figurine (fig'yu: ri:n´, -yэ-) •n. a small sculptured or molded figure; statuette [Fr < It figurina, dim. of figura < L: see FIGURE]

figwort (fig´wørt') •adj. designating a large family (Scrophulariaceae, order Scrophulariales) of dicotyledonous plants, including the foxglove and snapdragon •n. any of a genus (Scrophularia) of plants of the figwort family, with square stems and small flowers

Fiji (fi:´ji:) country occupying a group of islands (Fiji Islands) in the SW Pacific, north of New Zealand: a member of the Commonwealth: c. 7,000 sq. mi. (18,130 sq. km); pop. 672,000; cap. Suva

Fijian (fi:´ji: эn, fi: ji:´эn) •adj. of the Fiji Islands, their people, language, or culture •n. 1 a native or inhabitant of the Fiji Islands 2 the Melanesian language of the Fijians [< Fijian Viti, the Fijians' name for their country + -AN]

fila (fai´lэ) •n. pl. of FILUM

filament (fil´э mэnt) •n. 1 a very slender thread or fiber 2 a threadlike part; specif., a) the fine metal wire in a light bulb which becomes incandescent when heated by an electric current b) the cathode of a thermionic tube, usually in the form of a wire, which may be electrically heated 3 Bot. the stalk of a stamen bearing the anther fil'a·men´ta·ry (-ment´эr i:) •adj. fil'a·men´tous (-ment´эs) •adj. [Fr < ML filamentum < LL filare, to spin < L filum: see FILE¹]

filar (fai´lэr) •adj. 1 of a thread 2 having fine threads or hairs stretched across the field of view, as a micrometer [< L filum, a thread (see FILE¹) + -AR]

filaree (fil´э ri:') •n. ALFILARIA

filaria (fi ler´i: э) pl. fi·lar´i·ae' (-i: i:') •n. any of a superfamily (Filarioidea) of threadlike, parasitic nematode worms that live in the blood and tissues of vertebrate animals: they are carried and transmitted by mosquitoes and other invertebrates fi·lar´i·al or fi·lar´i·an •adj. Etymology [ModL < L filum: see FILE¹]

filariasis (fil'э rai´э sis) •n. a disease caused by filarial worms transmitted by mosquitoes: the worms invade lymphatic vessels and lymphoid tissue, causing chronic swelling of the lower extremities and other parts of the body [ModL: see FILARIA]

filature (fil´э chэr) •n. 1 a spinning into threads 2 a) a reeling of raw silk from cocoons b) a reel for this c) a place where this is done [Fr < pp. of LL filare, to spin: see FILE¹]

filbert (fil´bэrt) •n. 1 the edible nut of a hazel, esp. of a cultivated European tree (Corylus avellana or C. maxima); hazelnut 2 a tree bearing this nut [ME filberde, philliberd, prob. via NormFr (noix de) filbert, (nut of) Philibert, after St. Philibert, whose feast came in the nutting season]

filch (filch) •vt. to steal (usually something small or petty); pilfer [ME filchen]

filé (fi: lei´) •n. powdered sassafras leaves, used in Creole cooking [AmFr < Fr, pp. of filer, to twist, spin < L filare < filum, a thread: see FILE¹]

file clerk a person hired to keep office files in order

file¹ (fail) filed, fil´ing •vt. 1 a) to arrange (papers, etc.) in order for future reference b) to put (a paper, etc.) in its proper place or order Æ 2 to dispatch (a news story) to a newspaper, news agency, etc. 3 to register (an application, etc.) 4 to put (a legal document) on public record 5 to initiate (a divorce suit or other legal action) •vi. 1 to move in a line {to file out of a building} Æ 2 to register oneself as a candidate (for a political office) 3 to make application (for divorce proceedings, etc.) •n. [senses 1, 2, & 5 < the v.; 3 & 4 < Fr file < L filum] 1 a container, as a folder, cabinet, etc., for keeping papers in order 2 an orderly arrangement of papers, cards, etc., as for reference 3 a line of persons or things situated one behind another: cf. RANK¹ 4 any of the rows of squares on a chessboard extending from one player's end to the other 5 Comput. a collection of data (or, often, of logically related records) stored and dealt with as a single, named unit: cf. RECORD (n. 7), FIELD (n. 12) in file in line, one behind another on file kept as in a file for reference file´a·ble •adj. fil´er •n. [ME filen < OFr filer, to string documents on thread, orig., to spin thread < LL filare, to spin < L filum, thread < IE base *gwhislo- > Lith gýsla, sinew]

file² (fail) •n. 1 a steel tool with a rough, ridged surface for smoothing, grinding down, or cutting through something 2 [Brit. Slang] a crafty rascal •vt. filed, fil´ing to smooth, grind down, or cut through as with a file [ME < OE feol (Mercian fil), akin to Ger feile < Du vijl, prob. < IE base *peik-, var. of *peig-, to scratch, prick > PAINT]

file³ (fail) filed, fil´ing •vt. [Archaic] to make foul; defile [ME filen < OE -fylan < ful, dirty, FOUL]

filefish (fail´fish') pl. (see FISH) -fish' •n.or -fish'es any of various fishes (family Balistidae) of the same order (Tetraodontiformes) as the puffer fish, with a compressed body and very small, rough scales

filet (fi lei´, fil´ei') •n. 1 a net or lace with a simple pattern on a square mesh background 2 FILLET (n. 6) •vt. -leted´, -let´ing FILLET (vt. 2) [ME < OFr: see FILLET]

filet mignon (fi:´lei' mi:n youñ´, -youn´; fi lei´-) a thick, round cut of lean beef tenderloin broiled, often with a bacon strip wrapped around it [Fr, lit., tiny fillet]

filial (fil´i: эl, fil´yэl) •adj. 1 of, suitable to, or due from a son or daughter {filial devotion} 2 Genetics designating or of any generation following the parental: the first filial generation is designated F1, the second (produced from the first) F2, etc. [ME < LL(Ec) filialis, of a son or daughter < L filius, son, filia, daughter < base of femina, fetus: see FEMALE]

filiation (fil'i: ei´shэn) •n. 1 the state or fact of being a son or daughter; relation of a child to its parent 2 descent from or as from a parent; derivation 3 a) the forming of a new branch of a society, etc. b) such a branch 4 Law the determination by a court of the paternity of a child [ME filiacion < OFr filiation < LL filiatio < L filius: see FILIAL]

filibeg (fil´i beg') •n. a kilt [Gael feileadh beag < feileadh, a fold + beag, little]

filibuster (fil´i bûs'tэr) •n. 1 an adventurer who engages in unauthorized warfare against a country with which his own country is at peace; specif., any of the 19th-cent. U.S. adventurers who led armed expeditions into Latin American countries; freebooter Æ 2 a) the making of long speeches, introduction of irrelevant issues, etc. in order to obstruct the passage of a bill in the Senate b) a member of the Senate who uses such methods (also fil´i·bus'ter·er) •vi. 1 to engage in unauthorized warfare as a freebooter Æ 2 to engage in a filibuster •vt. Æ to obstruct the passage of (a bill) by a filibuster [Sp filibustero < Fr flibustier, earlier fribustier < MDu vrijbuiter, FREEBOOTER]

filiform (fil´i förm', fai´li-) •adj. having the form of a thread or filament [< L filum, a thread (see FILE¹) + -FORM]

filigree (fil´i gri:') •n. 1 delicate, lacelike ornamental work of intertwined wire of gold, silver, etc. 2 any delicate work or design like this •adj. like, made of, or made into filigree •vt. -greed', -gree'ing to ornament with filigree [altered from earlier filigrain < Fr filigrane < It filigrana < L filum, a thread (see FILE¹) + granum, GRAIN]

filing (fail´iŋ) •n. a small piece, as of metal, scraped off with a file: usually used in pl.

Filipino (fil'i pi:´nou) •n. 1 pl. -nos a native or inhabitant of the Philippines 2 var. of PILIPINO •adj. Philippine [Sp]

fill (fil) •vt. 1 a) to put as much as possible into; make full b) to put a considerable quantity of something into {to fill the tub for a bath, to fill one's life with joy} 2 a) to take up or occupy all or nearly all the capacity, area, or extent of {the crowd filled the room} b) to spread or be diffused throughout 3 a) to occupy (an office, position, etc.) b) to put a person into (an office, position, etc.) Æ 4 to fulfill (an engagement to perform, speak, etc.) Æ 5 a) to supply the things needed or called for in (an order, prescription, etc.) b) to satisfy (a need, requirement, etc.) 6 a) to close or plug (holes, cracks, etc.) b) to insert a filling in (a tooth) 7 to satisfy the hunger or desire of; feed or satiate Æ 8 to raise the level of (low land) by adding earth, gravel, etc. 9 Naut. a) to cause (a sail) to swell out b) to adjust (a sail) so that the wind strikes its after side Æ 10 Poker to draw the card or cards needed to complete (a straight, flush, or full house) •vi. to become full •n. 1 all that is needed to make full 2 all that is needed to satisfy {to eat or drink one's fill} Æ 3 anything that fills or is used to fill; esp., earth, gravel, etc. used for filling a hole or depression Æ 4 a piece of land artificially raised to a required level, as a railroad embankment fill in 1 to fill with some substance 2 to make complete by inserting or supplying something 3 to insert or supply for completion Æ 4 to be a substitute Æ fill one in on [Colloq.] to provide one with additional facts, details, etc. about fill out 1 to make or become larger, rounder, shapelier, etc. Æ 2 to make (a document, etc.) complete by inserting or supplying information fill up to make or become completely full [ME fillen, fullen < OE fyllan < Gmc *fulljan, to make full < *fulla- (> Goth fulls, FULL¹) + -jan, caus. suffix]

fille (fi:´yª) •n. 1 a daughter 2 a girl; maid 3 a spinster [Fr < L filia: see FILIAL]

fille de joie (fi:´yª dэ zhwå´) a prostitute [Fr, lit., daughter of joy]

filled gold brass or other base metal covered with a layer of gold

filled milk skimmed milk with vegetable oils added to increase the fat content

filler (fil´эr) •n. a person or thing that fills, as, a) matter added to some other to increase bulk, improve consistency, etc. b) a preparation used to fill in the cracks, grain, etc. of wood before painting or varnishing c) the bunch of blended tobacco held together by a binder leaf to form a cigar d) a short, space-filling item as in a newspaper; squib e) the paper to be inserted into a loose-leaf notebook, etc. f) Archit. a plate put in to fill a space, as between two structural parts

fillér (fi:l´leir') pl. -lér •n.or -lérs a monetary unit of Hungary, equal to ¹/100 of a forint [Hung]

fillet (fil´it; for n. 6 & vt. 2, usually fi lei´, fil´ei') •n. 1 a narrow band worn around the head as to hold the hair in place 2 a thin strip or band 3 FAIRING¹ 4 Archit. a) a flat, square molding separating other moldings b) a narrow band between two flutings in a column 5 Bookbinding an ornamental line impressed on a book cover 6 Cooking a boneless, lean piece of meat or fish •vt. 1 to bind or decorate with a band, molding, etc. 2 to bone and slice (meat or fish) [ME filet < OFr, dim. of fil: see FILE¹]

fill-in (fil´in') •n. a person or thing that fills a vacancy or gap, often temporarily

filling (fil´iŋ) •n. 1 the act of one that fills 2 a thing used to fill something else or to supply what is lacking; specif., a) the metal, plastic, etc. inserted by a dentist into a prepared cavity in a tooth b) the foodstuff used between the slices of a sandwich, in a pastry shell, etc. Æ 3 the horizontal threads, or woof, in a woven fabric

filling station SERVICE STATION (sense 2)

fillip (fil´ip) •n. 1 the snap made by a finger which is held down toward the palm by the thumb and then suddenly released 2 a light blow or tap given in this way 3 anything that stimulates or livens up; piquant element •vt. 1 to strike, impel, or snap with a fillip 2 to stimulate or liven up •vi. to make a fillip [echoic extension of FLIP¹: see CHIRRUP, CHIRP]

fillister (fil´is tэr) •n. 1 a plane for cutting grooves in wood 2 a groove, as one in a window frame for holding the glass [< ?]

