froze (frouz) •vi., vt. pt. of FREEZE
frozen (frou´zэn) •vi., vt. pp. of FREEZE •adj. 1 turned into or covered with ice; congealed by cold 2 injured, damaged, or killed by freezing 3 having heavy frosts and extreme cold {the frozen polar wastes} 4 preserved or prepared by freezing, as food 5 affected as if turned into ice; made motionless {frozen with terror} 6 without warmth or affection in behavior, manners, etc. 7 arbitrarily kept at a fixed level or in a fixed position 8 not readily convertible into cash {frozen assets} [ME]
frozen custard a food resembling ice cream, but with a lower butterfat content and softer consistency
FRS Federal Reserve System Frs Frisian
frt freight
fructiferous (frûk tif´эr эs) •adj. producing fruit; fruit-bearing [< L fructifer (< fructus, FRUIT + ferre, to BEAR¹) + -OUS]
fructify (frûk´tэ fai') -fied', -fy'ing •vi. to bear fruit; become fruitful •vt. to cause to bear fruit; fertilize fruc'ti·fi·ca´tion •n. [ME fructifien < OFr fructifier < L fructificare: see FRUIT & -FY]
fructose (frûk´tous', fruk´-) •n. a crystalline monosaccharide found in sweet fruits and in honey; fruit sugar; levulose [< L fructus, FRUIT + -OSE¹]
fructuous (frûk´chu: эs) •adj. fruitful; productive [ME < OFr < L fructuosus < fructus, FRUIT]
frugal (fru:´gэl) •adj. 1 not wasteful; not spending freely or unnecessarily; thrifty; economical 2 not costly or luxurious; inexpensive or meager {a frugal meal} SYN. THRIFTY fru·gal´i·ty (-gæl´э ti:), pl. -ties, •n. fru´gal·ly •adv. [L frugalis < frugi, fit for food, hence proper, worthy, frugal, orig. dat. of frux (gen. frugis), fruits, produce: for IE base see FRUIT]
frugivorous (fru: jiv´э rэs) •adj. fruit-eating [< L frux (see FRUGAL) + -VOROUS]
fruit (fru:t) pl. fruit or fruits •n. 1 any plant product, as grain, flax, vegetables, etc.: usually used in pl. 2 the edible plant structure of a mature ovary of a flowering plant, usually eaten raw: many fruits which are not sweet, as tomatoes, beans, green peppers, etc., are popularly called vegetables 3 the result, product, or consequence of any action {fruit of hard work} Æ 4 [Slang] a male homosexual: term of contempt or derision 5 [Archaic] the young of animals or man 6 Bot. the mature ovary of a flowering plant, together with its contents, and any closely connected parts, as the whole peach, pea pod, cucumber, etc.: see TRUE FRUIT, FALSE FRUIT •vi., vt. to bear or cause to bear fruit [ME < OFr < L fructus, enjoyment, means of enjoyment, fruit, produce, profit < pp. of frui, to partake of, enjoy < IE base *bhrūg-, fruit, to enjoy > BROOK²]
fruit bat any fruit-eating bat (esp. family Pteropodidae), as the flying fox
fruit cup Æ mixed diced fruits served in a sherbet glass, etc. as an appetizer or dessert Also fruit cocktail
fruit fly 1 any of a family (Tephritidae) of small dipterous flies whose larvae feed on fruits and vegetables 2 DROSOPHILA
fruit jar a glass jar for canning fruit, vegetables, etc., sealed airtight with a cap
fruit machine [Brit.] SLOT MACHINE (sense b)
fruit sugar FRUCTOSE
fruit tree a tree that bears edible fruit
fruitage (-ij) •n. 1 bearing of fruit; fruiting 2 a crop of fruit; fruits collectively 3 a result; product; consequence [OFr: see -AGE]
fruitcake (fru:t´keik') •n. 1 a rich cake containing nuts, preserved fruit, citron, spices, etc. 2 [Slang] a foolish, eccentric, or crazy person
fruiter (fru:t´эr) •n. a tree that bears fruit [ME fruter < OFr fruitier]
fruiterer (-эr эr) •n. [Chiefly Brit.] a person who deals in fruit [ME fruterer (with redundant -er) < prec.]
fruitful (fru:t´fэl) •adj. 1 bearing much fruit 2 producing much; productive; prolific 3 producing results; profitable {a fruitful plan} SYN. FERTILE fruit´ful·ly •adv. fruit´ful·ness •n. [ME]
fruiting body (fru:t´iŋ) the spore-bearing structure of a fungus
fruition (fru: ish´эn) •n. 1 a pleasure obtained from using or possessing something; enjoyment 2 the bearing of fruit [by assoc. with FRUIT] 3 a coming to fulfillment; realization {a book that is the fruition of years of research} [ME fruicioun < OFr fruition < LL fruitio, enjoyment < frui: see FRUIT]
fruitless (fru:t´lis) •adj. 1 without results; unprofitable; unsuccessful; vain 2 bearing no fruit; sterile; barren SYN. FUTILE fruit´less·ly •adv. fruit´less·ness •n. [ME fruitles]
fruitwood (fru:t´wud') •n. the wood of any of various fruit trees, used in furniture, paneling, etc.
fruity (fru:t´i:) fruit´i·er, fruit´i·est •adj. 1 a) like fruit in taste or smell b) suggesting in its flavor the succulence, freshness, and, sometimes, sweetness of ripe fruit (said of wine) 2 rich or mellow in tone, esp. excessively so {a fruity voice} 3 rich in interest; spicy; juicy 4 [Slang] a) eccentric or crazy Æ b) of or like a male homosexual (term of contempt or derision) fruit´i·ly •adv. fruit´i·ness •n.
frumentaceous (fru:'men tei´shэs, -mэn-) •adj. of, having the nature of, or like wheat or other grain [LL frumentaceus < L frumentum, grain < base of frui: see FRUIT]
frumenty (fru:´mэn ti:) •n. an English dish consisting of hulled wheat boiled in milk, sweetened, and flavored with spice [ME frumente < OFr frumentée < L frumentum: see FRUMENTACEOUS]
frump (frûmp) •n. a dowdy, unattractive woman frump´ish •adj. frump´y, frump´i·er, frump´i·est, •adj. [prob. shortened n. form < ME fromplen, to wrinkle < earlier Du frompelen, verrompelen < ver-, FOR- + rompelen: see RUMPLE]
Frunze (fřu:n´ze) old name of BISHKEK
frustrate (frûs´treit') -trat'ed, -trat'ing •vt. 1 to cause to have no effect; bring to nothing; counteract; nullify {to frustrate plans} 2 to prevent from achieving an objective; foil; baffle; defeat {to frustrate an opponent} 3 Psychol. to prevent from gratifying certain impulses or desires, either conscious or unconscious •vi. to become frustrated •adj. [Now Rare] frustrated; baffled; defeated SYN.—to frustrate means to deprive of effect or render worthless an effort directed to some end; thwart and balk both mean to frustrate by blocking someone or something moving toward some objective; foil means to throw off course so as to discourage further effort or make it of no avail; to baffle is to defeat the efforts of by bewildering or confusing [the crime baffled the police] [ME frustraten < L frustratus, pp. of frustrare, frustrari, to disappoint, deceive < frustra, in vain: for IE base see FRAUD]
frustration (frûs trei´shэn) •n. 1 a frustrating or being frustrated 2 something that frustrates [ME frustracioun < L frustratio]
frustule (frûs´tyu:l', -chu:l') •n. either of the two interlocking halves of the hard, siliceous shell of a diatom cell [Fr < L frustulum, dim. of frustum, a piece: see FRUSTUM]
frustum (frûs´tэm) pl. -tums or -ta (-tэ) •n. 1 a solid figure consisting of the bottom part of cone or pyramid the top of which has been cut off by a plane parallel to the base: see CONE, illus. 2 the part of a solid figure contained between two parallel planes See TRUNCATED [L, a piece, bit < IE *bhreus-, to break, crush < base *bher-, to split, cut > BORE]
frutescent (fru: tes´эnt) •adj. shrubby or becoming shrubby fru·tes´cence •n. [< L frutex, a shrub < IE base *bhreu-, to sprout (> MHG briezen, to bud) + -ESCENT]
fruticose (fru:t´i kous') •adj. of or like a shrub; shrubby [L fruticosus < frutex: see frutescent]
Fry (frai), Christopher (born Christopher Hammond) 1907- ; Eng. playwright
fry¹ (frai) fried, fry´ing •vt., vi. 1 to cook or be cooked in a pan or on a griddle over direct heat, usually in hot fat or oil 2 [Slang] to electrocute or be electrocuted •n. pl. fries 1 a) a fried food b) [pl.] fried potatoes Æ 2 a social gathering, usually outdoors, at which food is fried and eaten {a fish fry} [ME frien < OFr frire < L frigere, to fry < IE base *bher-, to bake, roast > Pers birištan, to fry]
fry² (frai) pl. fry •n. 1 young fish 2 small adult fish, esp. when in large groups 3 young; offspring; children small fry 1 children or a child 2 people or things regarded as insignificant [ME frie, prob. a merging of ON frjo, seed, offspring (akin to Goth fraiw) with Anglo-Fr frei (Fr frai) < OFr freier, to rub, spawn < VL *frictiare < L fricare, to rub: see FRIABLE]
fryer (frai´эr) •n. 1 a person or thing that fries; specif., a utensil for deep-frying foods 2 food to be cooked by frying; esp., a chicken young and tender enough to fry
frying pan a shallow pan with a handle, for frying food Also fry´pan' •n. out of the frying pan into the fire from a bad situation into a worse one
FS Forest Service
FSC Brothers of the Christian Schools; Christian Brothers [Fratres Scholarum Christianarum]
FSH follicle-stimulating hormone
FSLIC Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation
f-stop (ef´stäp') •n. Photog. any of the calibrated settings for an f-number
FT Basketball free throw ft foot; feet Ft Fort
FTC FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION
ft-c foot-candle
fth or fthm fathom(s)
ft-lb foot-pound
Fu Manchu mustache (fu: mæn chu:´) a mustache that droops down along the sides of the mouth, usually to the chin or below
fubsy (fûb´zi:) -si·er, -si·est •adj. [Brit.] fat and squat; plump [< obs. fub, plump child]
fuchsia (fyu:´shэ; also fyu:k´si: э, fuk´-) •n. 1 any of a genus (Fuchsia) of shrubby plants of the evening-primrose family, usually with pink, red, or purple flowers hanging from the ends of the branches 2 purplish red •adj. purplish-red [ModL, so named by Carolus LINNAEUS after L. Fuchs (1501-66), Ger botanist]
fuchsin (fuk´sin) •n. a purplish-red aniline dye, C20H19N3HCl, used as a coloring agent in inks, stains, and dyes Also fuch´sine (-sin, -si:n') [Fr fuchsine < prec. + -ine, -IN¹: from the color]
fuck (fûk) [Vulgar] •vi. 1 to engage in sexual intercourse 2 [Slang] to meddle (with) •vt. 1 to engage in sexual intercourse with 2 [Slang] to treat (someone) with great, usually malicious, unfairness; esp., to cheat: sometimes with over •n. 1 an act or instance of sexual intercourse 2 [Slang] a person with whom one engages in sexual intercourse, often, specif., one of specified competence 3 [Slang] an undesirable or contemptible person •interj. [Slang] an exclamation of anger, disappointment, etc. fuck around [Slang] 1 to spend time idly, foolishly, etc. 2 to meddle (with) fuck off [Slang] 1 to idle; loaf 2 go away! fuck up [Slang] 1 to make a mess (of); bungle or blunder 2 to confuse or disturb, esp. mentally or emotionally USAGE—although hundreds of years old, fuck has only rarely been recorded in print until recent years; even in print its use is still confined largely to reported speech, and the term is generally regarded as offensive to prevailing notions of propriety [Early ModE fuck, fuk, < ME *fuken < Gmc: akin to MDu fokken, to strike, copulate, Swed dial. fock, penis]
fucker (-эr) •n. [Vulgar Slang] 1 a person who fucks 2 an unpleasant or contemptible person 3 any person or thing
fucking (-iŋ) •adj., adv. [Vulgar Slang] 1 damned 2 extreme(ly)
fucoid (fyu:´koid') •adj. of or like seaweed, esp. rockweed •n. a seaweed; esp., rockweed [< fol. + -OID]
fucus (fyu:´kэs) pl. fu´ci' (-sai') or fu´cus·es •n. 1 orig., a) a kind of paint for the face b) any paint or dye 2 any of a genus (Fucus, order Fucales) of brown algae with a flattened and forking plant body that bears swollen bladders [ModL < L, rock lichen; also, red or purple paint obtained from it < Gr phykos, rock lichen, rouge < Sem, as in Heb puch, cosmetic for the eyes]
fuddle (fûd´ªl) -dled, -dling •vt. to confuse or stupefy as with alcoholic liquor; befuddle •vi. [Rare] to drink heavily; tipple •n. a fuddled condition [akin ? to Ger dial. fuddeln, to swindle]
fuddy-duddy (fûd´i: dûd'i:) pl. -dies •n. [Colloq.] 1 a fussy, critical person 2 an old-fashioned person [redupl., prob. based on dial. fud, buttocks]
fudge (fûj) •n. 1 empty, foolish talk; nonsense Æ 2 a soft candy made of butter, milk, sugar, and chocolate or other flavoring, etc. [< ?] 3 Printing a short piece of last-minute news or other matter, inserted directly in the plate of a newspaper page •vt. fudged, fudg´ing to make or put together dishonestly or carelessly; fake •vi. Æ 1 to refuse to commit oneself or give a direct answer; hedge {to fudge on an issue} Æ 2 to be dishonest; cheat [? echoic, as in Ger futsch, gone, ruined]
Fuegian (fyu: э´ji: эn, fwei´-) •adj. of Tierra del Fuego, its Indians, or their culture •n. a member of a tribe of South American Indians who live in Tierra del Fuego
fuel (fyu:´эl) •n. 1 any material, as coal, oil, gas, wood, etc., burned to supply heat or power 2 fissile material from which atomic energy can be obtained, as in a nuclear reactor 3 anything that maintains or intensifies strong feeling, etc. •vt. fu´eled or fu´elled, fu´el·ing or fu´el·ling to supply with fuel •vi. to get fuel fu´el·er or fu´el·ler •n. [ME fewell < OFr fouaille < ML fuale, focale < foca, hearth, for L focus, fireplace: see FOCUS]
fuel cell any of various devices that convert chemical energy directly into electrical energy
fuel injection 1 any system used in diesel, gasoline, jet, or rocket engines, in place of a carburetor system, to inject atomized fuel directly into a combustion chamber 2 such injection of fuel
fuel oil any oil used for fuel; esp., a petroleum distillate used in diesel engines
fuel rod a rod-shaped metal assembly containing fissile fuel, used in nuclear reactors
fuel-efficient (-э fish'эnt) •adj. designating a vehicle, engine, etc. that delivers better mileage per gallon of fuel than other less efficient models fuel´-ef·fi´cien·cy •n.
