"cer
n.
(Naut.)
A fore-and-aft sail, abaft the foremast or the mainmast, hoisted upon a small supplementary mast and set with a gaff and no boom; a trysail carried at the foremast or mainmast; -- named after its inventor, Knight Spencer, of England [1802].

Spencer mast, a small mast just abaft the foremast or mainmast, for hoisting the spencer. R. H. Dana, Jr.


word: Spend
definition:
Spend

Spend
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Spent (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Spending.]
[AS. spendan (in comp.), fr. L. expendere or dispendere to weigh out, to expend, dispense. See Pendant, and cf. Dispend, Expend, Spence, Spencer.]
1.
To weigh or lay out; to dispose of; to part with; as, to spend money for clothing.

Spend thou that in the town.
Shak.

Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread?
Isa. lv. 2.

2.
To bestow; to employ; -- often with on or upon.

I . . . am never loath
To spend my judgment.
Herbert.

3.
To consume; to waste; to squander; to exhaust; as, to spend an estate in gaming or other vices.

4.
To pass, as time; to suffer to pass away; as, to spend a day idly; to spend winter abroad.

We spend our years as a tale that is told.
Ps. xc. 9.

5.
To exhaust of force or strength; to waste; to wear away; as, the violence of the waves was spent.

Their bodies spent with long labor and thirst.
Knolles.


word: Spend₂
definition:
Spend

Spend
(?)
v. i.
1.
To expend money or any other possession; to consume, use, waste, or part with, anything; as, he who gets easily spends freely.

He spends as a person who knows that he must come to a reckoning.
South.

2.
To waste or wear away; to be consumed; to lose force or strength; to vanish; as, energy spends in the using of it.

The sound spendeth and is dissipated in the open air.
Bacon.

3.
To be diffused; to spread.

The vines that they use for wine are so often cut, that their sap spendeth into the grapes.
Bacon.

4.
(Mining)
To break ground; to continue working.


word: Spending
definition:
Spending

Spend"ing
n.
The act of expending; expenditure.

Spending money, money set apart for extra (not necessary) personal expenses; pocket money. [Colloq.]


word: Spendthrift
definition:
Spendthrift

Spend"thrift`
(?)
n.
One who spends money profusely or improvidently; a prodigal; one who lavishes or wastes his estate. Also used figuratively.

A woman who was a generous spendthrift of life.
Mrs. R. H. Davis.


word: Spenserian
definition:
Spenserian

Spen*se"ri*an
(?)
a.
Of or pertaining to the English poet Spenser; -- specifically applied to the stanza used in his poem “The Faërie Queene.”


word: Spent
definition:
Spent

Spent
(spĕnt)
a.
1.
Exhausted; worn out; having lost energy or motive force.

Now thou seest me
Spent, overpowered, despairing of success.
Addison.

Heaps of spent arrows fall and strew the ground.
Dryden.

2.
(Zool.)
Exhausted of spawn or sperm; -- said especially of fishes.

Spent ball, a ball shot from a firearm, which reaches an object without having sufficient force to penetrate it.


word: Sperre
definition:
Sperre

Sper

{ Sper (?), Sperre  }
v. t.
[See Spar bar.]
To shut in; to support; to inclose; to fasten.
[Obs.]
sperre
Spenser.


word: Sperable
definition:
Sperable

Spe"ra*ble
(?)
a.
[L. spearabilis, fr. sperare to hope.]
Within the range of hpe; proper to be hoped for.
[Obs.]
Bacon.


word: Sperate
definition:
Sperate

Spe"rate
(?)
a.
[L. speratus, p. p. of sperare to hope.]
Hoped for, or to be hoped for.
[R.]
Bouvier.


word: Spere
definition:
Spere

Spere
(?)
v. i.
[AS. spyrian to inquire, properly, to follow the track; akin to D. speuren, G. spüren, Icel. spyrja. √171. See Spoor.]
To search; to pry; to ask; to inquire.
[Prov. Eng. & Scot.]
[Written also speer, speir.]
Jamieson.


word: Sperling
definition:
Sperling

Sper"ling
(?)
n.
[See Sparling.]
(Zool.)
(a)
A smelt; a sparling.
[Prov. Eng.]
(b)
A young herring.
[Local, U.S.]


word: Sperm
definition:
Sperm

Sperm
(?)
n.
[F. sperme, L. sperma, Gr. _;_;_;, _;_;_;, from _;_;_;_; to sow.  Cf. Spore.]
(Physiol.)
The male fecundating fluid; semen. See Semen.

Sperm cell (Physiol.), one of the cells from which the spermatozoids are developed. -- Sperm morula. (Biol.) Same as Spermosphere.


word: Sperm₂
definition:
Sperm

Sperm
n.
[Contr. fr. spermaceti.]
Spermaceti.

Sperm oil, a fatty oil found as a liquid, with spermaceti, in the head cavities of the sperm whale. -- Sperm whale. (Zool.) See in the Vocabulary.


word: Spermaceti
definition:
Spermaceti

Sper`ma*ce"ti
(?)
n.
[L. sperma sperm + cetus,gen. ceti, any large sea animal, a whale, Gr. _;_;_;. See Sperm, Cetaceous.]
A white waxy substance obtained from cavities in the head of the sperm whale, and used making candles, oilments, cosmetics, etc. It consists essentially of ethereal salts of palmitic acid with ethal and other hydrocarbon bases.  The substance of spermaceti after the removal of certain impurities is sometimes called cetin.

Spermaceti whale (Zool.), the sperm whale.


word: Spermaphore
definition:
Spermaphore

Sper"ma*phore
(?)
n.
[Gr. _;_;_;_; sperm + fe`rein to bear.]
(Bot.)
That part of the ovary from which the ovules arise; the placenta.


word: Spermary
definition:
Spermary

Sper"ma*ry
(?)
n.
(Anat.)
An organ in which spermatozoa are developed; a sperm gland; a testicle.


word: Spermatheca
definition:
Spermatheca

Sper`ma*the"ca
(?)
n.
pl. Spermathecae (#).
[NL., from Gr. _;_;_;_; seed + _;_;_;_; case, or receptacle.]
(Zool.)
A small sac connected with the female reproductive organs of insects and many other invertebrates, serving to receive and retain the spermatozoa.


word: Spermatic
definition:
Spermatic

Sper*mat"ic
(?)
a.
[L. spermaticus, Gr. _;_;_;_;: cf. F. spermatique. See Sperm.]
(Physiol.)
Of or pertaining to semen; as, the spermatic fluid, the spermatic vessels, etc.

Spermatic cord (Anat.), the cord which suspends the testicle within the scrotum. It is made up of a connective tissue sheath inclosing the spermatic duct and accompanying vessels and nerves.


word: Spermatin
definition:
Spermatin

Sper"ma*tin
(?)
n.
(Physiol. Chem.)
A substance allied to alkali albumin and to mucin, present in semen, to which it is said to impart the mucilaginous character.


word: Spermatium
definition:
Spermatium

Sper*ma"ti*um
(?)
n.
pl. Spermatia (#).
[NL.]
(Bot.)
One of the motionless spermatozoids in the conceptacles of certain fungi.
J. H. Balfour.


word: Spermatize
definition:
Spermatize

Sper"ma*tize
(?)
v. i.
[Gr. _;_;_;. See Sperm.]
To yield seed; to emit seed, or sperm.
[Obs.]
Sir T. Browne.


word: Spermo-
definition:
Spermo-

Spermato-

{ Sper"ma*to- (?), Sper"mo- (?) }
Combining forms from Gr. spe`rma, -atos, seed, sperm, semen (of plants or animals); as, spermatoblast, spermoblast.


word: Spermatocyte
definition:
Spermatocyte

Sper"ma*to*cyte
(?)
n.
[Spermato- + Gr. _;_;_;_; a hollow vessel.]
(Physiol.)
Same as Spermoblast.


word: Spermatogemma
definition:
Spermatogemma

Sper`ma*to*gem"ma
(?)
n.
[NL. See Spermato-, and Gemma.]
(Physiol.)
Same as Spermosphere.


