Using Your Dictionary
There is so much to discover with every turn of a dictionary’s page. Whether you use one to check your spelling, understand a book or article you’re reading, improve your writing, or simply broaden your vocabulary, dictionaries overflow with useful, interesting, and even entertaining information about words.
Here’s what you need to know to get the most out of your Merriam-Webster dictionary.
grave,ormonumentstothedead�a sepulchral stone� 2: ���chralely �-krə-le� adv 1: ������ 2: ��������� Mesepultura, from sepelire �tobury� adj 1 archaic : inclinedtofollow intellectuallyservile Latin sequac-,sequax sequi �tofollow� seequaecious�-�kwas-ət-e� n aneventthatfollowsorcomesafterawork�asanovelormovie�thatcontinues MedievalFrench sequele, fromLatin
-lə� n,pl -queelae �-�kwel-�e,-� � anaftereffectofdiseaseorinjury 2: asecondLatin,�sequel�
Entries
-kwəns,-�kwens� n 1: acontinuousorconnectanextendedseriesofpoemsunitedbyasingle b: threeormoreplayingcards usuallyofthesamesuitinconsecutiveorderofrank c: asuccessionofrepetitionsofamelodicphraseeachinanewposition asetofmathematicalelements�asnumbers�havingadefisequence 1,1,2,3,5,8,...� e asuccessionofscenesdevelopingasinglesubjectorphaseofa theexactorderofbasesinanucleicacidorof orderofsuccession 3a: �����asubsequentdevelopment 4: contiderivedfromLateLatin sequentia �se�tofollow� synonyms see ������-
bia 2: ������� 2 Serbian Srbin �pl. Srbi�
Serb adj
Serebiean ��sər-be-ən� n 1: ���� 1 2: aSlavic languagespokenbytheSerbianpeopleand writtenintheCyrillicalphabet Serbian adj
Serebo–Croeatian ��sər-bo-kro-�a-shən� n 1 : theSerbianandCroatianlanguagestogether withtheSlavicspeechofBosnia,Herzegovina, andMontenegrotakenasasinglelanguage withregionalvariants 2: onewhosenative languageisSerbo-Croatian Serbo–Croatian adj sere ��siər� adj : beingdriedandwithered�sere leaves� OldEnglish sear �dry�
Entries in the dictionary are arranged in alphabetical order according to their headwords.
serape
1sereeenade ��ser-ə-�nad� n 1a: acomplimentaryvocalorinstrumentalperformance� esp : onegivenoutdoorsatnightfora woman b: aworksoperformed 2: aworkforchambermusicorchestraresemblingasuite French sérénade, fromItalian serenata, from sereno �clear,calm�ofweather�,�fromLatin serenus
Headwords are the boldface words at the beginning of an entry.
toarrangeinasequence 2: todeterminethe sequenceofchemicalconstiuentsin�sequence thebasesin
-kwən-sər,-�kwen-sər� n : adevicethatdeter-
theoccupantsofastory 4: thesurface ofastructureonwhichonetravels�the floor ofabridge� 5a amainlevelspace�asinalegislativechamber�distinguished b: therighttospeakfromone�s placeinanassembly�thesenatorhasthe floor� 6: alower flor� tocoverwithafloororflooring 2a: toknockto ��������� �thenews floored us� r-�bord� n 1: aboardinafloor 2
-cies1: �������� 2 2: ��-
agymnasticeventinwhichparticipantsperformvariousballetandtumblingfeatsonafloormat 1: ����� 1 2: materialfor
atalllampthatstandsonthefloor amemberofalegislativebodychosenbyapartytohavechargeofitsorganizationandstrategyonthefloor aseriesofactspresentedinanightclub -kər,�flor-� n : apersonemployedina retailstoretooverseethesalespeopleandaidcustomers awomanofloosemorals �origin
ping1: toswingorbounce
flapabout�ahatbrim flopping inthewind� 2a: to throwoneselfdownheavily,clumsily,orinacompletelyreintothechair� b: tothrowordropsuddenlyandusuallyheavilyornoisily�flopped thebundlesonto tofailcompletely�theplay flopped� �alteration
anactorsoundofflopping 2: acompletefailure
Each homograph is entered at its own place and has a small numeral at the beginning.