Fuentes (fwen´teis, -tes), Carlos 1928- ; Mex. novelist
fug (fûg) •n. [Chiefly Brit.] the heavy air in a closed room, regarded as either oppressive and murky or warm and cozy fug´gy •adj. fug´gi·ly •adv. [altered < ? FOG¹]
fugacious (fyu: gei´shэs) •adj. 1 passing quickly away; fleeting; ephemeral 2 Bot. falling soon after blooming, as some flowers fu·gac´i·ty (-gæs´э ti:) •n. [< L fugax (gen. fugacis) < fugere (see FUGITIVE) + -IOUS]
fugal (fyu:´gэl) •adj. of, or having the nature of, a fugue
Fugard (fu:´gärd, fyu:-), Ath·ol (æθ´öl, -эl) 1932- ; South African playwright
-fuge (fyu:j) combining form something that drives away or out {febrifuge, vermifuge} [Fr < L fugere, to flee: see FUGITIVE]
fugitive (fyu:´ji tiv) •adj. 1 fleeing, apt to flee, or having fled, as from danger, justice, etc. 2 passing quickly away; fleeting; evanescent 3 having to do with matters of temporary interest {fugitive essays} 4 roaming; shifting •n. 1 a person who flees or has fled from danger, justice, etc. 2 a fleeting or elusive thing fu´gi·tive·ly •adv. [ME fugitif < OFr < L fugitivus < pp. of fugere, to flee < IE base *bheug-, to flee > Gr phygē, flight]
fugleman (-mэn) pl. -men (-mэn) •n. 1 orig., a soldier expert in drilling, detailed to stand at the head of a unit and serve as a model and guide for others 2 a leader or exemplar [altered by dissimilation < Ger flügelmann, file-leader, lit., wing-man < flügel, wing + mann, man]
fugue (fyu:g) •n. 1 a musical composition for a definite number of parts or voices, in which a subject is announced in one voice, imitated in succession by each of the other voices, and developed contrapuntally 2 Psychiatry a state of psychological amnesia during which the subject seems to behave in a conscious and rational way, although upon return to normal consciousness he cannot remember the period of time nor what he did during it; temporary flight from reality fu´guist •n. [Fr < It fuga < L, a flight < fugere: see FUGITIVE]
Führer or Fuehrer (fü´řэř; E fyu:r´эr) •n. leader: title assumed by Adolf Hitler as head of Nazi Germany (1934-45) [Ger < führen, to lead < Gmc *forjan, caus. of faran, to go, travel > FARE]
Fuji (fu:´ji:) dormant volcano on Honshu island, Japan, southwest of Tokyo: highest peak in Japan: 12,388 ft. (3,776 m): also Fu·ji·ya·ma (fu:'ji: yä´mэ) or Fu'ji·san´ (-sän´)
Fujian (fu:´jyän´) province of SE China, on Taiwan Strait: 47,490 sq. mi. (123,000 sq. km); pop. 27,000,000; cap. Fuzhou: Fu·kien (fu:´kyen´)
Fukuoka (fu:´ku: ou´kэ) seaport on the N coast of Kyushu island, Japan: pop. 1,160,000
-ful (fэl; for 4, usually ful) suffix 1 forming adjectives a) full of, characterized by, having {joyful, painful} b) having the qualities of {masterful} c) having the ability or tendency to, apt to {helpful, forgetful} 2 forming nouns the quantity that fills or would fill: the plural is formed by adding -s to the resulting word and, sometimes in colloquial usage, by adding -s- between the noun stem and the suffix {teaspoonful, handfuls; cupsful} [ME < OE < full, FULL¹]
Fula (fu:´lä', -lэ) pl. Fu´las' or Fu´la' var. of FULANI Also Fu´lah' or Ful (fu:l) •n. [< native name]
Fulani (fu:´lä ni:, -lэ-; fu: lä´-) •n. 1 pl. -nis or -ni a member of a people living chiefly in Nigeria, Mali, Guinea, and Cameroon 2 the Niger-Congo language of this people •adj. designating or of the Fulanis or their language or culture
Fulbright (ful´brait') •adj. designating, of, or holding a scholarship or grant in a U.S. government program for the exchange of U.S. and foreign scholars, teachers, etc.: the funds are largely derived from the sale of U.S. surplus property abroad •n. a Fulbright scholarship, grant, or scholar [after J. W. Fulbright (1905- ), U.S. senator from Arkansas]
fulcrum (fûl´krem, ful´-) pl. -crums or -cra (-krэ) •n. 1 a) the support or point of support on which a lever turns in raising or moving something (see LEVER, illus.) b) Zool. any structure that supports or acts like a fulcrum 2 a means of exerting influence, pressure, etc. [L, bedpost, support, akin to fulcire: see BALK]
fulfill or fulfil (ful fil´) -filled´, -fill´ing •vt. 1 to carry out (something promised, desired, expected, predicted, etc.); cause to be or happen 2 to do (something required); obey 3 to fill the requirements of; satisfy (a condition) or answer (a purpose) 4 to bring to an end; complete SYN. PERFORM fulfill oneself to realize completely one's ambitions, potentialities, etc. ful·fill´er •n. ful·fill´ment or ful·fil´ment •n. [ME fulfillen < OE fullfyllan: a pleonasm: see FULL¹ & FILL]
fulgent (fûl´jэnt) •adj. [Literary] very bright; radiant ful´gent·ly •adv. [ME < L fulgens (gen. fulgentis), prp. of fulgere, to flash, shine < IE *bhleg-, to shine, gleam > FLAME, BLACK]
fulgurate (fûl´gyu reit') -rat'ed, -rat'ing •vi. [Rare] to give off flashes of or like lightning •vt. 1 to give off in flashes 2 Med. to destroy (tissue) by electrical means ful'gu·ra´tion •n. [< L fulguratus, pp. of fulgurare, to flash < fulgur, lightning, akin to prec.]
fulgurating (-reit'iŋ) •adj. flashing or sudden, like lightning {a fulgurating pain} Also ful´gu·rant (-rэnt)
fulgurite (fûl´gyu rait') •n. a glassy substance, usually tube-shaped, formed by fusion when sand, rock, etc. are struck by lightning [L fulgur (see FULGURATE) + -ITE¹]
fulgurous (fûl´gyu rэs) •adj. like or full of lightning; flashing [L fulgur (see FULGURATE) + -OUS]
Fulham (ful´эm) former metropolitan borough of SW London, now part of Hammersmith
fuliginous (fyu: lij´э nэs) •adj. 1 full of smoke or soot 2 dark; dusky [LL fuliginosus < L fuligo, soot < IE *dhuli- < base *dheu-, to blow, smoke > DULL]
full blood 1 the relationship between offspring of the same parents 2 unmixed breed or race [from obs. notion that blood is the medium of heredity]
full dress formal clothes worn on important or ceremonial occasions; esp., formal evening clothes
full house Poker a hand containing three of a kind and a pair, as three jacks and two fives: it ranks just above a flush and below four of a kind
full moon 1 the phase of the moon when it is on the side of the earth away from the sun, with its entire face reflecting sunlight to the earth: see MOON, illus. 2 the time of month when such a moon is seen
full nelson Wrestling a hold in which both arms are placed under the opponent's armpits from behind with the hands pressed against the back of the opponent's neck [< personal name Nelson]
full professor PROFESSOR (sense 2a)
full sail 1 the complete number of sails 2 with every sail set 3 with maximum speed and energy
full stop a period (punctuation mark)
full time as a full-time employee, student, etc. {to work full time}
full¹ (ful) •adj. 1 having in it all there is space for; holding or containing as much as possible; filled {a full jar} 2 a) having eaten all that one wants b) having had more than one can stand (of) 3 using or occupying all of a given space {a full load} 4 having a great deal or number (of); crowded {a room full of people} 5 a) well supplied, stocked, or provided; rich or abounding (with of) {woods full of game} b) rich in detail {full information} 6 a) filling the required number, capacity, measure, etc.; complete {a full dozen} b) thorough; absolute {to come to a full stop} 7 a) having reached the greatest development, size, extent, intensity, etc. {a full moon, full speed} Æ b) having attained the highest regular rank {a full professor} 8 having the same parents {full brothers} 9 having clearness, volume, and depth {a full tone} 10 plump; round; filled out {a full face} 11 with loose, wide folds; ample; flowing {a full skirt} 12 a) greatly affected by emotion, etc. b) occupied or engrossed with ideas, thoughts, etc. Æ 13 Baseball a) designating a count of three balls and two strikes on the batter b) with a runner at each of the three bases •n. the greatest amount, extent, number, size, etc. {to enjoy life to the full} •adv. 1 to the greatest degree; completely {a full-grown boy} 2 directly; exactly {to be hit full in the face} 3 very {full well} •vt. to make (a skirt, etc.) with loose folds; gather •vi. to become full: said of the moon SYN. COMPLETE at the full at the state or time of fullness in full 1 to, for, or with the full amount, value, etc. 2 with all the words or letters; not abbreviated or condensed one's full as much as one wants to the full fully; completely; thoroughly [ME < OE, akin to Ger voll, Goth fulls < IE base *pel-, to fill > L plenus, full & plere, to fill, Gr plēthein, to be full, Welsh llawn, full]
full² (ful) •vt., vi. to shrink and thicken (cloth, esp. of wool) with moisture, heat, and pressure [ME fullen < OFr fuler < ML fullare, to full < L fullo, cloth fuller]
fullback (ful´bæk') •n. Football an offensive back stationed behind the quarterback, used typically for power plays and blocking
full-blooded (ful´blûd'id) •adj. 1 of unmixed breed or race; purebred: also full´-blood´ 2 vigorous; lusty 3 genuine; authentic 4 rich and full
full-blown (ful´bloun´) •adj. 1 in full bloom; open: said of flowers 2 fully grown or developed; matured
full-bodied (ful´bäd'i:d) •adj. 1 having a rich flavor and much strength {a full-bodied wine} 2 large or broad in body or substance
full-dress (ful´dres´) •adj. 1 of or requiring full dress; formal {a full-dress dinner} 2 complete and thorough {a full-dress inquiry}
Fuller (ful´эr) 1 (Richard) Buck·min·ster (bûk´min stэr) 1895-1983; U.S. engineer, inventor, & philosopher 2 (Sarah) Margaret (Marchioness Ossoli) 1810-50; U.S. writer, critic, & social reformer 3 Melville Wes·ton (wes´tэn) 1833-1910; U.S. jurist: chief justice of the U.S. (1888-1910)
fuller¹ (ful´эr) •n. a person whose work is to full cloth [ME < OE fullere < L fullo, prob. < IE *bheld-, to strike > BOLT¹]
fuller² (ful´эr) •n. 1 a tool used by blacksmiths to hammer grooves into iron 2 a groove so made [< ? obs. full, to make full, complete < FULL¹]
fuller's earth (ful´эrz) a highly absorbent, opaque clay used to remove grease from woolen cloth in fulling, to clarify fats and oils, etc.
Fullerton (ful´эr tэn) city in SW Calif.: suburb of Los Angeles: pop. 114,000 [after G. H. Fullerton, a founder]
full-faced (ful´feist') •adj. 1 having a round face 2 with the face turned directly toward the spectator or in a specified direction full´-face´ •adv.