word: Spermatogenesis
definition:
Spermatogenesis

Sper`ma*to*gen"e*sis
(?)
n.
[Spermato- + genesis.]
(Biol.)
The development of the spermatozoids.


word: Spermatogenetic
definition:
Spermatogenetic

Sper`ma*to*ge*net"ic
(?)
a.
(Physiol.)
Relating to, or connected with, spermatogenesis; as, spermatogenetic function.


word: Spermatogonium
definition:
Spermatogonium

Sper`ma*to*go"ni*um
(?)
n.
[NL., fr. Gr. _;_;_;_;, _;_;_;, sperm + _;_;_; offspring.]
(Physiol.)
A primitive seminal cell, occuring in masses in the seminal tubules. It divides into a mass (spermosphere) of small cells (spermoblast), which in turn give rise to spermatozoids.


word: Spermatoid
definition:
Spermatoid

Sper"ma*toid
(?)
a.
[Spermato- + -oid.]
(Physiol.)
Spermlike; resembling sperm, or semen.


word: Spermatoon
definition:
Spermatoon

Sper`ma*to"on
(?)
n.
pl. Spermatoa (#).
[NL., fr. Gr. spe`rma, -atos, seed + _;_;_; an egg.]
(Anat.)
A spermoblast.
Sper`ma*to"al (#), a. Owen.


word: Spermatophore
definition:
Spermatophore

Sper"ma*to*phore
(?)
n.
[Spermato- + Gr. fe`rein to bear.]
1.
(Physiol.)
Same as Spermospore.

2.
(Zool.)
A capsule or pocket inclosing a number of spermatozoa. They are present in many annelids, brachiopods, mollusks, and crustaceans. In cephalopods the structure of the capsule is very complex.


word: Spermatophorous
definition:
Spermatophorous

Sper`ma*toph"o*rous
(?)
a.
(Physiol.)
Producing seed, or sperm; seminiferous; as, the so-called spermatophorous cells.


word: Spermatophyta
definition:
Spermatophyta

Sper`ma*toph"y*ta
(?)
n. pl.
[NL.; spermato- + Gr. _; plant.]
(Bot.)
A phylum embracing the highest plants, or those that produce seeds; the  seed plants, or flowering plants. They form the most numerous group, including over 120,000 species. In general, the group is characterized by the marked development of the sporophyte, with great differentiation of its parts (root, stem, leaves, flowers, etc.); by the extreme reduction of the gametophyte; and by the development of seeds. All the Spermatophyta are heterosporous; fertilization of the egg cell is either through a pollen tube emitted by the microspore or (in a few gymnosperms) by spermatozoids.
The phrase “flowering plants” is less distinctive than “seed plants,” since the conifers, grasses, sedges, oaks, etc., do not produce flowers in the popular sense. For this reason the terms Anthrophyta, Phaenogamia, and Panerogamia have been superseded as names of the phylum by Spermatophyta.


word: Spermatophyte
definition:
Spermatophyte

Sper"ma*to"phyte`
(?)
n.
Any plant of the phylum Spermatophyta.
Sper`ma*to*phyt"ic (#), a.


word: Spermatorrhoea
definition:
Spermatorrhoea

Spermatorrhea

{Sper`ma*tor*rhe"a, Sper`ma*tor*rhoe"a, (_;), }
n.
[NL., fr. Gr. spe`rma, -atos, seed + _;_;_; to flow.]
(Med.)
Abnormally frequent involuntary emission of the semen without copulation.


word: Spermatozoid
definition:
Spermatozoid

Sper`ma*to*zo"id
(?)
n.
[Spermatozoon + Gr. e'i^dos form.]
(Biol.)
The male germ cell in animals and plants, the essential element in fertilization; a microscopic animalcule-like particle, usually provided with one or more cilia by which it is capable of active motion. In animals, the familiar type is that of a small, more or less ovoid head, with a delicate threadlike cilium, or tail. Called also spermatozoon. In plants the more usual term is antherozoid.


word: Spermatozoon
definition:
Spermatozoon

Sper`ma*to*zo"'ön
(?)
n.
pl. Spermatozoa (#).
[NL., fr. Gr. _;_;_;, sperm + zw^,on an animal.]
(Biol.)
Same as Spermatozoid.


word: Spermidium
definition:
Spermidium

Sper*mid"i*um
(?)
n.
pl. Spermidia (#).
[Nl., fr. Gr. spe`rma seed.]
(Bot.)
An achenium.


word: Spermism
definition:
Spermism

Sperm"ism
(?)
n.
[Gr. _; seed, sperm + -ism.]
(Biol.)
The theory, formerly held by many, that the sperm or spermatozoon contains the germ of the future embryo; animalculism.


word: Spermist
definition:
Spermist

Sperm"ist
(?)
n.
(Biol.)
A believer in the doctrine, formerly current, of encasement in the male (see Encasement), in which the seminal thread, or spermatozoid, was considered as the real animal germ, the head being the true animal head and the tail the body.


word: Spermoblast
definition:
Spermoblast

Sper"mo*blast
(?)
n.
[Spermo- + -blast.]
(Physiol.)
One of the cells formed by the division of the spermospore, each of which is destined to become a spermatozoid; a spermatocyte; a spermatoblast.


word: Spermococcus
definition:
Spermococcus

Sper`mo*coc"cus
(?)
n.
[NL. See Spermo-, and Coccus.]
(Physiol.)
The nucleus of the sperm cell.


word: Spermoderm
definition:
Spermoderm

Sper"mo*derm
(?)
n.
[Spermo- + derm: cf. F. spermoderme.]
(Bot.)
The covering of a seed; -- sometimes limited to the outer coat or testa.
Lindley.


word: Spermogonium
definition:
Spermogonium

Sper`mo*go"ni*um
(?)
n.
[NL.; spermo- + Gr. _;_;_; offspring.]
(Bot.)
A conceptacle of certain lichens, which contains spermatia.


word: Spermologist
definition:
Spermologist

Sper*mol"o*gist
(?)
n.
[Gr. _;_;_;_;_; picking up seeds; spe`rma sperm, seed + _;_;_;_; to gather.]
One who treats of, or collects, seeds.
Bailey.


word: Spermophile
definition:
Spermophile

Sper"mo*phile
(?)
n.
[Gr. spe`rma a seed + fi`los loving, fond.]
(Zool.)
Any ground squirrel of the genus Spermophilus; a gopher. See Illust. under Gopher.


word: Spermophyta
definition:
Spermophyta

Sper*moph"y*ta
(?)
n. pl.
[Nl., from Gr. spe`rma a seed + fyto`n a plant.]
Plants which produce seed; phaenogamia. These plants constitute the highest grand division of the vegetable kingdom.


word: Spermophyte
definition:
Spermophyte

Sper"mo*phyte
(?)
n.
(Bot.)
Any plant which produces true seeds; -- a term recently proposed to replace phænogam.


word: Spermoplasma
definition:
Spermoplasma

Sper`mo*plas"ma
(?)
n.
[NL. See Spermo-, and Plasma.]
(Physiol.)
The protoplasm of the sperm cell.
Haeckel.


word: Spermosphere
definition:
Spermosphere

Sper"mo*sphere
(?)
n.
[Spermo- + sphere.]
(Physiol.)
A mass or ball of cells formed by the repeated division of a male germinal cell (spermospore), each constituent cell (spermoblast) of which is converted into a spermatozoid; a spermatogemma.


word: Spermospore
definition:
Spermospore

Sper"mo*spore
(?)
n.
[Spermo- + spore.]
(Physiol.)
The male germinal or seminal cell, from the breaking up of which the spermoblasts are formed and ultimately the spermatozoids; a spermatospore.
Balfour.


word: Sperm whale
definition:
Sperm whale

Sperm" whale`
(?)
(Zool.)
A very large toothed whale (Physeter macrocephalus), having a head of enormous size. The upper jaw is destitute of teeth. In the upper part of the head, above the skull, there is a large cavity, or case, filled with oil and spermaceti. This whale sometimes grows to the length of more than eighty feet. It is found in the warmer parts of all the oceans. Called also cachalot, and spermaceti whale.