Fillmore (fil´mör), Mill·ard (mil´эrd) 1800-74; 13th president of the U.S. (1850-53)

filly (fil´i:) pl. -lies •n. 1 a young female horse, specif. one under five years of age 2 [Colloq.] a vivacious young woman or girl Etymology [ME filli < ON fylja, fem. of foli, FOAL]

film (film) •n. 1 a fine, thin skin, surface, layer, or coating 2 a sheet or roll of a flexible cellulose material coated with an emulsion sensitive to light and used to capture an image for a photograph or FILM (n. 5a) 3 a thin veil, haze, or blur 4 an opacity of the cornea 5 a) a sequence of photographs or drawings projected on a screen in such rapid succession that they create the optical illusion (because of the persistence of vision) of moving persons and objects b) a play, story, etc. photographed as such a sequence c) [pl.] the business of making films 6 [Rare] a) a fine filament b) a gauzy web of filaments •vt. 1 to cover with or as with a film 2 to take a photograph or FILM (n. 5a) of 3 to make a FILM (n. 5b) of (a novel, play, etc.) •vi. 1 to become covered with a film 2 a) to make a FILM (n. 5a & b) b) to be filmed or suitable for filming {this novel won't film well} film´er •n. [ME < OE filmen, membrane, foreskin: for IE base see FELL4]

film noir (film' nwär´) a type of motion picture, esp. of the 1940's and 1950's, fatalistic, pessimistic, or cynical in mood and often dealing melodramatically with urban crime and corruption [Fr, lit., black film]

film pack several sheets of photographic film in a frame that fits in the back of a camera

filmgoer (-gou´эr) •n. MOVIEGOER

filmic (film´ik) •adj. 1 of or having to do with films or the art of making them 2 of the visual qualities of a film as distinct from the theme, dialogue, story, etc. 3 visually exciting or expressive

filmmaker (film´meik'эr) •n. a person who makes films, esp. a producer, director, etc. film´mak'ing •n.

filmography (film äg´rэ fi:) •n. a list of the films of a particular actor, director, genre, etc.

filmstrip (film´strip') •n. a length of film containing still photographs, often of illustrations, diagrams, charts, etc., arranged in sequence for projection separately and used as a teaching aid

filmy (film´i:) film´i·er, film´i·est •adj. 1 of or like a film; hazy, gauzy, etc. 2 covered with or as with a film; blurred film´i·ly •adv. film´i·ness •n.

filo or fillo (fi:´lou) •n. alt. sp. of PHYLLO

filopodium (fil'ou pou´di: эm, fai'lou-) pl. -di·a (-э) •n. a thin, narrow pseudopodium consisting primarily of ectoplasm [ModL < L filum, thread (see FILE¹) + -PODIUM]

filose (fai´lous') •adj. 1 threadlike 2 having a threadlike projection [< L filum (see FILE¹) + -OSE²]

fils (fi:s) •n. a son or a youth: often used like English Jr. {Dumas fils} [Fr < L filius: see FILIAL] fils (fi:ls, fils) pl. fils •n. any of the monetary units of: a) Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, and Kuwait, equal to ¹/1000 of a dinar b) the United Arab Emirates, equal to ¹/100 of a dirham c) Yemen, equal to ¹/1000 of a riyal [Ar, earlier fals < LGr phollis, a small coin, ¹/288 of a solidus]

filter (fil´tэr) •n. 1 a device for separating solid particles, impurities, etc. from a liquid or gas by passing it through a porous substance 2 any porous substance used or suitable for this, as sand, charcoal, felt, etc. 3 Physics a) a device or substance that passes electric currents of certain frequencies or frequency ranges while preventing the passage of others b) a device or substance that partially or completely absorbs certain light rays {a color filter for a camera lens} •vt. [Fr filtrer < the n.] 1 to pass (a liquid or gas) through a filter 2 to remove or separate (solid particles, impurities, etc.) from a liquid or gas by means of a filter (often with out) 3 to act as a filter for •vi. 1 to pass through or as if through a filter 2 to move or pass slowly {the news filtered through town} [ME filtre < OFr < ML filtrum, feltrum, felt, fulled wool (used for straining liquors) < Gmc: see FELT¹]

filter bed a tank, covered trench, etc. with a sand or gravel bottom, used to filter water, sewage, etc.

filter feeder an animal that feeds by filtering small organisms or food particles from the water or air, as a clam, whalebone whale, or sponge

filter paper porous paper for filtering liquids

filter tip 1 a cigarette tip containing cellulose, cotton, charcoal, etc. and serving as a mouthpiece through which the smoke is filtered 2 a cigarette having such a tip fil´ter-tip' or fil´ter-tipped' •adj.

filterable (fil´tэr э bэl) •adj. that can be filtered fil'ter·a·bil´i·ty •n.

filterable virus any virus: so called because most viruses are capable of passing through fine filters that bacteria cannot pass through

filth (filθ) •n. 1 disgustingly offensive dirt, garbage, etc. 2 anything considered as foul as this; esp., anything viewed as grossly indecent or obscene 3 gross moral corruption [ME < OE fylthe < base of ful (see FOUL) + -TH¹]

filthy (filθ´i:) filth´i·er, filth´i·est •adj. 1 full of filth; disgustingly foul 2 grossly obscene 3 morally vicious or corrupt SYN. DIRTY filth´i·ly •adv. filth´i·ness •n. [ME filthi]

filtrable (fil´trэ bэl) •adj. FILTERABLE fil'tra·bil´i·ty •n.

filtrate (fil´treit') -trat'ed, -trat'ing •vt. to filter •n. a filtered liquid fil·tra´tion •n. [< ML filtratus, pp. of filtrare < filtrum, FILTER]

filum (fai´lэm) pl. fi´la (-lэ) •n. Anat. any threadlike part; filament [L, a thread: see FILE¹]

fimbria (fim´bri: э) pl. -bri·ae' (-bri: i:') •n. Biol. a fringe or border of hairs, fibers, etc. or a fringelike process, esp. at the opening of an oviduct in mammals [ModL < L, fiber, fringe]

fimbriate (fim´bri: eit') •adj. having a fringe of hairs, fibers, etc. fim'bri·a´tion •n. [L fimbriatus, fringed: see FIMBRIA]

fin abbrev. 1 finance 2 financial 3 finished Fin 1 Finland 2 Finnish fin (fæñ) •n. the end; finish; conclusion [Fr]

fin de siècle (fæñt sye´klª) of or characteristic of the last years of the 19th cent.: formerly used to refer to progressive ideas and customs, but now generally used to indicate decadence [Fr, end of the century]

fin¹ (fin) •n. 1 any of several winglike, membranous organs on the body of a fish, dolphin, etc., used in swimming, turning, and balancing 2 anything like a fin in shape or use; specif., a) any narrow edge or ridge formed in manufacturing, as on a casting by metal forced through the halves of the mold b) any vertical airfoil, fixed or movable, whose chief function is to give stability in flight c) a stabilizing or steering projection on boats or submarines d) [Slang] a hand or arm •vt. finned, fin´ning to cut the fins from (a fish) •vi. to move the fins, esp. in a violent way [ME < OE finn, akin to Du vin, Ger finne < IE *(s)pina-, point < base *(s)p(h)ei-, pointed stick > SPIT¹, SPIKE¹]

fin² (fin) •n. [Slang] a five-dollar bill [shortened < W Yidd finef, five (cf. E Yidd finf) < MHG vinf < OHG fimf, FIVE]

finable (fain´э bэl) •adj. liable to a fine

finagle (fэ nei´gэl) -gled, -gling •vt. [Colloq.] to get, arrange, or maneuver by cleverness, persuasion, etc., or esp. by craftiness, trickery, etc. •vi. to use craftiness, trickery, etc. fi·na´gler •n. [< ?]

final (fain´эl) •adj. 1 of or coming at the end; last; concluding {the final chapter} 2 leaving no further chance for action, discussion, or change; deciding; conclusive {a final decree} 3 having to do with the basic or ultimate purpose, aim, or end {a final cause} •n. 1 anything final 2 [pl.] the last of a series of contests, trials, etc. 3 a final or concluding examination [ME < OFr < L finalis < finis, end: see FINISH]

finale (fэ næl´i:; -nä´lei, -li:) •n. 1 the concluding part of a musical composition 2 the last scene or feature of an entertainment 3 the conclusion or last part; end [It, orig. adj. < L finalis, FINAL]

finalist (fain´эl ist) •n. a contestant who participates in the final and deciding contest or contests of a series

finality (fai næl´э ti:, fэ-) •n. 1 the quality or condition of being final, settled, or complete; conclusiveness 2 pl. -ties anything final [LL finalitas]

finalize (fai´nэl aiz') -ized', -iz'ing •vt. to make final; bring to completion fi'nal·i·za´tion •n. [FINAL + -IZE]

finally (fain´эl i:; often fain´li:) •adv. 1 at the end; in conclusion 2 decisively; conclusively; irrevocably

finance (fai´næns'; also fэ næns´) •n. 1 [pl.] the money resources, income, etc. of a nation, organization, or person 2 the managing or science of managing money matters, credit, etc. •vt. -nanced', -nanc'ing 1 to supply money, credit, or capital to or for 2 to obtain money, credit, or capital for [ME finaunce, a fine, forfeit < OFr finance, wealth, revenue < finer, to end, settle accounts, pay ransom < fin: see FINE²]

finance company a company specializing in the lending of money to consumers, the purchasing of accounts receivable, and the extension of credit to businesses

financial (fai næn´shэl; also fэ-) •adj. of finance, finances, or financiers fi·nan´cial·ly •adv. SYN.—financial implies reference to money matters, esp. where large sums are involved [a financial success]; fiscal is used with reference to government revenues and expenditures or the administering of the financial affairs of an organization or corporation [a fiscal year]; monetary refers directly to money itself and is used in connection with coinage, circulation, standards, relative values, etc. [the monetary unit of a country]; pecuniary is applied to money matters of a practical or personal nature [pecuniary motives]

financier (fin'эn sir´; also fai'næn-, -nэn-, or fэ næn'-; chiefly Brit fi næn´sir', fai-) •n. 1 a person trained or skilled in finance 2 a person who engages in financial operations on a large scale •vi. to engage in financial operations, often specif. in a dishonest way [Fr]

finback whale (fin´bæk') RORQUAL

finca (fi:ŋ´kä') •n. an estate or plantation in Spain or Spanish America [Sp < fincar, to buy real estate < VL *figicare, to attach: see FISHPLATE]

finch (finch) •n. any of various small, short-beaked, seed-eating passerine birds (esp. family Fringillidae), including redpolls, canaries, crossbills, goldfinches, and chaffinches [ME < OE finc, akin to Ger fink < IE echoic base *(s)pingo-, chirping bird > Welsh pink, Gr spingos, finch]

find (faind) found, find´ing •vt. 1 to happen on; come upon; meet with; discover by chance 2 to get by searching or by making an effort {find the answer} 3 to get sight or knowledge of; perceive; learn {I find that I was wrong} 4 to experience or feel {to find pleasure in music} 5 a) to get or recover (something lost) {to find a missing book} b) to get or recover the use of {we found our sea legs} 6 to realize as being; consider; think {to find a book boring} 7 to get to; reach; attain {the blow found his chin} 8 to declare after careful thought {the jury found him innocent} 9 to supply; furnish: cf. FOUND¹ •vi. to reach and announce a decision {the jury found for the accused} •n. 1 the act of finding 2 something found, esp. something interesting or valuable find oneself 1 to learn what one's real talents and inclinations are, and begin to apply them 2 to become aware of being {to find oneself in trouble} find out 1 to discover; learn 2 to learn the true character or identity of (someone or something) [ME finden < OE findan, akin to Ger finden, Goth finthan < IE base *pent-, to walk, happen upon, find > L pons, a plank causeway, bridge]

finder (fain´dэr) •n. 1 a person or thing that finds 2 VIEWFINDER 3 a small, low-powered telescope attached to a larger one, used to locate objects for closer view with the more powerful telescope Æ 4 a person who, for a fee (finder's fee), initiates a business deal between others

finding (fain´diŋ) •n. 1 the act of one who finds; discovery 2 something found or discovered 3 [pl.] miscellaneous small articles or materials used in making garments, shoes, jewelry, etc., as buttons, buckles, or clasps 4 [often pl.] the conclusion reached after an examination or consideration of facts or data by a judge, coroner, scholar, etc. [ME: see FIND]

fine (fi:n) •n. ordinary French brandy [Fr]

fine art 1 any of the art forms that include drawing, painting, sculpture, and ceramics, or occasionally, architecture, literature, music, dramatic art, or dancing: usually used in pl. 2 artistic objects, as paintings, sculpture, etc. collectively {an exhibition of fine art} 3 any highly creative or intricate skill [orig. considered purely aesthetic, as distinguished from the useful arts]

fine print a section of a document, as a contract or warranty, in smaller print, and hence harder to read, than the main body: such sections often contain detailed, tersely written matter that is difficult to understand or interpret

fine¹ (fain) fin´er, fin´est •adj. 1 orig., finished; perfected 2 superior in quality; better than average; excellent; very good {a fine sample} 3 of exceptional character or ability {a fine teacher} 4 with no impurities; refined 5 containing a specified proportion of pure metal: said usually of gold or silver 6 in good health; very well 7 clear and bright: said of the weather 8 a) not heavy or gross b) not coarse; in very small particles {fine sand} 9 a) very thin or slender {fine thread} b) very small {fine print} 10 sharp; keen {a knife with a fine edge} 11 a) discriminating; subtle {fine distinctions} b) involving precise accuracy {a fine adjustment} 12 of delicate or subtle composition or character {fine lace} 13 [Now Rare] attractive; handsome {a fine child} 14 trained and developed physically to the maximum extent: said of athletes, horses, etc. 15 a) elegant b) too elegant; showy {fine writing} •adv. FINELY •vt., vi. fined, fin´ing to make or become fine or finer [ME fin < OFr < ML finus, for L finis, an end, limit: see FINISH]

fine² (fain) •n. 1 orig., a finish; end; conclusion 2 a sum of money paid to settle a matter; esp., a sum required to be paid as punishment or penalty for an offense •vt. fined, fin´ing to require the payment of a fine from in fine 1 in conclusion 2 in brief [ME < OFr fin < L finis: see FINISH]

fine³ (fi:´nei) •n. Musical Direction the end: a note marking the close of a repetition [It < L finis: see FINISH]

fineable (fain´э bэl) •adj. alt. sp. of FINABLE

fine-drawn (-drön') •adj. 1 drawn out until very fine, as wire 2 extended to a high degree of subtleness: said of reasoning, arguments, etc.

fine-grained (-greind') •adj. having a fine, smooth grain, as some kinds of woods, leather, etc.

finely (fain´li:) •adv. in a fine manner [ME finliche]

fineness (fain´nis) •n. 1 the quality or state of being fine 2 the proportion of pure gold or silver in an alloy

finery¹ (fain´эr i:) pl. -er·ies •n. showy, gay, elaborate decoration, esp. clothes, jewelry, etc.

finery² (fain´эr i:) pl. -er·ies •n. a refinery where malleable iron or steel is made [Fr finerie < finer, to refine < ML finire, to refine < L, FINISH]

fines (fainz) •n.pl. fine fragments or tiny particles, as of crushed rock, esp. when separated by screening

fines herbes (fi:n zeřb´) a mixture of chopped herbs, esp. parsley, chives, tarragon, and chervil, used as a seasoning, as in an omelet [Fr, lit., fine herbs]

finespun (fain´spûn') •adj. 1 spun or drawn out to extreme fineness; delicate; fragile 2 extremely or overly subtle

finesse (fэ nes´) •n. 1 adroitness and delicacy of performance 2 the ability to handle delicate and difficult situations skillfully and diplomatically 3 cunning; skill; artfulness; craft 4 Bridge an attempt to take a trick with a lower card while holding a higher card not in sequence with it, made in the hope that the intervening card is in the hand of the opponent who has already played •vt. -nessed´, -ness´ing 1 to manage, bring about, or deal with by finesse 2 to evade or bypass (a problem, issue, etc.) 3 Bridge a) to make a finesse with (a specified card) b) to play a card lower than (the specified intervening card) in making a finesse •vi. to use or make a finesse [Fr < OFr fin, FINE¹]

fine-toothed comb (fain´tu:θt´) a comb with fine, closely set teeth Also fine-tooth comb (-tu:θ´) go over with a fine-toothed comb to examine very carefully and thoroughly

fine-tune (-tu:n´, -tyu:n´) -tuned´, -tun´ing •vt. 1 to adjust a control on (a TV or radio set) for better reception 2 to adjust (a device, system, policy, etc.) for greater effectiveness