full-fashioned (-fæsh´эnd) •adj. knitted to conform to the contours of the body, as hosiery or sweaters
full-fledged (ful´flejd´) •adj. 1 having a complete set of feathers: said of birds 2 completely developed or trained; of full rank or status
full-length (ful´leŋkθ´, -leŋθ´) •adj. 1 showing or covering the whole length of an object or all of a person's figure: said of a picture or mirror 2 of the original, unabridged, or standard length; not shortened {a full-length novel}
full-mouthed (-mauðd', -mauθt') •adj. 1 having a full set of teeth: said of cattle, etc. 2 uttered loudly
fullness (ful´nis) •n. the quality or state of being full [ME fulnesse]
fullness of time the appointed or allotted time
full-rigged (ful´rigd´) •adj. 1 having three or more masts, all carrying square sails 2 fully equipped
full-scale (ful´skeil´) •adj. 1 of or according to the original or standard scale or measure {a full-scale drawing} 2 to the utmost limit, degree, etc.; complete and thorough; all-out {full-scale warfare}
full-time (ful´taim') •adj. designating, of, or engaged in work, study, etc. for certain time periods regarded as constituting one's full regular working hours
fully (ful´li:, ful´i:) •adv. 1 to the full; completely; entirely; thoroughly 2 abundantly; amply 3 at least {fully two hours later} [ME fulli < OE fullice < full, FULL¹]
fulmar (ful´mэr) •n. any of various tubenose birds (family Procellariidae); esp., a gray sea bird (Fulmarus glacialis) common in arctic regions [ON < fūll, foul, unpleasant + mār, sea gull]
fulminant (fûl´mэ nэnt) •adj. 1 fulminating 2 Med. developing suddenly and severely, as a disease [L fulminans, prp.: see FULMINATE]
fulminate (fûl´mэ neit', ful´-) -nat'ed, -nat'ing •vi. 1 [Archaic] to thunder and lighten 2 to explode with sudden violence; detonate 3 to shout forth denunciations, decrees, etc. •vt. 1 to cause to explode 2 to shout forth (denunciations, decrees, etc.) •n. an explosive salt of fulminic acid, containing the monovalent negative radical CNO and used in detonators and percussion caps ful'mi·na´tion •n. ful´mi·na'tor •n. ful´mi·na·to'ry (-nэ tör'i:) •adj. [ME fulminaten < L fulminatus, pp. of fulminare, to flash or strike with lightning < fulmen, lightning, thunderbolt, akin to fulgere: see FULGENT]
fulminating powder an explosive material used as a detonator, esp. one containing mercuric fulminate
fulmine (fûl´min) -mined, -min·ing •vi., vt. archaic var. of FULMINATE [Fr fulminer]
fulminic acid (fûl min´ik) an unstable isomer of cyanic acid, known chiefly in the form of highly explosive, shock-sensitive salts used as detonators [< L fulmen, lightning (see FULMINATE) + -IC]
fulness (ful´nis) •n. FULLNESS
fulsome (ful´sэm) •adj. 1 disgusting or offensive, esp. because excessive or insincere {fulsome praise} 2 full; ample; abundant: usage objected to by some [apparent revival of the orig. sense, obs. since 16th c.] ful´some·ly •adv. ful´some·ness •n. [ME fulsom, abundant, disgustingly excessive < ful, FULL¹ + -som, -SOME¹, but infl. by ful, FOUL]
Fulton (ful´tªn), Robert 1765-1815; U.S. inventor & engineer: designer of the 1st commercially successful U.S. steamboat, the Clermont (launched 1807)
fulvous (fûl´vэs) •adj. dull reddish-yellow or brownish-yellow; tawny [L fulvus < IE base *bhlē-wos > BLUE, L flavus, yellow]
fumaric acid (fyu mær´ik) a colorless, crystalline, unsaturated organic acid, HOOCCH:CHCOOH, occurring in various plants or produced synthetically from maleic acid: used in making resins, as a stabilizer for foods, etc. [< ModL Fumaria, fumitory (< L fumarium: see FUMAROLE) + -IC]
fumarole (fyu:´mэ roul') •n. a vent in a volcanic area, from which smoke and gases arise fu'ma·rol´ic (-räl´ik) •adj. [It fumaruolo < LL fumariolum, smoke hole, dim. of LL fumarium, chimney < fumus, smoke: see FUME]
fumble (fûm´bэl) -bled, -bling •vi., vt. 1 to search (for a thing) by feeling about awkwardly with the hands; grope clumsily 2 to handle (a thing) clumsily or unskillfully; bungle 3 to lose one's grasp on (a football, etc.) while trying to catch or hold it 4 to make (one's way) clumsily or by groping •n. 1 the act or fact of fumbling 2 a football, etc. that has been fumbled fum´bler •n. fum´bling·ly •adv. [var. of ME famelen, prob. < ON famla, akin to Du fommeln, Ger fummeln]
fume (fyu:m) •n. 1 [often pl.] a gas, smoke, or vapor, esp. if offensive or suffocating 2 [sometimes pl.] anything imaginary or without substance 3 [pl.] [Rare] anything that weakens clear thinking 4 [Rare] an outburst of anger, annoyance, etc. 5 Chem. a number of solid or liquid particles within a gas •vi. fumed, fum´ing [ME fumen < OFr fumer < L fumare < fumus] 1 to give off gas, smoke, or vapor 2 to rise up or pass off in fumes 3 to show, or give way to, anger, annoyance, etc. •vt. 1 to expose to fumes; treat or fill with fumes 2 to give off as fumes fum´ing·ly •adv. [ME < OFr fum < L fumus < IE base *dheu-, to blow, smoke, be turbid > DULL]
fumé blanc (fu:´mei bläŋk´, fyu:´-; Fr fü mei bläñ´) SAUVIGNON BLANC (sense 2): an alternate name used by some California wineries
fumed oak oak wood given a darker color and more distinct marking by exposure to ammonia fumes
fumet (fyu: mei´) •n. a rich, concentrated broth made from bones of fish, chicken, game birds, etc. boiled with wine, herbs, etc., used in sauces, for braising various foods, etc.
fumigant (fyu:´mэ gэnt) •n. any substance used in fumigating [< L fumigans, prp. of fumigare]
fumigate (fyu:´mэ geit') -gat'ed, -gat'ing •vt. 1 to expose to the action of fumes, esp. in order to disinfect or kill the vermin in 2 [Archaic] to perfume fu'mi·ga´tion •n. Æ fu´mi·ga'tor •n. [< L fumigatus, pp. of fumigare, to smoke < fumus, smoke (see FUME) + agere, to do: see ACT]
fumitory (fyu:´mэ tör'i:) pl. -ries •n. any of a genus (Fumaria) of plants of the fumitory family, with watery juice and spurred flowers, formerly used in medicine •adj. designating a family (Fumariaceae, order Papaverales) of dicotyledonous plants, including the dicentras and corydalises [ME fumeter < OFr fumeterre < ML fumus terrae, lit., smoke of the earth (see FUME & TERRAIN): so called from its smell]
fumy (fyu:m´i:) fum´i·er, fum´i·est •adj. full of fumes; producing fumes; vaporous
fun (fûn) •n. 1 a) lively, joyous play or playfulness; amusement, sport, recreation, etc. b) enjoyment or pleasure 2 a source or cause of amusement or merriment, as an amusing person or thing Æ adj. [Colloq.] intended for, or giving, pleasure or amusement {a fun gift} •vi. funned, fun´ning [Colloq.] to have or make fun; play or joke [< the n.] for (or in) fun just for amusement; not seriously like fun! [Slang] by no means! not at all!: used to express emphatic negation or doubt make fun of to mock laughingly; ridicule: also poke fun at [< ME fonne, a fool, foolish, or fonnen, to be foolish < ?]
fun house an attraction at an amusement park consisting of a series of rooms and passageways with sloping or moving floors, distorting mirrors, and other devices designed to surprise or amuse
funambulist (fyu: næm´byu: list) •n. a tightrope walker [< L funambulus < funis, a rope + ambulare + -IST]
Funchal (fun shäl´) capital of Madeira: pop. 120,000
function (fûŋk´shэn) •n. 1 the normal or characteristic action of anything; esp., any of the natural, specialized actions of a system, organ, or part of an animal or plant {the procreative function} 2 a special duty or performance required in the course of work or activity {the function of an auditor, the function of the brakes} 3 occupation or employment 4 a formal ceremony or elaborate social occasion 5 a thing that depends on and varies with something else 6 a) an action which is part of a series leading to a resulting action b) an operational instruction for programming an electronic device, as a digital watch, computer, etc.; also, an operation performed by such a device as a result of such an instruction 7 any of the roles that a linguistic form can fulfill in an utterance 8 Math. an association between two sets in which each element of one set has one assigned element in the other set: any selected element becomes the independent variable and its associated element is the dependent variable {y = f(x) means y is a function of x} •vi. 1 to act in a required or expected manner; work 2 to have a function; serve or be used (as) func´tion·less •adj. SYN.—function is the broad, general term for the natural, required, or expected activity of a person or thing [the function of the liver, of education, etc.]; office, in this connection, refers to the function of a person, as determined by his position, profession, or employment [the office of a priest]; duty is applied to a task necessary in or appropriate to one's occupation, rank, status, etc. and carries a strong connotation of obligation [the duties of a vicar]; capacity refers to a specific function or status, not necessarily the usual or customary one [the judge spoke to him in the capacity of a friend] [OFr < L functio < pp. of fungi, to perform < IE base *bheug-, to enjoy > Sans bhunktē, (he) enjoys]
function word a word having little or no lexical meaning but used to show syntactic relation or structure, as an article or conjunction
functional (fûŋk´shэ nэl) •adj. 1 of or relating to a function or functions 2 a) performing or able to perform a function b) intended to be useful 3 Med. affecting a function of some organ without apparent structural or organic changes {a functional disease} func´tion·al·ly •adv.
functional illiterate a person whose ability to read is less than that needed for proper functioning in a complex society
functional shift the conversion of a linguistic form from one part of speech to another, as the use of a noun as a verb
functionalism (fûŋk´shэn эl iz'эm) •n. theory or practice emphasizing the necessity of adapting the structure or design of anything to its function func´tion·al·ist •n., adj. func'tion·al·is´tic •adj.
functionary (fûŋk´shэ ner'i:) pl. -ar'ies •n. a person who performs a certain function; esp., an official [FUNCTION + -ARY, after Fr fonctionnaire]
fund (fûnd) •n. 1 a supply that can be drawn upon; stock; store {a fund of good humor} 2 a) a sum of money set aside for some particular purpose b) an organization that administers such a fund c) [pl.] money available for use, as in a checking account 3 [pl.] the British national debt, regarded as stock held by investors: with the •vt. 1 to provide money for the payment of principal or interest on (a debt) 2 to put or convert into a long-term debt that bears interest 3 to put in a fund; accumulate 4 to provide for by a fund [L fundus, bottom, land, estate (< IE *bhundhos < base *bhudh- > BOTTOM): meaning infl. by Fr fond, stock, provision < same source]
fundament (fûn´dэ mэnt) •n. 1 a base or foundation 2 the buttocks 3 the anus [ME foundement < OFr < L fundamentum < fundare, to lay the bottom < fundus: see FUND]
fundamental (fûn'dэ ment´ªl) •adj. 1 of or forming a foundation or basis; basic; essential {the fundamental rules of art} 2 relating to what is basic; radical {a fundamental alteration} 3 on which others are based; primary; original {a fundamental type} 4 most important; chief {his fundamental needs} 5 Music a) designating or of the lowest, or root, tone of a chord b) designating the prime or main tone of a harmonic series 6 Physics designating or of a fundamental •n. 1 a principle, theory, law, etc. serving as a basis; essential part 2 Music a) the lowest, or root, tone of a chord b) the prime or main tone of a harmonic series 3 Physics the lowest frequency at which a system, as an air column or stretched string, will freely vibrate fun'da·men´tal·ly •adv. [LME < ML fundamentalis < L fundamentum: see FUNDAMENT]
fundamental bass Music a theoretical bass line of the roots of a succession of chords
fundamental law a law or laws, as a constitution, regarded as basic and, often, irrevocable by ordinary judicial or legislative action; organic law
fundamental particle ELEMENTARY PARTICLE
fundamentalism (-iz'эm) •n. [sometimes F-] 1 religious beliefs based on a literal interpretation of the Bible, regarded as fundamental to Christian faith and morals 2 the 20th-cent. movement among some American Protestants, based on these beliefs fun'da·men´tal·ist •n., adj.
fund-raising (fûnd´rei'ziŋ) •n. the act or occupation of soliciting money for charitable organizations, political parties, etc. fund´-rais'er •n.
fundus (fûn´dэs) pl. fun´di' (-dai') •n. Anat. the base of a hollow organ, or the part farthest from the opening, as that part of the uterus farthest from the cervix fun´dic •adj. [ModL < L, bottom: see FUND]
Fundy (fûn´di:), Bay of arm of the Atlantic, between New Brunswick & Nova Scotia, Canada: c. 140 mi. (225 km) long: noted for its high tides of 60-70 ft. (18-22 m)
Fünen (fü´nэn) Ger. name of FYN
funeral (fyu:´nэr эl) •adj. of or having to do with a funeral •n. [ME funerelles (pl.) < OFr funerailles < ML funeralia < neut. pl. of funeralis] 1 the ceremonies connected with burial or cremation of the dead; obsequies 2 the procession accompanying the body to the place of burial or cremation Æ be one's funeral to be one's problem, worry, etc. and not another's [ME < LL funeralis < L funus (gen. funeris), a funeral < ? IE *dheu-, to pass away, DIE¹]
funeral director a person who manages a funeral home and is usually a licensed embalmer
funeral home (or parlor) a business establishment where the bodies of the dead are prepared for burial or cremation and where funeral services can be held
funerary (fyu:´nэr er'i:) •adj. of or having to do with a funeral or burial [LL funerarius]
funereal (fyu: nir´i: эl, -ni:r´-) •adj. of or suitable for a funeral; esp., sad and solemn; gloomy; dismal fu·ne´re·al·ly •adv. [< L funereus < funus (see FUNERAL) + -AL]
fungal (fûŋ´gэl) •adj. of a fungus
fungi (fûn´jai'; also fûŋ´gai') •n. alt. pl. of FUNGUS
fungi- (fûn´ji, -jэ; also fûn´gi, -gэ) combining form fungus or fungi {fungicide} Also, before a vowel, fung-
fungible (fûn´jэ bэl) •adj. Law designating movable goods, as grain, any unit or part of which can replace another unit, as in discharging a debt •n. a fungible thing [ME (res) fungibilis] fun'gi·bil´i·ty •n. [ML fungibilis < L fungi, to perform: see FUNCTION]
fungicide (fûn´ji said'; also fûŋ´gэ-) •n. any substance that kills fungi or their spores fun'gi·ci´dal •adj. [FUNGI- + -CIDE]
fungiform (-förm') •adj. having the form of a fungus [FUNGI- + -FORM]
fungistat (fûn´ji stæt', fûŋ´gэ-) •n. any substance that inhibits the growth of fungi fun'gi·stat´ic •adj.
fungo (fûŋ´gou) pl. -goes •n. 1 a batted ball, esp. a fly ball, hit, as for fielding practice, by the batter after he has himself tossed the ball into the air 2 the relatively long, thin bat used for this: in full fungo bat (or stick) [< ? Scot fung, to toss]
fungoid (fûŋ´goid') •adj. like or characteristic of a fungus •n. a fungus
fungous (fûŋ´gэs) •adj. of, like, or caused by a fungus or fungi [ME < L fungosus, spongy < fungus): see FUNGUS]
fungus (fûŋ´gэs) pl. fun·gi (fûn´jai', fûŋ´gai') or fun´gus·es •n. 1 any of a large division (Eumycota) of thallophytes, including molds, mildews, mushrooms, rusts, and smuts, which are parasites on living organisms or feed upon dead organic material, lack chlorophyll, true roots, stems, and leaves, and reproduce by means of spores 2 something that grows suddenly and rapidly like a fungus •adj. of, like, or caused by a fungus; fungous [L, a mushroom, fungus < Gr dial. (Attic) sphongos, var. of Gr spongos, SPONGE]
funicle (fyu:´ni kэl) •n. a little cord or fiber; specif., a funiculus [L funiculus, dim. of funis, a cord, rope]
funicular (fyu: nik´yu: lэr) •adj. 1 of or like a funiculus or funiculi 2 of, worked by, or hanging from a rope or cable •n. a mountain railway on which counterbalanced cars on parallel sets of rails are pulled up and lowered by cables Also funicular railway [< L funiculus (see FUNICLE) + -AR]
funiculus (fyu: nik´yu: lэs) pl. -li' (-lai') •n. 1 Anat. any cordlike structure; esp., a) any of various bundles of white matter in the spinal cord b) [Obs.] the umbilical or spermatic cord 2 Bot. the slender stalk of an ovule or seed fu·nic´u·late (-lit, -leit') •adj. [L, small cord, dim. of funis, a cord, rope]
funk¹ (fûŋk) •n. [Colloq.] 1 a cowering or flinching through fear; panic 2 a low, depressed mood: also blue funk •vi. [Colloq.] to be afraid •vt. [Colloq.] 1 to be afraid of 2 to avoid as because of fear; shrink from [< ? Fl fonck, dismay]
funk² (fûŋk) •n. 1 [Obs.] a musty odor, as of moldy tobacco Æ 2 funky jazz Æ 3 a form of rhythm and blues popular since the 1970's in which highly syncopated polyrhythms are combined with a prominent, jerky bass line, minimal harmonic structure, and declamatory vocalizing [back-form < fol.]