�fall flop onmyface� acheaproominghouseorhotel er;-est: tendingtoflop� esp : beingsoftandflexible�ahatwitha floppy brim� athinflexiblediskwithamagneticcoatingon whichdataforacomputercanbestored
floras also floerae �-�e,-� � : plantor bacteriallifeespeciallyofaregion,period,orenvironment ofHawaii��theintestinal flora��compare Romangoddessofflowers� oforrelatingtoflowersoraflora
floeralely �-ə-le� adv r-əns-,�fl�r-� n : aroundusuallyflat� bottomedglasslaboratoryvesselwithalongneck �FlorItaly�fromtheuseofflasksofthisshapeforItalian
2floss vb : touseorcleanwithdentalfloss�floss daily� flossy ��fl�s-e,�flos-� adj flosseieer;-est1a: of,relatingto, orhavingthecharacteristicsoffloss b: ����� 2 2: stylish orglamorousespeciallyatfirstimpression�slick flossy writing� floetaetion also floaetaetion �flo-�ta-shən� n 1: theact,process, orstateoffloating 2: theseparationoftheparticlesofamass ofpulverizedoreaccordingtotheirrelativecapacityforfloatingonagivenliquid
floetilela �flo-�til-ə� n 1: afleetofships� esp : anavyunitconsistingoftwoormoresquadronsofsmallwarships �Spanish, from flota �fleet,�fromMedievalFrench flote, fromOldNorse floti�
2serenade vb : toentertainwithorperformaserenade sereenadeer n sereenedipeietous ��ser-ən-�dip-ət-əs� adj : obtainedorcharacterizedbyserendipity�serendipitous discoveries� sereenedipeiety ��ser-ən-�dip-ət-e� n : thegiftofaccidentally findingvaluableoragreeablethings fromitspossessionbythe heroesofthePersianfairytale TheThreePrincesofSerendip 1seerene �sə-�ren� adj 1a: beingclearandfreeofstorms�serene skies� b: shiningbrightandsteady 2: markedbyutter calm : �������� 3: ������ �usedaspartofatitle�Your Serene Highness� Latin serenus synonyms see ���� sereneely adv seereneeness �-�ren-nəs� n 2serene n 1: asereneconditionorexpanse�asofsky,sea,or light� 2: ��������, ������������ seereneiety �sə-�ren-ət-e� n : thequalityorstateofbeingserene serf ��sərf� n : amemberofaservilefeudalclassboundtothe
flotesam ��fl�t-səm� n : floatingwreckageofashiporitscargo �MedievalFrench floteson, from floter �tofloat,�ofGermanic origin�
When main entries are spelled exactly alike but have different functions in the sentence or have different origins, they are called homographs.
1flounce ��flauns� vi 1: tomovewithexaggeratedjerkymotions 2: togowithsuddendetermination�flounced outoftheroom inanger� �perhapsofScandinavianorigin�
2flounce n : anactorinstanceofflouncing
3flounce vt : totrimorfinishwithaflounce
4flounce n : astripoffabricattachedbytheupperedge�awide flounce atthebottomoftheskirt� �alterationofMiddleEnglish frouncen �tocurl��
1flouneder ��flaun-dər� n,pl flounder or flounders: ��������� esp : anyofvariousimportantmarinefoodfishes �MiddleEnglish,ofScandinavianorigin�
2flounder vi flounedered;flounedereing �-də-ring,-dring� : to struggleorproceedclumsily�flounder inthedeepsnow� �probablyalterationof founder�
1flour ��flaur� n 1a: finelygroundpowderymealofwheatusuallylargelyfreedfrombran b: asimilarmealofanycereal grainoredibleseed 2: afinesoftpowder �MiddleEnglish, �flower,bestofanything,flour��
2flour vt : tocoatwithflour
flourbeetle n : anyofseveralusuallyelongatedflattenedbrown beetlesthattypicallyfeedonandlayeggsingrainproducts�as flour�
1floureish �flər-ish,�flə-rish� vb 1: togrowluxuriantly : ������
2a: toachievesuccess : ������� b: tobeactiveorprominent�flourished around1850� 3: tomakeboldandsweeping gestures 4: towieldwithdramaticgestures : �������� �flourish asword� �MedievalFrench floriss-, stemof florir �to flourish,�fromLatin florere, from flor-,flos �flower��
2flourish n 1: anactorinstanceofbrandishingorwaving 2a : aflowerybitofspeechorwriting b: anornamentalstrokein writing c: adecorativeorfinishingdetail�ahousewithclever little flourishes� 3: ������� 4: aperiodofthriving 5: dra-
ESP ��e-�es-�pe� n : ����������������������
esepaedrille ��es-pə-�dril� n : aflatsandalusuallyhavingafabric upperandaflexiblesole French
esepaleier �is-�pal-yər,-�ya� n : aplant�asafruittree�trainedto growflatagainstasupport�asawallortrellis� French espalier vt
Spelling
Some words can be spelled in different ways. These additional spellings are called variants and they appear after the headword, following either or or also .
synonyms
unsatisfiedandoftenunreasonableappetiteordesire� kered forcompleteapproval�. fruitlesslonging�always longball n : �������
esepareto �is-�p�rt-o� n,pl -tos: eitheroftwoSpanishandAlgeriangrassesfromwhichcordage,shoes,baskets,andpaperare made�calledalso espartograss Spanish
esepeecial �is-�pesh-əl� adj 1a: directedtowardaparticular individual,group,orend�took especial caretospeakclearly� b: unusuallygreatorsignificant�adecisionof especial importance� 2: ���������� 3�hadno especial destinationin mind� MedievalFrench,�special� esepeecialely �-�pesh-le, -ə-le� adv
The word or is used when the variant is as common as the main entry word.