Pygmy sperm whale (Zool.), a small whale (Kogia breviceps), seldom twenty feet long, native of tropical seas, but occasionally found on the American coast. Called also snub-nosed cachalot. -- Sperm-whale porpoise (Zool.), a toothed cetacean (Hyperoodon bidens), found on both sides of the Atlantic and valued for its oil. The adult becomes about twenty-five feet long, and its head is very large and thick. Called also bottle-nosed whale.


word: Sperrylite
definition:
Sperrylite

Sper"ry*lite
(?)
n.
[Named after F. L. Sperry, who discovered it.]
(Min.)
An arsenide of platinum occuring in grains and minute isometric crystals of tin-white color. It is found near Sudbury, Ontario Canada, and is the only known compound of platinum occuring in nature.


word: Spessartite
definition:
Spessartite

Spes"sart*ite
(?)
n.
[From Spessart, in Germany.]
(Min.)
A manganesian variety of garnet.


word: Spew
definition:
Spew

Spew
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Spewed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Spewing.]
[OE. spewen, speowen, AS. spīwan;n to D. spuwen to spit. OS & OHG. spīwan, G. speien, Icel. sp_;ja to spew, Sw. spy, Dan. spye, Goth. spiewan, th. spjauti, L. spuere to split, Gr. _;_;_;, Skr. shtiv, shthīv.  Cf. Pyke, Spit.]
[Written also spue.]
1.
To eject from the stomach; to vomit.

2.
To cast forth with abhorrence or disgust; to eject.

Because thou art lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spew thee out of my mouth.
Rev. ii. 16.


word: Sphacelate
definition:
Sphacelate

Sphac"e*late
(?)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Sphacelated (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Sphacelating.]
[NL. sphacelare, sphacelatum, mortify: cf. F. sphacéler. See Sphacelus.]
(Med.)
To die, decay, or become gangrenous, as flesh or bone; to mortify.


word: Sphacelated
definition:
Sphacelated

Sphacelate

{ Sphac"e*late (?), Sphac"e*la`ted (?), }
a.
(Med.)
Affected with gangrene; mortified.


word: Sphacelation
definition:
Sphacelation

Sphac`e*la"tion
(?)
n.
(Med.)
The process of becoming or making gangrenous; mortification.


word: Sphaerenchyma
definition:
Sphaerenchyma

Sphae*ren"chy*ma
(?)
n.
[NL., fr. Gr. _;_;_; sphere + -enchyma as in parenchima.]
(Bot.)
Vegetable tissue composed of thin-walled rounded cells, -- a modification of parenchyma.


word: Sphaeridium
definition:
Sphaeridium

Sphae*rid"i*um
(?)
n.
pl. Sphaeridia (#).
[NL., fr. Gr. _;_;_; a sphere.]
(Zool.)
A peculiar sense organ found upon the exterior of most kinds of sea urchins, and consisting of an oval or sherical head surmounting a short pedicel. It is generally supposed to be an olfactory organ.


word: Sphaerospore
definition:
Sphaerospore

Sphae"ro*spore
(?)
n.
[Gr. _;_;_;_; sphere + E. spore.]
(Bot.)
One of the nonsexual spores found in red algae; a tetraspore.


word: Sphagnicolous
definition:
Sphagnicolous

Sphag*nic"o*lous
(?)
a.
[Sphagnum + L. colere to inhabit.]
(Bot.)
Growing in moss of the genus Sphagnum.


word: Sphagnous
definition:
Sphagnous

Sphag"nous
(?)
a.
(Bot.)
Pertaining to moss of the genus Sphagnum, or bog moss; abounding in peat or bog moss.


word: Sphagnum
definition:
Sphagnum

Sphag"num
(?)
n.
[NL., fr/ Gr. _;_;_; a kind of moss.]
(Bot.)
A genus of mosses having white leaves slightly tinged with red or green and found growing in marshy places; bog moss; peat moss.


word: Sphalerite
definition:
Sphalerite

Sphal"er*ite
(?)
n.
[Gr. _;_;_; slippery, uncertain. See Blende.]
(Min.)
Zinc sulphide; -- called also blende, black-jack, false galena, etc. See Blende (a).


word: Sphene
definition:
Sphene

Sphene
(?)
n.
[F. sphène, fr. Gr. sfh`n a wedge.]
(Min.)
A mineral found usually in thin, wedge-shaped crystals of a yellow or green to black color. It is a silicate of titanium and calcium; titanite.


word: Sphenethmoid
definition:
Sphenethmoid

Sphe*neth"moid
(?)
a.
[Sphenoid + ethmoid.]
(Anat.)
Of or pertaining to both the sphenoidal and the ethmoidal regions of the skull, or the sphenethmoid bone; sphenethmoidal.

Sphenethmoid bone (Anat.), a bone of the skull which surrounds the anterior end of the brain in many amphibia; the girdle bone.


word: Sphenethmoidal
definition:
Sphenethmoidal

Sphe`neth*moid"al
(?)
a.
(Anat.)
Relating to the sphenoethmoid bone; sphenoethmoid.


word: Spheno-
definition:
Spheno-

Sphe"no-
(?)
A combining form used in anatomy to indicate connection with, or relation to, the sphenoid bone; as in sphenomaxillary, sphenopalatine.


word: Sphenodon
definition:
Sphenodon

Sphe"no*don
(?)
n.
[Gr. sfh`n a wedge + _;_;_;, _;_;_;, a tooth.]
(Zool.)
Same as Hatteria.


word: Sphenogram
definition:
Sphenogram

Sphe"no*gram
(?)
n.
[Gr. sfh`n a wedge + -gram.]
A cuneiform, or arrow-headed, character.


word: Sphenography
definition:
Sphenography

Sphe*nog"ra*phy
(?)
n.
[Gr. sfh`n a wedge + -graphy.]
The art of writing in cuneiform characters, or of deciphering inscriptions made in such characters.


word: Sphenoid
definition:
Sphenoid

Sphe"noid
(?)
a.
[Gr. _;_;_;; sfh`n a wedge + e'i^dos form: cf. F. sphénoïde.]
1.
Wedge-shaped; as, a sphenoid crystal.

2.
(Anat.)
Of or pertaining to the sphenoid bone.

Sphenoid bone (Anat.), an irregularly shaped bone in front of the occipital in the base of the skull of the higher vertebrates. It is composed of several fetal bones which become united the adult. See Alisphenoid, Basisphenoid, Orbitosphenoid, Presphenoid.


word: Sphenoid₂
definition:
Sphenoid

Sphe"noid
(?)
n.
1.
(Crystallog.)
A wedge-shaped crystal bounded by four equal isosceles triangles. It is the hemihedral form of a square pyramid.

2.
(Anat.)
The sphenoid bone.


word: Sphenoidal
definition:
Sphenoidal

Sphe*noid"al
(?)
a.
1.
Sphenoid.

2.
(Crystalloq.)
Pertaining to, or resembling, a sphenoid.


word: Sphenotic
definition:
Sphenotic

Sphe*not"ic
(?)
a.
[Spheno- + _;_;_;, _;_;_;, the ear.]
(Anat.)
Of, pertaining to, or designating, the sphenotic bone.

Sphenotic bone (Anat.), a bone on the anterior side of the auditory capsule of many fishes, and connected with, or adjoining, the sphenoid bone.


word: Spheral
definition:
Spheral

Spher"al
(?)
a.
1.
Of or pertaining to a sphere or the spheres.

2.
Rounded like a sphere; sphere-shaped; hence, symmetrical; complete; perfect.


word: Sphere
definition:
Sphere

Sphere
(?)
n.
[OE. spere, OF. espere, F. sphère, L. sphaera,. Gr. _;_;_; a sphere, a ball.]
1.
(Geom.)
A body or space contained under a single surface, which in every part is equally distant from a point within called its center.

2.
Hence, any globe or globular body, especially a celestial one, as the sun, a planet, or the earth.

Of celestial bodies, first the sun,
A mighty sphere, he framed.
Milton.