funky (fûŋ´ki:) -i·er, -i·est •adj. 1 [Dial.] smelly; musty Æ 2 Jazz having an earthy quality or style derived from early blues or gospel music 3 of or characteristic of FUNK² (sense 3) 4 [Slang] old-fashioned or quaint 5 [Slang] unconventional, eccentric, offbeat, etc. 6 [Slang] very emotional 7 [Slang] informal, relaxed, casual, etc. funk´i·ness •n. [orig. black slang, lit., smelly, hence musty, earthy < obs. funk, smell, smoke, prob. < Fr dial. funkier, to smoke < VL *fumicare, for L fumigare: see FUMIGATE]
funnel (fûn´эl) •n. 1 an instrument consisting of an inverted cone with a hole at the small end, or a tapering or cylindrical tube with a wide, cone-shaped mouth, for pouring liquids and powders into containers that have small openings 2 a thing shaped like a funnel 3 a) a cylindrical smokestack, as of a steamship b) a chimney or flue •vi., vt. -neled or -nelled, -nel·ing or -nel·ling 1 to move or pour through a funnel 2 to form in the shape of a funnel 3 to move into a central channel or to a central point [ME fonel < (prob. via an OFr form) Prov fonilh, enfonilh < L fundibulum, infundibulum, a funnel < infundere, to pour in < in-, IN-¹ + fundere, to pour: see FOUND³]
funnelform (-förm') •adj. shaped like a funnel
funnies (fûn´i:z) •n.pl. [Colloq.] 1 comic strips 2 the section or supplement of a newspaper containing comic strips: with the
funny (fûn´i:) -ni·er, -ni·est •adj. 1 causing laughter; laughable; amusing; humorous 2 [Colloq.] a) out of the ordinary; strange; queer Æ b) deceptive or tricky pl. -nies [Colloq.] a joke or witticism •n. Æ get funny with [Colloq.] to be impudent to fun´ni·ly •adv. fun´ni·ness •n. SYN.—funny is the simple, general term for anything that excites laughter or mirth; laughable applies to that which is fit to be laughed at and may connote contempt or scorn; that is amusing which provokes smiles, laughter, or pleasure by its pleasant, entertaining quality; that is droll which amuses one because of its quaintness or strangeness, or its wry or waggish humor; comic is applied to that which contains the elements of comedy (in a dramatic or literary sense) and amuses one in a thoughtful way; comical suggests that which evokes laughter of a more spontaneous, unrestrained kind; farcical suggests a broad comical quality based on nonsense, extravagantly boisterous humor, etc. [see FUN & -Y²]
funny bone 1 a place on the inner elbow where the ulnar nerve passes close to the surface: a sharp impact at this place causes a strange, tingling sensation in the arm 2 inclination to laughter; (one's) risibilities [from its reaction to impact, but prob. suggested also by its relation to the humerus (hence, humorous)]
funny book COMIC BOOK
funny farm [Slang] an institution for the mentally ill
funny paper FUNNIES (sense 2)
fur abbrev. furlongs fur (før) •n. 1 the soft, thick hair covering the body of many mammals 2 a skin bearing such hair, when stripped and processed for making, lining, or trimming garments; dressed pelt 3 any garment, neckpiece, trimming, etc. made of such skins 4 any furlike or fuzzy coating, as diseased matter on the tongue in illness •adj. of or having to do with fur •vt. furred, fur´ring 1 to line, cover, make, or trim with fur 2 to coat with any smooth, furlike deposit 3 to use furring in constructing (a floor, wall, etc.) •vi. to become coated with a deposit Æ make the fur fly [Colloq.] 1 to cause dissension or fighting 2 to accomplish much quickly [ME furre, prob. contr. < furrure, fur lining or blanket OFr fourrure < fuerre, sheath, lining < Frank *fodr, akin to Ger futter < IE base *po-, to tend flocks, cover, protect > Gr poimēn, Sans pālá-, shepherd]
fur seal any of several eared seals (esp. genus Callorhinus) with soft, thick underfur
furan (fyu:´ræn', fyu: ræn´; fyur´æn') •n. a colorless, liquid heterocyclic compound, C4H4O, prepared from wood tar or furfural, and used in organic synthesis [contr. < FURFURAN]
furbelow (før´bэ lou') •n. 1 a flounce or ruffle 2 [usually pl.] showy, useless trimming or ornamentation •vt. to decorate with or as with furbelows [altered (by assoc. with FUR) < Prov farbello, a fringe, flounce, var. of Fr falbala, furbelow]
furbish (før´bish) •vt. 1 to brighten by rubbing or scouring; polish; burnish 2 to make usable or attractive again; renovate: usually with up fur´bish·er •n. [ME furbishen < extended stem of OFr forbir < WGmc *furbjan, to clean > MHG vürben]
Furbish lousewort a rare lousewort (Pedicularis furbishiae) with greenish-yellow flowers found in Maine and Canada
furcate (før´keit'; for adj., also, -kit) •adj. forked •vi. -cat'ed, -cat'ing to branch; fork fur´cate'ly •adv. fur·ca´tion •n. [ML furcatus, cloven < L furca, a fork]
furcula (før´kyu: lэ) pl. -lae (-li:, -lai') •n. Anat., Zool. any forked part or organ, as the forked tail of certain springing insects or the wishbone fur´cu·lar (-lэr) •adj. [ModL, forked support, dim. of L furca, a fork]
furculum (før´kyu: lэm) pl. -la (-lэ) •n. FURCULA [ModL, dim. of L furca, a fork]
furfur (før´fэr) pl. -fu·res' (-fyu: ri:z', -fэ-) •n. 1 dandruff; scurf 2 [pl.] scaly bits; esp., dandruff scales [L, bran, redupl. < IE base *gher-, to rub > Gr cheras, gravel]
furfuraceous (før'fyu: rei´shэs, -fэ-) •adj. 1 of or like bran 2 covered with dandruff [LL furfuraceus: see FURFUR]
furfural (før´fyu: ræl', før'fyu: ræl´; -fэ-) •n. a colorless, sweet-smelling oily liquid, C4H3OCHO, produced from corncobs, oat hulls, and other cereal wastes, used as a solvent and to make dyes, lacquers, synthetic resins, etc. [FURFUR + -AL]
furfuran (før´fyu: ræn', før'fyu: ræn´; -fэ-) •n. FURAN [prec. + -AN]
Furies (fyur´i:z) Gr. & Rom. Myth. the three terrible female spirits with snaky hair (Alecto, Tisiphone, and Megaera) who punish the doers of unavenged crimes [ME < L Furiae, pl. of furia, FURY]
furious (fyur´i: эs) •adj. 1 full of fury or wild rage; violently angry 2 moving violently; violently overpowering {a furious attack} 3 very great; intense {with furious speed} fu´ri·ous·ly •adv. fu´ri·ous·ness •n. [ME < OFr furieus < L furiosus]
furl (førl) •vt. to roll up tightly and make secure, as a flag to a staff or a sail to a spar •vi. to become curled or rolled up •n. 1 a roll or coil of something furled 2 a furling or being furled [< OFr ferlier < fermlier, to tie up < ferm (< L firmus, FIRM¹) + lier (< L ligare, to tie: see LIGATURE)]
furlong (før´löŋ') •n. a unit of linear measure equal to ¹/8 of a mile or 220 yards (201.2 meters) [ME < OE furlang, a measure, lit., length of a furrow < furh, FURROW + lang, LONG¹]
furlough (før´lou) •n. a leave of absence; esp., a leave granted to military enlisted personnel for a specified period Æ vt. 1 to grant a furlough to 2 to lay off (employees), esp. temporarily [earlier furloff < Du verlof, modeled on Ger verlaub < MHG verlouben, to permit < ver-, FOR- + loube, permission, akin to LEAVE²]
furmenty (før´mэn ti:) •n. FRUMENTY Also fur´me·ty (-mэ ti:) or fur´mi·ty (-mэ ti:)
furnace (før´nэs) •n. 1 an enclosed chamber or structure in which heat is produced, as by burning fuel, for warming a building, reducing ores and metals, etc. 2 any extremely hot place 3 a grueling test or trial [ME furnaise < OFr fornais < L fornax (gen. fornacis), furnace: see WARM]
Furness (før´nis), Horace Howard 1833-1912; U.S. Shakespearean scholar
furnish (før´nish) •vt. 1 to supply, provide, or equip with whatever is necessary or useful; esp., to put furniture into (a room, apartment, etc.) 2 to supply; provide; give {to furnish information} fur´nish·er •n. SYN.—furnish, as compared here, implies the provision of all the things requisite for a particular service, action, etc. [to furnish a house]; to equip is to furnish with what is requisite for efficient action [a car equipped with overdrive]; to outfit is to equip completely with the articles needed for a specific undertaking, occupation, etc. [to outfit a hunting expedition]; appoint, a formal word now generally used in the past participle, implies the provision of all the requisites and accessories for proper service [a well-appointed studio]; arm literally implies equipment with weapons, etc. for war but, in extended use, connotes provision with what is necessary to meet any circumstance [ME furnishen < extended stem of OFr furnir (Fr fournir) < Frank *frumjan (akin to OE framian, Ger frommen, to benefit), caus. < *fruma (akin to ON frami, profit): for IE base see FROM]
furnishings (før´nish iŋz') •n.pl. 1 the furniture, carpets, and the like for a room, apartment, etc. 2 articles of dress; things to wear {men's furnishings}
furniture (før´ni chэr) •n. 1 orig., the act of furnishing 2 the things, usually movable, in a room, apartment, etc. which equip it for living, as chairs, sofas, tables, beds, etc. 3 the necessary equipment of a machine, ship, trade, etc. 4 [Archaic] full equipment for a man and horse, as armor, harness, etc. 5 Printing pieces of wood, metal, or plastic used to fill in blank areas in type forms [Fr fourniture < fournir, FURNISH]
Furnivall (før´ni vªl), Frederick James 1825-1910; Eng. philologist & editor
furor (fyu´rör', fyur´ör'; also fyur´эr) •n. 1 fury; rage; frenzy 2 a) a great, widespread outburst of admiration or enthusiasm; craze; rage b) a state of excitement or confusion; commotion or uproar Also [Chiefly Brit.] fu·ro·re (fyu: rou´ri:, fyu rör´i:; fyu:´rör') [ME furour < OFr fureur < L furor, rage, madness < furere: see FURY]
furred (førd) •adj. 1 made, trimmed, or lined with fur 2 having fur: said of an animal 3 wearing fur 4 coated with diseased or waste matter, as the tongue 5 provided with furring strips
furrier (før´i: эr) •n. 1 a dealer in furs 2 a person who processes furs or makes, repairs, alters, etc. fur garments [ME furrere]
furriery (før´i: эr i:) pl. -er·ies •n. 1 [Obs.] furs collectively 2 the business or work of a furrier
furring (før´iŋ) •n. 1 fur used for trimming or lining 2 the act of trimming, lining, etc. with fur 3 a coating of diseased or waste matter, as on the tongue 4 a) the fastening of thin strips of wood or metal as to joists, studs, or masonry walls in order to form a level backing for flooring, plaster, etc. or to provide air spaces b) the strips so used (in full furring strips)
furrow (før´ou) •n. 1 a narrow groove made in the ground by a plow 2 anything resembling this, as a deep, narrow rut made by a wheel, a deep wrinkle on the face, etc. 3 [Obs.] plowed land •vt. to make a furrow or furrows in [< the n.] •vi. 1 to make furrows 2 to become wrinkled [ME forwe < OE furh, akin to Ger furche (OHG furuh) < IE base *perk-, to dig up, furrow > *porkos, L porca, furrow, porcus, pig (lit., digger)]
furry (før´i:) -ri·er, -ri·est •adj. 1 of or made of fur 2 covered with or wearing fur 3 a) like fur, as in texture b) having a furlike coating fur´ri·ness •n.
