Fomalhaut (fou´mэl höt', -mэl out') the brightest star in the constellation Piscis Austrinus, with a magnitude of 1.2 [Fr < Ar fum al-hūt, lit., mouth of the fish]
foment (fou ment´) •vt. 1 to treat with warm water, medicated lotions, etc. 2 to stir up (trouble); instigate; incite {to foment a riot} SYN. INCITE [ME fomenten < OFr fomenter < LL fomentare < L fomentum, poultice < fovere, to keep warm < IE *dhogwh- < base *dhegwh-, to burn > Sans dáhati, (it) burns, MIr daig, fire]
fomentation (fou men tei´shэn, -mэn-) •n. 1 treatment of bodily pain or injury by the application of warm, moist substances 2 a lotion, compress, etc. so applied 3 a stirring up of trouble; incitement [ME fomentacioun < LL fomentatio < L fomentum: see FOMENT]
fond¹ (fänd) •adj. 1 [Now Rare] foolish, esp. foolishly naive or hopeful 2 tender and affectionate; loving; sometimes, affectionate in a foolish or overly indulgent way 3 cherished with great or unreasoning affection; doted on {a fond hope} fond of having a liking for [ME, contr. of fonned, foolish, pp. of fonnen, to be foolish]
fond² (fänd; Fr fouñ) •n. 1 foundation; basis; background 2 [Obs.] supply; fund [Fr: see FUND]
fondant (fän´dэnt; Fr fouñ däñ´) •n. a soft, creamy confection made of sugar, water, and cream of tartar, used as an icing and a candy, and esp. as a filling for other candies [Fr < prp. of fondre, to melt: see FOUND³]
fondle (fän´dэl) -dled, -dling •vt. 1 to stroke or handle in a tender and loving way; caress 2 to touch or stroke, often inappropriately, in making sexual advances 3 [Obs.] to pamper SYN. CARESS fon´dler •n. [freq. of obs. v. fond < FOND¹]
fondly (fänd´li:) •adv. 1 with simple trust; naively 2 lovingly 3 [Archaic] foolishly [ME: see FOND¹ & -LY²]
fondness (fänd´nis) •n. 1 tender or doting affection 2 an inclination; taste 3 [Archaic] foolishness
fondue or fondu (fän du:´, fän´du:'; Fr fouñ dü´) •n. 1 a dish made by melting cheese in wine, with a little brandy and seasoning added, used as a dip for cubes of bread 2 any of various other dishes, as one in which cubes of meat are dipped in simmering oil until cooked 3 cheese soufflé with bread crumbs [Fr < pp. of fondre, to melt: see FOUND³]
fons et origo (fänz´ et ou rai´gou') source and origin [L]
Fonseca (fôn sei´kä), Gulf of inlet of the Pacific in W Central America
font¹ (fänt) •n. 1 a) a large basin, now typically supported by a pedestal, for holding water to be used in baptizing b) an open container, as at a church entrance, for holding holy water 2 [Archaic] a fountain or spring 3 a source or origin font´al •adj. [ME < OE < L fons (gen. fontis), spring, FOUNTAIN]
font² (fänt) •n. Printing a complete assortment of type in one size and style [Fr fonte < fondre, to cast, FOUND³]
Fontainebleau (fouñ ten blou´; E fän´tªn blou', -blu:') town in N France, near Paris: site of a palace of former kings of France: pop. 21,000
Fontana (fän tæn´э) city in SW Calif.: pop. 88,000 [< ?]
fontanel or fontanelle (fän'tэ nel´, fänt'ªnэl´) •n. 1 orig., an opening in the body for the discharge of secretions 2 any of the soft, boneless areas in the skull of a baby or young animal, which are later closed up by the formation of bone [ME fontinel, a hollow, pit (of the body) < OFr fontanele, dim. of fontaine, FOUNTAIN]
Fontanne (fän tæn´), Lynn c. 1887-1983; U.S. actress: wife of Alfred Lunt
Fonteyn (fän tein´), Dame Margot (born Margaret Hookham) 1919-91; Eng. ballerina
fontina (fän ti:´nэ) •n. [also F-] a pale, semisoft to hard Italian cheese, made, esp. originally, of ewe's milk [It]
foo dog (fu:) 1 a fierce-looking dog with a lion's mane, used as a motif in Oriental art 2 a figurine or statue in the form of this dog
Foochow (fu:´chau´; Chin fu:´jou´) old form of FUZHOU
food (fu:d) •n. 1 any substance taken into and assimilated by a plant or animal to keep it alive and enable it to grow and repair tissue; nourishment; nutriment 2 solid substances of this sort: distinguished from DRINK 3 a specified kind of food 4 anything that nourishes or stimulates; whatever helps something to keep active, grow, etc. {food for thought} •adj. 1 of or relating to food 2 used as food {a food fish} SYN.—food is the general term for all matter that is taken into the body for nourishment; fare refers to the range of foods eaten by a particular organism or available at a particular time and place [the fare of horses, a bill of fare]; victuals (see VICTUAL, n. 2) is a dialectal or colloquial word for human fare or diet; provisions (see PROVISION, n. 2b), in this connection, refers to a stock of food assembled in advance [provisions for the hike]; ration refers to a fixed allowance or allotment of food [the weekly ration] and in the plural (rations) to food in general [how are the rations in this outfit?] [ME fode < OE foda < IE pāt-, to feed, eat < base *pā-, to pasture cattle > L pastor, pabulum, pascere, to feed, panis, bread]
food chain Ecol. a sequence (as grass, rabbit, fox) of organisms in a community in which each member feeds on the one below it
food court an area, as in an enclosed shopping center, with fast-food stalls surrounding tables and chairs for common use
food cycle Ecol. all the individual food chains in a community Also food web
food poisoning 1 the sickness resulting from eating food contaminated either by bacterial toxins or by certain bacteria, esp. salmonella, often causing vomiting, diarrhea, and prostration 2 poisoning resulting from naturally poisonous foods, as certain mushrooms, or from chemical contaminants in food
food processor an electrical appliance that can mix, blend, purée, slice, grate, chop, etc. foods rapidly
food stamp any of the Federal coupons given to qualifying low-income persons for use in buying food
foodie (-i:) •n. [Slang] a person having an enthusiastic interest in the preparation and consumption of fine foods, esp. in restaurants
foodstuff (fu:d´stûf') •n. any substance used as food
foofaraw (fu:´fэ rö') •n. [Slang] 1 unnecessary things added for show; frills 2 stir or fuss over something trivial [altered < Fr fanfaron, a swaggering < Sp fanfarrón: see FANFARONADE]
fool hen SPRUCE GROUSE
fool¹ (fu:l) •n. 1 a) a person with little or no judgment, common sense, wisdom, etc.; silly or stupid person; simpleton b) [Obs.] a mentally retarded person 2 a man formerly kept in the household of a nobleman or king to entertain by joking and clowning; professional jester 3 a victim of a joke or trick; dupe 4 [Slang] a person especially devoted to or skilled in some activity {a dancing fool} •adj. [Colloq.] foolish •vi. 1 to act like a fool; be silly 2 to speak, act, etc. in jest; joke 3 [Colloq.] to trifle or meddle (with) •vt. to make a fool of; trick; deceive; dupe be no (or nobody's) fool to be shrewd and capable Æ fool around [Colloq.] 1 to spend time in trifling or pointless activity 2 to trifle or meddle 3 to engage in casual sexual activity fool away [Colloq.] to fritter away foolishly play the fool to act like a fool; do silly things; clown [ME fol < OFr (Fr fou) < LL follis < L, windbag, bellows: see FOLLICLE]
fool² (fu:l) •n. [Brit.] crushed stewed fruit mixed with cream, esp. whipped cream [Early ModE < ? prec.]
foolery (fu:l´эr i:) pl. -er·ies •n. foolish behavior or a foolish action
foolhardy (fu:l´här'di:) -di·er, -di·est •adj. bold or daring in a foolish way; rash; reckless fool´har'di·ly •adv. fool´har'di·ness •n. [ME folhardi < OFr fol hardi < fol, FOOL¹ + hardi: see HARDY¹]
foolish (fu:l´ish) •adj. 1 without good sense; silly; unwise 2 a) ridiculous; absurd b) abashed; embarrassed 3 [Archaic] humble SYN. ABSURD fool´ish·ly •adv. fool´ish·ness •n. [ME folish]
foolproof (fu:l´pru:f') •adj. so simple, well-designed, or indestructible as not to be mishandled, damaged, misunderstood, etc. even by a fool
fool's cap a cap, usually with bells, formerly worn by a court fool or jester
fool's errand a foolish, fruitless task or undertaking
fool's gold iron pyrites (native iron sulfide) or copper pyrites (native copper-iron sulfide), resembling gold in color
fool's paradise a state of deceptive happiness, based on illusions
foolscap (fu:lz´kæp') •n. 1 any of various sizes of writing paper; esp., in the U.S., a size measuring 13 by 16 inches 2 FOOL'S CAP Etymology [so called from the former watermark, a fool's head and cap]
fool's-parsley (-pärs´li:) •n. a poisonous, foul-smelling European weed (Aethusa cynapium) of the umbel family Also fool's parsley
foot (fut) pl. feet •n. 1 the end part of the leg, on which a person or animal stands or moves 2 a thing like a foot in some way; specif., a) the part that a thing stands on; base b) the lowest part; bottom {the foot of a page} c) the last of a series {go to the foot of the line} d) the part of a sewing machine that holds the cloth steady e) the part of the body of a mollusk that is normally muscular and ventrally located, used for attachment, burrowing, locomotion, or, as in cephalopods, serving as the basis for the arms, tentacles, eyes, and mouth 3 the end of a bed, grave, etc. toward which the feet are directed 4 the end opposite to the end designated the head {at the foot of the table} 5 the part of a stocking, boot, etc. that covers the foot 6 pl. feet (fi:t) sometimes, after a number, foot a unit of linear measure equal to 12 inches or ¹/3 yard (.3048 meter): symbol, ' (e.g., 10'): abbrev. ft 7 [with pl. v.] [Brit.] foot soldiers; infantry 8 pl. foots the sediment in a liquid: usually used in pl. 9 a group of syllables serving as a unit of meter in verse; esp., such a unit having a specified placement of the stressed syllable or syllables •vi. 1 a) to dance b) to go on foot (now rare exc. in phr. foot it: see below) 2 to move ahead, esp. with speed: said of a sailboat •vt. 1 to walk, dance, or run on, over, or through; tread 2 to make or repair the foot of (a stocking, etc.) 3 to add (a column of figures) and set down a total: often with up Æ 4 [Colloq.] to pay (costs, expenses, etc.) {to foot the bill} foot it [Colloq.] to dance, walk, or run of foot in walking or running {swift of foot} on foot 1 walking or running 2 going on; in process on the wrong foot in an inept or unfavorable way at the very beginning put one's best foot forward [Colloq.] 1 to do the best that one can 2 to try to appear at one's best put one's foot down [Colloq.] to be firm; act decisively put one's foot in it (or in one's mouth) [Colloq.] to make an embarrassing or troublesome blunder under foot 1 on the surface of the ground; on the floor, etc. 2 in the way USAGE—For phrases using feet, see feet [ME fot < OE, akin to Ger fuss < IE *pōd-, var. of base *pēd-, foot, to go > Sans pad-, Gr pous, L pes]
foot brake a brake, as on a bicycle, worked by pressure of the foot
foot fault Tennis a rule violation consisting of failure to keep both feet behind the base line, or to keep at least one foot on the ground, when serving
foot rot Æ 1 an infection which causes rotting of the stem base and crown of a plant, caused by various microorganisms 2 a disease of cattle and sheep caused by a bacterium (Sphaerophorus necrophorus) and characterized by necrosis of the tissue in and around the hoofs
foot soldier a soldier who moves and fights largely on foot; infantryman
footage (fut´ij) •n. Æ 1 the length expressed in feet: said esp. of movie film 2 a length of film that has been shot [prec. + -AGE]
foot-and-mouth disease (fut´ªn mauθ´) an acute, highly contagious viral disease of cloven-footed animals, characterized by fever and by blisters in the mouth and around the hoofs; hoof-and-mouth disease: it is sometimes transmitted to humans
football (fut´böl') •n. 1 any of several games played with an inflated leather ball by two teams on a field with goals at each end, the object being to get the ball across the opponents' goal: in association football, or soccer, the form most closely related to the original, the players are not allowed to use their hands or arms in advancing the ball, which is propelled chiefly by kicking; in Rugby, a form popular in England, the players may kick, throw, or run with the ball, but are not permitted to be in front of it while it is being carried or kicked by a teammate; in U.S. & Canadian football, the elaborated form developed from Rugby, the players may run ahead of the ball variously for interference, forward passes, etc. 2 a) the oval, inflated ball used in playing U.S., Canadian, or Rugby football b) the round, inflated ball used in playing soccer 3 any issue, problem, etc. that is passed about or shunted from one group to another {a political football} [ME foteballe]
footboard (-börd') •n. 1 a board or small platform for supporting the feet or for standing on 2 a vertical piece across the foot of a bed
footboy (-boi') •n. a young manservant or page [see FOOTMAN]
footbridge (-brij') •n. a bridge for pedestrians
foot-candle (fut´kæn'dэl) •n. a unit for measuring illumination: it is equal to the amount of direct light thrown by a source of one candela on a square foot of surface every part of which is one foot away from the source and facing directly toward the source
footcloth (fut´klöθ') pl. -cloths' (-klöðz') •n. 1 orig., a low-hanging, ornamental cloth over a horse's back 2 [Now Rare] a carpet or rug
footed (fut´id) •adj. 1 having a foot or feet {a footed goblet} 2 having feet of a specified number or kind: used in hyphenated compounds {four-footed}
footer (fut´эr) •n. FOOTING (n. 6)
-footer (fut´эr) combining form a person or thing (a specified number of) feet tall, high, long, etc. Used in hyphenated compounds [six-footer]
footfall (fut´föl') •n. the sound of a footstep
footgear (fut´gir') •n. covering for the feet; shoes, boots, etc.