3.
(Astron.)
(a)
The apparent surface of the heavens, which is assumed to be spherical and everywhere equally distant, in which the heavenly bodies appear to have their places, and on which the various astronomical circles, as of right ascension and declination, the equator, ecliptic, etc., are conceived to be drawn; an ideal geometrical sphere, with the astronomical and geographical circles in their proper positions on it.
(b)
In ancient astronomy, one of the concentric and eccentric revolving spherical transparent shells in which the stars, sun, planets, and moon were supposed to be set, and by which they were carried, in such a manner as to produce their apparent motions.

4.
(Logic)
The extension of a general conception, or the totality of the individuals or species to which it may be applied.

5.
Circuit or range of action, knowledge, or influence; compass; province; employment; place of existence.

To be called into a huge sphere, and not to be seen to move in 't.
Shak.

Taking her out of the ordinary relations with humanity, and inclosing her in a sphere by herself.
Hawthorne.

Each in his hidden sphere of joy or woe
Our hermit spirits dwell.
Keble.

6.
Rank; order of society; social positions.

7.
An orbit, as of a star; a socket.
[R.]
Shak.

Armillary sphere, Crystalline sphere, Oblique sphere,. See under Armillary, Crystalline,. -- Doctrine of the sphere, applications of the principles of spherical trigonometry to the properties and relations of the circles of the sphere, and the problems connected with them, in astronomy and geography, as to the latitudes and longitudes, distance and bearing, of places on the earth, and the right ascension and declination, altitude and azimuth, rising and setting, etc., of the heavenly bodies; spherical geometry. -- Music of the spheres. See under Music.


word: Sphere₂
definition:
Sphere

Sphere
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Sphered (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Sphering.]
1.
To place in a sphere, or among the spheres; to insphere.

The glorious planet Sol
In noble eminence enthroned and sphered
Amidst the other.
Shak.

2.
To form into roundness; to make spherical, or spheral; to perfect.
Tennyson.


word: Spheric
definition:
Spheric

Spherical

{ Spher"ic*al (?), Spher"ic (?), }
a.
[L. sphaericus, Gr. _;_;_;: cf. F. sphérique.]
1.
Having the form of a sphere; like a sphere; globular; orbicular; as, a spherical body.

2.
Of or pertaining to a sphere.

3.
Of or pertaining to the heavenly orbs, or to the sphere or spheres in which, according to ancient astronomy and astrology, they were set.

Knaves, thieves, and treachers by spherical predominance.
Shak.

Though the stars were suns, and overburned
Their spheric limitations.
Mrs. Browning.

Spherical angle, Spherical coordinate, Spherical excess, etc. See under Angle, Coordinate, etc. -- Spherical geometry, that branch of geometry which treats of spherical magnitudes; the doctrine of the sphere, especially of the circles described on its surface. -- Spherical harmonic analysis. See under Harmonic, a. -- Spherical lune,portion of the surface of a sphere included between two great semicircles having a common diameter. -- Spherical opening, the magnitude of a solid angle. It is measured by the portion within the solid angle of the surface of any sphere whose center is the angular point. -- Spherical polygon,portion of the surface of a sphere bounded by the arcs of three or more great circles. -- Spherical projection, the projection of the circles of the sphere upon a plane. See Projection. -- Spherical sector. See under Sector. -- Spherical segment, the segment of a sphere. See under Segment. -- Spherical triangle,re on the surface of a sphere, bounded by the arcs of three great circles which intersect each other. -- Spherical trigonometry. See Trigonometry.


word: Sphericity
definition:
Sphericity

Sphe*ric"i*ty
(?)
n.
[Cf. F. sphéricité.]
The quality or state of being spherial; roundness; as, the sphericity of the planets, or of a drop of water.


word: Spherics
definition:
Spherics

Spher"ics
(?)
n.
(Math.)
The doctrine of the sphere; the science of the properties and relations of the circles, figures, and other magnitudes of a sphere, produced by planes intersecting it; spherical geometry and trigonometry.


word: Spherobacteria
definition:
Spherobacteria

Sphe`ro*bac*te"ri*a
(?)
n. pl.
sing. Spherobacterium (_;)
[NL. See Sphere, and Bacterium.]
(Biol.)
See the Note under Microbacteria.


word: Spheroconic
definition:
Spheroconic

Sphe`ro*con"ic
(?)
n.
(Geom.)
A nonplane curve formed by the intersection of the surface of an oblique cone with the surface of a sphere whose center is at the vertex of the cone.


word: Spherograph
definition:
Spherograph

Spher"o*graph
(?)
n.
[Sphere + -graph.]
An instrument for facilitating the practical use of spherics in navigation and astronomy, being constructed of two cardboards containing various circles, and turning upon each other in such a manner that any possible spherical triangle may be readily found, and the measures of the parts read off by inspection.


word: Spheroid
definition:
Spheroid

Sphe"roid
(?)
n.
[L. spheroides ball-like, spherical, Gr. _;_;_;; _;_;_;_; sphere + e'i^dos form: cf. F. sphéroïde.]
A body or figure approaching to a sphere, but not perfectly spherical; esp., a solid generated by the revolution of an ellipse about one of its axes.

Oblate spheroid, Prolate spheroid.  See Oblate, Prolate, and Ellipsoid.


word: Spheroidal
definition:
Spheroidal

Sphe*roid"al
(?)
a.
[Cf. F. sphéroïdal.]
Having the form of a spheroid.
Sphe*roid"al*ly, adv.

Spheroidal state (Physics.), the state of a liquid, as water, when, on being thrown on a surface of highly heated metal, it rolls about in spheroidal drops or masses, at a temperature several degrees below ebullition, and without actual contact with the heated surface, -- a phenomenon due to the repulsive force of heat, the intervention of a cushion of nonconducting vapor, and the cooling effect of evaporation.


word: Spheroidity
definition:
Spheroidity

Spheroidicity

{ Sphe`roi*dic"i*ty (?), Sphe*roid"i*ty (?), }
n.
The quality or state of being spheroidal.


word: Spheromere
definition:
Spheromere

Sphe"ro*mere
(?)
n.
[Sphere + -mere.]
(Zool.)
Any one of the several symmetrical segments arranged around the central axis and composing the body of a radiate anmal.


word: Spherometer
definition:
Spherometer

Sphe*rom"e*ter
(?)
n.
[Sphere + -meter: cf. F. sphéromètre.]
(Physics)
An instrument for measuring the curvature of spherical surface, as of lenses for telescope, etc.


word: Spherosiderite
definition:
Spherosiderite

Spher`o*sid"er*ite
(?)
n.
[Sphere + siderite.]
(Min.)
Siderite occuring in spheroidal masses.


word: Spherosome
definition:
Spherosome

Sphe"ro*some
(?)
n.
[Sphere + -some body.]
(Zool.)
The body wall of any radiate animal.


word: Spherulate
definition:
Spherulate

Spher"u*late
(?)
a.
Covered or set with spherules; having one or more rows of spherules, or minute tubercles.


word: Spherule
definition:
Spherule

Spher"ule
(?)
n.
[L. spherula: cf. F. sphérule.]
A little sphere or spherical body; as, quicksilver, when poured upon a plane, divides itself into a great number of minute spherules.


word: Spherulite
definition:
Spherulite

Spher"u*lite
(?)
n.
[Cf.  F. sphérulite.]
(Min.)
A minute spherical crystalline body having a radiated structure, observed in some vitreous volcanic rocks, as obsidian and pearlstone.


word: Spherulitic
definition:
Spherulitic

Spher`u*lit"ic
(?)
a.
Of or pertaining to a spherulite; characterized by the presence of spherulites.


word: Sphery
definition:
Sphery

Spher"y
(?)
a.
1.
Round; spherical; starlike.
[R.]
sphery
Shak.

2.
Of or pertaining to the spheres.
[R.]

She can teach ye how to climb
Higher than the sphery chime.
Milton.


word: Sphex
definition:
Sphex

Sphex
(?)
n.
[NL., fr. Gr. _;_;_;, _;_;_;, a wasp.]
(Zool.)
Any one of numerous species of sand wasps of the genus Sphex and allied genera. These wasps have the abdomen attached to the thorax by a slender pedicel. See Illust. of Sand wasp, under Sand.