further (før´ðэr) •adj. 1 alt. compar. of FAR 2 additional; more 3 more distant or remote; farther •adv. [ME < OE further, orig. a neut. acc. of the adj.] 1 alt. compar. of FAR 2 to a greater degree or extent 3 in addition; moreover 4 at or to a greater distance or more remote point in space or time; farther •vt. to give aid to; promote In sense 3 of the adj. and sense 4 of the adv., FARTHER is more commonly used [ME furthren < OE fyrthrian < furthra, furthor] SYN. ADVANCE fur´ther·er •n. [ME < OE furthor (akin to Ger vorder) < base of fore, FORE + compar. suffix < IE *-tero- (as in AFTER, OTHER)]
furtherance (før´ðэr эns) •n. a furthering, or helping forward; advancement; promotion [ME]
furthermore (før´ðэr mör') •adv. in addition; besides; moreover: used with conjunctive force [ME further more]
furthermost (før´ðэr moust'; also, -mэst) •adj. most distant; furthest
furthest (før´ðist) •adj. 1 alt. superl. of FAR 2 most distant; farthest •adv. 1 alt. superl. of FAR 2 at or to the greatest distance or most remote point in space or time 3 to the greatest degree or extent; most [ME, formed as superl. on analogy of further]
furtive (før´tiv) •adj. done or acting in a stealthy manner, as if to hinder observation; surreptitious; stealthy; sneaky SYN. SECRET fur´tive·ly •adv. fur´tive·ness •n. [Fr furtif < L furtivus, stolen, hidden < furtum, theft < fur, a thief < IE *bhōr- (> Gr phōr) < base *bher-, to BEAR¹: hence, orig., one who carries off]
Furtwängler (fu:řt´veŋ'lэř), Wilhelm 1886-1954; Ger. conductor
furuncle (fyu:´rûŋ kэl, fyur´ûŋ'-) •n. BOIL² fu·run´cu·lar (-kyu: lэr) or fu·run´cu·lous (-lэs) •adj. [L furunculus, petty thief, boil, dim. of fur, thief: see FURTIVE]
furunculosis (fyu: rûŋ'kyu: lou´sis) •n. the disorder characterized by the recurrent appearance of furuncles [< prec. + -OSIS]
fury (fyur´i:) pl. -ries •n. 1 a) violent anger; wild rage b) a fit of this 2 violence; vehemence; fierceness {the fury of a storm} 3 a violent or vengeful person; esp., such a woman 4 [F-] any of the FURIES 5 [Archaic] inspired frenzy SYN. ANGER like fury [Colloq.] with great violence, speed, etc. [ME furie < OFr < L furia < furere, to rage, prob. < IE *dhus-, to rage, storm, dust-colored < base *dheu-, to blow: see DULL]
furze (førz) •n. a prickly evergreen shrub (Ulex europaeus) of the pea family, with dark-green spines and yellow flowers, native to European wastelands; gorse; whin fur´zy •adj. [ME firs < OE fyrs < IE base *pūro-, cereal > Czech pýr, couch grass]
fusain (fyu:´zein', fyu: zein´) •n. 1 a type of fine charcoal pencil prepared from the wood of the spindle tree 2 a drawing made with this 3 a constituent of coal resembling charcoal [Fr, orig., spindle tree < VL *fusago (gen. *fusaginis) < L fusus, a spindle]
Fusan (fu:´sän´) old (Jpn.) name of PUSAN
fusarium wilt (fyu: sär´i: эm, -zär´-) a fungus disease (genus Fusarium) that destroys various plants, esp. tomatoes, bananas, and lawn grasses
fuscous (fûs´kэs) •adj. dark gray or grayish brown in color; dusky [L fuscus: see FURY]
Fuse (fu´sei') old name of HIGASHIOSAKA
fuse¹ (fyu:z) fused, fus´ing •vt., vi. 1 to melt or to join by melting, as metals 2 to unite as if by melting together; blend SYN. MIX [< L fusus, pp. of fundere, to pour out, shed: see FOUND³]
fuse² (fyu:z) •n. 1 a narrow tube filled with combustible material, or a wick saturated with such material, for setting off an explosive charge 2 FUZE² (n. 2) 3 Elec. a wire or strip of easily melted metal, usually set in a plug, placed in a circuit as a safeguard: if the current becomes too strong, the metal melts, thus breaking the circuit •vt. fused, fus´ing to connect a fuse to blow a fuse 1 to cause an electrical fuse to melt 2 [Colloq.] to become very angry [It fuso, a cord, tube, casing < L fusus, hollow spindle]
fused quartz a clear, strong vitreous material obtained when silica is fused at high temperature, used in devices, as crucibles or molds, subjected to high or rapidly changing temperatures
fused silica SILICA GLASS
fusee (fyu: zi:´, fyu:´zi:') •n. 1 [Archaic] a friction match with a large head, able to burn in a wind Æ 2 a colored flare used as a signal by trainmen, truck drivers, etc. 3 in an old-fashioned clock or watch, a grooved cone upon which the cord from the spring container was unwound to equalize the force of the spring 4 FUSE² (n. 1) [Fr fusée, spindle, rocket, hence fusee < ML fusata < L fusus: see FUSE²]
fusel oil (fyu:´zэl, -sэl) an oily, acrid, poisonous liquid occurring in imperfectly distilled alcoholic products and consisting chiefly of amyl alcohols: small amounts contribute to the characteristic flavor of a whiskey [Ger fusel, inferior liquor < L fusilis, FUSIL¹]
fuselage (fyu:´sэ lij'; -läzh', -läj'; -zэ-) •n. the body of an airplane, exclusive of the wings, tail assembly, and engines [Fr < fuselé, tapering (< OFr fus, spindle < L fusus) + -age, -AGE]
Fushun (fu:´shu:n´) city in Liaoning province, NE China: pop. 1,019,000
fusible (fyu:´zэ bэl) •adj. that can be fused or easily melted fu'si·bil´i·ty •n. fu´si·bly •adv. [ME < OFr]
fusiform (fyu:´zi förm', -si-) •adj. rounded, broadest in the middle, and tapering toward each end; spindle-shaped [< L fusus, a spindle + -FORM]
fusil¹ (fyu:´zil, -sil) •adj. [Archaic] 1 fusible or fusing 2 a) fused; melted b) made by melting and molding, or casting; founded Also fu´sile (-zil, -sil; -zail', -sail') [L fusilis < fusus: see FUSE¹]
fusil² (fyu:´zil) •n. a light flintlock musket [Fr, orig., steel for striking sparks < ML focile < L focus, hearth (in LL, fire): see FOCUS]
fusilier or fusileer (fyu:'zi lir´) •n. [Historical] a soldier armed with a fusil: the term Fusiliers is still applied to certain British regiments formerly so armed [Fr fusilier < fusil: see FUSIL2]
fusillade (fyu:'sэ leid´, -läd´; fyu:´sэ leid', -läd'; -zэ-) •n. 1 a simultaneous or rapid and continuous discharge of many firearms 2 something like this {a fusillade of questions} •vt. -lad´ed, -lad´ing to shoot down or attack with a fusillade [Fr < fusiller, to shoot < fusil: see FUSIL²]
fusion (fyu:´zhэn) •n. 1 a fusing or melting together 2 a) the union of different things by or as if by melting; blending; coalition {a fusion of political parties} b) the state or fact of being so united 3 anything made by fusing 4 NUCLEAR FUSION 5 Linguis. a) in some languages, the use of morphemes that combine different semantic categories (Ex.: in Latin amō, I love, -ō indicates simultaneously first person subject, singular subject, and present tense) (distinguished from AGGLUTINATION, sense 3) b) a joining of morphemes with a marked adjustment of sounds at the point of juncture Æ 6 a style of popular music originating in the 1970's that blends improvisational elements of jazz with the rhythms, harmonic structure, and bass lines of rock or funk, sometimes adding elements from other musical styles, and usually emphasizing the use of electronic keyboard instruments, electronic modifications in recordings, etc. [L fusio]
fusion bomb a nuclear bomb in which the principal energy source is the fusion reaction that follows the initial fission reaction: see HYDROGEN BOMB
fusionism (-iz'эm) •n. the theory or practice of bringing about a fusion, or coalition, of political parties, factions, etc. fu´sion·ist •n., adj.
fuss (fûs) •n. 1 a flurry of nervous, excited, and often unnecessary activity; needless bother; bustle 2 a state of excessive nervousness, agitation, etc. Æ 3 a quarrel or argument 4 a showy display of delight, approval, etc. •vi. 1 to cause or make a fuss 2 to bustle about or worry, esp. over trifles 3 to whine, fret, etc. as a baby •vt. to bother or worry unnecessarily fuss around to engage in idle, aimless, or annoying activity fuss´er •n. [17th-c. slang, prob. echoic]
fussbudget (-bûj'it) •n. [Colloq.] a fussy person: also [Colloq., Chiefly Brit.] fuss´pot' [prec. + BUDGET, prob. in sense bag, sack]
fussy (fûs´i:) fuss´i·er, fuss´i·est •adj. 1 a) habitually fussing; bustling about or worrying over trifles b) overly exacting and hard to please c) whining, fretting, etc., as a baby 2 showing or needing careful attention 3 full of unnecessary details fuss´i·ly •adv. fuss´i·ness •n.
fustian (fûs´chэn, fûst´yэn) •n. 1 orig., a coarse cloth of cotton and linen 2 now, a thick cotton cloth with a short nap, as corduroy, velveteen, etc. 3 pompous, pretentious talk or writing; bombast; rant •adj. 1 made of fustian 2 pompous and pretentious [ME < OFr fustaigne < ML fustaneum (< L fustis, wooden stick) used as transl. of Gr xylinon < xylinos, wooden (in LXX, cotton)]
fustic (fûs´tik) •n. Æ 1 a tropical American tree (Chlorophora tinctoria) of the mulberry family, from whose yellow wood dyes are extracted 2 any of these dyes 3 any of several other woods which yield dyes [ME fustik < OFr fustoc < Ar fustuq < Pers fistik > Gr pistakē, pistachio]
fustigate (fûs´ti geit') -gat'ed, -gat'ing •vt. to beat with a stick; cudgel fus'ti·ga´tion •n. [< L fustigatus, pp. of fustigare < fustis, a stick + agere: see ACT]
fusty (fûs´ti:) fus´ti·er, fus´ti·est •adj. 1 smelling stale or stuffy; musty; moldy 2 not up-to-date; old-fashioned; conservative fus´ti·ly •adv. fus´ti·ness •n. [< fust, a musty smell < Early ModE, a cask (ME foist) < OFr cask, orig. tree trunk < L fustis, wooden stick]
fut future
futhark (fu:´θärk') •n. the runic alphabet: also fu´thorc' (-θörk') or fu´thork' [< the first six letters: f, u, p (th), a (or o), r, k (or c)]
futile (fyu:t´ªl; chiefly Brit & Cdn, fyu:´tail') •adj. 1 a) that could not succeed; useless; vain b) lacking vigor or purpose; inept or ineffective 2 trifling or unimportant fu´tile·ly •adv. fu´tile·ness •n. SYN.—futile is applied to that which fails completely of the desired end or is incapable of producing any result; vain also implies failure but does not have as strong a connotation of intrinsic inefficacy as futile; fruitless stresses the idea of great and prolonged effort that is profitless or fails to yield results; that is abortive which fails to succeed or miscarries at an early stage of its development; that is useless which has proved to be ineffectual in practice or is theoretically considered to be of no avail —ANT. effective, fruitful, effectual [< Fr or L: Fr futile < L futilis, lit., that easily pours out, hence untrustworthy, worthless, futile < base of fundere: see FOUND³]
futility (fyu: til´э ti:) pl. -ties •n. 1 the quality of being futile 2 a futile act, thing, etc.
futon (fu:´tän') •n. a thin mattress like a quilt, placed on the floor for use as a bed [Sino-Jpn, orig. round cushions filled with cattail flower spikes < Chin fu, cattail + ton, round]
futtock (fût´эk) •n. any of the curved timbers that make up a rib of a wooden ship [ME futtek, fottek < ? *fot-hok, foot hook]
futtock plate an iron plate put horizontally around the top of a ship's lower mast to hold the futtock shrouds
futtock shroud one of the short iron rods extending from a futtock plate to a band around the lower mast to brace the topmast where it joins the lower mast
Futuna (fэ tu:´nэ) see WALLIS AND FUTUNA
future (fyu:´chэr) •adj. 1 that is to be or come; of days, months, or years ahead 2 Gram. indicating time to come {the future tense of a verb} •n. 1 the time that is to come; days, months, or years ahead 2 what will happen; what is going to be {to seek to foretell the future} 3 the prospective or potential condition of a person or thing; esp., the chance to achieve, succeed, etc. {to have a great future in politics} 4 [usually pl.] a contract for a specific commodity bought or sold for delivery at a later date 5 Gram. a) the future tense b) a verb form or phrase in this tense [ME futur < OFr < L futurus, about to be, used as fut. part. of esse, to be]
future life Religion the life following death
future perfect 1 a tense indicating an action as completed or a state as having ended in relation to a specified time in the future 2 a verb form in this tense (Ex.: will have gone, expressed analytically in English)
future shock the inability to cope with the rapid and myriad changes or modern society, or the distress resulting from this [after the book Future Shock (1970) by A. Toffler]
futureless (-lis) •adj. having no hopes or prospects for the future
futurism (fyu:´chэr iz'эm) •n. a movement in the arts, originated by Italian painters shortly before World War I: they opposed traditionalism and sought to depict dynamic movement by eliminating conventional form and by stressing the speed, flux, and violence of the machine age fu´tur·ist •n., adj. [It futurismo < futuro, FUTURE]
futuristic (fyu:'chэr is´tik) •adj. of or having to do with the future, futurism, or futurology fu'tur·is´ti·cal·ly •adv.
futurity (fyu: tur´э ti:, -tyur´-; also, -chur´-) pl. -ties •n. 1 a) the future b) a future condition or event 2 the quality of being future 3 FUTURITY RACE
futurity race a race for two-year-old horses in which the entries are selected before birth
futurology (fyu:'chэr äl´э ji:) •n. the speculative study of probable or presumed future conditions, as extrapolated from known facts and trends fu·tur·o·log·i·cal •adj. fu'tur·ol´o·gist •n. [FUTUR(E) + -OLOGY]
futz (fûts) •vi. [Slang] to trifle or meddle; fool (around) [? shortening of E Yidd arumfartsn zikh, fart around]
fuze¹ (fyu:z) fuzed, fuz´ing •vt., vi. FUSE¹
fuze² (fyu:z) •n. 1 FUSE² (n. 1) 2 any of various devices for detonating bombs, projectiles, or explosive charges •vt. fuzed, fuz´ing to connect a fuze to
fuzee (fyu: zi:´, fyu:´zi:') •n. FUSEE
Fuzhou (fu:´jou´) city in SE China: capital of Fujian province: pop. 1,142,000
fuzz (fûz) •n. 1 very loose, light particles of down, wool, etc.; fine hairs or fibers {the fuzz on a peach} 2 a blurred, distorted audio effect deliberately produced when amplifying the sounds of an electronic musical instrument, as by overloading an amplification circuit: also fuzz tone •vi., vt. 1 to cover or become covered with fuzz 2 to make or become fuzzy Æ the fuzz [Slang] a policeman or the police [< ? FUSS, in sense a fussy (i.e., hard to please) person] [< ? Du voos, spongy, or back-form. < fol.]