foothill (-hil') •n. a low hill at or near the foot of a mountain or mountain range
foothold (-hould') •n. 1 a place to put a foot down securely, as in climbing 2 a secure position from which it is difficult to be dislodged
footie (fut´i:) •n. FOOTSIE
footing (fut´iŋ) •n. 1 [Now Rare] a moving on the feet; walking, dancing, etc. 2 a secure placing of the feet {to lose one's footing} 3 a) the condition of a surface with regard to its suitability, for walking, running, etc. {poor footing following the rain} b) a secure place to put the feet; foothold 4 a) a position or basis {the business is on a sound footing} b) a basis for relationship {a friendly footing, an equal footing} 5 a) the adding of a column of figures b) the sum obtained 6 Archit. the projecting base or enlarged foundation put under a column, wall, etc. to spread its weight and prevent settling [ME fotinge: see FOOT & -ING]
footle (fu:t´ªl, fut´ªl) -tled, -tling •vi. [Colloq., Chiefly Brit.] to act or talk foolishly •n. [Colloq., Chiefly Brit.] foolishness; nonsense; twaddle [altered (prob. after FUTILE) < dial. footer, to trifle < Fr foutre, orig., to copulate with < L futuere < IE *bhaut- < base *bhau- > BEAT]
footless (fut´lis) •adj. 1 without a foot or feet 2 not supported; without basis or substance 3 [Colloq.] not skillful or efficient; clumsy; inept foot´less·ly •adv. foot´less·ness •n. [ME fotles]
footlights (fut´laits') •n.pl. a row of lights along the front of a stage at the actors' foot level, formerly common in stage lighting the footlights the theater, or acting as a profession
footling (fu:t´liŋ, fut´-) •adj. [Colloq.] silly and unimportant; trivial; trifling [prp. of FOOTLE]
footlocker (fut´läk'эr) •n. a small trunk for personal belongings, usually kept at the foot of the bed of a soldier or camper
footloose (fut´lu:s') •adj. free to go wherever one likes or to do as one likes
footman (fut´mэn) pl. -men (-mэn) •n. 1 a male servant who assists the butler in a large household 2 [Archaic] a foot soldier; infantryman [orig., a man who ran on foot beside his master's horse or carriage]
footmark (fut´märk') •n. var. of FOOTPRINT
footnote (fut´nout') •n. 1 a note of comment or reference at the bottom of a page 2 ENDNOTE 3 an additional comment, remark, etc. •vt. -not'ed, -not'ing to add a footnote or footnotes to
footpace (fut´peis') •n. 1 a normal walking pace 2 a raised platform
footpad (-pæd') •n. a highwayman who traveled on foot [see PAD4]
footpath (-pæθ') •n. a narrow path for use by pedestrians only
foot-pound (fut´paund') •n. a unit of energy, equal to the amount of energy required to raise a weight of one pound a distance of one foot
foot-poundal (fut´paun'dэl) •n. a unit of work, equal to the work done when a mass of one pound, accelerating at the rate of one foot per second per second, has moved a distance of one foot
foot-pound-second (fut´paund´sek´эnd) •adj. designating or of the British, Canadian, and U.S. system of measurement in which the foot, pound, and second are used as the units of length, mass, and time, respectively
footprint (fut´print') •n. 1 an impression or mark made by a foot or shoe, as in sand 2 an area, or its shape, which something affects, occupies, etc., as the space taken up by a computer, the coverage pattern of a communications satellite, etc.
footrace (-reis') •n. a race between runners on foot foot´rac'ing •n.
footrest (-rest') •n. a support to rest the feet on
footrope (-roup') •n. 1 the part of a boltrope sewn into the lower edge of the sail 2 a piece of wire rope supported beneath a yard, upon which sailors stand when furling or reefing sail
footsie (fut´si:) •n. the foot: a child's term play footsie (with) [Colloq.] 1 to touch feet or rub knees (with) in a caressing way, as under the table 2 to flirt (with) or have surreptitious, usually underhanded dealings (with)
footslog (fut´släg') -slogged', -slog'ging •vi. to march or plod through or as through mud foot´slog'ger •n.
footsore (fut´sör') •adj. having sore or tender feet, as from much walking
footstalk (-stök') •n. the stalk of a flower or leaf; pedicel
footstall (-stöl') •n. the pedestal or base of a column
footstep (fut´step') •n. 1 a person's step 2 the distance covered in a step 3 the sound of a step; footfall 4 a footprint 5 a step in a stairway follow in someone's footsteps to follow someone's example, vocation, etc.; be or try to be like some predecessor
footstock (fut´stäk') •n. TAILSTOCK
footstone (fut´stoun') •n. a stone put at the foot of a grave
footstool (fut´stu:l') •n. a low stool for supporting the feet of a seated person
footsy (fut´si:) pl. foot´sies •n. alt. sp. of FOOTSIE
foot-ton (fut´tûn') •n. a unit of energy, equal to the amount of energy required to raise a weight of one long ton a distance of one foot; 2,240 foot-pounds
footwall (fut´wöl') •n. the side beneath an inclined fault, vein, lode, or other type of ore body
footway (fut´wei') •n. FOOTPATH
footwear (fut´wer') •n. foot coverings, as shoes, boots, slippers, etc.
footwork (fut´wørk') •n. the act or manner of moving or using the feet, as in walking, boxing, dancing, etc.
footworn (-wörn') •adj. 1 having tired feet, as from much walking 2 worn down by feet {footworn stairs}
footy¹ (fu:t´i:, fut´i:) •adj. [Dial.] of little or no importance; paltry; mean [altered (as if < FOOT + -Y³) < Fr foutu, wretched, orig. pp. of foutre, to copulate: see FOOTLE]
footy² (fut´i:) pl. foot´ies •n. var. of FOOTSIE
foozle (fu:´zэl) -zled, -zling •vt., vi. to make or do (something) awkwardly; esp., to bungle (a stroke in golf) •n. an act of foozling; esp., a bad stroke in golf foo´zler •n. [< Ger fuseln, to bungle]
FOP Fraternal Order of Police fop (fäp) •n. 1 orig., a foolish person 2 a vain, affected man who pays too much attention to his clothes, appearance, etc.; dandy fop´pish •adj. fop´pish·ly •adv. fop´pish·ness •n. [ME foppe, a fool, prob. akin to FOB²]
foppery (fäp´эr i:) •n. 1 the actions, dress, etc. of a fop 2 pl. -per·ies something foppish
for abbrev. 1 foreign 2 forestry for (för; unstressed fэr) •prep. 1 in place of; instead of {to use blankets for coats} 2 as the representative of; in the interest of {to act for another} 3 in defense of; in favor of {to fight for a cause, to vote for a levy} 4 in honor of {to give a banquet for someone} 5 with the aim or purpose of {to carry a gun for protection} 6 with the purpose of going to {to leave for home} 7 in order to be, become, get, have, keep, etc. {to walk for exercise, to fight for one's life} 8 in search of {to look for a lost article} 9 meant to be received by a specified person or thing, or to be used in a specified way {flowers for a girl, money for paying bills} 10 suitable to; appropriate to {a room for sleeping} 11 with regard to; as regards; concerning {a need for improvement, an ear for music} 12 as being {to know for a fact} 13 considering the nature of; as concerns {cool for July, clever for a child} 14 because of; as a result of {to cry for pain} 15 in proportion to; corresponding to {two dollars spent for every dollar earned} 16 to the amount of; equal to [a bill for $50]: when preceded and followed by the same noun, for indicates equality between things compared or contrasted (Ex.: dollar for dollar) 17 at the price or payment of {sold for $20,000} 18 to the length, duration, or extent of; throughout; through {to walk for an hour} 19 at (a specified time) {a date for two o'clock} 20 [Obs.] before conj. because; seeing that; since: more formal than because and used to introduce evidence or explanation for an immediately preceding statement {comfort him, for he is sad} for all in spite of; notwithstanding {stupid for all her learning} for someone (or something) to that a person (or thing) will, should, must, etc. {to write an order for the grocer to fill} O! for I wish that I had [ME < OE, akin to Ger für & Du ver- < IE base *per- > L per-, pro-, prae-, Gr pro, Sans pári]
for- (för, fэr) prefix 1 away, apart, off {forbid, forget, forgo} 2 very much, intensely {forlorn} A prefix of Old and Middle English much of whose original force is now obscured [ME < OE, replacing fer-, fær- (akin to Ger ver- < IE base *per-, as in prec.) & < OFr for- (as in FORFEIT) < L foris, beyond, from without]
fora (för´э) •n. alt. pl. of FORUM
forage (för´ij, fär´-) •n. 1 food for domestic animals; fodder 2 a search for food or provisions •vi. -aged, -ag·ing [Fr fourrager < the n.] 1 to search for food or provisions 2 to search for what one needs or wants •vt. 1 a) to get or take food or provisions from b) [Now Rare] to ravage; plunder 2 to provide with forage; feed 3 to get by foraging for´ag·er •n. [ME < OFr fourage < forre, fuerre, fodder < Frank *fodr, food, akin to OE fodor, FODDER]
forage acre a measure of the vegetation available for grazing on a range or pasture, equal to the total area multiplied by the percentage of surface covered by usable vegetation (Ex.: 10 acres X 30% coverage = 3 forage acres)
Foraker (för´э kэr), Mount mountain in the Alaska Range, SC Alas.: 17,395 ft. (5,300 m) [after J. B. Foraker (1846-1917), prominent politician]
foramen (fou rei´mэn, fэ-) pl. -ram´i·na (-ræm´э nэ) •n.or -ra´mens a small opening or perforation, esp. in a bone or in a plant ovule fo·ram´i·nal (-ræm´i nэl) or fo·ram´i·nate (-nit) •adj. [L, a hole < forare, BORE]
foramen magnum (mæg´nэm) the opening at the base of the skull where the spinal cord merges with the medulla oblongata [ModL, large opening]
foraminifer (för'э min´i fэr) pl. fo·ram·i·nif·er·a (fэ ræm'э nif´эr э) •n. any of an order (Foraminiferida) of marine protozoans with calcareous shells full of tiny holes through which slender filaments project: they form the main component of chalk and many deep-sea oozes fo·ram'i·nif´er·al or fo·ram'i·nif´er·ous •adj. [< L foramen (gen. foraminis): see FORAMEN & -FER]
forasmuch (för'æz mûch´, -эz-) conj. inasmuch (as)
foray (för´ei) •vt., vi. to raid for spoils; plunder; pillage •n. a sudden attack or raid in order to seize or steal things [ME forrai] [ME forraien, prob. back-form. < forreier, forager < OFr forrier < forrer, to forage < forre: see FORAGE]
forb (förb) •n. a broad-leaved herbaceous plant, as distinguished from the grasses, sedges, shrubs, and trees [Gr phorbē, fodder < pherbein, to feed, graze]
forbade or forbad (fэr bæd´, för-) •vt. pt. of FORBID
forbear¹ (för ber´) -bore´ or -bare´, -borne´, -bear´ing •vt. 1 to refrain from; avoid or cease (doing, saying, etc.) 2 [Now Chiefly Dial.] to endure; tolerate •vi. 1 to refrain or abstain 2 to keep oneself in check; control oneself under provocation SYN. REFRAIN¹ for·bear´er •n. for·bear´ing·ly •adv. [ME forberen < OE forberan: see FOR- & BEAR¹]
forbear² (för´ber') •n. alt. sp. of FOREBEAR
forbearance (för ber´эns) •n. 1 the act of forbearing 2 the quality of being forbearing; self-control; patient restraint 3 Law the act by which a creditor extends time for payment of a debt or forgoes for a time the right to enforce legal action on the debt SYN. PATIENCE
forbid (fэr bid´, för-) -bade´ or -bad´, -bid´den or -bid´, for·bid´ding •vt. 1 to rule against; not permit; prohibit 2 to command to stay away from; exclude or bar from 3 to make impossible; prevent SYN.—forbid is the basic, direct word meaning to command a person to refrain from some action; prohibit implies a forbidding by law or official decree; interdict implies legal or ecclesiastical prohibition, usually for a limited time, as an exemplary punishment or to forestall unfavorable developments; enjoin implies a legal order from a court prohibiting (or ordering) a given action, under penalty; ban implies legal or ecclesiastical prohibition with an added connotation of strong condemnation or censure —ANT. permit, allow [ME forbeden < OE forbeodan: see FOR- & BID¹]
forbiddance (-bid´ªns) •n. the act of forbidding; prohibition
forbidden (-bid´ªn) •adj. not permitted; prohibited
forbidden fruit 1 the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and bad, forbidden to Adam and Eve: Gen. 2:17; 3:3 2 any sinful or forbidden pleasure
forbidding (fэr bid´iŋ, för-) •adj. looking dangerous, threatening, or disagreeable; repellent for·bid´ding·ly •adv.