Sphex fly (Zool.), any one of numerous species of small dipterous flies of the genus Conops and allied genera. The form of the body is similar to that of a sphex.


word: Sphincter
definition:
Sphincter

Sphinc"ter
(?)
n.
[NL., fr. _;_;_; to bind tight.]
(Anat.)
A muscle which surrounds, and by its contraction tends to close, a natural opening; as, the sphincter of the bladder.


word: Sphincter₂
definition:
Sphincter

Sphinc"ter
a.
(Anat.)
Of, pertaining to, or designating, a sphincter; as, a sphincter muscle.


word: Sphinx
definition:
Sphinx

Sphinx
(?)
n.
[L., from Gr. sfi`gx, usually derived from sfi`ggein to bind tight or together, as if the Throttler.]
1.
(a)
In Egyptian art, an image of granite or porphyry, having a human head, or the head of a ram or of a hawk, upon the wingless body of a lion.

The awful ruins of the days of old . . .
Or jasper tomb, or mutilated sphinx.
Shelley.

(b)
On Greek art and mythology, a she-monster, usually represented as having the winged body of a lion, and the face and breast of a young woman.
The most famous Grecian sphinx, that of Thebes in Bœotia, is said to have proposed a riddle to the Thebans, and killed those who were unable to guess it. The enigma was solved by Œdipus, whereupon the sphinx slew herself.
sphinx
Shak.

2.
Hence: A person of enigmatical character and purposes, especially in politics and diplomacy.

3.
(Zool.)
Any one of numerous species of large moths of the family Sphingidae; -- called also hawk moth.  See also tomato worm.

&hand_; The larva is a stout naked caterpillar which, when at rest, often assumes a position suggesting the Egyptian sphinx, whence the name.

4.
(Zool.)
The Guinea, or sphinx, baboon (Cynocephalus sphinx).

Sphinx baboon (Zool.), a large West African baboon (Cynocephalus sphinx), often kept in menageries. -- Sphinx moth. (Zool.) Same as Sphinx, 3.


word: Sphragide
definition:
Sphragide

Sphrag"ide
(?)
n.
[L. sphragis, -idis, Lemnian earth, fr. Gr. _;_;_;, _;_;_;, a seal; -- so called because sold in sealed packets.]
(Min.)
Lemnian earth.


word: Sphragistics
definition:
Sphragistics

Sphra*gis"tics
(?)
n.
[Gr. _;_;_;_; of or for sealing, fr. _;_;_; a seal.]
The science of seals, their history, age, distinctions, etc., esp. as verifying the age and genuiness of documents.


word: Sphrigosis
definition:
Sphrigosis

Sphri*go"sis
(?)
n.
[NL., fr. Gr. _;_;_; to be full of strength.]
(Bot.)
A condition of vegetation in which there is too abundant growth of the stem and leaves, accompanied by deficiency of flowers and fruit.


word: Sphygmogram
definition:
Sphygmogram

Sphyg"mo*gram
(?)
n.
[Gr. _;_;_;_; pulse + -gram.]
(Physiol.)
A tracing, called a pulse tracing, consisting of a series of curves corresponding with the beats of the heart, obtained by the application of the sphygmograph.


word: Sphygmograph
definition:
Sphygmograph

Sphyg"mo*graph
(?)
n.
[Gr. _;_;_; the pulse + -graph.]
(Physiol.)
An instrument which, when applied over an artery, indicates graphically the movements or character of the pulse. See Sphygmogram.


word: Sphygmographic
definition:
Sphygmographic

Sphyg`mo*graph"ic
(?)
a.
(Phusiol.)
Relating to, or produced by, a sphygmograph; as, a sphygmographic tracing.


word: Sphygmometer
definition:
Sphygmometer

Sphyg*mom"e*ter
(?)
n.
[Gr. _;_;_;_; pulse + -meter.]
(Physiol.)
An instrument for measuring the strength of the pulse beat; a sphygmograph.


word: Sphygmophone
definition:
Sphygmophone

Sphyg"mo*phone
(?)
n.
[Gr. _;_;_; the pulse + _;_;_; sound.]
(Physiol.)
An electrical instrument for determining by the ear the rhythm of the pulse of a person at a distance.


word: Sphygmoscope
definition:
Sphygmoscope

Sphyg"mo*scope
(?)
n.
[Gr. _;_;_; the pulse + -scope.]
(Physiol.)
Same as Sphygmograph.


word: Sphyraenoid
definition:
Sphyraenoid

Sphy*rae"noid
(?)
a.
[L. sphyraena a kind of sea fish (Gr. sfy`raina) + -oid.]
(Zool.)
Of or pertaining to the Sphyraenidae, a family of marine fishes including the barracudas.


word: Spica
definition:
Spica

Spi"ca
(?)
n.
pl. Spicae (#).
[L., an ear, as of corn.]
1.
(Med.)
A kind of bandage passing, by successive turns and crosses, from an extremity to the trunk; -- so called from its resemblance to a spike of a barley.

2.
(Astron.)
A star of the first magnitude situated in the constellation Virgo.


word: Spicated
definition:
Spicated

Spicate

{ Spi"cate (?), Spi"ca*ted (?), }
a.
[L. spicatus, p. p. of spicare furnish with spikes, or ears, fr. spica a spike, or ear.]
(Bot.)
Having the form of a spike, or ear; arranged in a spike or spikes.
Lee.


word: Spiccato
definition:
Spiccato

Spic*ca"to
(?)
a.
[It., p. p. of spicare to detach, to separate.]
(Mus.)
Detached; separated; -- a term indicating that every note is to be performed in a distinct and pointed manner.


word: Spice
definition:
Spice

Spice
(?)
n.
[OE. spice, spece, spice, species, OF. espice, espece, F. épice spice, espèce species, fr. L. species particular sort or kind, a species, a sight, appearance, show, LL., spices, drugs, etc., of the same sort, fr. L. specere to look. See Spy, and cf. Species.]
1.
Species; kind.
[Obs.]

The spices of penance ben three.
Chaucer.

Abstain you from all evil spice.
Wyclif (1. Thess,v. 22).

Justice, although it be but one entire virtue, yet is described in two kinds of spices. The one is named justice distributive, the other is called commutative.
Sir T. Elyot.

2.
A vegetable production of many kinds, fragrant or aromatic and pungent to the taste, as pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, mace, allspice, ginger, cloves, etc., which are used in cookery and to flavor sauces, pickles, etc.

Hast thou aught in thy purse [bag] any hot spices?
Piers Plowman.

3.
Figuratively, that which enriches or alters the quality of a thing in a small degree, as spice alters the taste of food; that which gives zest or pungency; a slight flavoring; a relish; hence, a small quantity or admixture; a sprinkling; as, a spice of mischief.

So much of the will, with a spice of the willful.
Coleridge.


word: Spice₂
definition:
Spice

Spice
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Spiced (?); p. p. & vb. n. Spicing (?).]
1.
To season with spice, or as with spice; to mix aromatic or pungent substances with; to flavor; to season; as, to spice wine; to spice one's words with wit.

She 'll receive thee, but will spice thy bread
With flowery poisons.
Chapman.

2.
To fill or impregnate with the odor of spices.

In the spiced Indian air, by night.
Shak.

3.
To render nice or dainty; hence, to render scrupulous.
[Obs.]
spiced
Chaucer.


word: Spicer
definition:
Spicer

Spi"cer
(?)
n.
[Cf. OF. espicier, F. épicier.]
1.
One who seasons with spice.

2.
One who deals in spice.
[Obs.]
Piers Plowman.


word: Spicery
definition:
Spicery

Spi"cer*y
(?)
n.
[OF. espicerie, F. épicerie.]
1.
Spices, in general.
Chaucer.