Fingal's Cave (fiŋ´gªlz) large cavern on an islet (called Staffa) west of Mull in the Hebrides, W Scotland

finger (fiŋ´gэr) •n. 1 any of the five jointed parts projecting from the palm of the hand; esp., any of these other than the thumb 2 the part of a glove that covers one of these parts 3 anything resembling a finger in shape or use Æ 4 a rough unit of measure based on a) the breadth of a finger (¾ inch to 1 inch), as in measuring whiskey in a glass b) [Now Rare] the length of a man's middle finger (about 4½ inches) 5 Mech. a projecting part coming into contact with another part and controlling its motion •vt. 1 to touch or handle with the fingers; use the fingers on 2 [Now Rare] to take; steal Æ 3 to point out; indicate or designate, specif. in senses of PUT THE FINGER ON (see phrase below) 4 Music a) to play (an instrument) by using the fingers in a certain way or sequence on strings, keys, etc. b) to mark (a score) with directions for the way to use the fingers •vi. 1 to use the fingers in a certain way or sequence on a musical instrument 2 to be fingered: said of musical instruments 3 to extend (out, across, etc.) like a finger burn one's fingers to cause oneself trouble by being too inquisitive, meddlesome, etc. give someone the finger [Slang] to express anger, contempt, etc. for by gesturing with the middle finger held upright from a clenched fist have a finger in the pie 1 to help do something; participate 2 to be meddlesome have (or keep) one's fingers crossed to hope for or against something lift a finger to make even the slightest effort put one's finger on to indicate or ascertain exactly Æ put the finger on [Slang] 1 to identify as for the police; inform on 2 to indicate as the place to be robbed, victim to be killed, etc. Etymology [ME < OE, akin to Ger finger, Goth figgrs, prob. < IE base *penkwe, FIVE]

finger bowl a small bowl to hold water for rinsing the fingers at table after a meal

finger food a food or foods intended to be eaten with the fingers, as hors d'oeuvres served at a cocktail party or fried chicken at a picnic

Finger Lakes group of long, narrow glacial lakes in WC N.Y.

finger painting 1 the art or process of painting by using the fingers, hand, or arm to spread, on moistened paper, paints (finger paints) made of starch, glycerin, and pigments 2 a painting made in this manner fin´ger-paint' (-peint') •vi., vt.

finger post a post with a sign, often shaped like a pointing finger or hand, indicating a direction

finger wave a loose wave made by dampening and shaping the hair without heat, using only fingers and comb

fingerboard (-börd') •n. a strip of ebony or other hardwood fixed to the neck of a stringed instrument, against which the strings are pressed with the fingers to determine the desired tones: see VIOLIN, illus.

fingerbreadth (-bredθ') •n. the breadth of a finger, roughly ¾ inch to 1 inch in measure

fingered (fiŋ´gэrd) •adj. 1 having fingers (of a specified kind or number): used in hyphenated compounds {light-fingered} 2 soiled or marred by touching 3 Bot. a) digitate b) fingerlike in form 4 Music marked to show the fingering: said of a score

fingering (fiŋ´gэr iŋ) •n. 1 a touching or handling with the fingers 2 Music a) act or technique of applying the fingers to the strings, keys, etc. of an instrument to produce the tones b) directions on a musical score for using the fingers in a certain way or sequence

fingerling (fiŋ´gэr liŋ) •n. 1 anything very small or trifling 2 a small fish about the length of a finger, or a young fish up to the end of the first year [ME: see FINGER & -LING¹]

fingernail (fiŋ´gэr neil') •n. the horny substance growing on the upper part of the end joint of a finger

fingerprint (-print') •n. an impression of the lines and whorls on the inner surface of the end joint of the finger, used in the identification of a person •vt. to take the fingerprints of

fingerstall (-stöl') •n. a protective covering of rubber, leather, etc. for an injured finger [ME fingir stall: see STALL¹]

fingertip (fiŋ´gэr tip) •n. 1 the tip of a finger 2 something used to protect the end of a finger have at one's fingertips 1 to have available for instant use 2 to be completely familiar with to one's (or the) fingertips entirely; altogether

fini (fi: ni:´) •adj. finished; through; at an end

finial (fin´i: эl; Brit fai´ni:-) •n. a decorative, terminal part at the tip of a spire, gable, lamp shade support, etc., or projecting upward from the top of a cabinet, breakfront, etc. [ME, orig. adj., FINAL]

finical (fin´i kэl) •adj. FINICKY fin'i·cal´i·ty (-i kæl´э ti:) •n. fin´i·cal·ly •adv. [< FINE¹]

finicking (fin´ik iŋ) •adj. FINICKY Also fin´i·kin (-kin) [< prec.]

finicky (fin´ik i:) •adj. too particular or exacting; overly dainty or fastidious; fussy fin´ick·i·ness •n. Etymology [< prec.]

fining (fain´iŋ) •n. 1 the refining or clarifying of liquids, metals, etc. 2 [pl.] any substance used for clarifying liquors [ME < finen, to refine < fin, FINE¹]

finis (fin´is; also fai´nis; jocosely fi: ni:´) pl. -nis·es •n. the end; finish; conclusion: used at the end of some books or movies [L: see FINISH]

finish (fin´ish) •vt. 1 a) to bring to an end; complete {to finish the work} b) to come to the end of {to finish reading a book} 2 to use up; consume entirely {finish your milk} 3 to give final touches to; embellish or perfect 4 to give (cloth, leather, wood, etc.) a desired surface effect 5 a) to cause the defeat, collapse, death, etc. of b) to render worthless, useless, helpless, etc. •vi. 1 to come to an end; terminate 2 to complete something being done 3 to complete a contest in a specified position {to finish last} •n. 1 the last part; end 2 anything used to give a desired surface effect, as paint, varnish, polish, wax, etc. 3 completeness; perfection 4 the manner or method of completion 5 the way in which the surface, as of furniture, is painted, varnished, smoothed, polished, etc. 6 refinement as in manners, speech, etc.; polish in social or cultural matters 7 defeat, collapse, etc. or that which brings it about; downfall 8 the taste a wine leaves in the mouth after it has been swallowed 9 Carpentry joiner work, as the installation of doors, stairs, panels, etc., which completes the interior of a building SYN. CLOSE² finish off 1 to end or complete 2 to kill or destroy finish up 1 to end or complete 2 to consume all of finish with 1 to end or complete 2 to end relations with; become indifferent to in at the finish being present or taking part at the conclusion, as of a contest fin´ish·er •n. [ME finishen < extended stem of OFr finir < L finire, to end < finis, an end, limit, orig., boundary (post), something fixed in the ground < IE base *dhīgw-, to stick in > DIKE¹, L figere, FIX]

finish line a line that marks the end of a race

finished (fin´isht) •adj. 1 ended; concluded 2 completed 3 highly skilled or polished; perfected; accomplished 4 given a certain kind of finish or surface, as of paint, wax, etc. 5 defeated, ruined, dying, etc. Æ 6 no longer dealing with or concerned with

finishing nail a slender nail with a very small head, used in finish carpentry, or joinery See NAIL, illus.

finishing school a private school for young women that emphasizes training in cultured behavior, social graces, etc.

Finisterre (fin'is ter´), Cape promontory at the westernmost point of Spain

finite (fai´nait') •adj. 1 having measurable or definable limits; not infinite 2 Gram. having limits of person, number, and tense: said of a verb that can be used in a predicate 3 Math. a) capable of being reached, completed, or surpassed by counting (said of numbers or sets) b) neither infinite nor infinitesimal (said of a magnitude) •n. anything that has measurable limits; finite thing fi´nite'ly •adv. fi´nite'ness •n. [ME finit < L finitus, pp. of finire, FINISH]

finitude (fin´i tu:d', -tyu:d; Brit fai´ni-) •n. the state or quality of being finite

fink (fiŋk) •n. [Slang] 1 an informer 2 a strikebreaker; esp., a professional strikebreaker 3 a person regarded as contemptible, obnoxious, etc. •vi. [Slang] to inform (on) fink out [Slang] 1 to withdraw; back out 2 to fail [Ger, lit., FINCH, used since the 17th c. as generalized pejorative; adopted (c. 1740) by students at Jena for nonmembers of fraternities (prob. in allusion to the wild bird in contrast to the caged canary); later extended to those not in organizations, esp. unions]

Finland (fin´lэnd) 1 country in N Europe, northeast of the Baltic Sea: 130,119 sq. mi. (337,000 sq. km); pop. 5,099,000; cap. Helsinki: Finn. name SUOMI 2 Gulf of arm of the Baltic Sea, south of Finland: c. 250 mi. (403 km) long

Finlandize (fin´lэn daiz´) -ized', -iz'ing •vt. to cause (a country) to accommodate its foreign policy to that of the U.S.S.R. as in order to maintain its autonomy Fin'land·i·za´tion •n. [in allusion to an allegedly similar relationship between Finland and the U.S.S.R. after WWII]

Finn (fin) •n. 1 a native or inhabitant of Finland 2 any person speaking a Finnic language Finn abbrev. Finnish

finnan haddie (fin´эn hæd´i:) smoked haddock Also finnan haddock [prob. < Findhorn haddock, after fishing port and river of Findhorn, Scotland; often assoc. with Findon, Scotland]

finned (find) •adj. having a fin or fins

Finnic (fin´ik) •n. 1 a group of languages of the Finno-Ugric language subfamily, including Finnish, Estonian, and Lapp 2 [Rare] Finnish •adj. designating or of this group of languages

finnicky (fin´ik i:) •adj. alt. sp. of FINICKY

Finnish (fin´ish) •n. the Finno-Ugric language spoken in Finland •adj. designating or of Finland or the Finns, or their language or culture

Finno- (fin´ou) combining form Finnish, Finnish and {Finno-Ugric}

Finno-Ugric (fin'ou u:´grik, -yu:´-) •n. a subfamily of the Uralic family of languages, spoken chiefly in NE Europe, W Siberia, and Hungary: it includes Finnish, Estonian, Hungarian, etc. Also Fin'no-U´gri·an (-gri: эn)

finny (fin´i:) •adj. 1 a) having fins b) like a fin 2 a) of or being fish b) [Old Poet.] full of fish

fino (fi:´nou) •n. a very pale and dry sherry

finocchio (fi nou´ki: ou') •n. a variety of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare var. dulce), cooked as a vegetable: its celerylike, anise-flavored, thick stalks are also eaten raw Also called Florence fennel or sweet fennel [It < VL *fenuculum < L feniculum, FENNEL]

Finsbury (finz´ber'i:; Brit, -bэ ri) former metropolitan borough of EC London, now part of Islington

Finsteraarhorn (fin'stэr är´hörn) mountain in SC Switzerland: highest peak in the Bernese Alps: 14,026 ft. (4,276 m)

Fiona (fi: ou´nэ) a feminine name

fiord (fyörd) •n. a narrow inlet or arm of the sea bordered by steep cliffs, esp. in Norway [Norw fjord < ON fjörthr, akin to OE ford, FORD]

fioritura (fyô'ři: tu:´řä) pl. -tu´re (-ře) •n. Music a written or improvised embellishment of a melody, as in a coloratura aria, a cadenza, a roulade, etc. [It, lit., blossoming]

fipple flute (fip´эl) any of a class of vertical flutes, as the recorder, in which a wedgelike plug (fipple) near the mouthpiece diverts part of the breath in producing the tones [< ?]

fir abbrev. firkin fir (før) •n. 1 any of a genus (Abies) of cone-bearing evergreen trees of the pine family, having flattened single needles and erect cones whose scales drop at maturity 2 any of various other coniferous trees, as the Douglas fir 3 the wood of any of these trees fir´ry •adj. [ME firre < OE fyrh, akin to Ger föhre < IE base *perkwus, name of the tree, oak > L quercus, oak]

Firdausi (fir dau´si:) (born Abul Kasim Mansur) c. 940-1020; Pers. epic poet: also Fir·du´si (-du:´si:)

fire (fair) •n. 1 the active principle of burning, characterized by the heat and light of combustion 2 something burning, as fuel in a furnace 3 a destructive burning {a forest fire} 4 any preparation that will burn and make a brilliant display {Greek fire} 5 a) anything like fire, as in heat or brilliance b) firelike brilliance 6 death, torture, or trial by burning 7 extreme suffering or distress that tries one's endurance; tribulation or ordeal 8 a feverish or inflamed condition of the body 9 strong feeling; excitement; ardor {a speech full of fire} 10 vivid imagination 11 a) a discharge of firearms or artillery; shooting b) anything like this in speed and continuity of action {a fire of criticism} •vt. fired, fir´ing [ME firen < OE fyrian] 1 to apply fire to; make burn; ignite 2 to supply with fuel; tend the fire of {to fire a furnace} 3 to bake (bricks, pottery, etc.) in a kiln 4 to dry by heat 5 to make bright or illuminate, as if by fire 6 a) to animate or inspire b) to excite, stimulate, or inflame 7 a) to shoot or discharge (a gun, bullet, etc.) b) to make explode by igniting 8 to hurl or direct with force and suddenness {fire a rock, fire questions} Æ 9 to dismiss from a position; discharge [pun on discharge] •vi. 1 to start burning; flame 2 to tend a fire 3 to become excited or aroused 4 to react in a specified way to firing in a kiln {a glaze that fires bright blue} 5 to shoot a firearm 6 to discharge a projectile {the gun fired} 7 to become yellow prematurely, as corn or grain between two fires between two attacks; shot at, criticized, etc. from both sides catch (on) fire to begin burning; ignite fire away [Colloq.] to begin; start, esp. to talk or ask questions fire up 1 to start a fire in a furnace, stove, etc. 2 to start or warm up (an engine, etc.) 3 to become suddenly angry go through fire and water to undergo great difficulties or dangers miss fire 1 to fail to fire, as a gun 2 to fail in an attempt on fire 1 burning 2 greatly excited; full of ardor open fire 1 to begin to shoot 2 to begin; start play with fire to do something risky set fire to to make burn; ignite set the world on fire to become famous through brilliant achievements strike fire to make a spark, as with tinder take fire 1 to begin to burn 2 to become excited under fire 1 under attack, as by gunfire 2 subjected to criticism, etc. fir´er •n. [ME fyr < OE, akin to Ger feuer < IE base *pewōr- > Gr pyra, PYRE, Czech pýř, glowing embers]

fire alarm 1 a signal to announce the outbreak of a fire, the activation of a smoke detector, etc. 2 a bell, siren, whistle, flashing light, etc. to give this signal

fire ant any of a genus (Solenopsis) of ants whose sting causes a burning sensation, esp. a South American species (S. invicta) that has become a severe pest in the S U.S.