Esepeeraneto ��es-pə-�rant-o,-�r�nt-� n : anartificialinternationallanguagebasedasfaraspossibleonwordscommontothe chiefEuropeanlanguages Dr. Esperanto, pseudonymofL.L. Zamenhof,died1917,Polishoculist,itsinventor
esepieal �is-�p•-əl,-�p•l� n 1: anactofspyingorwatching 2 : anactofnoticing
logewood ��log-�wud,�l�g-� n : aCentralAmericanandWestIndiantreeofthelegumefamily� also : itshardbrownorbrownishredheartwoodusedindyeingoranextractofthis loegy ��lo-ge� adj loegieer;-est: markedbysluggishnessand lackofvitality �perhapsfromDutch log �heavy�� -leoegy �l-ə-je� ncombiningform 1: oralorwrittenexpression �phraseology� 2: doctrine : theory : science�ethnology� �Greek -logia, from logos �word,speech,reason�� loin ��loin� n 1a: thepartofthebodyoneachsideofthespinalcolumnandbetweenthehipandthelowerribs b: acutof meatcomprisingthispartofoneorbothsidesofacarcasswith theadjoininghalfofthevertebraeincludedbutwithoutthe flank 2 pl a: thepubicregion b: theorgansofreproduction �MiddleFrench loigne, derivedfromLatin lumbus� loinecloth �-�kloth� n : aclothwornabouttheloinsoftenasthe solearticleofclothinginwarmclimates loieter ��loit-ər� vi 1: tointerruptordelayanactivitywithaimlessidlestopsandpauses 2a: tohangaroundidly b: tolag behind �MiddleEnglish loiteren� loietereer �-ər-ər� n loll ��l�l� vb 1: tohangorlethangloosely : ����� 2: toact ormoveinalax,lazy,orindolentmanner : ������ �loll aroundinthesun� �MiddleEnglish lollen� synonyms see ���� loleliepop or lolelyepop ��l�l-e-�p�p� n : alumpofhardcandyon theendofastick �perhapsfromEnglishdialect lolly �tongue�+ 2pop�
esepieoenage ��es-pe-ə-�n�zh,-nij,-�n�j� n : thepracticeofspyingortheuseofspiestoobtaininformationabouttheplansand activitiesespeciallyofaforeigngovernmentorabusinesscompetitor French espionnage, fromMedievalFrench espionner �tospy,�from espion �spy,�fromItalian spione, from spia �spy,�ofGermanicorigin
eseplaenade ��es-plə-�n�d,-�nad� n : alevelopenstretchorarea� esp : onedesignedforwalkingordrivingalongashore French
The word also is used when the variant is less common than the entry word.
es£pous£al \is-Çpaò-zÑl also -sÑl\ n 1 a : betrothal b : wedding 1 c : marriage 2 : a taking up of a cause or belief
esepouse �is-�pauz also -�paus� vt 1: ����� 2: totakeup thecauseof : ������� esepouseer n
espreseso �e-�spres-o� also exepreseso n : coffeebrewedby forcingsteamorhotwaterthroughfinelygrounddarklyroastedcoffeebeans Italian caffèespresso, literally,�coffeemadeon thespot�
eseprit �is-�pre� n : livelyclevernessorwit French,fromMedievalFrench espirit, Latin spiritus �spirit�
esepritdecorps �is-�pred-ə-�kor,-�kor� n : thecommonspirit existinginthemembersofagroupandinspiringenthusiasm, devotion,andstrongregardforthehonorofthegroup French
esepy �is-�p � vt esepied �-�p d�� esepyeing: tocatchsightof MedievalFrench espier �tospy,�ofGermanicorigin -esque ��esk� adjsuffix : inthemannerorstyleof : like�Romanesque��statuesque� French,fromItalian -esco, ofGermanicorigin
esequire ��es-�kw r,is-�� n 1: amemberoftheEnglishgentry rankingimmediatelybelowaknight 2: acandidatefor knighthoodservingasattendanttoaknight 3 oftencap usedasacourtesytitleusuallyplacedinitsabbreviatedformafterasurname�asofanattorney��JohnM.Doe, Esq.� MedievalFrench esquier �squire� -ess �əs,is also �es� nsuffix : female�poetess� MedievalFrench -esse, fromLateLatin -issa, fromGreek
1esesay �e-�sa,�es-�a� vt : tomakeanoftententativeefforttoperform : ��� �essayed theroleofmediator�
2esesay ��es-�a • , insense1also e-�sa • � n 1: �������� esp : aninitialtentativeeffort 2: ausuallyshortanalyticorinterpretativeliterarycompositiondealingwithitssubjectfromalimited
longeboat ��long-�bot� longbone n : oneofthebonessupportingavertebratelimband