2.
A repository of spices.
Addison.


word: Spicewood
definition:
Spicewood

Spice"wood`
(?)
n.
(Bot.)
An American shrub (Lindera Benzoin), the bark of which has a spicy taste and odor; -- called also Benjamin, wild allspice, and fever bush.


word: Spiciferous
definition:
Spiciferous

Spi*cif"er*ous
(?)
a.
[L. spicifer bearing spikes, or ears; spica ear + ferre to bear.]
Bearing ears, or spikes; spicate.
[Obs.]
Bailey.


word: Spick
definition:
Spick

Spick
(?)
n.
[Cf. Sw. spik. See Spike a nail.]
A spike or nail.
[Prov. Eng.]

Spick and span, quite new; that is, as new as a spike or nail just made and a chip just split; brand-new; as, a spick and span novelty. See Span-new.
Howell.


word: Spicknel
definition:
Spicknel

Spick"nel
(?)
n.
[Contr. from spike nail a large, long nail; -- so called in allusion to the shape of its capillary leaves.]
(Bot.)
An umbelliferous herb (Meum Athamanticum) having finely divided leaves, common in Europe; -- called also baldmoney, mew, and bearwort.
[Written also spignel.]


word: Spicose
definition:
Spicose

Spi*cose"
(?)
a.
[L. spica a spike, or ear.]
(Bot.)
Having spikes, or ears, like corn spikes.


word: Spicula
definition:
Spicula

Spic"u*la
(?)
n.
pl. Spiculae (#).
[NL., dim. of L. spica a spike, ear.]
(Bot.)
(a)
A little spike; a spikelet.
(b)
A pointed fleshy appendage.


word: Spicular
definition:
Spicular

Spic"u*lar
(?)
a.
[L. spiculum a dart: cf. F. spiculaire.]
Resembling a dart; having sharp points.


word: Spiculate
definition:
Spiculate

Spic"u*late
(?)
a.
[L. spiculatus, p. p. of spiculare to sharpen, to point, fr. spiculum a dart.]
1.
Covered with, or having, spicules.

2.
(Bot.)
Covered with minute spiculae, or pointed fleshy appendages; divided into small spikelets.


word: Spicule
definition:
Spicule

Spic"ule
(?)
n.
[L. spiculum a little point, a dart.]
1.
A minute, slender granule, or point.

2.
(Bot.)
Same as Spicula.

3.
(Zool.)
Any small calcareous or siliceous body found in the tissues of various invertebrate animals, especially in sponges and in most Alcyonaria.

&hand_; Spicules vary exceedingly in size and shape, and some of those found in siliceous sponges are very complex in structure and elegant in form. They are of great use in classification.

Description of the Illustration:

a Acerate; b Tricurvate, or Bowshaped; c d Hamate; e Broomshaped; f Scepterellate; g Spinispirulate; h Inequi-anchorate; i Sexradiate; j A Trichite Sheaf; k Six-rayed Capitate; l Rosette of Esperia; m Equi-anchorate.


word: Spiculigenous
definition:
Spiculigenous

Spic`u*lig"e*nous
(?)
a.
[L. spiculum + -genous.]
(Zool.)
Producing or containing spicules.


word: Spiculispongiae
definition:
Spiculispongiae

Spic`u*li*spon"gi*ae
(?)
n. pl.
[NL.]
(Zool.)
A division of sponges including those which have independent siliceous spicules.


word: Spicy
definition:
Spicy

Spi"cy
(?)
a.
[Compar. Spicier (?); superl. Spiciest.]
[From Spice.]
1.
Flavored with, or containing, spice or spices; fragrant; aromatic; as, spicy breezes.
spicy
Milton.

Led by new stars, and borne by spicy gales.
Pope.

2.
Producing, or abounding with, spices.

In hot Ceylon spicy forests grew.
Dryden.

3.
Fig.: Piquant; racy; as, a spicy debate.


word: Spider
definition:
Spider

Spi"der
(?)
n.
[OE. spiþre, fr. AS. spinnan to spin; -- so named from spinning its web; cf. D. spin a spider, G. spinne, Sw. spindel. See Spin.]
1.
(Zool.)
Any one of numerous species of arachnids comprising the order Araneina. Spiders have the mandibles converted into poison fangs, or falcers. The abdomen is large and not segmented, with two or three pairs of spinnerets near the end, by means of which they spin threads of silk to form cocoons, or nests, to protect their eggs and young. Many species spin also complex webs to entrap the insects upon which they prey. The eyes are usually eight in number (rarely six), and are situated on the back of the cephalothorax. See Illust. under Araneina.

&hand_; Spiders are divided into two principal groups: the Dipneumona, having two lungs: and the Tetrapneumona, having four lungs. See Mygale. The former group includes several tribes; as, the jumping spiders (see Saltigradae), the wolf spiders, or Citigradae (see under Wolf), the crab spiders, or Laterigradae (see under Crab), the garden, or geometric, spiders, or Orbitellae (see under Geometrical, and Garden), and others. See Bird spider, under Bird, Grass spider, under Grass, House spider, under House, Silk spider, under Silk.

2.
(Zool.)
Any one of various other arachnids resembling the true spiders, especially certain mites, as the red spider (see under Red).

3.
An iron pan with a long handle, used as a kitchen utensil in frying food. Originally, it had long legs, and was used over coals on the hearth.

4.
A trevet to support pans or pots over a fire.

5.
(Mach.)
A skeleton, or frame, having radiating arms or members, often connected by crosspieces; as, a casting forming the hub and spokes to which the rim of a fly wheel or large gear is bolted; the body of a piston head; a frame for strengthening a core or mold for a casting, etc.

Spider ant. (Zool.) Same as Solitary ant, under Solitary. -- Spider crab (Zool.), any one of numerous species of maioid crabs having a more or less triangular body and ten long legs. Some of the species grow to great size, as the great Japanese spider crab (Macrocheira Kempferi), measuring sometimes more than fifteen feet across the legs when they are extended. -- Spider fly (Zool.), any one of numerous species of parasitic dipterous insects of the family Hippoboscidae. They are mostly destitute of wings, and live among the feathers of birds and the hair of bats. Called also bird tick, and bat tick. -- Spider hunter (Zool.), any one of several species of East Indian sunbirds of the genus Arachnothera. -- Spider lines, filaments of a spider's web crossing the field of vision in optical instruments; -- used for determining the exact position of objects and making delicate measurements. Fine wires, silk fibers, or lines on glass similarly placed, are called spider lines. -- Spider mite. (Zool.) (a) Any one of several species of parasitic mites of the genus Argas and allied genera. See Argas. (b) Any one of numerous small mites injurious to plants. -- Spider monkey (Zool.), any one of numerous species of South American monkeys of the genus Ateles, having very long legs and a long prehensile tail. -- Spider orchis (Bot.), a European orchidaceous plant (Ophrys aranifera), having flowers which resemble spiders. -- Spider shell (Zool.), any shell of the genus Pteroceras. See Pteroceras.


word: Spider stitch
definition:
Spider stitch

Spi"der stitch
A stitch in lace making used to fill in open spaces with threads resembling a cobweb.


word: Spider's web
definition:
Spider's web

Spider web

{ Spi"der web" (?), or Spi"der's web"  }
(Zool.)
The silken web which is formed by most kinds of spiders, particularly the web spun to entrap their prey; -- also called cobweb. See Geometric spider, Triangle spider, under Geometric, and Triangle.


word: Spiderwort
definition:
Spiderwort

Spi"der*wort`
(?)
n.
(Bot.)
An American endogenous plant (Tradescantia Virginica), with long linear leaves and ephemeral blue flowers. The name is sometimes extended to other species of the same genus.


word: Spiegel iron
definition:
Spiegel iron

Spie"gel i`ron
(?)
[G. spiegel mirror + E. iron.]
(Metal.)
A fusible white cast iron containing a large amount of carbon (from three and a half to six per cent) and some manganese. When the manganese reaches twenty-five per cent and upwards it has a granular structure, and constitutes the alloy ferro manganese, largely used in the manufacture of Bessemer steel. Called also specular pig iron, spiegel, and spiegeleisen.


word: Spignet
definition:
Spignet

Spig"net
(?)
n.
[Corrupted fr. spikenard.]
(Bot.)
An aromatic plant of America. See Spikenard.


word: Spigot
definition:
Spigot

Spig"ot
(?)
n.
[From spick,or spike; cf. Ir. & Gael. spiocaid a spigot, Ir. spice a spike. See Spike.]
A pin or peg used to stop the vent in a cask; also, the plug of a faucet or cock.