fuzzy (fûz´i:) fuzz´i·er, fuzz´i·est •adj. 1 of, like, or covered with fuzz 2 not clear, distinct, or precise; blurred {fuzzy thinking, a fuzzy sound} fuzz´i·ly •adv. fuzz´i·ness •n. [prob. < LowG fussig, fibrous, spongy, akin to Du voos, spongy < IE *pus- < base *pu-, to rot > FOUL]
fuzzy logic a type of logic used in computers and other electronic devices for processing imprecise or variable data: in place of the traditional binary values, fuzzy logic employs a range of values for greater flexibility [< fuzzy (set), coined (1965) by L. A. Zadeh, U.S. computer scientist]
fv on the back of the page [L folio verso]
fwd forward -fy (fai) suffix forming verbs 1 to make; cause to be or become {liquefy} 2 to cause to have or feel; imbue with {glorify} 3 to become {putrefy} [ME fyen, -fien < OFr -fier < L -ficare < facere, to make, DO¹: see FACT]
FY fiscal year
fyce (fais) •n. var. of FEIST
FYI for your information
fyke (faik) •n. a fish net in the form of a long bag reinforced with hoops [Du fuik, a bow net]
fylfot (fil´fät') •n. SWASTIKA (sense 1) [< FILL + FOOT: so called because used to fill the foot of a colored window]
Fyn (fün) a main island of Denmark, between Jutland & Zealand: 1,149 sq. mi. (2,975 sq. km) G abbrev. 1 Elec. conductance 2 game(s) 3 gauge 4 gauss 5 German 6 giga- 7 goal(s) 8 goalkeeper 9 gram(s) 10 Basketball, Football guard 11 guilder(s) 12 guinea(s) 13 gulf 14 specific gravity Also, except for 4, 6, & 13, g
G (ji:) •n. 1 [Slang] one thousand dollars [< G(RAND), n. 2] 2 Educ. a grade meaning good 3 Music a) the fifth tone or note in the ascending scale of C major b) a key, string, etc. producing this tone c) the scale having this tone as the keynote Æ 4 general audience: a motion-picture rating meaning that the film is considered suitable for persons of all ages 5 Physics a) the gravitational constant in Newton's law of gravitation b) G-FORCE
G clef TREBLE CLEF
g gr great gross
G spot a supposed area in the vaginal wall that when stimulated produces a distinctive orgasm [after E. Gräfenberg, Ger gynecologist, who first claimed its existence, c. 1950]
g/l grams per liter
g¹ or G (ji:) pl. g's, G's •n. 1 the seventh letter of the English alphabet: from the Greek gamma, a borrowing from the Phoenician 2 any of the speech sounds that this letter represents, as, in English, the (g) of get or (j) of gem 3 a type or impression for G or g 4 the seventh in a sequence or group 5 an object shaped like G •adj. 1 of G or g 2 seventh in a sequence or group 3 shaped like G
g² (ji:) •n. 1 acceleration of gravity 2 G-FORCE
Ga 1 Bible Galatians 2 Chem. symbol for gallium 3 Georgia GA 1 General Agent 2 General Assembly 3 general average: also ga or G/A 4 Georgia
gab (gæb) gabbed, gab´bing •vt. [Colloq.] to talk much or idly; chatter; gabble •n. [Colloq.] idle talk; chatter gift of (the) gab [Colloq.] the ability to speak fluently or glibly gab´ber •n. [ME gabben, to lie, scoff, talk nonsense < ON gabba, to mock (& < OFr gaber < ON), akin to OE gaffetung, a scoffing & gaf-spræc, foolish speech < IE *Ghebh- < base *ghē- > GAP, GAPE, GASP]
GABA (gæb´э; gä´bэ, -bä') an amino acid, H2N(CH2)3COOH, found in plants and in nervous tissue, esp. in the brain, where it acts as a neurotransmitter that suppresses nerve activity [g(amma-)a(mino)b(utyric) a(cid)]
gabardine (gæb´эr di:n', gæb'эr di:n´) •n. 1 a cloth of wool, cotton, rayon, etc. twilled on one side and having a fine, diagonal weave, used for suits, coats, dresses, etc. 2 a garment made of this cloth 3 GABERDINE [var. of GABERDINE]
gabble (gæb´эl) -bled, -bling •vi. 1 to talk rapidly and incoherently; jabber; chatter 2 to utter rapid, meaningless sounds, as a goose •vt. to utter rapidly and incoherently •n. rapid, incoherent talk or meaningless utterance gab´bler •n. [freq. of GAB]
gabbro (gæb´rou) •n. any of a group of dark, heavy igneous rocks, composed chiefly of pyroxene and feldspar [It < L glaber, bare: see GLABROUS]
gabby (gæb´i:) -bi·er, -bi·est •adj. [Colloq.] inclined to chatter; talkative gab´bi·ness •n.
gabelle (gэ bel´) •n. a tax levied on salt in France before the Revolution [ME < OFr < OIt gabella < Ar abāla, tax < qabala, to receive; akin to Heb kibel: see CABALA]
gaberdine (gæb´эr di:n', gæb'эr di:n´) •n. 1 a loose coat of coarse cloth, worn in the Middle Ages, esp. by Jews 2 chiefly Brit. sp. of GABARDINE [earlier gawbardyne < OFr gaverdine, kind of cloak < ? MHG walvart, pilgrimage < wallen, to wander about (< IE *wē-, var. of base awē, to blow, flutter) + vart, a trip < varen, FARE]
gaberlunzie (gæb'эr lûn´zi:, -lu:n´yi:) •n. a wandering beggar [Scot; printing form of gaberlunyie (with printed z for y as in pers. name Menzies) < ?]
gabfest (gæb´fest') •n. [Colloq.] 1 an informal gathering of people to talk with one another 2 their talk [GAB + -FEST]
gabion (gei´bi: эn) •n. 1 a cylinder of wicker filled with earth or stones, formerly used in building fortifications 2 a similar cylinder of metal, used as in building dams and dikes [Fr < It gabbione, large cage < gabbia, cage, coop < L cavea: see CAGE]
gable (gei´bэl) •n. 1 a) the triangular wall enclosed by the sloping ends of a ridged roof b) popularly, the whole section, including wall, roof, and space enclosed 2 the end wall of a building, the upper part of which is a gable 3 Archit. a triangular decorative feature, such as that over a door or window •vt. -bled, -bling to put a gable or gables on [ME < OFr < Gmc, as in ON gafl, gable, akin to Ger giebel < IE base *ghebhel-, gable, head > Gr kephalē] Gable (gei´bэl), (William) Clark 1901-60; U.S. motion-picture actor
gable roof a ridged roof forming a gable at each end
gable window 1 a window in a GABLE (sense 2) 2 a window with a GABLE (sense 3) over it
Gabo (gä´bou), Na·um (nä´u:m) (born Naum Pevsner) 1890-1977; U.S. sculptor, born in Russia
Gabon (gå bouñ´) country in WC Africa, on the Gulf of Guinea: formerly a French territory, it became independent (1960): 103,346 sq. mi. (267,667 sq. km); pop. 1,017,000; cap. Libreville Gab·o·nese (gæb'э ni:z´), pl. -nese´, •adj., n.
Gabor (gä´bör, gэ bör´), Dennis 1900-79; Brit. physicist, born in Hungary
Gaborone (gä'bэ rou´nei) capital of Botswana, in the SE part: pop. c. 80,000
Gabriel (gei´bri: эl) 1 a masculine name; dim. Gabe; fem. Gabriella, Gabrielle 2 Bible one of the archangels, the herald of good news: Dan. 8:16; Luke 1:26 [Heb gavriel, lit. ? man of God < gever, man + el, God]
Gabrielle (geib'ri: el´, gæ'bri:-) a feminine name: equiv. It. & Sp. Gabriella: see GABRIEL [It & Sp]
gaby (gei´bi:) pl. -bies •n. a simpleton [< Brit Midland dial. < ? ON gapi, a gaper < gapa, GAPE]
gad¹ (gæd) gad´ded, gad´ding •vi. to wander about in an idle or restless way, as in seeking amusement •n. an act of gadding: chiefly in the phrase on (or upon) the gad, gadding about gad´der •n. [LME gadden, to hurry, ? back-form. < gadeling, companion in arms < OE gædeling: for IE base see GATHER] Gad¹ (gæd) •interj. a mild oath or expression of surprise, disgust, etc. [euphemism for God]
Gad² (gæd) Bible 1 Jacob's seventh son, whose mother was Zilpah: Gen. 30:11 2 the tribe of Israel descended from him: Num. 1:24 [Heb gad, lit., good fortune] gad² (gæd) •n. 1 GOAD 2 any of several chisel-like or pointed bars used in mining •vt. gad´ded, gad´ding to break up or loosen (ore) with a gad [ME gadd < ON gaddr, infl. in sense by OE gad (see GOAD); akin to Goth gazds, thorn < IE base *Ghasto-, rod, pole > YARD¹, L hasta, rod, shaft]
gadabout (gæd´э baut´) •n. a person who gads about; restless seeker after fun •adj. fond of gadding
Gadarene (gæd´э ri:n') •adj. moving rapidly and without control; headlong [after the Gadarene swine (Luke 8:26-39) that ran into the sea after demons possessed them]
Gaddafi (gэ dä´fi:) see QADDAFI, Muammar al-
gadfly (gæd´flai') pl. -flies' •n. 1 any of several large flies, as the horsefly, that bite livestock 2 a person who annoys others, esp. by rousing them from complacency [GAD² + FLY²]
gadget (gæj´it) •n. 1 any small, esp. mechanical contrivance or device 2 any interesting but relatively useless or unnecessary object gadg´et·y •adj. [< ? Fr gâchette, catch (of a lock), tumbler, dim. of gâche, a bolt, catch]
gadgeteer (gæj'i tir´) •n. a person who contrives, or takes a special delight in, gadgets [prec. + -EER]
gadgetry (gæj´i tri:) •n. 1 gadgets collectively 2 preoccupation with mere gadgets
Gadhelic (gэ del´ik) •adj., n. var. of GOIDELIC
gadoid (gei´doid') •adj. of or like the family (Gadidae, order Gadiformes) of bony fishes including cod, hake, and burbot •n. any fish of this family [< ModL gadus, cod < Gr gados, kind of fish + -OID]
gadolinite (gæd´ou lin ait') •n. a brown or black silicate material, containing some metals of the rare-earth group in combination with iron [Ger gadolinit, after J. Gadolin (1760-1852), Finn chemist who isolated it]
gadolinium (gæd'ou lin´i: эm) •n. a chemical element of the rare-earth metals that is very magnetic at low temperatures, superconductive, and has the highest rate of neutron absorption of any element: symbol, Gd; at. wt., 157.25; at. no., 64; sp. gr., 7.9004; melt. pt., 1,313°C; boil. pt., 3,273°C [ModL, earlier gadolinia: so named (1886) by P. E. L. de Boisbaudran (1838-1912), Fr chemist, and J.-C. G. de Marignac (1817-94), Swiss chemist, who had each isolated it, in honor of J. Gadolin (see GADOLINITE) + -IUM]
gadroon (gэ dru:n´) •n. any of various oval-shaped beadings, flutings, or reedings used to decorate molding, silverware, etc. ga·droon´ing •n. [Fr godron prob. < godet, small cup without handle, bowl < MDu kodde, wooden cylinder, rounded object: for IE base see CUD]
Gadsden (gædz´dэn), James 1788-1858; U.S. diplomat: negotiated (1853) a purchase of land (Gadsden Purchase) from Mexico, which became part of N.Mex. & Ariz. Gadsden (gædz´dэn) city in NE Ala.: pop. 43,000 [after prec.]
gadwall (gæd´wöl') pl. -walls' •n.or -wall' a grayish-brown wild duck (Anas strepera) of the freshwater regions of North America [< ?]
Gadzooks (gæd zu:ks´, -zuks´) •interj. [Archaic] a mild oath [< God's hooks, nails of the Cross]
gae¹ (gei) gaed (geid), gaen (gein), gae´ing [Scot.] GO¹ •vi.
gae² (gei) •vt., vi. [Scot.] alt. pt. of GIE (give)
Gaea (ji:´э) Gr. Myth. a goddess who is the personification of the earth, the mother of the Titans: identified with the Roman Tellus [Gr Gaia < gē, earth]
Gael (geil) •n. a Celt of Scotland, Ireland, or the Isle of Man; esp., a Celt of the Scottish Highlands [contr. < Gael Gaidheal, akin to Ir Gaedheal, OIr Góidel, Welsh gwyddel]
Gaelic (-ik) •n. 1 the Celtic language of Scotland 2 [Now Rare] the Goidelic languages as a group 3 IRISH (n. 1) •adj. 1 of the Gaels 2 designating or of the Goidelic languages [< Gael Gaidhealach]
gaff¹ (gæf) •n. 1 a large, strong hook on a pole, or a barbed spear, used in landing large fish 2 a) a sharp metal spur fastened to the leg of a gamecock b) any of the steel points on a lineman's climbing iron 3 a) a spar or pole extending from the after side of a mast and supporting a fore-and-aft sail (see SCHOONER, illus.) b) U.S. Navy a similarly located spar on the mainmast, from which the ensign is flown when a ship is underway 4 [Slang] any secret device for cheating 5 [Brit. Slang] a cheap theater, dance hall, etc. [earlier in sense of a fair: ? because visitors were gaffed there] •vt. 1 to strike or land (a fish) with a gaff 2 [Slang, Chiefly Brit.] to cheat; hoax; trick 3 [Slang] Naut. to rig with a gaff Æ stand the gaff [Slang] to bear up well under difficulties, punishment, ridicule, etc.; be game [ME gaffe < OFr < OProv gaf or Sp gafa < Goth gafah, a catch < ga-, intens. + fahan, to catch, akin to FANG]
gaff² (gæf) •n. [Brit. Slang] foolish talk; nonsense blow the gaff [Brit. Slang] to reveal a secret [prob. altered < earlier gab, mockery < ME, deceit: see GAB]
gaffe (gæf) •n. a blunder; faux pas [Fr < OProv gaf: see GAFF¹]
gaffer (gæf´эr) •n. 1 an old man, esp. one from the country: now usually humorous: cf. GAMMER 2 a master glass blower Æ 3 chief electrician in charge of lighting on a TV or movie set 4 [Brit.] a foreman of a group of workers [altered < GODFATHER]
gaff-topsail (gæf´täp´seil'; naut., -sэl) •n. a topsail the lower edge of which is attached to a gaff
gag (gæg) gagged, gag´ging •vt. 1 to cause to retch or choke 2 to put something over or into the mouth of, so as to keep from talking, crying out, etc. 3 to keep from speaking or expressing oneself freely, as by intimidation 4 to prevent or limit speech in (a legislative body) 5 Mech. to choke or stop up (a valve, etc.) •vi. 1 to retch or choke 2 [Colloq.] to make a gag or gags; joke •n. 1 something put into or over the mouth to prevent talking, crying out, etc. Æ 2 any restraint of free speech 3 a device for holding the jaws open for dental work or for any surgery inside the mouth 4 a) a comical remark or act; joke, as one interpolated by an actor on the stage b) a practical joke or hoax [ME gaggen, of echoic orig.]
gag rule (or law) a rule or law limiting or preventing discussion, as in a legislative body
gaga (gä´gä') •adj. [Slang] 1 mentally confused; crazy 2 carried away as by love or enthusiasm [Fr, orig., a fool: of echoic orig.]