portantastobeindispensable. theverynatureofathingandthereforebeingincapableofremovalwithoutdestroyingthethingitselforitscharacter�conflictis essential todrama�. thatisofthenatureofafoundationwithoutwhichanentire systemorcomplexwholewouldcollapse�the principlesofademocracy�. necessarytocontinuanceasair,food,andwateraretoliving things�resources tion ��������� 2essential n : somethingbasic,necessary,orindispensable�the essentials forsuccess� essentialaminoacid propergrowthoftheanimalbodyandthatcannotbemanufacturedbythebodyinsufficientquantitybutmustbeobtained fromproteinfood
longebow ��long-�bo� drawnbyhand long–day adj : floweringordevelopingtomaturityonlyinresponsetoalternatinglonglightandshortdarkperiods�compare ���-�������,�����-��� 1
2long–distance adv : �ə� abut�au� ou �ər�further
ake�e� ea ���cot,cart�g� g consisting of a long enlarged heads that each long–dis•tance \-Çdis-tÑns\ communication with area 2 a : located a a long distance c : conducted
1-est �əst,ist� adjsuffixoradvsuffix tivedegreeofadjectivesandadverbsofonesyllable�fatt �latest�andofsomeadjectivesandadverbsoftwoormoresyllables�luckiest��beggarli 2-est �əst,ist� or -st ondpersonsingularofverbs�with �canst� OldEnglish esetabelish �is-�tab-lish� aconstitution� 2: itsbase� 3a: tobringintoexistence public� b: tobringabout ship� 4a: tosetonafirmbasis childreninbusiness� established order� �establish aclaim� one�sinnocence� lishes onpoorsoil� �toestablish,�fromLatin tabelisheer n establishedchurch cialchurchofanation esetabelishement lishing : thestateorfactofbeingestablished ofaprivilegedposition� manentcivilormilitaryorganization residencewithitsfurnishingsandstaff�adry-cleaning lishment� 4: anestablishedorderofsociety� : thesocial,economic,andpoliticalleadersofsuchanorder esetanecia �es-�t�ns-y�� stockfarm AmericanSpanish,fromSpanish,�stay,room� 1esetate �is-�tat� n orrankespeciallyofahighorder esp : oneofthegreatclasses�asthenobility,clergy,andcommons�formerlyhavingdistinctpoliticalpowers tureandextentofone�sinterestinproperty ��������� esp : aperson�spropertyinlandandtenements : theassetsandliabilitiesleftbyapersonatdeath extensivelandedpropertyoftenwithalargehouse ����������� also Latin status �state� 2estate adj : previouslyownedbyanotherandusuallyofhigh
at�e�p
1 teem �is-�tem�
GUIDE WORDS
at the top of the page show the alphabetical range of the entries on that page to help you find a word quickly.
ofentertainment�give aparty� 6: todesignateasashareor portion : ����� 7: ���������, ������� �gave thecreditto you� 8: tograntastrue : ������ 9: toyieldasaproductor result�cows give milk� 10: ��� �give afairprice� 11a: to deliverbybodilyaction�gave itapush� b: tocarryout�a movement� : ������� �gave asuddenleap� c: toawardby formalverdict�give judgment� 12: toofferforconsideration oracceptance�give areason� 13: toapplyfully : ������ give oneselftoacause� 14: tocauseonetohaveorreceive gave pleasuretothereader� 15: tomakegiftsordonations �betterto give thantoreceive��give blood� 16a: toyieldto physicalforceorstrain b: tocollapsefromtheapplicationof forceorpressure �MiddleEnglish given, ofScandinavianorigin� giveer ��giv-ər� n givebirth: tohaveababy� give birthto: tobringforth : ���� giveground: towithdraw beforesuperiorforce : ������� giveriseto: tobethe causeorsourceof : ������� givethelieto: toshowto befalse� giveway1a: ������� b: toyieldtherightof way 2: toyieldoneselfwithoutrestraintorcontrol 3a �������� 3, ���� b: ������� 2 synonyms ����,�������,������,������,������,������ meantohandovertosomeonewithoutexpectingsomethinginreturn. ���� isthegeneraltermapplyingtodelivering, passingover,ortransmittinginanymanner�give methose cups��give agifttoafriend�. ������� impliesmoreceremonyorformalityandsuggestsadegreeofcomplexityorvaluein whatisgiven�presented atrophytothewinner�. ������ impliesafreebutusuallypublicizedgiving,astocharity�donatnewuniformsfortheschoolband�. ������ impliesthe conveyingofsomethingasagiftandmaysuggestcondescensiononthepartofthegiver�bestow unwantedadvice�. ������ impliesagraciousgiving�asofafavororhonor��confer