Spigot and faucet joint, a joint for uniting pipes, formed by the insertion of the end of one pipe, or pipe fitting, into a socket at the end of another.


word: Spigurnel
definition:
Spigurnel

Spi*gur"nel
(?)
n.
(Eng. Law)
Formerly the title of the sealer of writs in chancery.
Mozley & W.


word: Spike
definition:
Spike

Spike
(?)
n.
[Akin to LG. spiker, spieker, a large nail, D. spijker, Sw. spik, Dan. spiger, Icel. spīk; all perhaps from L. spica a point, an ear of grain; but in the sense of nail more likely akin to E. spoke of a wheel.  Cf. Spine.]
1.
A sort of very large nail; also, a piece of pointed iron set with points upward or outward.

2.
Anything resembling such a nail in shape.

He wears on his head the corona radiata . . . ; the spikes that shoot out represent the rays of the sun.
Addison.

3.
An ear of corn or grain.

4.
(Bot.)
A kind of flower cluster in which sessile flowers are arranged on an unbranched elongated axis.

Spike grass (Bot.), either of two tall perennial American grasses (Uniola paniculata, and Uniola latifolia) having broad leaves and large flattened spikelets. -- Spike rush. (Bot.) See under Rush. -- Spike shell (Zool.), any pteropod of the genus Styliola having a slender conical shell. -- Spike team, three horses, or a horse and a yoke of oxen, harnessed together, a horse leading the oxen or the span. [U.S.]


word: Spike₂
definition:
Spike

Spike
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Spiked (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Spiking.]
1.
To fasten with spikes, or long, large nails; as, to spike down planks.

2.
To set or furnish with spikes.

3.
To fix on a spike.
[R.]
Young.

4.
To stop the vent of (a gun or cannon) by driving a spike nail, or the like into it.


word: Spike₃
definition:
Spike

Spike
n.
[Cf. G. spieke, L. spica an ear of grain. See Spikenard.]
(Bot.)
Spike lavender. See Lavender.

Oil of spike (Chem.), a colorless or yellowish aromatic oil extracted from the European broad-leaved lavender, or aspic (Lavendula Spica), used in artist's varnish and in veterinary medicine. It is often adulterated with oil of turpentine, which it much resembles.


word: Spikebill
definition:
Spikebill

Spike"bill`
(?)
n.
(Zool.)
(a)
The hooded merganser.
(b)
The marbled godwit (Limosa fedoa).


word: Spiked
definition:
Spiked

Spiked
(?)
a.
Furnished or set with spikes, as corn; fastened with spikes; stopped with spikes.

A youth, leaping over the spiked pales, . . . was caught by those spikes.
Wiseman.


word: Spikelet
definition:
Spikelet

Spike"let
(?)
n.
(Bot.)
A small or secondary spike; especially, one of the ultimate parts of the in florescence of grasses. See Illust. of Quaking grass.


word: Spikenard
definition:
Spikenard

Spike"nard
(?)
n.
[For spiked nard; cf. G. spieknarde, NL. spica nardi. See Spike an ear, and Nard.]
1.
(Bot.)
An aromatic plant. In the United States it is the Aralia racemosa, often called spignet, and used as a medicine. The spikenard of the ancients is the Nardostachys Jatamansi, a native of the Himalayan region.  From its blackish roots a perfume for the hair is still prepared in India.

2.
A fragrant essential oil, as that from the Nardostachys Jatamansi.


word: Spiky
definition:
Spiky

Spik"y
(spīk"&ybreve_;)
a.
1.
Like a spike; spikelike.

These spiky, vivid outbursts of metallic vapors.
C. A. Young.

2.
Having a sharp point, or sharp points; furnished or armed with spikes.

Or by the spiky harrow cleared away.
Dyer.

The spiky wheels through heaps of carnage tore.
Pope.


word: Spile
definition:
Spile

Spile
(spīl)
n.
[Cf. LG. spile, dial. G. speil, speiler, D. spijl. √170.]
1.
A small plug or wooden pin, used to stop a vent, as in a cask.

2.
A small tube or spout inserted in a tree for conducting sap, as from a sugar maple.

3.
A large stake driven into the ground as a support for some superstructure; a pile.

4.
(Mining)
One of the thick laths or poles driven horizontally ahead on top of a set of the main timbering in advancing a level in loose ground.

Syn. -- forepole; spill{2d}.

Spile hole, a small air hole in a cask; a vent.


word: Spilikin
definition:
Spilikin

Spil"i*kin
(spĭl"ĭ*kĭn)
n.
[OD. spelleken a small pin. See Spill a splinter.]
One of a number of small pieces or pegs of wood, ivory, bone, or other material, for playing a game, or for counting the score in a game, as in cribbage.  In the plural (spilikins), a game played with such pieces; pushpin.
[Written also spillikin, spilliken.]


word: Spill
definition:
Spill

Spill
(spĭl)
n.
[√170.  Cf. Spell a splinter.]
1.
A bit of wood split off; a splinter.
[Obs. or Prov. Eng.]

2.
A slender piece of anything.

3.
A little sum of money.
[Obs.]
Ayliffe.


word: Spill₂
definition:
Spill

Spill
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Spilt (spĭlt); p. pr. & vb. n. Spilling.]
To cover or decorate with slender pieces of wood, metal, ivory, etc.; to inlay.
[Obs.]
Spenser.


word: Spill₃
definition:
Spill

Spill
(spĭl)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Spilled (spĭld), or Spilt (spĭlt); p. pr. & vb. n. Spilling.]
[OE. spillen, usually, to destroy, AS. spillan, spildan, to destroy; akin to Icel. spilla to destroy, Sw. spilla to spill, Dan. spilde, LG. & D. spillen to squander, OHG. spildan.]
1.
To destroy; to kill; to put an end to.
[Obs.]

And gave him to the queen, all at her will
To choose whether she would him save or spill.
Chaucer.

Greater glory think [it] to save than spill.
Spenser.

2.
To mar; to injure; to deface; hence, to destroy by misuse; to waste.
[Obs.]

They [the colors] disfigure the stuff and spill the whole workmanship.
Puttenham.

Spill not the morning, the quintessence of day, in recreations.
Fuller.

3.
To suffer to fall or run out of a vessel; to lose, or suffer to be scattered; -- applied to fluids and to substances whose particles are small and loose; as, to spill water from a pail; to spill quicksilver from a vessel; to spill powder from a paper; to spill sand or flour.

&hand_; Spill differs from pour in expressing accidental loss, -- a loss or waste contrary to purpose.

4.
To cause to flow out and be lost or wasted; to shed, or suffer to be shed, as in battle or in manslaughter; as, a man spills another's blood, or his own blood.

And to revenge his blood so justly spilt.
Dryden.

5.
(Naut.)
To relieve a sail from the pressure of the wind, so that it can be more easily reefed or furled, or to lessen the strain.

Spilling line (Naut.), a rope used for spilling, or dislodging, the wind from the belly of a sail. Totten.


word: Spill₄
definition:
Spill

Spill
v. i.
1.
To be destroyed, ruined, or wasted; to come to ruin; to perish; to waste.
[Obs.]

That thou wilt suffer innocents to spill.
Chaucer.

2.
To be shed; to run over; to fall out, and be lost or wasted.
spill
I. Watts.


word: Spiller
definition:
Spiller

Spill"er
(?)
n.
1.
One who, or that which, spills.