fire blight Æ a disease of fruit trees, as the pear or apple, caused by a bacterium (Erwinia amylovora): it kills the branches and blackens the leaves

fire brigade chiefly Brit. var. of FIRE COMPANY

fire chief the officer in charge of a fire department

fire company 1 a body of men organized to fight fires, esp. one of a number of such groups constituting a fire department 2 [Brit.] a business firm selling fire insurance

fire department a municipal department, usually consisting of one or more fire companies, whose work is fighting fires and preventing their occurrence

fire door Æ a door of metal or other fire-resistant material designed to keep a fire from spreading

fire drill Æ a drill in which buildings are vacated, fire stations manned, etc. in a quick, orderly way to teach proper procedures in case of fire

fire engine 1 a motor truck with a special pumping apparatus for spraying water, chemicals, etc. on fires to put them out 2 loosely, any motor truck for carrying firemen and equipment to a fire

fire escape 1 a fireproof stairway down an outside wall, to help people escape from a burning building 2 a ladder, chute, rope, etc. used for the same purpose

fire extinguisher a portable device containing chemicals that can be sprayed on a fire to put it out

fire hydrant FIREPLUG

fire insurance insurance against loss or damage resulting from fire

fire irons the poker, shovel, and tongs used for tending a fireplace

fire marshal the officer in charge of a fire prevention bureau, as within a fire department

fire opal a reddish opal usually exhibiting a brilliant play of colors in bright light

fire sale a sale at lowered prices of goods damaged in a fire

fire screen a screen to be set in front of a fire to protect against heat or sparks

fire ship [Historical] a ship filled with explosive materials, set afire and floated among an enemy's ships to destroy them

fire station a place where fire engines are kept and where firemen stay when on duty

fire tower a tower, usually in a forest, where a lookout is posted to watch for fires and give the alarm

fire wall a fireproof wall to prevent the spread of fire, as from one room or compartment to the next

fire warden an official assigned to prevent or fight fires, as in a forest, logging operation, camp, or town

firearm (fair´ärm') •n. any weapon from which a shot is fired by the force of an explosion; esp., such a weapon small enough to be carried, as a rifle or pistol

fireball (-böl') •n. 1 something resembling a ball of fire; specif., a) a large, bright meteor (see BOLIDE) b) BALL LIGHTNING c) a high-temperature, luminous ball of gas which forms shortly after a nuclear explosion 2 [Historical] a ball of explosive or combustible material thrown as a weapon in battle Æ 3 [Colloq.] a vigorous, energetic person

firebase (-beis') •n. a military base in a combat zone, from which artillery, rockets, etc. are fired

firebird (-børd') •n. Æ any of various birds with brilliant coloring, as the scarlet tanager and the Baltimore oriole

fireboat (fair´bout') •n. a boat equipped with firefighting equipment, used in harbors, etc.

firebomb (-bäm') •n. a bomb or missile intended to start a fire; incendiary bomb •vt. to attack, damage, or destroy with a firebomb

firebox (-bäks') •n. 1 the place for the fire in a locomotive engine, stove, etc. 2 [Obs.] a tinderbox

firebrand (-brænd') •n. 1 a piece of burning wood 2 a person who stirs up others to revolt or strife

firebrat (-bræt') •n. any of various small thysanuran insects (Thermobia domestica) resembling silverfish, found in hot areas, as around steam pipes or fireplaces

firebreak (-breik') •n. a strip of land cleared or plowed to stop the spread of fire, as in a forest or prairie

firebrick (fair´brik') •n. a brick made to withstand great heat, used to line fireplaces, furnaces, etc.

firebug (fair´bûg') •n. [Colloq.] a person who deliberately sets fire to buildings, etc.; pyromaniac; incendiary

fireclay (fair´klei') •n. a kind of clay capable of resisting intense heat, used for making firebricks, furnace linings, etc.

firecracker (fair´kræk'эr) •n. a usually small paper cylinder that contains an explosive and an attached fuse and makes a sharp noise when exploded: used at celebrations, etc.

fire-cure (-kyur') -cured', -cur'ing •vt. to cure (tobacco, etc.) by direct exposure to the smoke of wood fires

firedamp (-dæmp') •n. a gas, largely methane, formed in coal mines, which is explosive when mixed with air

firedog (fair´dög') •n. ANDIRON [sense development as in Fr chenet, andiron, dim. of chien, dog]

firedrake (fair´dreik') •n. Gmc. Myth. a fire-breathing dragon [see FIRE & DRAKE²]

fire-eater (fair´i:t'эr) •n. 1 a performer at circuses, etc. who pretends to eat fire 2 a hot-tempered person always ready to quarrel or fight

firefight (-fait') •n. an intense, usually brief, exchange of gunfire between soldiers of small military units

firefighter (fair´fait'эr) •n. a person whose work is fighting fires; esp., a member of a fire department fire´fight'ing •n.

firefly (fair´flai') pl. -flies' •n. any of a family (Lampyridae) of winged beetles, active at night, whose abdomens usually glow with a luminescent light: see GLOWWORM

fireguard (fair´gärd') •n. FIRE SCREEN

firehouse (-haus') •n. FIRE STATION

fireless (fair´lis) •adj. without a fire

firelight (fair´lait') •n. light from a fire, esp. an open fire

firelock (fair´läk') •n. 1 an early type of gunlock in which the priming was ignited by sparks; wheel lock or flintlock 2 an early type of musket with such a lock

fireman (fair´mэn) pl. -men (-mэn) •n. 1 FIREFIGHTER 2 a person who tends a fire in a furnace or boiler Æ 3 U.S. Navy an enlisted person ranking below a petty officer third class, whose general duties are concerned with ships' engines, boilers, etc. Æ 4 [Slang] Baseball a relief pitcher

Firenze (fi: řen´dze) It. name of FLORENCE

fireplace (fair´pleis') •n. 1 a place for a fire, esp. an open place built in a wall, at the base of a chimney 2 a masonry structure or metal frame with a grill for outdoor cooking over an open fire

fireplug (-plûg') •n. a street hydrant to which a hose can be attached for fighting fires

firepower (-pau´эr) •n. Mil. the capacity of a given weapon, unit, etc. to deliver fire

fireproof (-pru:f') •adj. that does not burn or is not easily destroyed by fire •vt. to make fireproof

fireside (fair´said') •n. 1 the part of a room near a fireplace; hearth 2 home or home life

firestone (fair´stoun') •n. 1 [Historical] flint or iron pyrites used for striking fire 2 a stone that can withstand intense heat

firestorm (fair´störm') •n. 1 an intense fire over a large area, as one initiated by an atomic explosion, that is sustained and spread by the inrushing winds created by the strong draft of rising hot air 2 a strong, often violent, outburst, disturbance, or upheaval {a firestorm of protest}

firethorn (fair´θörn') •n. any of a genus (Pyracantha) of thorny Eurasian plants of the rose family, grown widely in the U.S. for the masses of brilliant red or orange fruits

firetrap (fair´træp') •n. a building unsafe in case of fire because it will burn easily or because it lacks adequate exits or fire escapes

firetruck (fair´trûk') •n. FIRE ENGINE

firewater (fair´wöt'эr) •n. alcoholic beverage: now humorous [calque of Ojibwa ishkodewaaboo, ardent spirits (rum, brandy, whiskey) < ishkodew-, fire + -aaboo, water, liquid]

fireweed (fair´wi:d') •n. any of a number of plants that grow readily on cleared or burned-over land; esp., a species (Epilobium angustifolium) of willow herb, with purplish-red flowers

firewood (fair´wud') •n. wood used as fuel

fireworks (fair´wørks') •n.pl. 1 firecrackers, rockets, etc., exploded or burned, as in celebrations, to produce noises or brilliant lighting effects: sometimes used in sing. 2 a display of fireworks 3 a noisy quarrel or display of anger

firing (fair´iŋ) •n. 1 the application of heat to harden or glaze pottery 2 the stoking of a fire, furnace, etc. 3 the shooting of firearms, etc. 4 fuel for a fire Æ 5 the scorching of plants, as from heat, drought, or disease

firing line 1 the line from which gunfire is directed against the enemy 2 the troops stationed along this line 3 the forefront in any kind of activity

firing order the order in which explosions occur in the cylinders of an internal-combustion engine

firing pin that part in the bolt or breech of a firearm which strikes the primer and explodes the charge

firing squad (or party) 1 a group of soldiers detailed to shoot to death someone so sentenced by a military court 2 Mil. a group detailed to fire a volley of shots over the grave at a military funeral

firkin (før´kin) •n. 1 a small, wooden tub for butter, lard, etc. 2 a unit of capacity equal to ¼ barrel [ME, contr. < firdekyn < MDu, dim. of vierdel, fourth]

firm¹ (førm) •adj. 1 not yielding easily under pressure; solid; hard 2 not moved or shaken easily; fixed; stable 3 continued steadily; remaining the same {a firm friendship} 4 unchanging; resolute; constant {a firm faith} 5 showing determination, strength, etc. {a firm command} 6 legally or formally concluded; definite; final {a firm contract, a firm order} 7 Commerce not rising or falling very much; steady: said of prices, etc. •vt., vi. to make or become firm, or solid, steady, stable, definite, etc.: often with up stand (or hold) firm to be or remain steadfast in conviction despite attack, efforts to persuade, etc. firm´ly •adv. firm´ness •n. SYN.—firm, in referring to material consistency, suggests a compactness that does not yield easily to, or is very resilient under, pressure [firm flesh]; hard is applied to that which is so firm that it is not easily penetrated, cut, or crushed [hard as rock]; solid suggests a dense consistency throughout a mass or substance that is firm or hard and often connotes heaviness or substantiality [solid brick]; stiff implies resistance to bending or stretching [a stiff collar] [ME ferm < OFr < L firmus < IE base *dher-, to hold, support > Sans dhárma, precept, law, Gr thronos, armchair]

firm² (førm) •n. 1 a business company or partnership of two or more persons: distinguished from a CORPORATION in that a firm is not legally recognized as a person apart from the members forming it 2 popularly, any business company, whether or not unincorporated [It firma, signature, hence title of a business < L firmare, to strengthen < firmus: see FIRM1]

firmament (førm´э mэnt) •n. the sky, viewed poetically as a solid arch or vault fir'ma·men´tal (-ment´ªl) •adj. [ME < OFr < LL(Ec) firmamentum < L, a strengthening, support < firmare: see FIRM2]

firmer (førm´эr) •adj. designating a carpenter's chisel or gouge with a thin blade fixed in a handle •n. a firmer chisel or gouge [Fr fermoir, altered < formoir < former, to FORM]

firmware (førm´wer') •n. a computer program stored on a ROM chip

firn (firn) •n. the granular snow, not in a completely compacted mass, that accumulates at the top of a glacier [Ger < firn, of last year, old, akin to OE fyrn, former < IE base *per-, beyond > FAR, fol.]

first (først) •adj. 1 preceding all others in a series; before any other; 1st: used as the ordinal of ONE 2 happening or acting before all others; earliest 3 ranking before all others; foremost in rank, quality, importance, etc.; principal 4 designating the slowest forward gear ratio of a motor vehicle transmission; LOW¹ (adj. 21) 5 Music playing or singing the part highest in pitch or the leading part •adv. 1 a) before any other person or thing; at the beginning b) before doing anything else 2 as the first point; to begin with 3 for the first time 4 sooner; preferably •n. 1 the one before the second 2 any person, thing, class, place, etc. that is first 3 the first day of a month 4 the beginning; start 5 a first happening or thing of its kind 6 [pl.] the best quality of merchandise 7 the winning place in a race or competition 8 the FIRST (adj. 4) gear of a motor vehicle transmission; LOW¹ (n. specif. a) 9 Music the highest or leading voice or instrument in an ensemble first thing as the first thing; before anything else in the first place firstly; to begin with [ME < OE fyrst, lit., foremost, superl. of fore, before (see FORE), akin to OHG furist, Ger fürst, prince, lit., foremost < IE base *per-, beyond > L prae, before, Gr para, beside, beyond]

first aid emergency treatment for injury or sudden illness, before regular medical care is available first-aid (først´eid´) •adj.

first base Baseball 1 the base to the left of the pitcher which a batter who has hit fairly must reach ahead of the ball 2 the position of the infielder stationed at or near this base get to first base [Slang] to accomplish the first step of an undertaking, often, specif., a romantic or sexual one

first cause a primary cause of anything; source [F- C-] Theol. God as the unproduced cause of all being

first cousin the son or daughter of one's uncle or aunt

First day [sometimes F- D-] Sunday: term used by the Society of Friends

first estate see ESTATE (sense 2)

first family [often F- F-] 1 a family considered to have prestige because of descent, social status, etc. {one of the first families of Boston} 2 the family of the U.S. president

first finger the finger next to the thumb; index finger

first floor 1 the ground floor of a building 2 chiefly in Europe and Great Britain, the floor above this

first fruits 1 the earliest produce of the season 2 the first products, results, or profits of any activity [orig. transl. of Vulg. primitiae: see Ex. 23:16]

first lady [often F- L-] 1 the wife or official hostess of a chief official, esp. of the U.S. president, a state governor, or a mayor 2 a woman considered to be foremost in her profession or art

first lieutenant 1 U.S. Mil. an officer ranking above a second lieutenant and below a captain 2 U.S. Navy the officer in charge of maintenance of a ship or shore station

first light early morning, when light starts to appear; dawn; daybreak

first mate a merchant ship's officer next in rank below the captain Also first officer

first mortgage a mortgage having priority over all other liens or encumbrances on the same property, except those, as real estate taxes, given priority by statute

first name GIVEN NAME

first night the opening night of a play, opera, etc.

first offender a person convicted for the first time of an offense against the law

first person 1 Gram. a) the form of a pronoun (as I) or verb (as am) that refers to the speaker or writer or, in the plural, also to those for whom the speaker or writer serves as spokesperson b) a category consisting of such forms 2 narration characterized by the general use of such forms

first quarter 1 the time of month between new moon and first half-moon 2 the phase of the moon after the waxing crescent when only the right half of its face, when viewed from the Northern Hemisphere, reflects sunlight to the earth: see MOON, illus.