anhonorarydegree�. ������ impliesagivingorbestowing usuallyasanaturalconsequenceofthecharacterofthegiver �thetrees afford shade��adevelopmentthat affords ussome hope�. n 1: capacityortendencytoyieldtoforceorstrain 2 thequalityorstateofbeingspringy give–and–take ��giv-ən-�tak� n 1: thepracticeofmakingmutualconcessions 2: agood-naturedexchangeofideas giveeaway ��giv-ə-�wa� n 1: anunintentionalrevelationorbetrayal 2: somethinggivenawayfree� esp : ������� 1c 3: a radioortelevisionprogramonwhichprizesaregivenaway giveaway ��giv-ə-�wa� vt 1: todeliver�abride�ceremonially tothebridegroomatawedding 2a: toexposetodetectionor ridicule : ������ b: ������ 1, �������� giveback vb 1: ������� 1 2: ������ 5, ������� givein vi : ����� 5, ��������� en ��giv-ən� adj 1: ��������, �������� �given togossiping� 2: ����� 1c, ��������� �ata given time� 3: grantedas true : ������� given n : somethingtakenforgranted : abasicassumption givenname n : afirstname giveoff vt : ���� 1a�gaveoff asweetsmell� giveout vb 1: ���� 1 2: ����� 2b�giveout newbooks� 3 tobecomeexhausted : �������� 4: tobreakdown giveup vb 1: toyieldcontrolorpossessionof : ��������� toabandon�oneself�toafeeling,influence,oractivity 3 towithdrawfromanactivityorcourseofaction mo also gisemo ��giz-mo� n,pl gizmos also gismos: ������ �originunknown� zard ��giz-ərd� n : amuscularenlargementofthedigestive passage�asofabirdorinsect�thatusuallyfollowsthecropand hasahornyliningforgrindingthefood �MiddleEnglish giser, fromMedievalFrench gesir,giser, fromLatin gigeria �giblets�� brous ��gla-brəs� adj : havingasurfacewithouthairsorprojections : ������ �glabrous leaves� �Latin glaber �smooth, bald�� glaebrouseness n cé �gla-�sa� adj 1: madeorfinishedsoastohaveasmooth glossysurface 2: coatedwithaglaze : ������� �French, from glacer �tofreeze,ice,glaze,�derivedfromLatin glacies �ice�� cial ��gla-shəl� adj 1a: extremelycold : ������ b: lackingwarmthandcordiality 2a: of,relatingto,orproducedby glaciers b (1) : of,relatingto,orbeinganyofthosepartsof geologictimewhenalargeportionoftheearthwascoveredby glaciers (2) cap : ����������� glaecialely �-shə-le� adv cieate ��gla-she-�at� vt 1: tocoverwithaglacier 2: tosub-
DEFINITIONS
provide the meaning of each headword. Many words have more than one meaning so their entries have multiple definitions.
SYNONYMS
describe different shades of meaning and provide word choice. A word that is shown in small capital letters in a definition is a synonym of the word that is being defined.
FUNCTIONAL LABELS
are sometimes abbreviated and italicized, such as n for nouns, vb for verbs, and adj for adjectives.
jecttoglacialaction� also : toproduceglacialeffectsinoron glaecieaetion ��gla-she-�a-shən,-se-� n glaecier ��gla-shər� n : alargebodyoficemovingslowlydowna slopeorvalleyorspreadingoutwardonalandsurface �French, fromMiddleFrenchdialect,from glace �ice,�fromLatin glacies� glaecieoleoegy ��gla-she-��l-ə-je,-se-� n : abranchofscience dealingwithsnoworiceaccumulation,glaciation,andglacial epochs glaecieoleoegist �-jəst� n 1glad ��glad� adj gladeder;gladedest1a: experiencingpleasure,joy,ordelight : madehappy b: madepleased,satisfied, orgrateful�was glad oftheirhelp� c: verywilling�glad todo it� 2a: markedby,expressiveof,orcausedbyhappiness�a glad shout� b: causinghappinessandjoy : �������� �glad tidings� 3: fullofbrightnessandcheerfulness �OldEnglish gl�d �shining,glad�� gladely adv gladeness n 2glad n : ��������� gladeden ��glad-n� vt gladedened;gladedeneing ��glad-ning, -n-ing� : tomakeglad glade ��glad� n : agrassyopenspaceinaforest �perhapsfrom 1glad� gladeieaetor ��glad-e-�at-ər� n 1: apersonengagedinafightto thedeathforpublicentertainmentinancientRome 2: apersonengaginginafiercefightorcontroversy �Latin,from gladius �sword,�ofCelticorigin� gladeieaetoerieal ��glad-e-ə�tor-e-əl,-�tor-� adj gladeieoela ��glad-e-�o-lə� n : ��������� �back-formationfrom