2.
A kind of fishing line with many hooks; a boulter.


word: Spilliard fishing
definition:
Spilliard fishing

Spillet fishing

{ Spil"let fish`ing (?), Spil"liard fish`ing (?), }
A system or method of fishing by means of a number of hooks set on snoods all on one line; -- in North America, called trawl fishing, bultow, or bultow fishing, and long-line fishing.


word: Spillway
definition:
Spillway

Spill"way`
(?)
n.
A sluiceway or passage for superfluous water in a reservoir, to prevent too great pressure on the dam.


word: Spilter
definition:
Spilter

Spil"ter
(?)
n.
[From Spill, n.]
Any one of the small branches on a stag's head.
[Obs.]
Howell.


word: Spilth
definition:
Spilth

Spilth
(?)
n.
[From Spill.]
Anything spilt, or freely poured out; slop; effusion.
[Archaic]
spilth
Shak.

Choicest cates, and the flagon's best spilth.
R. Browning.


word: Spin
definition:
Spin

Spin
(spĭn)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Spun (?) (Archaic imp. Span (_;)); p. pr. & vb. n. Spinning.]
[AS. spinnan; akin to D. & G. spinnen, Icel. & Sw. spinna, Dan. spinde, Goth. spinnan, and probably to E. span. √170.  Cf. Span, v. t., Spider.]
1.
To draw out, and twist into threads, either by the hand or machinery; as, to spin wool, cotton, or flax; to spin goat's hair; to produce by drawing out and twisting a fibrous material.

All the yarn she [Penelope] spun in Ulysses' absence did but fill Ithaca full of moths.
Shak.

2.
To draw out tediously; to form by a slow process, or by degrees; to extend to a great length; -- with out; as, to spin out large volumes on a subject.

Do you mean that story is tediously spun out?
Sheridan.

3.
To protract; to spend by delays; as, to spin out the day in idleness.

By one delay after another they spin out their whole lives.
L'Estrange.

4.
To cause to turn round rapidly; to whirl; to twirl; as, to spin a top.

5.
To form (a web, a cocoon, silk, or the like) from threads produced by the extrusion of a viscid, transparent liquid, which hardens on coming into contact with the air; -- said of the spider, the silkworm, etc.

6.
(Mech.)
To shape, as malleable sheet metal, into a hollow form, by bending or buckling it by pressing against it with a smooth hand tool or roller while the metal revolves, as in a lathe.

To spin a yarn (Naut.), to tell a story, esp. a long or fabulous tale. -- To spin hay (Mil.), to twist it into ropes for convenient carriage on an expedition. -- To spin street yarn, to gad about gossiping. [Collog.]


word: Spin₂
definition:
Spin

Spin
(?)
v. i.
1.
To practice spinning; to work at drawing and twisting threads; to make yarn or thread from fiber; as, the woman knows how to spin; a machine or jenny spins with great exactness.

They neither know to spin, nor care to toll.
Prior.

2.
To move round rapidly; to whirl; to revolve, as a top or a spindle, about its axis.

Round about him spun the landscape,
Sky and forest reeled together.
Longfellow.

With a whirligig of jubilant mosquitoes spinning about each head.
G. W. Cable.

3.
To stream or issue in a thread or a small current or jet; as, blood spinsfrom a vein.
Shak.

4.
To move swifty; as, to spin along the road in a carriage, on a bicycle, etc.
[Colloq.]


word: Spin₃
definition:
Spin

Spin
n.
1.
The act of spinning; as, the spin of a top; a spin a bicycle.
[Colloq.]

2.
(Kinematics)
Velocity of rotation about some specified axis.

3.
(Politics)
an interpretation of an event which is favorable to the interpreter or to the person s/he supports.  A person whose task is to provide such interpretations for public relations purposes is called a spin doctor.


word: Spina bifida
definition:
Spina bifida

Spi"na bif"i*da
(?)
(Med.)
[L., cleft spine.]
A congenital malformation in which the spinal column is cleft at its lower portion, and the membranes of the spinal cord project as an elastic swelling from the gap thus formed.


word: Spinaceous
definition:
Spinaceous

Spi*na"ceous
(?)
a.
(Bot.)
Of, pertaining to, or resembling, the plant spinach, or the family of plants to which it belongs.


word: Spinage
definition:
Spinage

Spinach

{ Spin"ach, Spin"age  }
(?)
n.
[OF. espinache, espinoche, F. épinard; cf. F. spinace, Sp. espinaca; all fr. Ar. isfānāj, isfināj, aspanākh, probably of Persian origin.]
(Bot.)
A common pot herb (Spinacia oleracea) belonging to the Goosefoot family.

Mountain spinach. See Garden orache, under Orache. -- New Zealand spinach (Bot.), a coarse herb (Tetragonia expansa), a poor substitute for spinach.

&hand_; Various other pot herbs are locally called spinach.


word: spinach beet
definition:
spinach beet

spinach beet
n.
1.
a beet lacking a swollen root; it is grown as a vegetable for its edible leaves and stalks.

Syn. -- chard, Swiss chard, spinach beet, leaf beet, chard plant, Beta vulgaris cicla.


word: Spinal
definition:
Spinal

Spi"nal
(?)
a.
[L. spinalis, fr. spina the spine: cf. F. spinal. See Spine.]
1.
(Anat.)
Of, pertaining to, or in the region of, the backbone, or vertebral column; rachidian; vertebral.

2.
Of or pertaining to a spine or spines.

Spinal accessory nerves, the eleventh pair of cranial nerves in the higher vertebrates. They originate from the spinal cord and pass forward into the skull, from which they emerge in company with the pneumogastrics. -- Spinal column, the backbone, or connected series or vertebrae which forms the axis of the vertebrate skeleton; the spine; rachis; vertebral column. -- Spinal cord, the great nervous cord extending backward from the brain along the dorsal side of the spinal column of a vertebrate animal, and usually terminating in a threadlike appendage called the filum terminale; the spinal, or vertebral, marrow; the myelon. The nervous tissue consists of nerve fibers and nerve cells, the latter being confined to the so-called gray matter of the central portions of the cord, while the peripheral white matter is composed of nerve fibers only. The center of the cord is traversed by a slender canal connecting with the ventricles of the brain.


word: Spindle
definition:
Spindle

Spin"dle
(?)
n.
[AS. spinal, fr. spinnan to spin; akin to D. spil, G. spille, spindel, OHG. spinnala. √170. See Spin.]
1.
The long, round, slender rod or pin in spinning wheels by which the thread is twisted, and on which, when twisted, it is wound; also, the pin on which the bobbin is held in a spinning machine, or in the shuttle of a loom.

2.
A slender rod or pin on which anything turns; an axis; as, the spindle of a vane.

3.
The fusee of a watch.

4.
A long and slender stalk resembling a spindle.

5.
A yarn measure containing, in cotton yarn, 15,120 yards; in linen yarn, 14,400 yards.

6.
(Geom.)
A solid generated by the revolution of a curved line about its base or double ordinate or chord.

7.
(Zool.)
(a)
Any marine univalve shell of the genus Rostellaria; -- called also spindle stromb.
(b)
Any marine gastropod of the genus Fusus.

Dead spindle (Mach.), a spindle in a machine tool that does not revolve; the spindle of the tailstock of a lathe. -- Live spindle (Mach.), the revolving spindle of a machine tool; the spindle of the headstock of a turning lathe. -- Spindle shell. (Zool.) See Spindle, 7. above. -- Spindle side, the female side in descent; in the female line; opposed to spear side. Ld. Lytton. [R.] “King Lycaon, grandson, by the spindle side, of Oceanus.” Lowell. -- Spindle tree (Bot.), any shrub or tree of the genus Eunymus. The wood of Eunymus Europaeus was used for spindles and skewers. See Prickwood.


word: Spindle₂
definition:
Spindle

Spin"dle
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Spindled(?); p. pr. & vb. n. Spindling (?).]
To shoot or grow into a long, slender stalk or body; to become disproportionately tall and slender.

It has begun to spindle into overintellectuality.
Lowell.


word: Spindleshanks
definition:
Spindleshanks

Spin"dle*shanks`
(?)
n.
A person with slender shanks, or legs; -- used humorously or in contempt.


word: Spindle-shaped
definition:
Spindle-shaped

Spin"dle-shaped`
(?)
a.
1.
Having the shape of a spindle.

2.
(Bot.)
Thickest in the middle, and tapering to both ends; fusiform; -- applied chiefly to roots.