First Republic the republic established in France in 1792 after the Revolution, and lasting until the establishment of the Empire by Napoleon in 1804

first sergeant U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps the noncommissioned officer, usually a master sergeant, serving as chief administrative assistant to the commander of a company, battery, etc.

first strike a surprise attack with nuclear weapons, made with the intention of destroying an enemy nation's means of effective retaliation

first water the best quality and purest luster: said of diamonds, pearls, etc., but also used figuratively

firstborn (først´börn', -börn´) •adj. born first in a family; oldest •n. the firstborn child

first-class (først´klæs´) •adj. 1 of the highest class, rank, excellence, etc.; of the best quality 2 designating or of the most expensive accommodations {a first-class cabin on a ship} Æ 3 designating or of a class of ordinary mail given privileged postal treatment (as forwarding, if necessary) at postage rates higher than those for other classes of ordinary mail: the class includes letters or other material sealed against inspection and also includes, at a postage rate lower than that for sealed material, postal cards and post cards •adv. 1 with the most expensive accommodations {to travel first-class} 2 as or by first-class mail

first-day cover (først´dei´) Philately an envelope, postal card, etc., bearing a newly issued stamp and a postmark for the first day the stamp was issued Also first day cover

first-generation (først´jen'эr ei´shэn) •adj. 1 designating a naturalized, foreign-born citizen of a country 2 sometimes, designating a native-born citizen of a country whose parents had immigrated into that country

firsthand (først´hænd´) •adj., adv. from the original producer or source; direct

firstling (først´liŋ) •n. 1 the first of a kind 2 the first fruit, produce, etc. 3 the first offspring of an animal

firstly (først´li:) •adv. in the first place; first: used chiefly in enumerating topics

first-nighter (først´nait´эr) •n. a person who attends the opening performance of a play, opera, etc., esp. one who regularly attends first nights

first-rate (først´reit´) •adj. of the highest class, rank, or quality; very good; excellent •adv. [Colloq.] very well [orig. applied to the highest of the rates, or classes, of warships]

first-string (først´striŋ´) •adj. [Colloq.] 1 Sports that is the first choice for regular play at a specified position 2 first-class; excellent

firth (førθ) •n. a narrow inlet or arm of the sea; estuary [ME < ON fjörthr, akin to OE ford, FORD]

fisc (fisk) •n. [Rare] a royal or state treasury; exchequer [Fr < L fiscus: see FISCAL]

fiscal (fis´kэl) •adj. 1 having to do with the public treasury or revenues 2 financial 3 designating or of government policies of spending and taxation designed to maintain economic stability, promote full employment, etc.: see KEYNESIAN •n. in some countries, a public prosecutor or other official SYN. FINANCIAL fis´cal·ly •adv. [Fr < LL fiscalis < L fiscus, basket of rushes, public chest < IE *bhidh-, pot (> ON bitha, milk jug) < base *bheidh-, to weave, tie]

fiscal year a twelve-month period between settlements of financial accounts: the U.S. government fiscal year legally ends September 30

fiscalist (-ist) •n. an adherent of FISCAL (sense 3) policies; Keynesian: opposed to MONETARIST

Fischer (fish´эr) 1 Emil 1852-1919; Ger. organic chemist 2 Hans 1881-1945; Ger. organic chemist

fish (fish) pl. fish; in referring to different species, fish´es •n. 1 any of three classes (jawless, cartilaginous, and bony fishes) of coldblooded vertebrate animals living in water and having permanent gills for breathing, fins, and, usually, scales 2 loosely, any animal living in water only, as a dolphin, crab, or oyster: often used in combination {shellfish, jellyfish} 3 the flesh of a fish used as food 4 [Colloq.] a person thought of as like a fish in being easily lured by bait, lacking intelligence or emotion, etc. •vi. [OE fiscian] 1 to catch or try to catch fish, or shrimps, lobsters, etc. 2 to try to get something indirectly or by cunning: often with for 3 to grope: often with for •vt. 1 to catch or try to catch fish, shrimps, etc. in {to fish a stream} 2 to get by fishing 3 to grope for, find, and bring to view: often with out or up {to fish a coin from one's pocket} 4 Naut. to pull (an old-fashioned anchor) to the gunwale, as from the cathead, preparatory to securing it •adj. 1 of fish or fishing 2 selling fish [F-] Pisces, the constellation and twelfth sign of the zodiac: also Fishes drink like a fish to drink heavily, esp. alcoholic liquor fish in troubled waters to try to gain something by taking advantage of a confused or troubled situation fish or cut bait to proceed energetically with a task or give it up altogether fish out to deplete the stock of fish in (a lake, etc.) like a fish out of water out of one's element; in surroundings not suited to one neither fish, flesh, nor fowl (nor good red herring) not anything definite or recognizable other fish to fry other, more important things to attend to fish´a·ble •adj. fish´like' •adj. [ME < OE fisc, akin to Ger fisch, Du visch < IE base *pisk- > L piscis] Fish (fish), Hamilton 1808-93; U.S. statesman

fish and chips [Chiefly Brit.] fried, batter-coated fillets of fish served with French fried potatoes

fish ball (or cake) a fried ball (or patty) of minced fish, often mixed with mashed potato

fish crow a fish-eating crow (Corvus ossifragus) of the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the U.S.

fish flake [Cdn.] a platform for drying fish

fish flour fish-protein concentrate in pulverized form

fish fry a picnic or cookout where fried fish is prepared and eaten

fish hawk OSPREY

fish joint a joint between two timbers, railroad rails, etc. that meet end to end and are fastened together by a fishplate or fishplates Also fished joint

fish ladder an ascending series of pools so arranged as to permit fish to leap or swim upward from level to level and thus pass over dams and waterfalls

fish line a line, usually with a hook at one end, used in fishing

fish meal ground, dried fish, used as fertilizer or fodder

fish stick a small, oblong fillet or cake of fish breaded and fried Also [Brit.] fish finger

fish story [Colloq.] an unbelievable story; exaggeration [from the conventional exaggeration by fishermen of the size of fish that escaped being caught]

fishbowl (fish´boul') •n. 1 a glass bowl in which goldfish, snails, etc. are kept; small aquarium 2 any place where one's activities are open to public view

fisher (fish´эr) •n. 1 a person who fishes; fisherman 2 pl. fish´ers or fish´er a) the largest marten (Martes pennanti) with very dark fur b) this fur

fisherman (fish´эr mэn) pl. -men (-mэn) •n. 1 a person who fishes for sport or for a living 2 a commercial fishing vessel •adj. designating or of a style of bulky sweater knit in a combination of stitches and having a wide collar or turtleneck: also fisherman (or fisherman's) knit

fisherman's bend (-mэnz) a kind of knot: see KNOT¹, illus.

fishery (fish´эr i:) pl. -er·ies •n. 1 the business of catching, packing, or selling fish, or lobsters, shrimp, etc. 2 a place where fish, etc. are caught; fishing ground 3 the legal right to catch fish in certain waters or at certain times 4 a place where fish are bred

fisheye lens (fish´ai') a camera lens designed to record up to a 180-degree field of vision

fishhook (fish´huk') •n. a hook, usually barbed, for catching fish

fishing (fish´iŋ) •n. 1 the catching of fish for sport or for a living 2 a place to fish

fishing banks (or grounds) a place where fish are abundant, as off Newfoundland

fishing pole a simple device for fishing, often one that is improvised, consisting of a pole, line, and hook

fishing rod a slender pole with an attached line, hook, and usually a reel, used in fishing

fishing tackle the equipment, as hooks, lines, rods, reels, etc., used in fishing

fishmonger (-mûŋ'gэr) •n. a dealer in fish

fishplate (fish´pleit') •n. a wood or metal piece used to fasten together two timbers, railroad rails, etc. that meet end to end [prob. < Fr fiche, means of fixing < ficher, to fix < OFr fichier < VL *figicare, intens. for L figere: see FIX]

fishpond (fish´pänd') •n. a pond where fish are kept or bred

fishskin disease (fish´skin') ICHTHYOSIS

fishtail (fish´teil') •vi. 1 to swing the tail of an airplane from side to side in order to reduce speed after landing 2 to move forward with a side-to-side, swinging motion of the rear end {the car fishtailed on the icy hill}

fishwife (fish´waif') pl. -wives' (-waivz') •n. 1 a woman who sells fish 2 a coarse, scolding woman

fishworm (-wørm') •n. ANGLEWORM

fishy (fish´i:) fish´i·er, fish´i·est •adj. 1 of or full of fish 2 like a fish in odor, taste, etc. 3 like that of a fish; dull or expressionless {fishy eyes} 4 [Colloq.] [< FISH STORY] a) causing doubt or suspicion; questionable {fishy behavior} b) expressing doubt or suspicion {a fishy glance}fish´i·ly •adv. fish´i·ness •n.

Fiske (fisk), John (born Edmund Fisk Green) 1842-1901; U.S. historian & philosopher

fissile (fis´il; chiefly Brit, -ail') •adj. that can be split; fissionable: said of atoms, cells, etc. fis·sil·i·ty (fi sil´i ti:) •n. [L fissilis < fissus, pp. of findere, to cleave: see FISSION]

fission (fish´эn) •n. 1 a splitting apart; division into parts 2 NUCLEAR FISSION 3 Biol. a form of asexual reproduction, found in various simple plants and animals, in which the parent organism divides into two or more approximately equal parts, each becoming an independent individual •vi., vt. to undergo or cause to undergo nuclear fission fis´sion·a·ble •adj. [L fissio < fissus, pp. of findere, to cleave, split < IE base *bheid-, to split > BITE]

fissiparous (fi sip´э rэs) •adj. Biol. reproducing by fission [< L fissus (see FISSION) + -PAROUS]

fissiped (fis´i ped') Zool. having the toes separated from each other Also fis·sip·e·dal (fi sip´э dэl, fis´i pi:d'ªl) •adj. [< L fissipes (gen. fissipedis), cloven-footed < fissus (see FISSION) + pes, FOOT]

fissirostral (fis´i räs´trэl) •adj. having a broad and deeply cleft beak, as a swift or nighthawk [< L fissi-, cloven (< fissus: see FISSION) + rostrum, beak (see ROSTRUM) + -AL]

fissure (fish´эr) •n. 1 a long, narrow, deep cleft or crack 2 a dividing or breaking into parts 3 Anat. a groove between lobes or parts of an organ, as in the brain 4 Med. a break or ulceration where skin and mucous membrane join {anal fissure} •vt., vi. -sured, -sur·ing to break into parts; crack or split apart [ME < OFr < L fissura < fissus: see FISSION]

fist (fist) •n. 1 a hand with the fingers closed tightly into the palm, as for hitting; clenched hand 2 [Colloq.] a) a hand b) the grasp 3 Printing the sign ( ), used to direct special attention to something •vt. 1 to hit with the fist 2 to grasp or handle [ME < OE fyst, akin to Ger faust (OHG fūst), prob. < IE *pnksti < ? base *penkwe, FIVE, in sense clenched five (fingers)]

fistfight (-fait') •n. a fight with the fists

fistful (-ful) •n. HANDFUL

fistic (fis´tik) •adj. having to do with boxing; fought with the fists; pugilistic

fisticuffs (fis´ti kûfs') •n.pl. [Old-fashioned] fighting with the fists [< FIST + CUFF²]

fistula (fis´tyu: lэ, -chэ lэ) pl. -las or -lae' (-li:') •n. 1 [Rare] a pipe or tube 2 an abnormal passage from an abscess, cavity, or hollow organ to the skin or to another abscess, cavity, or organ [ME < OFr < L, a pipe, ulcer]

fistulous (-lэs) •adj. 1 shaped like a pipe or tube; tubular 2 of or like a fistula Also fis´tu·lar (-lэr) [ME < L fistulosus < fistula]

fit¹ (fit) fit´ted or fit, fit´ted, fit´ting •vt. 1 to be suitable or adapted to; be in accord with {let the punishment fit the crime} 2 to be the proper size, shape, etc. for 3 a) to make or alter so as to fit b) to measure (a person) for something that must be fitted {fit him for a brace} 4 to make suitable or qualified {his training fits him for the job} 5 a) to insert, as into a receptacle {to fit a key in a lock} b) to make a place for (with in or into) {to fit another passenger into the crowded car} 6 to equip; outfit: often with out •vi. 1 [Archaic] to be suitable or proper 2 to be suitably adapted; be in accord or harmony: often with in or into 3 to have the proper size or shape for a particular figure, space, etc. {his coat fits well; this won't fit into the box} •adj. fit´ter, fit´test [ME fyt] 1 adapted, adjusted, qualified, or suited to some purpose, function, situation, etc. {food fit to eat} 2 proper; right; appropriate 3 in good physical condition; healthy 4 [Colloq.] disturbed enough; inclined {she was fit to scream} •n. [prob. < the v.] 1 the condition of fitting or being fitted 2 the manner or degree of fitting or of fitting together {a good fit, a tight fit} 3 anything that fits Æ fit to be tied [Colloq.] frustrated and angry SYN.—fit, the broadest term here, means having the qualities or qualifications to meet some condition, circumstance, purpose, or demand [fit for a king]; suitable is applied to that which accords with the requirements or needs of the occasion or circumstances [shoes suitable for hiking]; proper implies reference to that which naturally or rightfully belongs to something or suggests a fitness or suitability dictated by good judgment [proper respect for one's elders]; that is appropriate which is especially or distinctively fit or suitable; fitting is applied to that which accords harmoniously with the character, spirit, or tone of something; apt, in this connection, is used of that which is exactly suited to the purpose [an apt phrase] [ME fitten < ? or akin ? to ON fitja, to knit, tie ends of thread, akin to OHG fizza, skein of thread, ult. < IE *pedyo-, fetter, lit., of the foot < base *ped-, FOOT]

fit² (fit) •n. 1 any sudden, uncontrollable attack; paroxysm {a fit of coughing} 2 a) a sharp, brief display of feeling {a fit of anger} b) a transient mood {a fit of the blues} 3 a temporary burst of activity 4 Med. a seizure in which the victim loses consciousness, has convulsions, etc. by fits (and starts) in an irregular way; in bursts of activity followed by periods of inactivity have a fit [Colloq.] to become very angry or upset: also Æ throw a fit [ME < OE (rare) fitt, conflict]

fit³ (fit) •n. [Obs.] a section of a poem, ballad, or song [ME fitte < OE fitt, akin to OS (Latinized) pl. vitteas, sections of a poem (the Heliand), OHG fizza: see FIT¹]