gladiolus, takenasaplural� gladeieoelus ��glad-e-�o-ləs� n,pl -oeli �-le,-�le, -�l � or -oelus also -oelusees1: anyofagenus ofchieflyAfricanplantsrelatedtotheirises witherectsword-shapedleavesandspikesof brilliantlycoloredflowers 2: thelargemiddle portionofthesternum �Latin,from gladius �sword�� gladesome ��glad-səm� adj : givingorshowing joy : �������� gladesomeely adv gladsomeeness n gladestone ��glad-�ston� n,oftencap : atraveling bagwithflexiblesidesonarigidframethat opensflatintotwocompartments �W.E. Gladstone, died1898,Britishstatesman� glameoreize also glameoureize ��glam-ə-�r z� vt 1: tomakeglamorous 2: tolookuponas glamorous glameoreiezaetion ��glam-ə-rə�za-shən� n glameoreizeer n glameoreous also glameoureous ��glam-rəs,-ərəs� adj : excitinglyattractive : fullofglamour glameoreousely adv glameoreouseness n glameour also glameor ��glam-ər� n : aromantic,exciting,andoftenillusoryattractiveness� esp : alluringor fascinatingpersonalattraction �Scottish glamour �magicspell,� alterationofEnglish grammar� WordHistory IntheMiddleAgesthemeaningof grammar wasnotrestrictedtothestudyoflanguagebutincludedlearningingeneral.Sincealmostalllearningwascouchedinlanguagenotspokenorunderstoodbytheunschooledpopulace, itwascommonlybelievedthatsuchsubjectsasmagicandastrologywereincludedinthisbroadsenseof grammar. Scholarswereoftenviewedwithaweandmorethanalittlesuspicionbyordinarypeople.Thisconnectionbetween grammar andmagicwasevidentinanumberoflanguages,andinScotlandbythe18thcenturyaformof grammar, alteredto glamer or glamour, meant�amagicspellorenchantment.�As glamour passedintomoreextendedEnglishusage,itcametomean �anelusive,mysteriouslyexcitingattractiveness.� 1glance ��glans� vi 1: tostrikesomethingandflyoffatanangle �thebullet glanced offthewall� 2: toflashorgleamwith quickintermittentraysoflight�thepond glanced inthesunlight� 3a: totakeaquickorhastylook�glanced upfromthe book� b: toreferbrieflytoasubject �MiddleEnglish glencen, glenchen� synonyms see ����� glanceingely �-ing-le� adv
gladiolus
EXAMPLES
of how a word is used illustrate and clarify different meanings.
ILLUSTRATIONS
clarify meanings and present additional information.
INFLECTED FORMS
are shown in certain entries for nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs.
USAGE NOTES
give information on how words are used and are set off from the definition by a dash ( — ).
ETYMOLOGIES
explain the origin of an entry word by tracing it back to its earliest known forms and meanings.
theactionofafilter 2: toremovebymeansofafilter 3: to passthroughorasifthroughafilter
filetereable also filetraeble ��fil-tə-rə-bəl,-trə-bəl� adj : capable ofbeingseparatedbyorofpassingthroughafilter�filterable microorganisms��a filterable liquid� filetereabileiety ��fil-tərə-�bil-ət-e,-trə-�� n filterablevirus n : anyoftheinfectiousagentsthatremaininfectiousafterpassingthroughafilterwithporestoofinefora bacteriumtopassthrough
filterbed n : abedofsandorgravelforfilteringwaterorsewage filterfeeder n : ananimal�asaclamorbaleenwhale�thatobtainsitsfoodbyfilteringorganicmatterorminuteorganisms fromacurrentofwaterthatpassesthroughsomepartofits body
filterpaper n : porouspaperusedforfiltering filtertip n : acigarorcigarettewithatipdesignedtofilterthe smokebeforeitentersthesmoker�smouth
filth ��filth� n 1: foulorputridmatter� esp : disgustingdirtor refuse 2a: moralcorruption b: somethingthattendsto corruptordisgust OldEnglish f¢lth, from fTl �foul�
filthy ��fil-the� adj filtheieer;-est1: coveredwithorcontainingfilth : disgustinglydirty 2a: morallypolluted : ���� �filthy politics� b: ������� synonyms see ����� filthiely �-thə-le� adv filtheieness �-the-nəs� n
filetrate ��fil-�trat� n : fluidthathaspassedthroughafilter
filetraetion �fil-�tra-shən� n : theactorprocessoffiltering
�financial ascoined,distributed,orcirculating�
dividual� thefinancialaffairsofacorporation,institution,orstate� cal policy�.