Gagarin (gä gäř´in), Yu·ri A·lek·se·ye·vich (yu:´ři: ä'lyek sei´yэ vich) 1934-68; Soviet cosmonaut: 1st man to orbit the earth in a space flight (1961)
Gage (geij), Thomas 1721-87; Brit. general in the American Revolution
gage¹ (geij) •n. 1 something deposited or pledged to ensure that an obligation will be fulfilled; security 2 a pledge to appear and fight, as a glove thrown down by a knight challenging another 3 a challenge •vt. gaged, gag´ing [Archaic] 1 to offer as a pledge; wager 2 to bind by a pledge [ME < OFr, a pledge, pawn < (? via ML wagium) Frank *waddi or Goth wadi, pledge < IE base *wadh-: see WED]
gage² (geij) gaged, gag´ing •n., vt. alt. sp. of GAUGE
gage³ (geij) •n. short for GREENGAGE
gagger (gæg´эr) •n. a person or thing that gags; specif., a piece of iron to keep a core in place in a mold
gaggle (gæg´эl) •n. 1 a flock of geese 2 any group or cluster [ME gagel < gagelen, to cackle: orig. echoic]
gagman (gæg´mæn') pl. -men' (-men') •n. a person who devises jokes, bits of comic business, etc., as for entertainers
gagster (gæg´stэr) •n. 1 GAGMAN 2 a person fond of making jokes (gags)
gahnite (gän´ait') •n. a zinc aluminate, ZnAl2O4, often containing iron and magnesium, found as almost opaque crystals of green, brown, or black Etymology [Ger gahnit, after J. G. Gahn (1745-1818), Swed chemist]
Gaia (gei´э, gai´э) var. of GAEA
gaiety (gei´э ti:) •n. 1 the state or quality of being gay; cheerfulness 2 pl. -ties merrymaking; festivity 3 finery; showy brightness [Fr gaieté]
Gail (geil) a feminine name: var. Gayle: see ABIGAIL
Gaillard Cut (geil´yэrd, gei´lärd) S section of the Panama Canal cut through the continental divide: c. 8 mi. (12.9 km) long [after D. D. Gaillard (1859-1913), U.S. army engineer in charge of its excavation]
gaillardia (gei lär´di: э) •n. any of a genus (Gaillardia) of American plants of the composite family, having large, showy flower heads with yellow or reddish rays and disks [ModL, after Gaillard de Marentonneau, 18th-c. Fr botanist]
gaily (gei´li:) •adv. in a gay manner; specif., a) happily; merrily; joyously b) brightly; in bright colors [ME]
gain¹ (gein) •n. 1 an increase; addition; specif., a) [often pl.] an increase in wealth, earnings, etc.; profit; winnings b) an increase in advantage; advantage; improvement 2 the act of getting something; acquisition; accumulation 3 Electronics a) an increase in signal strength when transmitted from one point to another: often expressed in decibels b) the ratio of the output current, voltage, or power of an amplifier, receiver, etc. to the respective input •vt. [ME gainen, to profit, be of use < OFr gaaignier < Frank *waidanjan, to work, earn, akin to OHG weidenen, to pasture < weide, pasture < IE *witi-, a hunting after < base *wei-, to go, hunt > L via, way, vis, strength] 1 to get by labor; earn {to gain a livelihood} 2 a) to get by effort or merit, as in competition; win b) to cause to be directed toward oneself or itself; attract {to gain one's interest} 3 to get as an increase, addition, profit, or advantage {to gain ten pounds} 4 to make an increase in {to gain speed} 5 to go faster by {my watch gained two minutes} 6 to get to; arrive at; reach •vi. 1 to make progress; improve or advance, as in health, business, etc. 2 to acquire wealth or profit 3 to increase in weight; become heavier 4 to be fast; said of a clock, etc. SYN. GET, REACH gain on 1 to draw nearer to (an opponent in a race, etc.) 2 to make more progress than (a competitor) gain over 1 to win over to one's side [ME < OFr gaaigne < gaaignier: see the vt.]
gain² (gein) •n. Carpentry a groove or mortise, as in a piece of wood, into which another piece can be fitted [< ?]
gainer (gein´эr) •n. 1 a person or thing that gains 2 a fancy dive in which the diver faces forward and does a backward somersault in the air
Gainesville (geinz´vil) city in NC Fla.: pop. 85,000 [after Gen. E. P. Gaines (1777-1849)]
gainful (gein´fэl) •adj. producing gain; profitable gain´ful·ly •adv. gain´ful·ness •n.
gainly (gein´li:) -li·er, -li·est •adj. shapely and graceful; comely gain´li·ness •n. [ME geinli < gein, convenient, ready < ON gegn, straight, fit]
gainsay (gein'sei´, gein´sei') -said´ (-sed´), -say´ing •vt. 1 to deny 2 to contradict 3 to speak or act against; oppose •n. a gainsaying SYN. DENY gain'say´er •n. [ME geinseggen < gein- < OE gegn, against (see AGAIN) + seggen (see SAY)]
Gainsborough (geinz´bør'ou, -bэr э), Thomas 1727-88; Eng. painter
'gainst or gainst (genst, geinst) •prep. [Old Poet.] short for AGAINST
Gaiseric (gai´zэ rik) var. of GENSERIC
gait (geit) •n. 1 manner of moving on foot; way of walking or running 2 any of the various foot movements of a horse, as a trot, pace, canter, or gallop •vt. 1 to train (a horse) to a particular gait or gaits 2 to lead (a dog) before the judges at a dog show so as to exhibit its gait, bearing, etc. [ME gate, a going, gait, orig., path < ON gata, path between hedges, street, akin to Ger gasse, lane]
gaited (-id) •adj. 1 having a (specified) gait or gaits: used in hyphenated compounds {heavy-gaited} 2 designating a horse trained to use a specific gait
gaiter (geit´эr) •n. 1 a cloth or leather covering for the instep and ankle, and, sometimes, the calf of the leg; spat or legging Æ 2 a shoe with elastic in the sides and no lacing Æ 3 a high overshoe with cloth upper [altered (after GAIT) < Fr guêtre, earlier guietre, prob. < Frank *wrist, instep, akin to WRIST]
Gaius (gei´эs) c. A.D. 110-c. 180; Rom. jurist
Gajdusek (gai´du shek', -dэ-), D(aniel) Carle·ton (kärl´tэn) 1923- ; U.S. pediatrician & virologist
gal abbrev. gallon(s) Gal Bible Galatians
gal¹ (gæl) •n. [Colloq.] a girl or woman
gal² (gæl) •n. a unit of acceleration equal to one centimeter per second per second: used in gravimetry [< GAL(ILEO)]
gala (gei´lэ; also gæl´э, gä´lэ) •n. 1 a festive occasion; festival; celebration 2 a public entertainment •adj. festive, or suitable for a festive occasion in gala in festive dress [< Fr or It gala < Sp < ? Ar khilá, a royal presentation robe]
galabia or galabiya (gæl'э bi:´э, gэ lä´bi: yэ) •n. var. of DJELLABA [< colloq. Egypt Ar var. of Ar jallābīya]
galactagogue (gэ læk´tэ gäg') •n. an agent that stimulates or increases the secretion of milk [GALACT(O)- + -AGOGUE]
galactic (gэ læk´tik) •adj. 1 of or obtained from milk; lactic 2 Astron. of or pertaining to the Milky Way or some other galaxy [Gr galaktikos, milky < gala (gen. galaktos), milk < IE base *glak- > L lac, milk]
galactic noise radio waves emanating from sources outside the solar system but within the Milky Way galaxy
galacto- (gэ læk´tou, -tэ) combining form milk, milky {galactometer} Also, before a vowel, ga·lact- (gэ lækt´) [Gr gala: see GALACTIC]
galactometer (gæl'æk täm´э tэr) •n. LACTOMETER
galactorrhea (gэ læk'tэ ri:´э) •n. persistent flow of milk from the breasts [GALACTO- + -RRHEA]
galactose (gэ læk´tous') •n. a white, crystalline monosaccharide, prepared by the hydrolysis of lactose [GALACT(O)- + -OSE²]
galactosemia (gэ læk'tou si:´mi: э) •n. a congenital disease caused by the genetic lack of an enzyme needed to metabolize galactose into glucose and producing mental retardation, cataracts, and liver damage [prec. + -EMIA]
galactoside (gэ læk´tэ said') •n. any glycoside which contains galactose [GALACTOS(E) + -IDE]
galah (gэ lä´) •n. a pink and gray cockatoo (Cacatua roseicapilla) that is widely distributed in inland Australia and is popular as a cage bird [< native name]
Galahad (gæl´э hæd') Arthurian Legend a knight who is successful in the quest for the Holy Grail because of his purity and nobility of spirit: he is the son of Lancelot and Elaine •n. any man regarded as very pure and noble
galangal (gæl´эn gæl') •n. 1 either of two plants (genus Alpinia) of the ginger family, whose dried rhizomes yield aromatic substances used in medicines and flavorings 2 any of various plants (genus Cyperus) of the sedge family, some of which have aromatic rootstocks [ME galingale < OFr galingal < ML galingala < Ar khulungān, ult. < ? Chin]
galantine (gæl´эn ti:n') •n. a mold of boned, seasoned, boiled white meat, as chicken or veal, chilled and served in its own jelly or with aspic [ME galentine < OFr < ML galatina, jelly < L gelata, fem. pp. of gelare: see GELATIN]
galanty show (gэ læn´ti:) a pantomime made by throwing the shadows of puppet figures on a screen or wall [earlier also galanté, prob. < It galante, gallant: from the stories portrayed]
Galápagos Islands (gэ lä´pэ gous') group of islands in the Pacific on the equator, belonging to Ecuador: 2,868 sq. mi. (7,428 sq. km); pop. 6,000: Sp. name Archipélago de Colón
Galata (gæl´э tэ) commercial section of Istanbul, Turkey, on the Golden Horn
galatea (gæl'э ti:´э) •n. a strong, twill cotton cloth, often striped, used for play clothes, uniforms, etc. [after a 19th-c. Eng warship H.M.S. Galatea: the fabric was used to make sailor suits for little boys] Galatea (gæl'э ti:´э) a statue of a maiden which is given life by Aphrodite after its sculptor, Pygmalion, falls in love with it: name applied in post-classical times
Galaţi (gæ läts´) city in E Romania, on the Danube: pop. 254,600
Galatia (gэ lei´shэ) ancient kingdom in central Asia Minor, made a Roman province c. 25 B.C. Ga·la´tian •adj., n.
Galatians (gэ lei´shэnz) a book of the New Testament, a letter from the Apostle Paul to the Christians of Galatia: abbrev. Gal or Ga
galavant (gæl´э vænt') •vi. alt. sp. of GALLIVANT
galax (gei´læks') •n. a dicotyledonous evergreen plant (Galax aphylla) of the SE U.S., with shiny leaves (often used in wreaths) and small, white flowers [ModL, prob. < Gr gala, milk (see GALACTIC): from its white flower]
galaxy (gæl´эk si:) [often G-] MILKY WAY •n. pl. -ax·ies 1 a large, independent system of stars, typically containing millions to hundreds of billions of stars: the four classes of galaxies are spiral, barred spiral, elliptical, or irregular, depending on their shape 2 a) an assembly of brilliant or famous people b) a brilliant array of things [ME galaxie < LL galaxias < Gr, Milky Way < gala, milk: see GALACTIC]
Galba (gæl´bэ, göl´-), (Servius Sulpicius) c. 3 B.C.-A.D. 69; Rom. emperor (68-69)
galbanum (gæl´bэ nэm) •n. a bitter, bad-smelling Asiatic gum resin, obtained from various plants (genus Ferula) of the umbel family, formerly used in medicine [ME < L < Gr chalbanē < Heb chelbenah]
gale¹ (geil) •n. 1 a) a strong wind b) Meteorol. a wind ranging in speed from 32 to 63 miles per hour (see BEAUFORT SCALE) 2 [Archaic] a breeze Æ 3 a loud outburst {a gale of laughter} SYN. WIND² [prob. < Scand, as in Shetland Is. dial. galder, howling wind, OIce gal, a howling: for IE base see YELL]
gale² (geil) •n. SWEET GALE [ME gawel < OE gagel, akin to Ger gagel]
galea (gei´li: э) pl. ga´le·ae' (-i:') •n. Biol. a helmet-shaped part, esp. of a corolla or calyx [ModL < L, a helmet: prob. < Gr galeē, a weasel, marten (hence, leather, hide, then article made of leather)]
galeate (-eit') •adj. 1 wearing a helmet 2 helmet-shaped 3 having a galea Also ga´le·at'ed [L galeatus, pp. of galeare, to cover with a helmet < galea, a helmet]
Galen (gei´lэn) (L. name Claudius Galenus) c. A.D. 130-c. 200; Gr. physician & writer on medicine & philosophy Ga·len·ic (gэ len´ik) or Ga·len´i·cal •adj.
galena (gэ li:´nэ) •n. native lead sulfide, PbS, a lead-gray mineral with metallic luster: it is the principal ore of lead, often also containing silver [L, lead ore, dross of melted lead < ?]
galenical (gэ len´i kэl) •n. a medicine prepared from plants, according to a fixed recipe, as opposed to drugs of known chemical composition [after GALEN]
Galenism (gei´lэn iz'эm) •n. the system of medical practice originated by Galen Ga´len·ist •n.