Fitch (fich) 1 (William) Clyde 1865-1909; U.S. playwright 2 John 1743-98; U.S. inventor of a steamboat fitch (fich) •n. 1 POLECAT (sense 1) 2 its pelt or fur Also fitch´et (-it) or fitch´ew (-u:) [ME ficheu < OFr fichau < MDu vitsche, visse < Gmc *wisjo < IE base *weis- > VIRUS, WEASEL]

fitful (fit´fэl) •adj. characterized by irregular or intermittent activity, impulses, etc.; spasmodic; restless fit´ful·ly •adv. fit´ful·ness •n. [FIT² + -FUL]

fitly (fit´li:) •adv. 1 in a fit manner; suitably 2 at the right time

fitment (fit´mэnt) •n. [Chiefly Brit.] any of various furnishings, fixtures, or detachable parts

fitness (fit´nis) •n. the condition of being fit; suitability, appropriateness, healthiness, etc.

fitted (fit´id) •adj. designed to conform to the contours of that which it covers {fitted bed sheets, a fitted coat}

fitter (fit´эr) •n. a person who fits; specif., a) a person who alters or adjusts garments to fit b) a person who installs or adjusts machinery, pipes, etc.

fitting (fit´iŋ) •adj. suitable; proper; appropriate •n. 1 an adjustment or trying on of clothes, etc. for fit 2 a small part used to join, adjust, or adapt other parts, as in a system of pipes 3 [pl.] the fixtures, furnishings, or decorations of a house, office, automobile, etc. fit´ting·ly •adv.

Fitzgerald (fits jer´эld) 1 Ella 1918- ; U.S. jazz singer 2 F(rancis) Scott (Key) 1896-1940; U.S. author FitzGerald (-jer´эld), Ed·ward (born Edward Purcell) 1809-83; Eng. poet & translator of The Rubáiyát: also written Fitzgerald

Fiume (fyu:´me) It. name of RIJEKA

five (faiv) •adj. totaling one more than four •n. 1 the cardinal number between four and six; 5; V 2 a) any group of five people or things Æ b) a basketball team 3 something numbered five or having five units, as a) a playing card, domino, face of a die, etc. Æ b) [Colloq.] a five-dollar bill [ME < OE fif, with assimilated nasal, akin to Ger fünf (OHG, Goth fimf) < IE base *penkwe > Sans páñca, Gr pente, L quinque]

Five Civilized Tribes the Cherokees, Chickasaws, Choctaws, Creeks, and Seminoles of the Indian Territory

five hundred Æ a variety of euchre or rummy in which the object is to score five hundred points

Five Nations a confederation of Iroquoian peoples, comprising the Mohawks, Oneidas, Onondagas, Cayugas, and Senecas: see also SIX NATIONS

five o'clock shadow [Colloq.] the slight growth of beard visible in the late afternoon on the face of a man who shaved in the morning

five-and-ten-cent store (faiv´эn ten´sent') a store that sells a wide variety of inexpensive merchandise, orig. with many articles priced at five or ten cents Also five´-and-ten´ or five´-and-dime´ (-эn daim´) •n.

five-finger (faiv´fiŋ'gэr) •n. any of various plants having leaves with five parts or flowers with five petals; esp., the cinquefoils and WOODBINE (sense 2) [OE fiffingre]

fivefold (faiv´fould') •adj. 1 having five parts 2 having five times as much or as many •adv. five times as much or as many [FIVE + -FOLD]

fiver (faiv´эr) •n. [Slang] Æ 1 a five-dollar bill 2 [Brit.] a five-pound note

fives (faivz) •n. a kind of handball played in England [prob. because orig. played by teams of five]

fix (fiks) fixed, fix´ing •vt. 1 a) to make firm, stable, or secure b) to fasten or attach firmly 2 to set firmly in the mind 3 a) to direct steadily {to fix the eyes on a target} b) to direct one's eyes steadily at {to fix the target} 4 to make rigid or stiff {to fix one's jaw} 5 to make permanent or lasting {color is fixed in dyeing} 6 a) to arrange or establish definitely; set {to fix the date of a wedding} b) to determine with certainty {to fix the period of the dinosaurs' existence} c) to assign or ascribe {the jury must fix guilt} 7 to arrange properly or in a certain way; set in order; adjust 8 to restore to proper condition; repair, mend, remedy, heal, etc. 9 to bank, refuel, and tend (a fire) 10 to prepare and cook (food or meals) 11 to preserve (a specimen) so that its tissue, etc. can be used for microscopic study Æ 12 [Colloq.] to influence the result or action of (a horse race, jury, election, etc.) to one's advantage by bribery, trickery, etc. Æ 13 [Colloq.] to revenge oneself on; get even with; punish or chastise 14 [Colloq.] to spay or castrate 15 Chem. a) to make solid, permanent, or nonvolatile b) to cause (atmospheric nitrogen) to combine with other elements or compounds to form nitrates, ammonia, etc. 16 Photog. to make (a film, print, etc.) permanent and prevent from fading by washing in a chemical solution •vi. 1 to become fixed, firm, or stable 2 [Colloq. or Dial.] to prepare or intend {I'm fixing to go hunting} •n. 1 the position of a ship or aircraft determined from the bearings of two or more known points, from astronomical observations, or from radio signals, etc. Æ 2 [Colloq.] a difficult or awkward situation; predicament Æ 3 [Slang] a) the act of fixing the outcome of a contest, situation, etc. b) a contest, situation, etc. that has been fixed 4 [Slang] a clear understanding or evaluation {to get a fix on the problem} 5 [Slang] an injection of a narcotic, as heroin, by an addict SYN. PREDICAMENT fix on (or upon) to choose; settle on fix up [Colloq.] 1 to repair, mend, remedy, etc. 2 to arrange properly; set in order 3 to make arrangements for fix´a·ble •adj. [ME fixen < fix, fixed < L fixus, pp. of figere, to fasten, attach: see FINISH]

fixate (fiks´eit') -at'ed, -at'ing •vt., vi. to make or become fixed; specif., a) to direct and focus (the eyes) on (a point or object) b) Psychoanalysis to attach or arrest (the expression of the libidinal or aggressive drive) at an early stage of psychosexual development [< ML fixatus, pp. of fixare < fixus: see FIX]

fixation (fiks ei´shэn) •n. 1 a fixing, or fixating, or a being fixed, or fixated; specif., a) the directing and focusing of the eyes b) popularly, an exaggerated preoccupation; obsession 2 Chem. a) reduction into a solid, permanent, or nonvolatile form b) NITROGEN FIXATION 3 Photog. the treatment of a film, print, etc. to make it permanent 4 Psychoanalysis an arrest of the expression of the libidinal or aggressive drive at an early stage of psychosexual development, or a persistent attachment to some object or person that derives from this [ME fixacioun < ML fixatio < fixatus: see FIXATE]

fixative (fiks´э tiv) •adj. that is able or tends to make permanent, prevent fading, etc. •n. a substance that makes something permanent, prevents fading, etc., as a mordant or a preservative used in microscopy [FIX + -ATIVE]

fixed (fikst) •adj. 1 firmly placed or attached; not movable 2 established; settled; set {a fixed price} 3 steady; unmoving; resolute {a fixed purpose} 4 remaining in the same position relative to the earth {a fixed satellite} 5 persisting obstinately in the mind and tending to control the thoughts and action; obsessive {a fixed idea} 6 Chem. a) nonvolatile, as a vegetable oil b) incorporated into a stable compound from its free state, as atmospheric nitrogen c) permanently held, as a fabric dye Æ 7 [Colloq.] supplied with something needed, specif. money {comfortably fixed for life} Æ 8 [Slang] with the outcome dishonestly arranged beforehand {a fixed race} fix·ed·ly (fiks´id li:) •adv. fix´ed·ness •n.

fixed charge any of certain charges, as taxes, rent, interest, etc., which must be paid, usually at regular intervals, without being changed and without reference to the amount of business done

fixed oil a nonvolatile oil, esp. one found in fatty animal tissue and the seeds of various plants, including cotton, corn, flax, sunflowers, peanuts, coconuts, and olives

fixed star any star that appeared to early astronomers to be in a fixed position when compared to other stars, in contrast to the planets, which were thought to be moving stars

fixed-point (fikst´point´) •adj. designating, of, or having to do with a system of arithmetic, used esp. in computer science, having its numbers expressed with a given, fixed decimal or binary point

fixed-wing (fikst´wiŋ') •adj. designating an aircraft having its wings fastened to the fuselage, as distinguished from a helicopter

fixer (fiks´эr) •n. 1 a person or thing that fixes Æ 2 [Colloq.] a person who pays bribes or uses personal influence to manipulate results, as in keeping others from being punished for illegal acts Æ 3 [Slang] a person who sells narcotics illegally to addicts

fixings (fiks´iŋz', -inz') •n.pl. Æ [Colloq.] accessories or trimmings {roast turkey and all the fixings}

fix-it (fik´sit) •adj. [Colloq.] of or having to do with fixing or repairing things: also fix´it

fixity (fiks´i ti:) •n. 1 the quality or state of being fixed; steadiness or permanence 2 pl. -ties anything fixed, or unmoving

fixt (fikst) •vt., vi. old poet. pt. and pp. FIX

fixture (fiks´chэr) •n. 1 anything firmly in place 2 any of the fittings or furniture of a house, store, etc. attached to the building and, ordinarily, considered legally a part of it {bathroom fixtures} 3 any person or thing that has remained in a situation or place so long as to seem fixed there 4 [Chiefly Brit.] a well-established, regularly occurring sports or social event [< ME fixure (< LL fixura < L fixus: see FIX), altered by analogy with MIXTURE]

fizz (fiz) •n. 1 a hissing, sputtering sound, as of an effervescent drink 2 an effervescent drink •vi. 1 to make a hissing or bubbling sound 2 to give off gas bubbles; bubble up; effervesce [? akin to fol.]

fizzle (fiz´эl) -zled, -zling •vi. 1 to make a hissing or sputtering sound 2 [Colloq.] to fail, esp. after a successful beginning: often with out •n. 1 a hissing or sputtering sound 2 [Colloq.] an attempt that ends in failure; fiasco [ME fesilen, to break wind silently, akin to fisten: see FEIST]

fizzy (fiz´i:) fizz´i·er, fizz´i·est •adj. fizzing; effervescent

fjeld (fyeld, fyel) •n. a barren plateau in Scandinavian countries [Norw < ON fiall, fjall, FELL5]

fjord (fyörd) •n. alt. sp. of FIORD

FL Florida Fl 1 Football flanker 2 Flemish fl 1 floor 2 florin(s) 3 (he or she) flourished [L floruit] 4 fluid

fl dr fluid dram(s)

fl oz fluid ounce(s)

Fla Florida

flab (flæb) •n. [Colloq.] sagging, flaccid flesh Etymology [back-form. < FLABBY]

flabbergast (flæb´эr gæst') •vt. to make speechless with amazement; astonish SYN. SURPRISE [18th-c. slang < ? fol. + AGHAST]

flabby (flæb´i:) -bi·er, -bi·est •adj. 1 lacking firmness; limp and soft; flaccid {flabby muscles} 2 lacking force; weak flab´bi·ly •adv. flab´bi·ness •n. [var. of flappy < FLAP]

flabellate (flэ bel´eit', -it) •adj. fan-shaped Also fla·bel´li·form' (-i förm') [< fol. + -ATE¹]

flabellum (flэ bel´эm) pl. -bel´la (-э) •n. 1 a large fan carried by the pope's attendants on ceremonial occasions 2 Zool. a fan-shaped organ or structure of the body [L, a fan, dim. of flabrum, a breeze < flare, to blow < IE *bhlē-: see BLAST]

flaccid (flæk´sid; often flæs´id) •adj. 1 hanging in loose folds or wrinkles; soft and limp; flabby {flaccid muscles} 2 lacking force; weak; feeble flac·cid´i·ty •n. flac´cid·ly •adv. [L flaccidus < flaccus, flabby]

flack¹ (flæk) •n. [Slang] PRESS AGENT •vi. [Slang] to serve as a press agent flack´er·y •n. [< ?]

flack² (flæk) •n. alt. sp. of FLAK

flacon (flå kouñ´; E flæk´эn) •n. a small flask with a stopper, as for holding perfume [Fr: see FLAGON]

flacourtia (flэ kørt´i: э, -kör-) •adj. designating a family (Flacourtiaceae, order Violales) of dicotyledonous tropical trees and shrubs