forbore (för bör´) •vt., vi. pt. of FORBEAR¹
forborne (-börn´) •vt., vi. pp. of FORBEAR¹
forby or forbye (för bai´) •prep., adv. [Chiefly Scot.] besides [ME forbi (see FOR- & BY), akin to Ger vorbei]
force (förs, fours) •n. 1 strength; energy; vigor; power 2 the intensity of power; impetus {the force of a blow} 3 a) physical power or strength exerted against a person or thing {to use force in opening a door} b) the use of physical power to overcome or restrain a person; physical coercion; violence {to resort to force in dispersing a mob} 4 the power of a person to act effectively and vigorously; moral or intellectual strength {force of character} 5 a) the power to control, persuade, influence, etc.; effectiveness {the force of circumstances, an argument lacking force} b) a person, thing, or group having a certain influence, power, etc. {a force for good} 6 the real or precise meaning; basic point {to miss the force of something said} 7 a) military, naval, or air power b) the collective armed strength, as of a nation c) any organized group of soldiers, sailors, etc. 8 any group of people organized for some activity {a sales force, a police force} 9 Law binding power; validity 10 Physics the cause, or agent, that puts an object at rest into motion or alters the motion of a moving object •vt. forced, forc´ing [ME forcen < OFr forcer < VL *fortiare < *fortia, *forcia: see the n.] 1 to cause to do something by or as if by force; compel 2 to rape (a woman) 3 a) to break open, into, or through by force {to force a lock} b) to make (a way, etc.) by force c) to overpower or capture by breaking into, through, etc. {to force the enemy's stronghold} 4 to get or take by force; wrest; extort {forcing the gun from his hand} 5 to drive by or as by force; cause to move against resistance; impel {to force an article into a filled box} 6 to impose by or as by force: with on or upon {to force one's attentions on another} 7 to effect or produce by or as by force; produce by unusual or unnatural effort {to force a smile} 8 to exert beyond the natural limits or capacity; strain {to force one's voice} 9 to cause (plants, fruit, etc.) to develop or grow faster by artificial means 10 [Obs.] a) to give or add force to b) to put in force Æ 11 Baseball a) to cause (a base runner) to be put out by a force-out (said of a batter) b) to cause (a runner) to score or (a run) to be scored by walking the batter with the bases full (often with in) 12 a) Card Games to cause (an opponent) to play (a particular card) b) Bridge to make a bid that requires (one's partner) to bid in response in force 1 in full strength; in full number 2 in effect; operative; valid force´a·ble •adj. force´less •adj. forc´er •n. SYN.—force implies the exertion of power in causing a person or thing to act, move, or comply against his or its resistance and may refer to physical strength or to any impelling motive [circumstances forced him to lie]; compel implies a driving irresistibly to some action, condition, etc.; to coerce is to compel submission or obedience by the use of superior power, intimidation, threats, etc.; constrain implies the operation of a restricting force and therefore suggests a strained, repressed, or unnatural quality in that which results [a constrained laugh] see also STRENGTH [ME < OFr < VL *fortia, *forcia < L fortis, strong: see FORT]
force majeure (fôřs må zhëř´) superior power [Fr]
force pump a pump with a valveless plunger for forcing a liquid through a pipe, esp. for sending water under pressure to a considerable height
forced (först) •adj. 1 done or brought about by force; not voluntary; compulsory {forced labor} 2 produced or kept up by unusual effort; not natural or spontaneous; strained or constrained {a forced smile} 3 due to necessity or emergency {a forced landing} 4 at a pace faster than usual {a forced march} forc·ed·ly (förs´id li:) •adv.
force-feed (förs´fi:d') -fed', -feed'ing •vt. to feed by force, esp. by means of a tube passing down the throat to the stomach
forceful (förs´fэl) •adj. full of force; powerful, vigorous, effective, cogent, etc. force´ful·ly •adv. force´ful·ness •n.
forcemeat (förs´mi:t') •n. meat or fish chopped up and seasoned, usually for stuffing [altered < farce meat < FARCE, vt.]
force-out (förs´aut') •n. Baseball an out that results when a base runner who has been forced from a base when a teammate hits the ball fails to reach the next base before the ball does
forceps (för´seps', -sэps) pl. -ceps' •n. tongs or pincers for grasping, compressing, and pulling, used esp. by surgeons and dentists [L, orig., smith's tongs < formus, WARM + capere, to take: see HAVE]
forcible (för´sэ bэl) •adj. 1 done or effected by force; involving the use of force 2 having force; forceful for´ci·ble·ness •n. for´ci·bly •adv. [ME < OFr]
Ford (förd) 1 Ford Ma·dox (mæd´эks) (born Ford Madox Hueffer) 1873-1939; Eng. writer & editor 2 Gerald R(udolph), Jr. (born Leslie Lynch King, Jr.) 1913- ; 38th president of the U.S. (1974-77) 3 Henry 1863-1947; U.S. automobile manufacturer 4 John 1586-c. 1639; Eng. dramatist 5 John (born Sean O'Feeney) 1895-1973; U.S. motion-picture director ford (förd) •n. a shallow place in a stream, river, etc., where one can cross by wading or by riding on horseback, in an automobile, etc. •vt. to cross at a ford ford´a·ble •adj. [ME < OE, akin to Ger furt < IE prtu, passage < base *per-, to transport > FARE, L portus, Goth *faran] ford (förd) •n. a shallow place in a stream, river, etc., where one can cross by wading or by riding on horseback, in an automobile, etc. •vt. to cross at a ford ford´a·ble •adj. [ME < OE, akin to Ger furt < IE prtu, passage < base *per-, to transport > FARE, L portus, Goth *faran]
fordo (för du:´) -did´, -done´, -do´ing •vt. [Archaic] 1 to destroy, kill, ruin, etc. 2 to cause to become exhausted: only in the pp. [ME fordon < OE: see FOR- & DO¹]
fore (för, four) •adv. 1 at, in, or toward the bow of a ship: only in FORE AND AFT 2 [Obs.] previously •adj. 1 situated in front or in front of some other thing or part 2 [Obs.] previous; former •n. the thing or part in front •prep. [Obs.] in the sight of; before: used chiefly in oaths •interj. Golf a shout warning those ahead that one is about to hit the ball to the fore 1 to the front; into view; into prominence 2 at hand; available 3 still active; alive [ME < OE fore, foran, akin to Ger vor < IE base *per-, through, throughout, before > FOR, FOR-, L per]
'fore (för, four) •prep. [Old Poet.] before
fore- (för, four) prefix 1 before in time, place, order, or rank {forenoon, foreman} 2 the front part of {forehead} [ME < OE: see FORE]
fore and aft Naut. 1 from the bow to the stern; lengthwise {sails rigged fore and aft} 2 at, in, or toward both the bow and the stern {lifeboats located fore and aft}
fore-and-aft (för´ªn æft´) •adj. Naut. from the bow to the stern; lengthwise or set lengthwise, as sails
fore-and-after (-æf´tэr) •n. a schooner, ketch, or other ship with fore-and-aft rig
forearm¹ (för´ärm') •n. the part of the arm between the elbow and the wrist
forearm² (för ärm´) •vt. to arm in advance; prepare beforehand for a fight or any difficulty
forebear (för´ bэr') •n. an ancestor [< FORE + BE + -ER]
forebearer (-эr) •n. erroneous sp. of FOREBEAR
forebode (för boud´) -bod´ed, -bod´ing •vt., vi. 1 to indicate beforehand; portend; foretell; predict (esp. something bad or harmful) 2 to have a presentiment of (something bad or harmful) fore·bod´er •n. [OE forebodian: see FORE- & BODE]
foreboding (för boud´iŋ, för´boud'-) •n. a prediction, portent, or presentiment, esp. of something bad or harmful •adj. characterized by foreboding fore·bod´ing·ly •adv. [OE forebodung]
forebrain (för´brein') •n. 1 the front part of the three primary divisions of the brain of a vertebrate embryo 2 the part of the fully developed brain evolved from this, consisting of the diencephalon and the telencephalon
forecast (för´kæst'; for v., also för kæst´) -cast' or -cast'ed, -cast'ing •vt. 1 [Archaic] to foresee 2 to estimate or calculate in advance; predict or seek to predict (weather, business conditions, etc.) 3 to serve as a prediction or prophecy of •vi. to make a forecast •n. 1 [Archaic] foresight; forethought 2 a prediction, as of weather conditions fore´cast'er •n. [ME forecasten < fore (see FORE) + casten, to contrive: see CAST]
forecastle (fouk´sªl, för´kæs'эl) •n. 1 the upper deck of a ship in front of the foremast 2 the front part of a merchant ship, where the crew's quarters are located [FORE + CASTLE: from the foremost of the two castlelike structures on the hull of a medieval vessel]
forecheck (för´chek') •vt. Hockey to check (an opponent) in the area around the opponent's goal, usually in an effort to prevent an offensive play from developing: cf. BACKCHECK
foreclose (för klouz´, för´-) -closed´, -clos´ing •vt. 1 to shut out; exclude; bar 2 to extinguish the right to redeem (a mortgage) by foreclosure 3 to deprive (a mortgagor) of this right by foreclosure 4 to hinder or prevent 5 to claim exclusively •vi. to foreclose a mortgage fore·clos´a·ble •adj. [ME forclosen < OFr forclos, pp. of forclore, to exclude < fors (< L foris: see DOOR), outside + clore (< L claudere), CLOSE³]
foreclosure (för klou´zhэr) •n. the legal procedure for satisfying claims against a mortgagor in default who has not redeemed the mortgage: satisfaction may be obtained from the proceeds of a forced sale of the property
forecourt (för´kört') •n. 1 a court at the front of a building Æ 2 Basketball the half of the court which contains the basket toward which the ball is shot in attempting to score 3 Tennis, Badminton, etc. the part of the court nearest the net
foredeck (-dek') •n. the forepart of a ship's main deck
foredo (för du:´) •vt. alt. sp. of FORDO
foredoom (för du:m´; for n. för´du:m') •vt. to doom in advance; condemn beforehand •n. [Archaic] a sentence or judgment in advance; destiny
forefather (för´fä'ðэr) •n. an ancestor [ME forefader: see FORE- & FATHER]
forefeel (för fi:l´) -felt´, -feel´ing •vt. to feel beforehand; have a premonition of
forefend (för fend´) •vt. alt. sp. of FORFEND
forefinger (för´fiŋ'gэr) •n. the finger nearest the thumb; index finger; first finger [ME]
forefoot (-fut') pl. -feet' •n. 1 either of the front feet of an animal with four or more feet 2 the meeting point of the keel and the stem of a ship [ME forefot]
forefront (-frûnt') •n. 1 the extreme front 2 the position of most activity, importance, etc.