fineanecier dealswithfinanceandinvestmentonalargescale
fineback ��fin-�bak�
finch ��finch� beaks,crossbills,goldfinches,andbuntings�havingashort stoutconicalbilladaptedforcrushingseeds
1find ��f nd� vb oneorsomethingbychance� bysearchingorstudy obtainbyeffortormanagement� riveat : ����� decisionanddeclareit� ence�people of�find one�sfeetafteranillness� roomforaguest� cizeunfavorably
2find n 1: anactorinstanceoffinding esp : avaluablediscovery findeer ��f n-dər� tachedtoalargeroneforfindinganobject camerathatshowstheviewbeingphotographedbythecamera �calledalso
findesièecle teristicofthecloseofthe19thcentury endofacentury siècle n
fin1: 1 pectoral, 2 pelvic, 3,4 dorsal, 5 caudal, 6 anal
fin ��fin� n 1: athinexternalprocessofanaquatic animal�asafishorwhale� usedinpropellingorguidingthebody 2a: afin� shapedpart�asonanairplane,boat,orautomobile� b: ������� 2 c: a projectingribonaradiatororanenginecylinder OldEnglish finn finlike �-�l k� adj finned ��find� adj fienaegle �fə-�na-gəl� vb fienaegled;fienaegling �-�na-gə-ling, -gling� 1: toobtainbyindirectorinvolvedmeans 2: toobtainbytrickery perhapsfrom fainaigue �torenege� fienagler �-gə-lər,-glər� n 1fienal ��f n-l� adj 1a: nottobealteredorundone�reacheda final decision��allsalesare final� b: oforrelatingtoaconcludingcourtaction�final decree� 2: comingattheend : beingthelastinaseriesorprocess�the final chapter� 3: being orrelatingtoanendorpurpose�our final goal� Medieval French,fromLatin finalis, from finis �end,boundary� synonyms see ���� fienalely ��f n-l-e,�f n-le� adv
2final n : somethingfinal:as a: adecidingmatch,game,ortrial �usuallyusedinplural b: thelastexaminationinacourse �oftenusedinplural
fienaele �fə-�nal-e,fi-�n�l-� n : thecloseorterminationofsomething� esp : thelastsectionofaninstrumentalmusicalcomposition Italian,fromLatin finalis �final�
fienaleist ��f n-l-əst� n : acontestantinthefinalsofacompetition
fienaleiety �f -�nal-ət-e,fə-� n,pl -ties1: thecharacterorconditionofbeingfinal,settled,orcomplete 2: somethingfinal
fienaleize ��f n-l-� z� vt : toputinfinalorfinishedform
1fienance �fə-�nans,�f -�,f -�� n 1 pl : liquidresources�asmoney� availabletoagovernment,business,group,orindividual 2 : thesystemthatincludesthecirculationofmoney,thegrantingofcredit,themakingofinvestments,andtheprovisionof bankingfacilities 3: theobtainingoffundsorcapital : ��������� MiddleEnglish,�ending,payment,�fromMedieval French,from finer �toend,pay,�from fin �end,�fromLatin finis
2finance vt 1: toraiseorprovidefundsorcapitalfor�finance a newcar� 2: toselltoorsupplyoncredit�finance farmersuntilharvest�
financecharge n : achargeforcreditthatisgenerallyapercentageoftheamountofcreditgiven
financecompany n : acompanythatspecializesinmaking smallloansusuallytoindividuals
fienanecial �fə-�nan-chəl,f -� adj : havingtodowithfinanceor withfinances fienanecialely �-�nanch-le,-ə-le� adv synonyms ���������,��������,���������,������ meanhavingtodowithmoney. ��������� impliesmoney mattersinvolvingalargescaleorsomedegreeofcomplexity
finding n 1a: sultofajudicialproceedingorinvestigation
findout vt ingsomethingbad�thecriminalwas
1fine ��f n� n : fense MedievalFrench limit,boundary�
2fine vt : toimposeafineon
3fine adj 1a: tionofpuremetalinthecomposition�silver : verythiningaugeortexture� �fine sand� precise�fine ordiscrimination�a conception,orappearance : markedbyoraffectingeleganceorrefinement� 6: toone�sliking well�feel fine it�
finee
4fine adv : verywell
5fiene ��fe-�na closingpointafterarepeat
fineart n : art�assculptureormusic�concernedprimarilywith thecreationofbeautifulobjects�usuallyusedinplural
fineery ��f n-re ����� esp :
fines ��f nz� coal�
1fienesse �fə-�nes� orcomposition�apaintingdonewith dlingofasituation trumpinthehopethatalowercardwilltakethetrickbecause theonlyopposinghighercardisinthehandofanopponent whohasalreadyplayed
2finesse vb �acard�asafinesse ing b: toavoidskillfully
finefish ��fin-�fish�
1fineger ��fing-gər� thehand� esp resemblesordoestheworkofafinger whichafingerisinserted glish fin
2finger vb fin touchwiththefingers gersorwithacertainfingering
PRONUNCIATIONS
��tur-mə-lən,-len� thatisacomplexsilicateandwhentransparentiscutforuseas agemstone �Sinhalese toramalli �carnelian�� tourenaement ��tur-nə-mənt also �tər- or �tor-� n 1a: acontest ofskillandcouragebetweenarmoredknightsfightingwith bluntedlancesorswords b: aseriesofknightlycontestsoccurringatonetimeandplace 2: aseriesofathleticcontests, sportsevents,orgamesforachampionship�atennis tournament� �MedievalFrench turneiement� toureney ��tur-ne also �tər- or �tor-� n,pl tourneys: ���������� �MedievalFrench tornei, from torneier �totwist,whirl around,fight,tourney�� toureniequet ��tur-ni-kət,�tər-� n : adevice�asabandofrubber� thatstopsorslowsbleedingorbloodflowbycompressingblood vessels �French,from tourner �toturn��
1touesle ��tau-zəl,-səl� vt touesled;touesling ��tauz-ling,�taus-, -ə-ling� : ��������, ������ �tousled hair� �MiddleEnglish touselen�
use letters and special symbols to let you know how to say a word. Sometimes, a key at the bottom of the page explains the sounds that the symbols represent.