galenite (gэ li:´nait') •n. var. of GALENA
galère (gэ ler´) •n. a group of people of the same sort or class
Galibi (gä li:´bi:) •n. 1 pl. -bis or -bi a member of an Amerindian people living in Guiana 2 the Carib language of this people
Galicia (gэ lish´э) 1 region of SE Poland & NW Ukraine: formerly, an Austrian crown land 2 region of NW Spain: 11,365 sq. mi. (29,434 sq. km); pop. 2,754,000: a former medieval kingdom
Galician (gэ lish´эn, -i: эn) •adj. 1 designating or of Galicia in NW Spain, or its people or their language or culture 2 designating or of Galicia in E Europe, or its people or their culture •n. 1 a native or inhabitant of Galicia in Spain 2 the language of this people, usually considered a dialect of Portuguese 3 a native or inhabitant of Galicia in E Europe
Galilean¹ (gæl'э li:´эn) •adj. of Galilee or its people •n. 1 a native or inhabitant of Galilee 2 [Archaic] a Christian the Galilean Jesus
Galilean² (gæl'э li:´эn) •adj. of Galileo
Galilee (gæl´э li:') 1 region of N Israel 2 Sea of lake of NE Israel, on the Syria border: c. 13 mi. (21 km) long [L Galilaea < Gr Galilaia < Heb hagalil < gelil (hagoyim), lit., district (of the Gentiles)] galilee (gæl´э li:') •n. a porch or chapel at the western entrance of certain medieval churches [ME galilie < ML galilaea < L Galilaea, Galilee: ? because, being at the less sacred western end, it was compared with the scriptural Galilee of the Gentiles]
Galileo (gæl'э li:´ou, -lei´-) (born Galileo Galilei) 1564-1642; It. astronomer, mathematician, & physicist: with the telescope, which he improved, he demonstrated the truth of the Copernican theory: condemned for heresy by the Inquisition
galimatias (gæl'i mei´shi: эs, -mæt´i: эs) •n. meaningless talk; gibberish [< ModL gallimathia < Fr, prob. < L gallus, lit., a cock, 16th-c. student slang for a candidate engaged in doctoral disputations + Gr -mathia, learning < mathēma: see MATHEMATICAL]
galingale (gæl´in geil') •n. var. of GALANGAL
galiot (gæl´i: эt) •n. alt. sp. of GALLIOT
galipot (gæl´i pät') •n. crude turpentine from a pine tree (Pinus pinaster) of S Europe [Fr, earlier garipot, prob. altered < MDu harpois, boiled resin]
gall midge (or gnat) any of a family (Cecidomyiidae) of tiny midges that often produce galls on plants
gall mite any of various mites (family Eriophyidae) that have only two pairs of legs and produce galls on plants
gall wasp any of a family (Cynipidae) of tiny hymenopteran insects whose larvae produce galls in plants, esp. oaks and roses
gall¹ (göl) •n. 1 BILE (sense 1) 2 [Archaic] the gallbladder 3 something that is bitter or distasteful 4 bitter feeling; rancor Æ 5 [Colloq.] rude boldness; impudence; audacity SYN. TEMERITY [ME galle < OE (Anglian) galla (WS gealla), akin to Ger galle < IE base *Ghel-, to shine, YELLOW > L fel, gall, Gr cholē, bile]
gall² (göl) •n. 1 a sore on the skin, esp. of a horse's back, caused by rubbing or chafing 2 irritation or annoyance, or a cause of this •vt. [ME gallen < the n. (or < OFr galer, to scratch < galle < L galla)] 1 to injure or make sore by rubbing; chafe 2 to irritate; annoy; vex •vi. [Rare] to become sore from rubbing or chafing [ME galle < OE gealla < L galla: see GALL3]
gall³ (göl) •n. a tumor on plant tissue caused by stimulation by fungi, insects, or bacteria: galls formed on oak trees have a high tannic acid content and are used commercially [ME galle < OFr < L galla, gallnut, orig., spherical growth < IE base *gel-, to form into a ball > CLAY, CLOT]
Galla (gæl´э) pl. -las •n.or -la old name for OROMO: now often considered offensive [earlier Gaallaa < ?]
gallant (gæl´эnt; for adj. 4 & n., usually gэ lænt´, -länt´; for v., always gэ lænt´, -länt´) •adj. 1 showy and lively in dress or manner 2 stately; imposing {a gallant ship} 3 brave and noble; high-spirited and daring 4 a) polite and attentive to women in a courtly way b) having to do with love; amorous •n. 1 [Now Rare] a high-spirited, stylish man 2 a man attentive and polite to women 3 a lover or paramour •vt. 1 [Now Rare] to court (a woman) 2 to escort or accompany (a woman) •vi. [Now Rare] to court a woman SYN. CIVIL gal´lant·ly •adv. [ME galaunt < OFr galant, gay, brave, prp. of galer, to rejoice, make merry < gala: see GALA]
gallantry (gæl´эn tri:) pl. -ries •n. 1 nobility of behavior or spirit; heroic courage 2 the courtly manner of a gallant 3 an act or speech characteristic of a gallant 4 amorous intrigue 5 [Archaic] showy appearance Etymology [Fr galanterie < OFr galant: see GALLANT]
Gallatin (gæl´э tin), (Abraham Alfonse) Albert 1761-1849; U.S. statesman & financier, born in Switzerland: secretary of the treasury (1801-13)
Gallaudet (gæl'э det´), Thomas Hopkins 1787-1851; U.S. educator: noted for his work with deaf-mutes
gallbladder (göl´blæd'эr) •n. a membranous sac closely connected by various ducts to the liver, in which excess gall, or bile, is stored and concentrated
Galle (gäl) seaport in SW Sri Lanka: pop. 77,000
galleass (gæl´i: æs') •n. a large, three-masted vessel having sails and oars and carrying heavy guns: used in the Mediterranean in the 16th and 17th cent. [Fr galéasse < OFr galeace < It galeazza < ML: see GALLEY]
gallein (gæl´i: in, gæl´i:n) •n. a violet dye, C20H12O7, formed by heating pyrogallol with phthalic anhydride, used as an indicator and as a mordant dye [GALL(IC ACID) + (PHTHAL)EIN]
galleon (gæl´i: эn) •n. a large sailing ship with three or four masts and a high forecastle and stern, developed in the 15th and 16th cent., and used as both a warship and a trader [Sp galeón < ML galea: see GALLEY]
galleria (gæl'э ri:´э) •n. a large arcade or court, sometimes with a glass roof, used for displaying artworks, as a passageway to shops or offices, as a location for restaurants, boutiques, etc.
galleried (gæl´эr i:d) •adj. having a gallery or galleries
gallery (gæl´эr i:; often gæl´ri:) pl. -ler·ies •n. 1 a) a covered walk open at one side or having the roof supported by pillars; colonnade b) [Chiefly South] a veranda or porch 2 a long, narrow balcony on the outside of a building 3 a platform projecting at either quarter or around the stern of an early sailing ship 4 a) a platform or projecting upper floor attached to the back wall or sides of a church, theater, etc.; esp., the highest of a series of such platforms in a theater, with the cheapest seats b) the cheapest seats in a theater c) the people occupying these seats, sometimes regarded as exemplifying popular tastes d) the spectators at a sporting event, legislative meeting, etc. 5 a long, narrow corridor or room 6 a place or establishment for exhibiting or dealing in artworks 7 any of the display rooms of a museum 8 a collection of paintings, statues, etc. Æ 9 a room or establishment used as a photographer's studio, for practice in shooting at targets, etc. 10 an underground passage, as one made by an animal, or one used in mining or military engineering 11 a low railing of wood or metal around the edge of a table, shelf, etc. •vt. -ler·ied, -ler·y·ing to furnish with a gallery, or balcony play to the gallery 1 Theater to act in a manner intended to please those in the gallery 2 to try to win the approval of the public, esp. in an obvious or showy way [ME < OFr galerie, gallerie, long portico, gallery < ML galeria, prob. < galilaea: see GALILEE (porch)]
gallet (gæl´it) •n. a chip of stone •vt. to embed gallets in (joints of fresh masonry) [Fr galet, pebble, dim. < dial. gal, stone: see GALLETA]
galleta (gэ yet´э, gä yeit´э) •n. a coarse, tough forage grass (Hilaria jamesii) used for hay and grazing in the SW U.S. Etymology [Sp, hardtack < OFr galette < gal, a stone (< Gaul *gallos) + -ette: cf. -ET]
galley (gæl´i:) pl. -leys •n. 1 a long, low, usually single-decked ship propelled by oars and sails, used esp. in ancient and medieval times: the oars were usually manned by chained slaves or convicts 2 a) the kitchen of a ship, boat, or airplane b) a small, compact, or cramped kitchen 3 [Brit.] a large rowboat 4 Printing a) a shallow, oblong tray for holding composed type before it is put into a form b) GALLEY PROOF [ME galeie < OFr galie < ML galea < MGr galaia, kind of ship < Gr galeos, shark < galeē, weasel (in reference to its speed)]
galley proof printer's proof taken from type in a galley to permit correction of errors before the type is made up in pages
galley-west (gæl'i: west´) •adv. [Colloq.] into confusion or inaction: chiefly in the phrase knock galley-west [< dial. colly-west < ?]
gallfly (göl´flai') pl. -flies' •n. an insect whose eggs or larvae cause galls when deposited in plant stems, or one which lays its eggs in galls produced by other insects
Gallia (gæl´i: æ, gäl´li:ä') Latin name of GAUL
galliard (gæl´yэrd) •adj. [Obs.] 1 valiant; sturdy 2 lively •n. 1 a lively French dance in triple time, for two dancers, popular in the 16th and 17th cent. 2 music for this [ME gaillard < OFr, brave < ML *galia, strength < IE base *gal-, to be able]
Gallic (gæl´ik) •adj. 1 of ancient Gaul or its people 2 French [L Gallicus < Galli, the Gauls] gallic (gæl´ik) •adj. Chem. of or containing trivalent gallium
gallic acid a nearly colorless, crystalline acid, (OH)3C6H2COOH, prepared from tannins, etc. and used in photography and the manufacture of inks, dyes, etc. [Fr gallique < galle, GALL³]
Gallican (gæl´i kэn) •adj. 1 GALLIC 2 of the Roman Catholic Church in France, esp. before 1870 3 of Gallicanism •n. a supporter of Gallicanism [ME < OFr < L Gallicanus, of the Roman province of Gallia < Gallicus]
Gallicanism (-iz'эm) •n. the principles enunciated by the French Roman Catholic Church in 1682, claiming limited autonomy: opposed to ULTRAMONTANISM
Gallicism (gæl´i siz'эm) •n. [also g-] 1 a French idiom or expression, translated literally into another language 2 a French custom, way of thought, etc. [Fr Gallicisme < L Gallicus, GALLIC]
Gallicize (gæl´i saiz') -cized', -ciz'ing •vt., vi. [also g-] to make or become French or like the French in thought, language, etc. [see GALLIC]
galligaskins (gæl'i gæs´kinz) •n.pl. 1 loosely fitting breeches worn in the 16th and 17th cent.: later applied humorously to any loose breeches 2 [Brit. Dial.] leggings or gaiters [altered < Fr garguesque < OFr greguesque < It grechesca < Grechesca, Grecian (hence, orig., Grecian breeches)]
gallimaufry (gæl'i mö´fri:) pl. -fries •n. 1 orig., a hash made of meat scraps 2 a hodgepodge; jumble [Fr galimafrée, prob. < OFr galer (see GALLANT) + dial. (Picardy) mafrer, to eat much < MDu maffelen]
gallinacean (gæl'i nei´shэn) •adj. GALLINACEOUS •n. any gallinaceous bird
gallinaceous (gæl'i nei´shэs) •adj. of an order (Galliformes) of birds that nest on the ground, including turkeys, chickens, pheasants, and grouse [L gallinaceus < gallina, hen < gallus, a cock]
galling (göl´iŋ) •adj. chafing; very annoying; irritating; vexing gall´ing·ly •adv. [prp. of GALL²]
gallinipper (gæl´i nip'эr) •n. [Colloq.] a large mosquito or other insect that has a painful bite or sting [prob. altered (infl. by GALLEY) < gurnipper < ?]
gallinule (gæl´i nu:l', -nyu:l') •n. any of various gruiform marsh birds (family Rallidae) that both swim and wade; esp., the moorhen [ModL < L gallinula, pullet, dim. of gallina: see GALLINACEOUS]
galliot (gæl´i: эt) •n. 1 a small, swift galley with sails and oars, formerly used on the Mediterranean 2 a light Dutch merchant vessel of shallow draft, with a mainmast and jigger [ME < OFr galiot, dim. of galie < ML galea, GALLEY]
Gallipoli (gэ lip´э li:) var. of GELIBOLU
Gallipoli Peninsula peninsula in S European Turkey, forming the NW shore of the Dardanelles: c. 55 mi. (88 km) long
gallipot¹ (gæl´i pät') •n. a small pot or jar of glazed earthenware, esp. one used by druggists as a container for medicine [ME galy pott, prob. < galeie, GALLEY + pott, POT¹: ? because shipped in galleys from Italy]
gallipot² (gæl´i pät') •n. alt. sp. of GALIPOT
gallium (gæl´i: эm) •n. a bluish-white, metallic chemical element, often a supercooled liquid at room temperature, used in semiconductors, LED's, lasers, etc., and as a substitute for mercury in high-temperature thermometers: symbol, Ga; at. wt., 69.72; at. no., 31; sp. gr., 6.095 (liquid), 5.904 (solid); melt. pt., 29.78°C; boil. pt., 2,403°C [ModL: so named (1875) by P. E. Lecoq de Boisbaudran (1838-1912), Fr chemist, after L Gallia, France, and as a pun on his name Lecoq (in L, gallus, a cock) + -IUM]
gallivant (gæl´э vænt') •vi. 1 orig., to gad about with members of the opposite sex 2 to go about in search of amusement or excitement gal´li·vant'er •n. [arbitrary elaboration of GALLANT]
galliwasp (gæl´э wäsp') •n. 1 any of a genus (Diploglossus, family Anguidae) of large, harmless lizards found in marshes in the West Indies and Central America 2 a Caribbean lizard fish (Synodus foetens) [< ?]