foregather (för gæð´эr) •vi. alt. sp. of FORGATHER
forego¹ (-gou´) -went´, -gone´, -go´ing •vt., vi. to go before in place, time, or degree; precede [ME forgon < OE foregan]
forego² (-gou´) •vt. alt. sp. of FORGO
foregoing (för´gou'iŋ, för gou´-) •adj. previously said, written, etc.; preceding the foregoing 1 the one or ones previously mentioned 2 what has already been said or written
foregone (för gön´, för´gön') •adj. 1 that has gone before; previous; former 2 previously determined or confidently anticipated; also, inevitable or unavoidable: said of a conclusion
foreground (för´graund') •n. 1 the part of a scene, landscape, etc. nearest, or represented in perspective as nearest, to the viewer 2 the most noticeable or conspicuous position Æ vt. to bring to or place in the foreground; emphasize; highlight
foregut (-gût') •n. the front part of the alimentary canal in vertebrate embryos: the duodenum, stomach, esophagus, pharynx, etc. develop from it
forehand (för´hænd') •n. 1 [Archaic] the position in front or above; advantage 2 the part of a horse in front of the rider 3 a kind of stroke, as in tennis, made with the arm extended and the palm of the hand turned forward •adj. 1 [Obs.] done or given earlier 2 foremost; front 3 done or performed as or with a forehand •adv. with a forehand
forehanded (för´hæn´did', -hæn'-) •adj. 1 looking ahead to, or making provision for, the future; thrifty; prudent 2 well-to-do; well-off; prosperous 3 FOREHAND (adj. 3) fore´hand´ed·ly •adv. fore´hand´ed·ness •n.
forehead (för´ed', -hed'; fär´-; -id) •n. 1 the part of the face between the eyebrows and the line where the hair normally begins 2 [Old Poet.] the front part of anything [ME forhed < OE forheafod: see FORE- & HEAD]
foreign (för´in, fär´-) •adj. 1 situated outside one's own country, province, locality, etc. {foreign lands} 2 of, from, or characteristic of another country or countries {foreign languages} 3 having to do with the relations of one country to another country or countries {foreign affairs, foreign trade}: often opposed to DOMESTIC 4 not subject to the laws or jurisdiction of the specified country 5 a) not natural to the person or thing specified; not belonging; not characteristic {a trait foreign to one's nature} b) not pertinent; irrelevant 6 not organically belonging; introduced from outside: said of substances found in parts of the body or in organisms where they do not naturally occur SYN. EXTRINSIC for´eign·ness •n. [ME forein < OFr forein, forain < LL foranus, foreign, orig., external < L foras, out-of-doors, orig. acc. pl. of OL fora, DOOR]
foreign bill (of exchange) a bill of exchange drawn in one state or country and payable in another, as one arising from foreign trade operations
foreign correspondent a journalist who reports news from a foreign country
foreign exchange 1 the transfer of credits to a foreign country to settle debts or accounts between residents of the home country and those of the foreign country 2 foreign bills, currencies, etc. used to settle such accounts
foreign legion 1 a military force composed mainly of volunteers from foreign countries 2 [F- L-] such a French force, orig. based in N Africa
foreign minister a member of a governmental cabinet in charge of foreign affairs for the country
foreign mission 1 a religious, esp. Christian, mission sent by a church to do missionary work esp. in a non-Christian country 2 a group sent on diplomatic or other business to a foreign nation
foreign office in some countries, the office of government in charge of foreign affairs
foreign-born (-börn´) •adj. born in some other country; not native the foreign-born immigrants of a country
foreigner (för´in эr, fär´-) •n. 1 a person from another country, thought of as an outsider; alien 2 any person regarded as an outsider or stranger SYN. ALIEN
foreignism (för´in iz'эm, fär´-) •n. a foreign idiom, mannerism, custom, etc.
forejudge¹ (för jûj´) -judged´, -judg´ing •vt. to consider or decide before knowing the facts; judge beforehand
forejudge² (för jûj´) -judged´, -judg´ing •vt. Law to expel or dispossess by court judgment [ME forjugen < OFr forjugier < fors, outside (< L foris: see FORFEIT) + jugier: see JUDGE]
foreknow (för nou´) -knew´, -known´, -know´ing •vt. to know beforehand fore·know´a·ble •adj.
foreknowledge (för´näl'ij, för näl´ij) •n. knowledge of something before it happens or exists; prescience
forelady (för´lei'di:) pl. -dies •n. a forewoman in charge of a department or group of workers
foreland (för´lэnd) •n. 1 a headland; promontory 2 land in relation to the territory behind it [ME]
foreleg (för´leg') •n. either of the front legs of an animal with four or more legs
forelimb (-lim') •n. a front limb, as an arm, foreleg, wing, or flipper
forelock¹ (-läk') •n. a lock of hair growing just above the forehead
forelock² (-läk') •n. a cotter pin or linchpin •vt. to fasten with such a pin or pins
foreman (för´mэn) pl. -men (-mэn) •n. 1 the chairman and spokesman of a jury 2 a person in charge of a department or group of workers in a factory, mill, etc. fore´man·ship' •n. [orig., foremost man, leader]
foremast (för´mæst', -mэst) •n. the mast nearest the bow of a ship: see MAST¹, illus.
foremost (för´moust'; also, -mэst) •adj. 1 first in place or time 2 first in rank or importance; leading •adv. before all else; first SYN. CHIEF [ME foremeste < OE formest (akin to OFris formest, Goth frumists), superl. of OE forma, itself a superl. of fore (see FORE); later understood and spelled as FORE + MOST]
foremother (för´mûð'эr) •n. a female ancestor
forename (för´neim') •n. a given name; personal name; name before the surname
forenamed (-neimd') •adj. named or mentioned before
forenoon (för´nu:n', för'nu:n´) •n. the time of day from sunrise to noon; morning •adj. of, in, or for the forenoon
forensic (fэ ren´sik) •adj. 1 of, characteristic of, or suitable for a law court, public debate, or formal argumentation 2 specializing in or having to do with the application of scientific, esp. medical, knowledge to legal matters, as in the investigation of crime •n. [pl.] debate or formal argumentation fo·ren´si·cal·ly •adv. [< L forensis, public < forum (see FORUM) + adj. suffix -ensis + -IC]
forensic medicine MEDICAL JURISPRUDENCE
foreordain (för'ör dein´) •vt. to ordain beforehand; predestine fore'or'di·na´tion (-örd 'ªn ei´shэn) •n.
forepart (för´pärt') •n. 1 the first or early part 2 the part in front
forepassed or forepast (förpæst´) •adj. [Rare] past; bygone
forepaw (för´pö') •n. an animal's front paw
forepeak (-pi:k') •n. the part of a ship's interior in the angle of the bow
foreplay (för´plei') •n. mutual sexual stimulation preceding sexual intercourse
forequarter (-kwört'эr) •n. 1 the front half of a side of beef or the like 2 [pl.] the front quarters of a horse or other animal, including the forelegs
forereach (för ri:ch´) •vt. to overtake and pass, esp. in a sailboat •vi. to keep moving forward while heading into the wind: said esp. of a sailing vessel that is coming about
forerun (-rûn´) -ran´, -run´, -run´ning •vt. [Now Rare] 1 to run before; go before; precede 2 to be the precursor of; be a prediction or sign of (a thing to follow); foreshadow 3 to forestall
forerunner (för´rûn'эr, för rûn´эr) •n. 1 a person sent before or going before to announce or prepare the way for another or for something to follow; herald 2 a sign that tells or warns of something to follow; prognostic 3 a) a predecessor b) an ancestor [ME forerenner, after L praecursor]
foresaid (för´sed') •adj. archaic var. of AFORESAID
foresail (för´seil'; naut., -sэl) •n. 1 the lowest sail on the foremast of a square-rigged ship 2 the main triangular sail on the foremast of a schooner 3 a JIB²
foresee (för si:´) -saw´, -seen´, -see´ing •vt. to see beforehand; know beforehand; foreknow fore·see´a·ble •adj. fore·se´er •n. [ME forseyn < OE foreseon]
foreshadow (-shæd´ou) •vt. to be a sign of (something to come); indicate or suggest beforehand; prefigure; presage
foreshank (för´shæŋk') •n. 1 the upper part of the front legs of cattle 2 meat from this part
foresheet (för´shi:t') •n. 1 one of the ropes used to trim a foresail 2 [pl.] the space forward in an open boat
foreshock (-shäk') •n. a minor earthquake preceding a greater one and originating at or near the same place
foreshore (-shör') •n. 1 the part of a shore closest to the water 2 the part of a shore between the high-water mark and low-water mark
foreshorten (för shört´ªn) •vt. 1 Drawing, Painting, etc. to represent some lines of (an object) as shorter than they actually are in order to give the illusion of proper relative size, in accordance with the principles of perspective 2 to present in condensed form; abridge
foreshow (-shou´) -showed´, -shown´ or -showed´, -show´ing •vt. to show or indicate beforehand; foretell; prefigure [ME foreshewen < OE foresceawian]
foreside (för´said') •n. [Now Rare] the front or upper side [ME]
foresight (för´sait') •n. 1 a) the act of foreseeing b) the power to foresee 2 a looking forward 3 thoughtful regard or provision for the future; prudent forethought fore´sight'ed •adj. fore´sight'ed·ly •adv. fore´sight'ed·ness •n. [ME, prob. transl. of L providentia]
foreskin (för´skin') •n. the fold of skin that covers the glans of the penis and is completely or partly removed in circumcision; prepuce
forespeak (för spi:k´) -spoke´ or -spake´, -spok´en or -spoke´, -speak´ing •vt. [Rare] 1 to foretell; prophesy; predict 2 to apply for or demand in advance; bespeak [ME forspeken: see FORE- & SPEAK]
forest (för´ist, fär´-) •n. 1 a thick growth of trees and underbrush covering an extensive tract of land; large woods: often used figuratively 2 [Brit. Historical] any of certain tracts of woodland or wasteland, usually the property of the sovereign, preserved for game •adj. of or in a forest; sylvan •vt. to plant with trees; change into a forest; afforest [ME < OFr (Fr forêt) < ML (silva) forestis, as if (wood) unenclosed (< L foris, out-of-doors), but prob. (wood) under court control (< L forum, court, FORUM)]
forestage (för´steij') •n. the part of a stage in front of the curtain; apron
forestall (för stöl´) •vt. 1 to prevent or hinder by doing something ahead of time 2 to act in advance of; get ahead of; anticipate 3 to interfere with the trading in (a market) by buying up goods in advance, getting sellers to raise prices, etc. 4 [Obs.] a) to intercept b) to obstruct by force SYN. PREVENT fore·stall´er •n. fore·stall´ment •n. [ME forestallen < forestal, ambush < OE foresteall: see FORE & STALL²]
forestation (för'is tei´shэn, fär'-) •n. the planting or care of forests; afforestation
forestay (för´stei') •n. a rope or cable reaching from the head of a ship's foremast to the bowsprit, for supporting the foremast [ME forstay: see FORE- & STAY¹]
forestaysail (för´stei'seil', naut.-sэl) •n. a triangular sail set from the forestay
Forester (för´is tэr, fär´-), C(ecil) S(cott) 1899-1966; Eng. novelist forester (för´is tэr, fär´-) •n. 1 a person trained in forestry 2 a person in charge of a forest or trees 3 a person or animal that lives in a forest 4 any of a family (Agaristidae) of metallic-green or velvety-black moths [ME < OFr forestier < ML forestarius]
forestry (för´is tri:, fär´-) •n. 1 [Rare] wooded land; forest land 2 the science of planting and taking care of forests 3 systematic forest management for the production of timber, conservation, etc.