Flag Day 1 June 14, anniversary of the day in 1777 when the U.S. flag was adopted 2 [f- d-] in England, any day when people give to some special fund for charity and get small flags in token of their contribution

flag of convenience the flag of the foreign country in which a fishing vessel, tanker, etc. is registered, usually so as to avoid taxes, regulations, etc. in the home country of the vessel's owner

flag of truce a white flag shown to an enemy to indicate a desire to confer or parley

flag officer Æ U.S. Navy any officer above the rank of captain, entitled to display a flag indicating rank

flag stop a place at which a bus, train, etc. stops only when signaled

flag¹ (flæg) •n. 1 a piece of cloth or bunting, often attached to a staff, with distinctive colors, patterns, or symbolic devices, used as a national or state symbol, as a signal, etc.; banner; standard; ensign 2 [pl.] [Now Rare] long feathers or quills, as on a hawk 3 the tail of a deer 4 the bushy tail of certain dogs, as setters and some hounds 5 a tab as of metal or cardboard attached to a card, folder, etc. so that it may be found easily, as in a file 6 Music any of the lines extending from a stem, indicating whether the note is an eighth, sixteenth, etc. •vt. flagged, flag´ging 1 to decorate or mark with flags 2 to signal with or as with a flag; esp., to signal to stop: often with down 3 to send (a message) by signaling 4 to mark with a FLAG¹ (n. 5) dip the flag to salute by lowering a flag briefly [LME flagge < FLAG4, in obs. sense to flutter]

flag² (flæg) •n. FLAGSTONE Etymology [ME flagge < ON flaga, slab of stone < IE *plāk-, to spread out, flat < base *plā > PLAIN¹]

flag³ (flæg) •n. 1 a) any of various wild irises with flat fans of sword-shaped leaves and white, blue, or yellow flowers b) any of various cultivated irises 2 SWEET FLAG 3 CATTAIL 4 the flower or leaf of any of these plants [ME flagge < ?]

flag4 (flæg) flagged, flag´ging •vi. 1 to become limp; droop 2 to lose strength; grow weak or tired {his energy flagged} [16th c., prob. < ON flogra, to flutter < IE base *plāk-, to strike > FLAW²]

flagellant (flæj´э lэnt, flэ jel´эnt) •n. a person who engages in or submits to flagellation •adj. engaging in flagellation [< L flagellans, prp. of flagellare: see FLAGELLATE]

flagellate (flæj´э leit'; for adj., also flæj´э lit or flэ jel´it) -lat'ed, -lat'ing •vt. to whip; flog •adj. 1 having a flagellum or flagella: also flag´el·lat'ed 2 shaped like a flagellum •n. a flagellate organism flag´el·la'tor •n. [< L flagellatus, pp. of flagellare, to whip, scourge < flagellum, a whip, dim. of flagrum < IE base *bhlaG-, to beat > ON bluk, a slap]

flagellation (flæj'э lei´shэn) •n. a whipping or flogging, esp. as a religious discipline or for sexual stimulation flag´el·la·to'ry (-lэ tör'i:) •adj. [ME flagellacioun < LL(Ec) flagellatio: see FLAGELLATE]

flagelliform (flэ jel´i förm') •adj. shaped like a flagellum [< FLAGELLUM + -FORM]

flagellin (flэ jel´in, -эn) •n. the protein that forms the flagella of bacteria

flagellum (flэ jel´эm) pl. -la (-э) or -lums •n. 1 a whip 2 Biol. a whiplike part or process of some cells, esp. of certain bacteria, protozoans, etc., that is an organ of locomotion or produces a current in the surrounding fluid 3 Bot. a threadlike shoot or runner 4 Zool. the terminal, lashlike portion of the antenna in many insects [L, a whip: see FLAGELLATE]

flageolet (flæj'э let´) •n. a small fipple flute, similar to a recorder [Fr, dim. of OFr flageol, flajeol, a pipe, flute < VL *flabeolum, a flute < L flare, to blow: see BLAST]

flagging¹ (flæg´iŋ) •adj. weakening or drooping flag´ging·ly •adv. [prp. of FLAG4]

flagging² (flæg´iŋ) •n. flagstones or a pavement made of flagstones

flagitious (flэ jish´эs) •adj. shamefully wicked; vile and scandalous fla·gi´tious·ly •adv. fla·gi´tious·ness •n. [ME flagicious < L flagitiosus < flagitium, shameful act < flagitare, to demand, akin to flagrum: see FLAGELLATE]

flagman (flæg´mэn) pl. -men (-mэn) •n. a person whose work is signaling with a flag or lantern

flagon (flæg´эn) •n. 1 a container for liquids, with a handle, a narrow neck, a spout, and, sometimes, a lid 2 the contents of a flagon [ME < OFr flacon < LL flasco: see FLASK]

flagpole (flæg´poul') •n. a pole on which a flag is raised and flown

flagrancy (flei´grэn si:) •n. the quality or state of being flagrant: also fla´grance

flagrant (flei´grэnt) •adj. 1 glaringly bad; notorious; outrageous 2 [Archaic] flaming; blazing SYN. OUTRAGEOUS fla´grant·ly •adv. [L flagrans, prp. of flagrare, to flame, blaze < IE base *bhleg-, to shine, burn > BLACK]

flagrante delicto (flэ græn´ti: di: lik´tou') IN FLAGRANTE DELICTO [L, during the blazing of the crime]

flagship (flæg´ship') •n. 1 the ship that carries the commander of a fleet or other large naval unit and displays his flag 2 the finest, largest, or newest ship of a steamship line 3 the finest, largest, or most important member or part as of a group, broadcast network, etc.

Flagstad (flæg´stæd'; Norw fläg´stä'), Kir·sten (kir´sten; Norw kish´tªn) 1895-1962; Norw. soprano

flagstaff (flæg´stæf´) •n. a flagpole

flagstick (flæg´stik') Golf PIN (sense 10) •n.

flagstone (flæg´stoun') •n. 1 any hard stone that splits into flat pieces used in paving walks, terraces, etc. 2 a piece of such stone Etymology [FLAG² + STONE]

flag-waving (flæg´weiv'iŋ) •n. 1 an effort to arouse intense patriotic or nationalist feelings by a deliberate appeal to the emotions 2 a conspicuous show of patriotism flag´-wav'er •n.

Flaherty (flæ´эr ti:), Robert (Joseph) 1884-1951; U.S. motion-picture director, esp. of documentaries

flail (fleil) •n. a farm tool consisting of a free-swinging stick tied to the end of a long handle, used to thresh grain •vt., vi. 1 to thresh with a flail 2 to strike or beat as with a flail 3 to move (one's arms) about like flails [ME fleil < OFr flaiel & OE *flegel, both < L flagellum, a whip, scourge: see FLAGELLATE]

flair (fler) •n. 1 orig., sense of smell; hence, keen, natural discernment 2 a natural talent or ability; aptitude; knack 3 [Colloq.] a sense of what is stylish and striking; dash [ME, odor, fragrance < OFr < flairer, to emit an odor < LL flagrare, for L fragrare, to smell, reek < IE *bhrag-, prob. < base *bher-, to boil up > BARM, BREATH]

flak (flæk) •n. 1 the fire of antiaircraft guns 2 [Colloq.] strong, clamorous criticism, opposition, etc. [Ger < Fl(ieger)a(bwehr)k(anone), lit., flier defense gun]

flake¹ (fleik) •n. 1 a small, thin mass {a flake of snow} 2 a thin piece or layer split off or peeled off from anything; chip Æ 3 [Slang] an eccentric, unbalanced, or irrational person •vt., vi. flaked, flak´ing 1 to form into flakes 2 to chip or peel off in flakes 3 to make or become spotted with flakes flak´er •n. [ME < Scand, as in Norw flak, ice floe, ON flakna, to flake off < IE *plāg, flat < base *plā- > plain¹]

flake² (fleik) •n. a platform or rack for storing or drying food [ME flake, fleke < ON flaki, fleki, hurdle < IE base *pel-, to cover > FELL4]

flake³ (fleik) flaked, flak´ing •vt. rare var. of FAKE² flake out [Slang] 1 to fall asleep 2 to faint [prob. specialized use of FLAKE¹]

flaky (fleik´i:) flak´i·er, flak´i·est •adj. 1 containing or made up of flakes 2 breaking easily into flakes Æ 3 [Slang] very eccentric, erratic, irrational, etc. flak´i·ly •adv. flak´i·ness •n.

flam (flæm) •n. a drumbeat made by striking the head of a drum with both drumsticks almost but not quite simultaneously [prob. echoic]

flambé (fläm bei´, Fr fläñ bei´) •adj. served with a sauce of flaming brandy, rum, etc. •n. a dessert or other dish so served •vt. -béed´, -bé´ing to add brandy, etc. to and serve flaming flam·béed´ •adj. [Fr, lit., flaming]

flambeau (flæm´bou') pl. -beaux' (-bouz') or -beaus' •n. 1 a lighted torch 2 a large, ornamental candlestick [Fr, dim. of OFr flambe: see FLAME]

flamboyant (flæm boi´эnt) •adj. 1 designating or of a kind of architecture, as late French Gothic, characterized by flamelike tracery of windows and florid decoration 2 flamelike or brilliant in form or color 3 too showy or ornate; florid, extravagant, etc. {a flamboyant costume} •n. ROYAL POINCIANA flam·boy´ance or flam·boy´an·cy •n. flam·boy´ant·ly •adv. [Fr, prp. of OFr flamboyer < flambe: see FLAME]

flame (fleim) •n. 1 the burning gas or vapor of a fire, seen as a flickering light of various colors; blaze 2 a tongue of light rising from a fire 3 the state of burning with a blaze of light {to burst into flame} 4 a) a thing like a flame in heat, brilliance, etc. b) brilliance or bright coloring 5 an intense emotion; strong passion 6 a sweetheart •vi. flamed, flam´ing [ME flammen < OFr flamer < L flammare] 1 to burn with a blaze of light; burst into flame 2 to light up with color as if blazing; grow red or hot {a face flaming with anger} 3 to show intense emotion; become very excited •vt. 1 [Now Rare] to burn or heat with flame 2 to treat with flame 3 Cooking to douse with alcoholic liquor and set afire {flame the roast with brandy} SYN. BLAZE¹ flame up (or out) to burst out in or as in flames [ME < OFr flamme (< L flamma) & flambe < L flammula, dim. of flamma < base of flagrare, to burn: see FLAGRANT]

flame cell a hollow cell in the excretory tubules of many lower animals, as flatworms, with an internal tuft of cilia that produces movement of the excretory products

flame stitch BARGELLO (senses 1 & 2)

flame tree 1 a bottletree (Brachychiton acerifolium) with maplelike leaves and brilliant scarlet flowers 2 any of various trees with brilliant red flowers

flamen (flei´men) pl. fla´mens or flam·i·nes (flæm´i ni:z') •n. in ancient Rome, a priest in the service of one particular god [ME flamin < L flamen < IE base *bhlagmen-, priest, magician > Sans brahmán-]

flamenco (flэ meŋ´kou, -men´-) •n. 1 the Spanish gypsy style of dance (characterized by stamping, clapping, etc.) or music (typically very emotional and mournful) 2 pl. -cos a song or dance in this style [Sp, lit., Flemish < MDu Flaming, a FLEMING]

flameout (fleim´aut') Æ n. the stopping of combustion in a jet engine as a result of some abnormal flight condition

flameproof (-pru:f') •adj. 1 not readily damaged by fire 2 not catching fire

flamethrower (-θrou'эr) •n. a weapon for shooting a stream of flaming gasoline, oil, napalm, etc. [transl. of Ger flammenwerfer]

flaming (fleim´iŋ) •adj. 1 burning with flames; blazing 2 like a flame in brilliance or heat {flaming colors} 3 intensely emotional; ardent; passionate 4 startling or flagrant flam´ing·ly •adv.

flamingo (flэ miŋ´gou') pl. -gos' •n.or -goes' any of an order (Phoenicopteriformes) of large, tropical birds with long legs, webbed feet, long necks, downward-curving beaks, and bright pink or red feathers [Port flamingo < Sp flamenco, lit., Flemish (see FLAMENCO): assoc. with flama, FLAME, because of its color]

Flaminian Way (flэ min´i: эn) ancient Roman paved highway from Rome to Ariminum (Rimini): c. 210 mi. (338 km) [after the Roman censor Gaius Flaminius]

flammable (flæm´э bэl) •adj. easily set on fire; that will burn readily or quickly: term now preferred to INFLAMMABLE in commerce, industry, etc. flam'ma·bil´i·ty •n. [L flammare, to FLAME + -ABLE]

Flammarion (flå mæ řyouñ´), Camille 1842-1925; Fr. astronomer

flan (flæn; Fr fläñ) •n. 1 a piece of shaped metal ready to be made into a coin by the stamp of a die; blank 2 a) a tart filled with custard, fruit, etc., or with a savory mixture b) a Spanish dessert of custard covered with a burnt-sugar syrup [Fr < OFr flaon (> ME flawn, flan) < ML flado (gen. fladonis) < OHG, flat cake, akin to ME flathen: for IE base see FLAT¹]

Flanagan (flæn´э gэn), E(dward) J(oseph) 1886-1948; U.S. Rom. Catholic clergyman; founder of Boys Town