2tousle n : atangledmass�asofhair� 1tout ��taut� vb 1: tosolicitforpatronage,trade,votes,orsupport 2a chieflyBritish : tospyaboutatracingstablesand trackstogetinformationtobeusedinbetting b: togiveatip orsolicitbetsonaracehorse 3: tomakemuchof : ������� �thecollege�smuch touted women�sstudiesprogram� �Middle English tuten �topeer��
Hyphens in prounciations indicate the word’s syllables. A full list of pronunciation symbols is often found in the beginning of the dictionary.
2tout n : onewhotouts:as a: onewhosolicitspatronage b : onewhogivestipsorsolicitsbetsonahorserace touteer ��taut-ər� n : onethattouts
1tow ��to� vt : todraworpullalongbehind : ���� �OldEnglish togian�
2tow n 1: anactorinstanceoftowingorthefactorconditionof beingtowed 2: alineorropefortowing 3: something�asa tugboatorbarge�thattowsoristowed� intow1: under guidanceorprotection�taken intow byafriendlyguide� 2 : accompanyingorfollowingusuallyasanattendingordependentparty�noteasyshoppingwithtoddlers intow� 3tow n 1: shortbrokenfiberfromflax,hemp,orjuteusedfor yarn,twine,orstuffing 2: yarnorclothmadeoftow �OldEnglish tow- �spinning��
toweage ��to-ij� n 1: theactoftowing 2: thepricepaidfor towing 1toeward ��to-ərd,�to-ərd,�tord,�tord� adj 1 also toewards ��toərdz,�to-ərdz,�tordz,�tordz� a: comingsoon : �������� �couldmovefastenoughifamealwas toward� b: happening atthemoment : ����� 2a obsolete : quicktolearn : ��� b : ���������� 3�a toward breeze� �OldEnglish toweard �facing, imminent,�from to �to�+ -weard �-ward��
pointofintensity�a towering rage� : goingbeyondproperbounds : ��������� �towering ambition� towerwagon n : awagonormotortruck withahighadjustableplatformonwhich workerscanstand towehead ��to-�hed� n : apersonhavingflaxenhair towheadeed �-�hed-əd� adj toewhee ��to-�he,�to-e,to-�he� n : afinchofeasternNorthAmericaofwhichthemalehasablackback,awhitebelly,andreddishsides� also : anyofvariousrelatedbirdschieflyofthewesternU.S.andMexico �imitative� towit �tə-�wit� adv : thatistosay : ������ �MiddleEnglish to witen, literally,�toknow�� toweline ��to-�l n� n : alineusedintowing town ��taun� n 1a: aheavilypopulatedareaasdistinguished fromsurroundingruralterritory� esp : onelargerthanavillage butsmallerthanacity b: ���� 1a c: anEnglishvillagehavingaperiodicfairormarket 2a: thecityorurbanlifeascontrastedwiththecountry b: ����������� 1 3: aNewEnglandterritorialandpoliticalunitusuallycontainingbothrural andurbanareasunderasingletowngovernment�calledalso township �OldEnglish tTn �enclosure,village,town�� town adj
townclerk n : anofficialwhokeepsthetownrecords towncrier n : atownofficerwhomakespublicproclamations townhall n : apublicbuildingusedfortown-governmentofficesandmeetings townhouse n 1: thecityresidenceofonehavingacountryseatorachiefresidenceelsewhere 2: ahouseconnectedto anotherbyacommonsidewall townmeeting n : ameetingofinhabitantsortaxpayersofa towntotransactpublicbusiness townsefolk ��taunz-�fok� npl : ����������� towneship ��taun-�ship� n 1a: ���� 3 b: aunitoflocalgovernmentinsomenortheasternandnorthcentralstates c: a subdivisionofthecountyespeciallyinthesouthernU.S. 2: a divisionofterritoryinsurveysofU.S.publiclandcontaining36 sectionsor36squaremiles�about93.2squarekilometers� townseman ��taunz-mən� n 1: anativeorresidentofatownor city 2: afellowcitizenofatown
�ə� abut�au� out�i�tip�o�saw �u�foot �ər�further �ch� chin� �life�oi�coin�y� yet �a�mat �e�pet�j� job�th� thin�y��few �a�take �e� easy �ng�sing ��� this�yu�cure ���cot,cart�g� go�o�bone���food�zh�vision
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While the main features and parts of different dictionaries are similar, not all dictionaries are exactly alike. Most dictionaries include a section that explains how information is presented, so you can always check there if something doesn’t make sense.