foretaste (för´teist'; for v. för teist´) •n. a preliminary or first taste; slight experience of something to be enjoyed, endured, etc. in the future; anticipation •vt. -tast´ed, -tast´ing [Rare] to taste beforehand; have a foretaste of [ME fortaste]
foretell (för tel´) -told´, -tell´ing •vt. to tell, announce, or indicate beforehand; prophesy; predict fore·tell´er •n. [ME foretellen, prob. transl. of L praedicere]
forethought (för´θöt') •n. 1 a thinking or planning beforehand; premeditation 2 prudent thought for the future; foresight •adj. planned beforehand [ME: see FORE- & THOUGHT]
forethoughtful (-θöt'fэl) •adj. showing forethought; prudent fore´thought'ful·ly •adv.
foretime (för´taim') •n. the past; former time
foretoken (för´tou'kэn; for v. för tou´kэn) •n. a prophetic sign; omen; prognostic •vt. to be a prophetic sign or omen of; foreshadow [ME foretokne < OE foretacn: see FORE- & TOKEN]
foretold (för tould´) •vt. pt. & pp. of FORETELL
foretooth (för´tu:θ') pl. -teeth' •n. a front tooth; incisor [ME foretoth < OE]
foretop (-täp'; also, for 1 naut., -tэp) •n. 1 a platform at the top of a ship's foremast 2 a horse's (or, formerly, a person's) forelock [ME: see FORE- & TOP¹]
fore-topgallant (för´täp'gæl'эnt'; naut., -tэ gæl'-) •adj. designating or of the mast, sail, yard, etc. just above the fore-topmast
fore-topmast (för´täp'mæst'; naut., -mэst) •n. the section of the foremast just above the bottommost section
fore-topsail (-seil; naut., -sэl) •n. the sail set on the fore-topmast, above the foresail
forever (för ev´эr, fэr-) •adv. 1 for eternity; for always; endlessly 2 at all times; always
forevermore (för ev'эr mör´, fэr-) •adv. for eternity; for always; forever
forewarn (för wörn´) •vt. to warn beforehand
forewent (-went´) •vt., vi. pt. of FOREGO¹
forewing (för´wiŋ') •n. either of the front pair of wings present in most insects and sometimes forming a cover for the hind pair
forewoman (-wum'эn) pl. -wom'en •n. a woman serving as a foreman
foreword (-wørd', -wэrd) •n. an introductory statement to a book, esp. one written by someone other than the book's author SYN. INTRODUCTION [transl. of Ger vorwort < vor, FORE + wort, WORD]
foreworn (för wörn´) •adj. alt. sp. of FORWORN
foreyard (for´yärd') •n. the lowest yard on the foremast, from which the foresail is set
Forfar (för´fэr) old name of ANGUS: also For´far·shire' (-shir')
forfeit (för´fit) •n. 1 something that one loses or has to give up because of some crime, fault, or neglect of duty; specif., a fine or penalty 2 a) a thing taken away as a penalty for making some mistake in a game, and redeemable by a specified action b) [pl.] any game in which such forfeits are taken 3 the act of forfeiting; forfeiture •adj. lost, given up, or taken away as a forfeit •vt. to lose, give up, or be deprived of as a forfeit for some crime, fault, etc. for´feit·a·ble •adj. for´feit·er •n. [ME forfet < OFr forfait, pp. of forfaire, to transgress < ML forisfacere, to do wrong, lit., to do beyond < L foris, foras, out-of-doors, beyond (see FOREIGN) + facere (see FACT)]
forfeiture (för´fэ chэr) •n. 1 the act of forfeiting 2 anything forfeited; penalty or fine
forfend (för fend´) •vt. [Archaic] 1 to forbid 2 to ward off; prevent [ME forfenden: see FOR- & FEND]
forficate (för´fi kit, -keit') •adj. deeply notched or forked, as some birds' tails [< L forfex (gen. forficis), pair of shears + -ATE¹]
forgat (fэr gæt´) •vt., vi. archaic pt. of FORGET
forgather (för gæð´эr) •vi. 1 to come together; meet; assemble 2 to meet by chance; encounter 3 to associate or have friendly social relations (with) [FOR + GATHER, after Du vergaderen]
forgave (fэr geiv´, för-) •vt., vi. pt. of FORGIVE
forge¹ (förj) •n. 1 a furnace for heating metal to be wrought 2 a place where metal is heated and hammered or wrought into shape; smithy 3 a place where wrought iron is made from pig iron or iron ore •vt. forged, forg´ing [ME forgen < OFr forgier < L fabricare, to make < fabrica] 1 to form or shape (metal) with blows or pressure from a hammer, press, or other machine, usually after heating 2 to make (something) by or as by this method; form; shape; produce 3 to make (something false) or imitate (something genuine) for purposes of deception or fraud; esp., to counterfeit (a check, signature, etc.) •vi. 1 to work at a forge 2 to commit forgery [ME < OFr < L fabrica, workshop, fabric < faber, workman < IE base *dhabh-, to join, fit > DAFT]
forge² (förj) forged, forg´ing •vi. 1 to move forward steadily, as if against difficulties 2 to move in a sudden spurt of speed and energy Often with ahead [prob. altered < FORCE]
forger (för´jэr) •n. a person who forges; specif., a) one who tells false stories b) one who forges metal c) one who commits forgery
forgery (för´jэr i:) pl. -ger·ies •n. 1 the act or legal offense of imitating or counterfeiting documents, signatures, works of art, etc. to deceive 2 anything forged 3 [Archaic] invention
forget (fэr get´; also för-) -got´, -got´ten or -got´, -get´ting •vt. 1 to lose (facts, knowledge, etc.) from the mind; fail to recall; be unable to remember 2 to fail to do, bring, etc. as because of carelessness; overlook, omit, or neglect unintentionally {don't forget to write} 3 to overlook, omit, or neglect intentionally {let's forget our differences} •vi. to forget things; be forgetful SYN. NEGLECT Æ forget it! never mind! it doesn't matter! forget oneself 1 to think only of others; be altruistic or unselfish 2 to behave in an improper or unseemly manner for·get´ta·ble •adj. for·get´ter •n. [ME forgeten < OE forgietan (see FOR- & GET): orig. sense, to fail to hold]
forgetful (fэr get´fэl) •adj. 1 apt to forget; having a poor memory 2 heedless or negligent 3 [Old Poet.] causing to forget {forgetful sleep} for·get´ful·ly •adv. for·get´ful·ness •n. [ME]
forget-me-not (fэr get´mi: nät') •n. 1 any of a genus (Myosotis) of marsh plants of the borage family, with clusters of small blue, white, or pink flowers: an emblem of faithfulness and friendship 2 any of a number of other plants related or similar to this
forging (för´jiŋ) •n. 1 something forged; esp., a forged piece of metal 2 the act of one that forges
forgive (fэr giv´; also för-) -gave´, -giv´en, -giv´ing •vt. 1 to give up resentment against or the desire to punish; stop being angry with; pardon 2 to give up all claim to punish or exact penalty for (an offense); overlook 3 to cancel or remit (a debt) •vi. to show forgiveness; be inclined to forgive SYN. ABSOLVE for·giv´a·ble •adj. for·giv´er •n. [ME forgeven < OE forgiefan, forgifan (akin to Ger vergeben): see FOR- & GIVE]
forgiveness (fэr giv´nis) •n. 1 a forgiving or being forgiven; pardon 2 inclination to forgive or pardon
forgiving (fэr giv´iŋ) •adj. that forgives; inclined to forgive for·giv´ing·ly •adv. for·giv´ing·ness •n.