Flanders (flæn´dэrz) region (in medieval times a county) in NW Europe, on the North Sea, including a part of NW France & the provinces of East Flanders & West Flanders in Belgium

flânerie (flän ři:´, flä nэ-) •n. idle strolling [Fr: see FLÂNEUR]

flâneur (flä nëř´) •n. a person who strolls about idly, as along the boulevards; idler [Fr < flâner, to stroll < ON flana: see FLAUNT]

flange (flænj) •n. a projecting rim or collar on a wheel, pipe, rail, etc., to hold it in place, give it strength, guide it, or attach it to something else •vt. flanged, flang´ing to put a flange on [< ? ME flaunch, a lenticular space on a coat of arms < OFr flanche, side, var. of flanc: see FLANK]

flank (flæŋk) •n. 1 the fleshy side of a person or animal between the ribs and the hip 2 a cut of beef from this part: see BEEF, illus. 3 loosely, the outer side of the upper part of the human thigh 4 the side of anything 5 Mil. the right or left side of a formation or force, or of the projection of a bastion •adj. of or having to do with the flank •vt. 1 to be at the side of 2 to place at the side, or on either side, of 3 Mil. a) to protect the side of (a friendly unit) b) to attack the side of (an enemy unit) c) to pass around the side of (an enemy unit) •vi. to be located at the side: with on or upon [ME flanke < OFr flanc < Frank *hlanka, akin to OHG hlanka, a hip, flank: for IE base see LANK]

flanken (flæŋ´kэn, fläŋ´-) •n. a cut of beef from the plate, usually boiled and eaten with horseradish [E Yidd, pl. of *flank, flank < Ger flanke, flank < OFr flanc: see FLANK]

flanker (flæŋk´эr) •n. 1 Mil. a) a fortified position at either flank for protection or attack b) any of several soldiers detailed to protect the flanks of a marching column Æ 2 Football an offensive back who takes a position closer to the sideline than the rest of the team

flannel (flæn´эl) •n. 1 a soft, lightweight, loosely woven woolen cloth with a slightly napped surface 2 COTTON FLANNEL 3 [pl.] a) trousers, etc. made of light flannel b) heavy woolen underwear •vt. -neled or -nelled, -nel·ing or -nel·ling to wrap or clothe in flannel flan´nel·ly •adj. [ME, akin to or < flanen < Welsh gwlanen < gwlan, wool < IE base *wel-, hair, WOOL]

flannelette or flannelet (flæn'эl et´) •n. a soft cotton cloth like cotton flannel but lighter in weight

flannel-mouthed (flæn´эl mauðd', -mauθt') •adj. 1 speaking thickly, as if one's mouth were full of flannel 2 garrulous, esp. in an insincere or deceptive way

flap (flæp) •n. 1 anything flat and broad that is attached at one end and hangs loose or covers an opening {the flap of a pocket} 2 the motion or slapping sound of a swinging flap {the flap of an awning} 3 [Archaic] a blow with something broad and flat; slap 4 either of the two parts of a book's dust jacket that fold inside the book's covers and that usually contain a summary of the book's contents and a brief biographical sketch of its author 5 [Colloq.] a state of excitement, controversy, or agitation 6 Aeron. a pilot-controlled airfoil; esp., a section hinged to the trailing edge of a wing between the aileron and the fuselage, usually used to increase lift or drag 7 Phonet. a sound articulated with a single rapid touch of the tongue against the roof of the mouth 8 Surgery a piece of tissue partly detached from the surrounding tissue, as for grafting •vt. flapped, flap´ping [ME flappen: prob. echoic] 1 to strike with something flat and broad; slap 2 to move back and forth or up and down as in beating the air, usually with some noise {a bird flapping its wings} 3 to throw, fling, slam, etc. abruptly or noisily •vi. 1 to move back and forth or up and down, as in the wind; flutter 2 to fly or try to fly by flapping the wings 3 to hang down as a flap 4 [Slang, Chiefly Brit.] to become excited or confused flap´less •adj. flap´py •adj. [ME flappe < the v.]

flapdoodle (flæp´du:d'ªl) •n. [Colloq.] foolish talk; nonsense [arbitrary formation]

flapjack (flæp´jæk') •n. a pancake or griddlecake

flapper (flæp´эr) •n. 1 a person or thing that flaps; esp., a) a flap b) a flipper c) something broad and flat for striking 2 a) a young wild duck, partridge, etc. just learning to fly b) [Colloq.] in the 1920's, a young woman considered bold and unconventional

flare (fler) flared, flar´ing •vi. 1 a) to blaze up with a sudden, bright light b) to burn unsteadily, as a flame whipped about by the wind 2 to burst out suddenly in anger, violence, etc.: often with up or out 3 to curve or spread outward, as the bell of a trumpet •vt. 1 to make flare 2 to signal with a flare •n. 1 a bright, unsteady blaze of light lasting only a little while; outburst of flame 2 a) a very bright light used as a distress signal, to light up a landing field, etc. b) a substance burned to make such a light 3 a sudden, brief outburst, as of emotion or sound 4 a) a curving or spreading outward, as of a skirt b) a part that curves or spreads outward 5 Astron. a) a short-lived, spotlike outburst of increased brightness on the sun, seen esp. near sunspots and often accompanied by X-rays, gamma rays, etc. b) a sudden, temporary increase in the brightness of any star 6 Photog. a foggy spot on film, caused by a reflection of light from the lens SYN. BLAZE¹ [ME fleare < ?]

flareback (-bæk') •n. a flame shooting out backward or in some other abnormal way from a furnace, cannon, etc.

flare-up (-ûp') •n. 1 a sudden outburst of flame 2 a sudden, brief outburst of anger, trouble, etc.

flaring (fler´iŋ) •adj. 1 blazing unsteadily for a little while 2 gaudy; lurid 3 curving or spreading outward

flash (flæsh) •vi. 1 to send out or reflect a sudden, brief blaze or light, esp. at intervals 2 to sparkle or gleam {eyes flashing with anger} 3 to speak abruptly, esp. in anger: usually with out 4 to come, move, or pass swiftly and suddenly; be seen or realized for an instant like a flash of light {an idea flashed through his mind} 5 [Colloq.] to expose one's genitals, breasts, etc. briefly and deliberately in public 6 [Colloq.] to have a sudden idea, thought, insight, or recollection: usually with on •vt. 1 to send out (light, etc.) in sudden, brief spurts 2 to cause to flash 3 to signal with light or reflected light 4 to send (news, messages, etc.) swiftly or suddenly, as by radio 5 to put flashing on so as to make weatherproof 6 [Colloq.] to show briefly or ostentatiously {to flash a roll of money} 7 [Colloq.] to expose (one's genitals, breasts, etc.) briefly and deliberately to (someone) 8 [Archaic] to splash or dash (water) 9 Glassmaking a) to put (a colored film of glass) on other glass b) to coat with a colored film of glass •n. 1 a) a sudden, brief light b) a sudden burst of flame or heat 2 a brief time; moment 3 a sudden, brief display of thought, understanding, feeling, etc. {a flash of wit} Æ 4 a brief news report of something that has just happened 5 a gaudy display; showiness 6 a preparation containing burnt sugar, used for coloring liquors 7 anything that flashes 8 [Colloq.] a) a flashlight b) a person very quick or adept at something •adj. 1 [Colloq.] a) flashy; showy; sporty b) of thieves or other social outcasts 2 that flashes; happening swiftly or suddenly {a flash warning} 3 working with a coordinated flash of light {a flash camera} flash in the pan a person, effort, etc. that is successful or famous for only a short time [orig. of ineffectual flash of powder in a pan of a flintlock] SYN.—flash implies a sudden, brief, brilliant light; glance refers to a darting light, esp. one that is reflected from a surface at an angle; gleam suggests a steady, narrow ray of light shining through a background of relative darkness; sparkle implies a number of brief, bright, intermittent flashes; glitter implies the reflection of such bright, intermittent flashes; glisten suggests the reflection of a lustrous light, as from a wet surface; shimmer refers to a soft, tremulous reflection, as from a slightly disturbed body of water [ME flashen, to splash, sprinkle; of echoic orig.]

flash burn injury or destruction of body tissue caused by exposure to a flash of intense radiant heat, esp. the heat of a nuclear explosion

flash flood a sudden, violent flood, as after a heavy rain

flash gun a device that sets off a flashbulb simultaneously with the opening of the camera shutter

flash point 1 the lowest temperature at which a volatile solid or the vapor of a liquid will flash when exposed to a brief flame under certain conditions 2 a critical moment at which someone or something bursts forth into activity or existence

flash tube a gaseous discharge tube designed to emit extremely short bursts of very intense light

flashback (flæsh´bæk') •n. 1 an interruption in the continuity of a story, play, movie, etc. by the narration or portrayal of some earlier episode 2 such an episode

flashboard (-börd') •n. a board or boards placed at the top of a dam to increase the depth or force of the stream

flashbulb (-bûlb') •n. an electric light bulb giving a brief, dazzling light, for taking photographs

flashcard (flæsh´kärd') •n. any of a set of cards with words, numbers, etc. on them, which are flashed one by one for quick response, as before a class in a drill

flashcube (-kyu:b') •n. a small, rotating cube containing a flashbulb in each of four sides, designed for taking photographs more rapidly with a flash camera

flasher (flæsh´эr) •n. a person or thing that flashes; specif., a) a device for causing lights to go on and off intermittently, or a light that flashes in this way b) [Colloq.] an exhibitionist who flashes (see FLASH vi. 5)

flash-forward (flæsh´för´wэrd) •n. 1 an interruption in the continuity of a story, play, movie, etc. by the narration or portrayal of some future episode 2 such an episode

flashing (flæsh´iŋ) •n. 1 the action of a person or thing that flashes 2 sheets of metal or other material used to weatherproof joints formed where exterior surfaces, as of a roof and a wall, meet at an angle

flashlight (flæsh´lait') •n. Æ 1 a portable electric light, usually operated by batteries 2 a light that shines in flashes, used for signaling, as in lighthouses, airplane beacons, etc. 3 a brief, dazzling light for taking photographs at night or indoors

flashover (-ou'vэr) •n. an undesired electrical discharge across an insulator, between a high potential and the ground, etc.

flashy (flæsh´i:) flash´i·er, flash´i·est •adj. 1 dazzling or bright for a little while 2 ostentatious and vulgar; gaudy flash´i·ly •adv. flash´i·ness •n.

flask (flæsk, fläsk) •n. 1 any small, bottle-shaped container with a narrow neck, used in laboratories, etc. 2 a small, flattened container for liquor, etc., to be carried in the pocket 3 the frame for a mold of sand in a foundry [ME < ML flasco & OE flasce, both < LL flasco (gen. flasconis) < flasca < Gmc *flasko, bottle, wicker-enclosed jug, prob. < base of OHG flechtan, to weave: for IE base see FLAX]

flasket (flæs´kit) •n. a small flask [ME < OFr flasquet, dim. of flasque < Gmc *flasko: see FLASK]

flat foot a foot having a flattened instep arch

flat silver silver knives, forks, spoons, etc., as distinguished from silver trays, teapots, bowls, etc.

flat¹ (flæt) flat´ter, flat´test •adj. 1 having a smooth, level surface; having little or no depression or elevation 2 a) lying extended at full length b) spread out smooth and level 3 touching at as many points as possible {with his back flat against the wall} 4 a) having little depth or thickness; broad, even, and thin b) having a flat heel or no heel {flat shoes} 5 designating or having an almost straight or level trajectory or flight 6 absolute; positive {a flat denial} 7 without variation; not fluctuating {a flat rate} 8 without much business activity {a flat market} 9 having little or no sparkle or taste; insipid {a flat drink} 10 having little or no interest; monotonous; dull 11 not clear or full; blurred {a flat sound} Æ 12 emptied of air {a flat tire} Æ 13 [Colloq.] completely without money; penniless 14 without gloss {flat paint} 15 Art a) lacking relief, depth, or perspective b) uniform in tint or shade 16 Gram. a) not having the sign to (said of an infinitive: Ex.: go in make it go) b) not having an inflectional ending (said esp. of certain adverbs: Ex.: he drove fast) 17 Music a) lower in pitch by a half step {D-flat (Db)} b) out of tune by being below the true or proper pitch 18 Phonet. designating the vowel a when it represents the sound (a) as in had or hat, articulated with the tongue in a relatively level position 19 Photog. lacking in contrast •adv. 1 in a flat manner; flatly (in various senses) 2 in a prone or supine position 3 a) exactly; precisely {to run a race in ten seconds flat} b) bluntly; abruptly {she left him flat} Æ 4 Finance with no interest 5 Music below the true or proper pitch •n. 1 a flat surface or part {the flat of the hand, of a sword, etc.} 2 [often pl.] an expanse of level land 3 a low-lying marsh 4 a shallow; shoal 5 any of various flat things; specif., a) a shallow box or container, as for growing seedlings Æ b) short for FLATCAR c) a piece of theatrical scenery on a flat frame Æ d) a deflated tire e) [pl.] flat-heeled shoes or slippers 6 Football the area flanking either end of the offensive line 7 Music a) a note or tone one half step below another b) the symbol (b) indicating such a note •vt. flat´ted, flat´ting Music to make flat; lower a half step •vi. to sing or play below the true or proper pitch SYN. INSIPID, LEVEL fall flat to fail in the desired effect; be completely unsuccessful flat out [Colloq.] 1 at full speed, with maximum effort, etc. 2 clear(ly); definite(ly) flat´ly •adv. flat´ness •n. [ME < ON flatr, akin to OHG flaz < IE *plāt, plēt-, wide, flat (> Gr platys, broad, OE flet, floor) < base *plā-, broad]

flat² (flæt) •n. [Chiefly Brit.] an apartment or suite of rooms on one floor of a building [altered < Scot dial. flet (ME & OE flet), a floor (of a dwelling): see FLAT1]

flatbed (flæt´bed') •adj. Æ 1 designating or of a truck, trailer, etc. having a bed or platform without sides or stakes 2 Printing designating or of a press having a plane or horizontal printing surface: cf. ROTARY PRESS •n. Æ 1 a flatbed truck, trailer, etc. 2 a flatbed press

flatboat (-bout') •n. a boat with a flat bottom, for carrying freight in shallow waters or on rivers

flatcar (-kär') •n. a railroad car without sides or a roof, for carrying certain kinds of freight

flat-coated retriever (-kou´tid) any of a breed of medium-sized retriever with a dense, flat coat of black or liver, developed principally from the Labrador retriever and the Newfoundland

flatfish (-fish') pl. (see FISH) -fish' •n.or -fish'es any of an order (Pleuronectiformes) of marine bony fishes having both eyes on the same side of a very flat body, including flounders and soles

flatfoot (-fut') •n. 1 a condition in which the instep arch of the foot has been flattened 2 pl. -foots' or -feet' [Slang] a policeman: so called from the notion that flat feet result from walking a beat

flat-footed (flæt´fut'id) •adj. 1 having flatfoot 2 designating a manner of walking, with the toes pointed outward, as by people with flatfoot Æ 3 [Colloq.] downright and firm; plain and uncompromising 4 [Colloq.] a) awkward or clumsy b) tedious, plodding, etc. Æ adv. [Colloq.] firmly, directly, or abruptly Æ catch someone flat-footed [Colloq.] 1 to catch someone unprepared; take by surprise 2 to catch someone in the act of committing some offense flat´-foot'ed·ly •adv. flat´-foot'ed·ness •n.