forgo (för gou´) -went´, -gone´, -go´ing •vt. 1 orig., a) to go past b) to overlook; neglect 2 to do without; abstain from; give up SYN. RELINQUISH for·go´er •n. [ME forgon < OE forgan: see FOR- & GO²]
forgot (fэr gät´) •vt., vi. pt. & alt. pp. of FORGET
forgotten (fэr gät´ªn) •vt., vi. alt. pp. of FORGET
forint (för´int) •n. the basic monetary unit of Hungary: see MONEY, table [Hung]
forjudge (för jûj´) -judged´, -judg´ing •vt. FOREJUDGE²
fork (förk) •n. 1 an instrument of greatly varying size with a handle at one end and two or more pointed prongs at the other: forks are variously used as eating utensils and for pitching hay, breaking up soil, etc. 2 something resembling a fork in shape {tuning fork} 3 a division into branches; bifurcation Æ 4 the point where a river, road, etc. is divided into two or more branches, or where branches join to form a river, road, etc. 5 any of these branches •vi. to divide into branches; be bifurcated {where the road forks} •vt. 1 to make into the shape of a fork 2 to pick up, spear, or pitch with a fork 3 Chess to attack (two chessmen) simultaneously with a single chessman Æ fork over (or out or up) [Colloq.] to pay out; hand over fork´ful', pl. -fuls', •n. Etymology [ME forke < OE forca & Anglo-Fr forque (Fr fourche), both < L furca, two-pronged fork]
forkball (-böl') •n. Baseball a breaking pitch made by holding the ball with the middle and index fingers spread apart
forked (förkt) •adj. 1 having a fork or forks; divided into branches; cleft {forked lightning} 2 having prongs: often in hyphenated compounds {five-forked} Also fork´y, fork´i·er, fork´i·est
forked tongue lying or deceitful talk {to speak with a forked tongue} [prob. transl. of AmInd expression]
forklift (förk´lift') •n. 1 a device, usually mounted on a truck, for lifting, stacking, etc. heavy objects: it consists typically of projecting prongs that are slid under the load and then raised or lowered 2 a truck equipped with such a device •vt. to lift or raise (pallets, etc.) in this way
Forlì (fôř li:´) commune in Emilia-Romagna region, NC Italy: pop. 110,000
forlorn (för lörn´; also fэr-) •adj. 1 abandoned or deserted 2 in pitiful condition; wretched; miserable 3 without hope; desperate 4 bereft or deprived (of) for·lorn´ly •adv. for·lorn´ness •n. [ME forloren < OE, pp. of forleosan, to lose utterly: see FOR- & LOSE]
forlorn hope 1 a group of soldiers detached from the main group for a very dangerous mission 2 a desperate undertaking; enterprise with very little chance of success 3 a faint hope [through confusion with HOPE] [altered < Du verloren hoop, lit., lost group < verloren, pp. of verliezen, to lose (akin to prec.) + hoop, a band, group; akin to HEAP]
form (förm) •n. 1 the shape, outline, or configuration of anything; structure as apart from color, material, etc. 2 a) the body or figure of a person or animal b) a model of the human figure, esp. one used to display or fit clothes 3 anything used to give shape to something else; mold; specif., a temporary structure of boards or metal into which concrete is poured to set 4 the particular mode of existence a thing has or takes {water in the form of vapor} 5 a) arrangement; esp., orderly arrangement; way in which parts of a whole are organized; pattern; style (distinguished from CONTENT²) b) a specific arrangement, esp. a conventional one 6 a way of doing something requiring skill; specif., the style or technique of an athlete, esp. when it is the standard or approved one 7 a customary or conventional way of acting or behaving; ceremony; ritual; formality 8 a fixed order of words; formula {the form of a wedding announcement} 9 a printed document with blank spaces to be filled in {an application form} 10 a particular kind, type, species, or variety {man is a form of animal life} 11 a condition of mind or body in regard to mental or physical performances of skill, speed, etc. {in good form for the game} 12 a) RACING FORM b) what is or was to be expected, based on past performances {to react according to form} 13 the lair or hiding place of a hare, etc. 14 a long, wooden bench without a back, as formerly in a schoolroom 15 a grade or class in some private schools and in British secondary schools 16 [Archaic] beauty 17 Gram. any of the different variations in which a word may appear due to changes of inflection, spelling, or pronunciation {am is a form of the verb be} 18 Linguis. LINGUISTIC FORM 19 Philos. the ideal nature or essential character of a thing as distinguished from its material manifestation; specif., in Plato, an IDEA (sense 7) 20 Printing the type, engravings, etc. locked in a frame, or chase, for printing or plating •vt. [ME formen < OFr fourmer < L formare < the n.] 1 to give shape or form to; fashion; make, as in some particular way 2 to mold or shape by training and discipline; train; instruct 3 to develop (habits) 4 to think of; frame in the mind; conceive 5 to come together into; organize into {to form a club} 6 to make up; act as; create out of separate elements; constitute {thirteen States formed the original Union} 7 Gram. a) to build (words) from bases, affixes, etc. b) to construct or make up (a phrase, sentence, etc.) •vi. 1 to be formed; assume shape 2 to come into being; take form 3 to take a definite or specific form or shape good (or bad) form conduct in (or not in) accord with social custom SYN.—form denotes the arrangement of the parts of a thing that gives it its distinctive appearance and is the broadest term here, applying also to abstract concepts; figure is applied to physical form as determined by the bounding lines or surfaces; outline is used of the lines bounding the limits of an object and, in an extended sense, suggests a general plan without detail; shape, although also stressing outline, is usually applied to something that has mass or bulk and may refer to nonphysical concepts; configuration stresses the relative disposition of the inequalities of a surface see also MAKE¹ [ME forme < OFr < L forma, a shape, figure, image < ? (via Etr) Gr morphē]
-form (förm) combining form 1 having the form of; shaped like {dentiform} 2 having (a specified number of) forms {triform} [OFr -forme < L forma, prec.]
form class Linguis. a class made up of words that occur in a distinctive position in constructions and have certain formal features in common, as the form class noun in English, made up of all words to which both the plural and possessive suffixes may be added
form criticism critical analysis of the literary forms of Biblical texts, designed to reconstruct the original oral or written material from which the texts emerged so as to evaluate the authenticity and accuracy of the existing texts
form genus a genus consisting of species superficially resembling each other but probably not closely related in their evolutionary origin
form letter any of a number of standardized, printed or duplicated letters, often with the date, name, and address filled in separately
formal (för´mэl) •adj. 1 of external form or structure, rather than nature or content 2 of the internal form; relating to the intrinsic or essential character or nature 3 of or according to prescribed or fixed customs, rules, ceremonies, etc. {a formal wedding} 4 a) having the appearance of being suitable, correct, etc., but not really so b) stiff in manner; not warm or relaxed 5 a) designed for use or wear at ceremonies, elaborate parties, etc. {formal dress} b) requiring clothes of this kind {a formal dance} 6 done or made in orderly, regular fashion; methodical 7 very regular or orderly in arrangement, pattern, etc.; rigidly symmetrical {a formal garden} 8 done or made according to the forms that make explicit, definite, valid, etc. {a formal contract} 9 designating education in schools, colleges, etc. 10 designating or of the level of language usage characterized by expanded vocabulary, complete syntactic constructions, complex sentences, etc.: distinguished from COLLOQUIAL or INFORMAL •n. 1 a formal dance or ball 2 a woman's evening dress go formal [Colloq.] to go dressed in evening clothes [ME < L formalis < forma, FORM]
formal logic the branch of logic that examines patterns of reasoning to determine which ones necessarily result in valid, or formally correct, conclusions
formaldehyde (för mæl´dэ haid', fэr-) •n. a pungent gas, HCHO, used in solution as a strong disinfectant and preservative, and in the manufacture of synthetic resins, dyes, etc. [FORM(IC) + ALDEHYDE]
Formalin (för´mэ lin) trademark for a solution of formaldehyde in water, varying from 37% to 50% by volume and usually containing some methanol [prec. + -IN¹]
formalism (för´mэl iz'эm) •n. 1 strict or excessive attention to or insistence on outward forms, as in art, or established traditions, as in religion 2 an instance of this for´mal·ist •n., adj. for'mal·is´tic •adj.
formality (för mæl´э ti:) pl. -ties •n. 1 the quality or state of being formal; specif., a) a following or observing of prescribed customs, rules, ceremonies, etc.; propriety b) careful or too careful attention to order, regularity, precision, or conventionality; stiffness 2 a formal or conventional act or requirement; ceremony or form, often without practical meaning SYN. CEREMONY [Fr formalité]
formalize (för´mэ laiz') -ized', -iz'ing •vt. 1 to give definite form to 2 to make formal 3 to make official, valid, etc. by use of an appropriate form {to formalize an agreement} for'mal·i·za´tion •n.
formally (för´mэl i:) •adv. 1 in a formal manner 2 with regard to form [ME formali, formeliche]
formant (för´mэnt) •n. Phonet. any one of the group of frequencies characterizing a given vowel sound [Ger < L formans (gen. formantis), prp. of formare, FORM]
format (för´mæt') •n. 1 the shape, size, binding, typeface, paper, and general makeup or arrangement of a book, magazine, etc. 2 general arrangement or plan, as of a television program 3 a specific arrangement in accordance with which computer data is processed, stored, printed, etc. 4 a particular audio or video recording and playback system, as VHS •vt. -mat'ted, -mat'ting to arrange according to a format [Ger + L formatus, pp. of formare: see FORM]
formate (för´meit') •n. 1 a salt of formic acid containing the monovalent negative radical HCOO 2 an uncharged ester of this acid
formation (för mei´shэn) •n. 1 a forming or being formed 2 a thing formed 3 the way in which something is formed or arranged; structure 4 an arrangement or positioning, as of troops, ships, airplanes in flight, football players, etc. 5 Ecol. the major unit of vegetation usually extending over a large area, as the prairie, deciduous forest, tundra, etc.: see BIOME 6 Geol. a rock unit distinguished from adjacent deposits by some common character, as composition, origin, type of fossil, etc. [ME formacioun < OFr formation < L formatio < pp. of formare: see FORM]
formative (förm´э tiv) •adj. 1 giving or able to give form; helping to shape, develop, or mold {the formative influence of a teacher} 2 of formation or development {a child's formative years} 3 Linguis. serving to form words, as a prefix or suffix •n. Linguis. a bound form, as a prefix or suffix form´a·tive·ly •adv. [OFr formatif < ML formativus < L formatus, pp. of formare: see FORM]
former¹ (för´mэr) •adj. 1 preceding in time; earlier; past {in former times} 2 first mentioned of two: often used absolutely (with the) {Jack and Bill are twins, but the former is taller than the latter}: opposed to LATTER SYN. PREVIOUS [ME formere, compar. of forme, first < OE forma: see FOREMOST]
former² (förm´эr) •n. a person or thing that forms
formerly (för´mэr li:) •adv. at or in a former or earlier time; in the past
formic (för´mik) •adj. 1 of ants 2 designating or of a colorless acid, HCOOH, that is extremely irritating to the skin: it is found in living organisms, as ants, spiders, and nettles, and is prepared commercially for use in dyeing textiles, treating leather, preserving food, etc. [< L formica, an ant < IE *morm-, var. of morwi- > OIr moirb, ON maurr, ant: see PISMIRE]
Formica (för mai´kэ) trademark for a laminated, heat-resistant thermosetting plastic used for table and sink tops, etc. [arbitrary coinage]
formicary (för´mi ker'i:) pl. -car'ies an anthill or ants' nest Also for'mi·car´i·um (-i: эm) •n. pl. -car´i·a (-i: э) •n. [ML formicarium < *formicarius, of ants < L formica, ant: see FORMIC]
formidable (för´mэ dэ bэl) •adj. 1 causing fear or dread 2 hard to handle or overcome 3 awe-inspiring in size, excellence, etc.; strikingly impressive for'mi·da·bil´i·ty or for´mi·da·ble·ness •n. for´mi·da·bly •adv. [ME < OFr < L formidabilis < formidare, to fear, dread < formido, fear < IE *mormo-, to feel horror > Gr mormoros, fear]
formless (förm´lis) •adj. having no definite or regular form or plan; shapeless form´less·ly •adv. form´less·ness •n.
Formosa (för mou´sэ, -zэ) old (Port.) name of TAIWAN For·mo´san •adj., n.
Formosa Strait old name of TAIWAN STRAIT
formula (för´myu: lэ, -myэ-) pl. -las or -lae' (-li:', -lai') •n. 1 a fixed form of words, esp. one that has lost its original meaning or force and is now used only as a conventional or ceremonial expression {Very truly yours is a formula used in letters} 2 a rule or method for doing something, esp. when conventional and used or repeated without thought {a formula for musical comedies} 3 an exact statement of religious faith or doctrine 4 a) directions for preparing a medicine, a paint, a baby's food, etc. b) something prepared from such directions; often specif., a milk preparation for feeding a baby 5 a set of algebraic symbols expressing a mathematical fact, principle, rule, etc. {A = πr² is the formula for determining the area of a circle} 6 Chem. an expression of the composition of a compound (or a radical, etc.) by a combination of symbols and figures to show the constituents: see EMPIRICAL FORMULA, MOLECULAR FORMULA, STRUCTURAL FORMULA •adj. designating or of any of various classes of racing car or motorcycle specially designed to conform to a particular set of specifications governing size, weight, engine displacement, etc. [L, dim. of forma, FORM]
formulaic (för'myu: lei´ik, -myэ-) •adj. consisting of, or made or expressed according to, a formula or formulas
formularize (för´myu: lэr aiz', -myэ-) -ized', -iz'ing •vt. FORMULATE (sense 1) for'mu·lar·i·za´tion (-lэr i zei´shэn, -ai zei´-) •n.
formulary (för´myu: lэr'i:, -myэ-) pl. -lar'ies •n. 1 a collection of fixed or prescribed forms or formulas, as in a book 2 a fixed or prescribed form or formula 3 Pharmacy a list of medicines with their formulas and directions for compounding them •adj. of or like a formula or formulary [Fr formulaire < L formula, FORMULA]
formulate (för´myu: leit', -myэ-) -lat'ed, -lat'ing •vt. 1 to express in or reduce to a formula 2 to express (a theory, plan, etc.) in a systematic way 3 to work out or form in one's mind; devise, develop, contrive, etc. for'mu·la´tion •n. for´mu·la'tor •n.
formulism (för´myu: liz'эm, -myэ-) •n. reliance on or belief in formulas for´mu·list •n. for'mu·lis´tic •adj.
formulize (-laiz') -lized', -liz'ing •vt. var. of FORMULATE (sense 1) for'mu·li·za´tion •n.
formyl (för´mil) •n. the monovalent radical HCO of formic acid [FORM(IC) + -YL]
Fornax (för´næks') a S constellation between Eridanus and Cetus [L, lit., FURNACE]
fornicate¹ (för´ni keit') -cat'ed, -cat'ing •vi. to commit fornication for´ni·ca'tor •n. [< LL(Ec) fornicatus, pp. of fornicari, to fornicate < L fornix (gen. fornicis), a brothel, orig., vault < fornus, an oven, akin to fornax, FURNACE]
fornicate² (för´ªni kit, -keit') •adj. arched or vaulted [L fornicatus < fornix: see FORNICATE1]
fornication (för'ni kei´shэn) •n. 1 Common Law a) voluntary sexual intercourse engaged in by a man, esp. an unmarried man, with an unmarried woman b) voluntary sexual intercourse engaged in by an unmarried person: if the other person is married, the act of the unmarried person is sometimes considered adultery: cf. ADULTERY 2 Bible a) any unlawful sexual intercourse, including adultery b) worship of idols [ME fornicacioun < OFr fornication < LL(Ec) fornicatio < fornicatus: see FORNICATE¹]
fornix (för´niks') pl. for´ni·ces' (-ni si:z') •n. any of several anatomical arches or folds, such as the vault of the pharynx or the upper part of the vagina [ModL < L, an arch]
forsake (för seik´; also fэr-) -sook´, -sak´en, -sak´ing •vt. 1 to give up; renounce (a habit, idea, etc.) 2 to leave; abandon SYN. ABANDON [ME forsaken < OE forsacan, to oppose, forsake < for-, FOR- + sacan, to contend, strive < sacu: see SAKE¹]
forsaken (fэr sei´kэn, för-) •adj. abandoned; desolate; forlorn
forsook (för suk´) •vt. pt. of FORSAKE
forsooth (för suθ´, fэr-) •adv. [Archaic] in truth; no doubt; indeed: in later use, mainly ironic [ME forsoth < OE prep. for + soth, truth: see SOOTH]
forspent (för spent´) •adj. [Archaic] exhausted with toil; fatigued [pp. of obs. forspend < OE forspendan, to use up: see FOR- & SPEND]
Forster (för´stэr), E(dward) M(organ) 1879-1970; Eng. novelist
forswear (för swer´) -swore´ (-swör´), -sworn´, -swear´ing •vt. 1 to renounce on oath; promise earnestly to give up 2 to deny earnestly or on oath •vi. to swear falsely; commit perjury forswear oneself to swear falsely; perjure oneself [ME forswerien < OE forswerian: see FOR- & SWEAR]
forsworn (-swörn´) •vt., vi. pp. of FORSWEAR •adj. perjured
forsythia (för siθ´i: э, fэr-; -siθ´-, -sai´θi: э) •n. any of a genus (Forsythia) of shrubs of the olive family, having yellow, bell-shaped flowers and appearing in early spring [ModL, after W. Forsyth (1737-1804), Eng botanist]
fort abbrev. 1 fortification 2 fortified fort (fört) •n. 1 an enclosed place or fortified building for military defense, equipped as with earthworks, guns, etc. Æ 2 a permanent army post, as distinguished from a temporary camp Æ hold the fort 1 to make a defensive stand 2 [Colloq.] to keep things in operation; remain on duty, etc. Etymology [ME forte, orig. adj., strong < L fortis < OL forctus < IE base *bhereGh-, high, elevated > Sans brmhati, (it) strengthens, elevates, OHG berg, hill]
Fort Collins city in N Colo., north of Denver: pop. 88,000 [after Lt. Col. Wm. O. Collins]
Fort Knox military reservation in N Ky., near Louisville: site of U.S. gold bullion depository [see KNOXVILLE]
Fort Lauderdale (lö´dэr deil') city on the SE coast of Fla., near Miami: pop. 149,000 (met. area, incl. Hollywood and Pompano Beach, 1,255,000): see MIAMI [after Maj. Wm. Lauderdale]
Fort McHenry (mэk hen´ri:) fort in Baltimore harbor, Md., where the British were repulsed in 1814 [after J. McHenry, U.S. Secretary of War, 1796-1800]
Fort Smith 1 city in NW Ark., on the Arkansas River: pop. 73,000 [after Gen. T. A. Smith, died 1865] 2 Region of S Northwest Territories, Canada: 235,698 sq. mi. (610,456 sq. km)
Fort Sumter (sûm´tэr) fort in Charleston harbor, S.C., where Confederate troops fired the first shots of the Civil War (April 12, 1861): now the site of Fort Sumter National Monument [after Gen T. Sumter, 1734-1832]
Fort Wayne city in NE Ind.: pop. 173,000 [after Anthony WAYNE]
Fort William see THUNDER BAY [after William McGillivray, a director of the North West Co.]
Fort Worth city in N Tex.: pop. 448,000: see DALLAS [after Wm. J. Worth (1794-1849)]
Fortaleza (för'tэ lei´zэ) seaport in NE Brazil, on the Atlantic: capital of Ceará state: pop. 649,000
fortalice (för´tэ lis) •n. [Archaic] 1 a small fort 2 a fortress [ME < ML fortalitia < L fortis, strong: see FORT]
Fort-de-France (fôř dэ fřäñs´) seaport & capital of Martinique, in the Windward Islands: pop. 100,000
forte¹ (fört, fourt; for 2 often för´tei') •n. 1 the strongest part of the blade of a sword, between the middle and the hilt: cf. FOIBLE (sense 2) 2 a thing that a person does particularly well; special accomplishment or strong point [Fr, fem. of fort, replacing ME, strength < OFr: see FORT]
forte² (för´tei') •adj., adv. Musical Direction loud: opposed to PIANO² •n. a forte note or passage [It < L fortis, strong: see FORT]
fortepiano (för´tei pyä´nou) •adj., adv. Musical Direction loud and then soft [It: see FORTE2 & PIANO²]
Forth (förθ) 1 river in SE Scotland, flowing east into the Firth of Forth: 65 mi. (105 km) 2 Firth of long estuary of the Forth River, flowing into the North Sea: 51 mi. (82 km) forth (förθ, fourθ) •adv. 1 forward in place, time, or degree; onward {from that day forth} 2 out; esp., out into view, as from hiding 3 [Obs.] abroad •prep. [Archaic] out from; out of See also idiomatic phrases under BACK¹, GIVE, HOLD¹, etc. and so forth and so on; and other such things: equivalent to etc. [ME < OE, akin to FORE]
forthcoming (förθ´kûm'iŋ) •adj. 1 about to appear; approaching {the author's forthcoming book} 2 available or ready when needed {the promised help was not forthcoming} 3 [Chiefly Brit.] a) friendly, communicative, outgoing, etc. b) open; frank; direct •n. a coming forth; approach
forthright (förθ´ rait') •adj. 1 orig., going straight forward 2 straightforward; direct; frank •adv. 1 straight forward; directly onward 2 [Archaic] immediately; at once •n. [Archaic] a straight path or course forth´right'ly •adv. forth´right'ness •n. [ME < OE forth riht: see FORTH & RIGHT]
forthwith (förθ wið´, -wiθ´) •adv. immediately; at once [ME forth with (for OE forth mid): see FORTH & WITH]
fortieth (fört´i: iθ) •adj. 1 preceded by thirty-nine others in a series; 40th 2 designating any of the forty equal parts of something •n. 1 the one following the thirty-ninth 2 any of the forty equal parts of something; 1/40 •adv. in the fortieth place, rank, group, etc. [ME fourtithe < OE feowertigotha: see FORTY & -TH²]
fortification (fört'э fi kei´shэn) •n. 1 the act or science of fortifying 2 something used in fortifying; esp., a fort or defensive earthwork, wall, etc. 3 a fortified place or position [ME fortificacioun < OFr fortification < LL fortificatio < pp. of fortificare: see FORTIFY]
fortified wine any wine, as sherry, port, or Madeira, to which grape brandy or other alcohol has been added to raise its alcoholic content to between 14 and 24 percent by volume
fortify (fört´э fai') -fied', -fy'ing •vt. 1 to make strong or stronger; strengthen physically, emotionally, etc. 2 to strengthen against attack, as by building or furnishing with forts, walls, etc. 3 to support; corroborate {to fortify an argument with statistics} 4 to strengthen (wine, etc.) by adding alcohol 5 to add vitamins, minerals, etc. to (milk, etc.) so as to increase the food value; enrich •vi. to build military defenses for´ti·fi'a·ble •adj. for´ti·fi'er •n. [ME fortifien < OFr fortifier < LL fortificare < L fortis, strong (see FORT) + facere, to make, DO¹]
fortis (för´tis) •adj. Phonet. articulated with much muscle tension and, usually, with strong aspiration, as initial (p) and (t) in English •n. a fortis sound Opposed to LENIS [L, strong: see FORT]
fortissimo (för tis´э mou'; It fôř ti:s´si: mô') •adj., adv. Musical Direction very loud: opposed to PIANISSIMO •n. pl. -mos' or It. -mi' (-mi:') a passage to be performed fortissimo [It, superl. of forte, FORTE²]
fortitude (fört´э tu:d', -tyu:d') •n. the strength to bear misfortune, pain, etc. calmly and patiently; firm courage for'ti·tu´di·nous (-tu:d´ªn эs, -tyu:d´-) •adj. SYN.—fortitude refers to the courage that permits one to endure patiently misfortune, pain, etc. [to face a calamity with fortitude]; grit applies to an obstinate sort of courage that refuses to succumb under any circumstances; backbone refers to the strength of character and resoluteness that permits one to face opposition unflinchingly; pluck and guts (see GUT, n. 7a) both refer originally to visceral organs, hence pluck implies a strong heart in the face of danger or difficulty and guts, a colloquial word, suggests the sort of stamina that permits one to stomach a disagreeable or frightening experience see also PATIENCE —ANT. cowardice [ME < L fortitudo < fortis, strong: see FORT]
fortnight (fört´nait') •n. [Chiefly Brit.] a period of two weeks [ME fourte(n) niht < OE feowertyn niht, lit., fourteen nights]
fortnightly (-li:) [Chiefly Brit.] •adj., adv. once in every fortnight, or at two-week intervals •n. pl. -lies a periodical issued at two-week intervals
FORTRAN (för´træn') •n. a digital computer language employing algebraic formulas [for(mula) tran(slation)]
fortress (för´tris) •n. a fortified place; fort: often used figuratively •vt. to protect by or furnish with a fortress [ME forteresse < OFr < VL *fortaricia < L fortis, strong: see FORT]
fortuitous (för tu:´э tэs, -tyu:´-) •adj. 1 happening by chance; accidental 2 bringing, or happening by, good luck; fortunate SYN. ACCIDENTAL for·tu´i·tous·ly •adv. for·tu´i·tous·ness •n. [L fortuitus < forte, by chance < fors (gen. fortis), chance, luck < IE *bhrtis < base *bher-, to bring > BEAR¹]
fortuity (för tu:´э ti:, -tyu:´-) pl. -ties •n. 1 the quality or condition of being fortuitous 2 chance or chance occurrence [< L fortuitus (see FORTUITOUS) + -ITY]
Fortuna (för tu:´nэ, -tyu:´-) Rom. Myth. the goddess of fortune [L < fortuna]
fortunate (för´chэ nэt) •adj. 1 having good luck; lucky 2 bringing, or coming by, good luck; favorable; auspicious for´tu·nate·ly •adv. for´tu·nate·ness •n. [ME fortunat < L fortunatus, pp. of fortunare, to make fortunate < fortuna, FORTUNE]
fortune (för´chэn) •n. 1 the supposed power thought of as bringing good or bad to people; luck; chance; fate: often personified 2 what happens or is going to happen to one; one's lot, good or bad, esp. one's future lot 3 good luck; success; prosperity 4 a large quantity of money or possessions; wealth; riches •vt. -tuned, -tun·ing [Archaic] to provide with wealth •vi. [Archaic] to happen; chance a small fortune a very high price or cost tell someone's fortune to profess to tell what is going to happen in someone's life, as by palmistry, cards, etc. for´tune·less •adj. [ME < OFr < L fortuna, chance, fate, fortune < fors, chance: see FORTUITOUS]
Fortune 500 (or 1000 or 100, etc.) the 500 (or 1000, 100, etc.) largest U.S. industrial corporations as ranked by sales volume [from annual listings in Fortune, a U.S. business magazine]
fortune cookie a hollow Chinese cookie with a slip of paper inside bearing a message, advice, prediction, etc.
fortune hunter a person who tries to become rich, esp. by marrying someone rich
fortuneteller (för´chэn tel'эr) •n. a person who professes to foretell events in other people's lives for´tune·tell'ing •n., adj.
forty (fört´i:) •adj. four times ten •n. pl. -ties the cardinal number between thirty-nine and forty-one; 40; XL the forties the numbers or years, as of a century, from forty through forty-nine [ME fourti < OE feowertig, akin to Ger vierzig, Goth fidwor tigjus: see FOUR & -TY²]
forty winks [Colloq.] a short sleep; nap
forty-niner or Forty-Niner (fört'i: nain´эr) •n. a person who went to California in the gold rush of 1849
forum (för´эm, fou´rэm) pl. -rums or -ra (-э) •n. 1 the public square or marketplace of an ancient Roman city or town, where legal and political business was conducted 2 a law court; tribunal 3 a) an assembly, place, radio program, etc. for the discussion of public matters or current questions b) an opportunity for open discussion the Forum the forum of ancient Rome [L, area out-of-doors, marketplace, orig. ? area with board fence < forus, board < IE *bhoros: see BAR¹]
forward (för´wэrd) •adj. 1 at, toward, or of the front, or forepart 2 advanced; specif., a) mentally advanced; precocious b) advanced socially, politically, etc.; progressive or radical c) [Now Rare] ahead of time; early 3 moving toward a point in front; onward; advancing 4 ready or eager; prompt 5 too bold or free in manners; pushing; presumptuous 6 of or for the future {forward buying} •adv. 1 toward the front or a point in front or before; ahead 2 to an earlier time or date {to move a meeting forward} 3 toward the future {to look forward} 4 into view or prominence {to bring forward an opinion} •n. Basketball, Hockey, Soccer, etc. any of the players, esp. of the offense, in the front line or in a front position •vt. 1 to help advance; promote 2 to send on, as to another address {to forward mail} SYN. ADVANCE for´ward'a·ble •adj. for´ward·ness •n. [ME foreward < OE adj. & adv. foreweard: see FORE & -WARD]
forward pass Football a pass made from behind the line of scrimmage to a teammate in a position forward of the thrower
forwarder (för´wэr dэr) •n. a person or thing that forwards; specif., a person or agency that receives goods and expedites their delivery, as by arranging for warehousing, shipping in carload lots, transshipping, etc.
forward-looking (för´wэrd luk'iŋ) •adj. anticipating or making provision for the future; progressive
forwardly (för´wэrd li:) •adv. 1 boldly; presumptuously Æ 2 [Now Rare] at or toward the front 3 [Archaic] readily; eagerly
forwards (för´wэrdz) •adv. FORWARD [ME forewardes < foreward + adv. gen. -es, akin to Ger vorwärts]
forwent (för went´) •vt. pt. of FORGO
forwhy (för hwai´) •adv. [Now Dial.] why; wherefore conj. [Obs.] because [ME forwhi < OE for hwy, wherefore: see FOR & WHY]
forworn (för wörn´) •adj. [Archaic] worn out [Early ModE forworen, pp. of obs. forwear: see FOR- & WEAR¹]
forzando (för tsän´dou) •adj., adv. SFORZANDO [It < forzare, to force < LL *fortiare: see FORCE]
fossa (fäs´э, fös´э) pl. -sae (-i:, -ai) •n. Anat. a cavity, pit, or small hollow fos´sate' (-eit', -it) •adj. [ModL < L, a ditch, trench < fossus: see FOSSIL]
fosse or foss (fäs, fös) •n. a ditch or moat, esp. one used in fortifications [ME < OFr < L fossa < fossa (terra), dug (earth) < fossus: see FOSSIL]
fossette (fä set´, fö-) •n. 1 a small hollow 2 a dimple [Fr, dim. of fosse: see FOSS]
fossick (fäs´ik) •vi. [Austral.] 1 to prospect or search, as for gold 2 to search about; rummage •vt. to search for; seek out [Eng dial., prob. ult. < FUSS]
fossil (fäs´эl, fös´-) •n. 1 orig., any rock or mineral dug out of the earth 2 any hardened remains or imprints of plant or animal life of some previous geologic period, preserved in the earth's crust, including petrified wood, resin, etc. 3 anything fossilized or like a fossil 4 a person who is old-fashioned or has outmoded, fixed ideas •adj. 1 of, having the nature of, or forming a fossil or fossils 2 belonging to the past; unchanged by progress; antiquated [Fr fossile < L fossilis, dug out, dug up < fossus, pp. of fodere, to dig up < IE *bhedh-, to dig in the earth > Welsh bedd, grave, OE bedd, BED]
fossil fuel an organic substance, as coal, petroleum, etc., found underground in deposits formed in a previous geologic period and used as a source of energy
fossiliferous (fäs'эl if´эr эs) •adj. containing fossils [FOSSIL + -I- + -FEROUS]
fossilize (fäs´эl aiz') -ized', -iz'ing •vt. 1 to change into a fossil or fossils; petrify 2 to make out of date, rigid, or incapable of change •vi. to become fossilized fos'sil·i·za´tion •n.
fossorial (fä sör´i: эl) •adj. digging or adapted for digging; burrowing {fossorial claws} [< LL fossorius < L fossor, digger < fossus (see FOSSIL) + -AL]
foster (fös´tэr, fäs´-) •vt. 1 to bring up with care; rear 2 to help to grow or develop; stimulate; promote {to foster discontent} 3 to cling to in one's mind; cherish {foster a hope} •adj. 1 having the standing of a specified member of the family, though not by birth or adoption, and giving, receiving, or sharing the care appropriate to that standing {foster parent, foster brother} 2 designating or relating to such care fos´ter·er •n. [ME fostren < OE fostrian, to nourish, bring up < fostor, food, nourishment < base of foda, FOOD] Foster (fös´tэr, fäs´-) 1 Stephen Collins 1826-64; U.S. composer of songs 2 William Z(ebulon) 1881-1964; U.S. Communist Party leader
foster home a home in which a child or children are raised by people other than their natural or adoptive parents
fosterage (fös´tэr ij') •n. 1 the rearing of a foster child 2 the state of being a foster child 3 a promoting, stimulating, or encouraging
fosterling (fös´tэr liŋ) •n. [Now Rare] a foster child [ME < OE fostorling: see -LING¹]
Foucault (fu: kou´) 1 Jean Ber·nard Lé·on (zhäñ beř nåř´ lei ouñ´) 1819-68; Fr. physicist 2 Michel 1926-84; Fr. philosopher
foudroyant (fu: droi´эnt; Fr fu: dřwå yäñ´) •adj. 1 [Rare] dazzling or stunning 2 Med. obs. var. of FULMINANT [Fr, prp. of foudroyer, to strike by lightning < foudre, lightning, ult. < L fulgur, akin to flagrare, to burn: see FLAME]
fouetté (fwe tei´) •n. Ballet a whipping movement of one leg made while turning on the other leg [Fr, pp. of fouetter, to whip < fouet, a whip < MFr, dim. of OFr fou, beech < L fagus, BEECH]
fought (föt) •vi., vt. pt. & pp. of FIGHT [ME fauht < OE feaht, 3d pers. sing., past indic., of feohtan]
foul (faul) •adj. 1 so offensive to the senses as to cause disgust; stinking; loathsome {a foul odor} 2 extremely dirty or impure; disgustingly filthy 3 full of or blocked up with dirt or foreign objects {a foul pipe} 4 putrid; rotten: said of food 5 not decent; obscene; profane {foul language} 6 very wicked; abominable {a foul murder} 7 not clear; stormy; unfavorable {foul weather, winds, etc.} 8 tangled or snarled; caught {a foul rope} 9 not according to the rules of a game; unfair, by either accident or intention 10 treacherous; dishonest 11 [Now Dial., Chiefly Brit.] ugly 12 [Colloq.] unpleasant, disagreeable, etc. Æ 13 Baseball not fair: see FOUL BALL, FOUL LINE 14 Printing containing errors or marked with changes {foul copy or proof} •adv. in a foul way •n. anything foul; specif., a) a collision of boats, contestants, etc. b) an infraction of the rules, as of a game or sport c) Baseball FOUL BALL •vt. 1 to make foul; dirty; soil; defile 2 to dishonor or disgrace 3 to impede or obstruct; specif., a) to fill up; encrust; choke {to foul a drain with grease} b) to cover (the bottom of a ship) with barnacles, seaweed, etc. c) to entangle; catch {a rope fouled in the shrouds} 4 to make a foul against in a contest or game Æ 5 Baseball to bat (the ball) so that it falls outside the foul lines •vi. 1 to become dirty, filthy, or rotten 2 to be clogged or choked 3 to become tangled 4 to break the rules of a game 5 Baseball to bat the ball so that it falls outside the foul lines SYN. DIRTY Æ foul out 1 Baseball to be retired as batter by the catch of a foul ball 2 Basketball to be disqualified from further play for having committed a specified number of personal fouls Æ foul up [Colloq.] to make a mess of; make disordered or confused; bungle run (or fall) foul of 1 to collide with or become entangled in 2 to get into trouble with foul´ly •adv. foul´ness •n. [ME < OE ful, akin to Ger faul, rotten, lazy < IE base *pū-, *pu-, to stink (< ? exclamation of disgust) > L putere, to rot, Gr pyon, PUS]
foul ball Baseball a batted ball that is not a fair ball: see FAIR BALL
foul line 1 Baseball either of the lines extending from home plate through the outside corners of first base or third base and onward to the end of the outfield 2 Basketball a free-throw line: see FREE THROW 3 Tennis, Bowling, etc. any of various lines bounding the playing area, outside of which the ball must not be hit, the player must not go, etc.
foul play 1 unfair play; action that breaks the rules of the game 2 treacherous action or violence; esp., murder
foul shot FREE THROW
foul tip Baseball a batted ball barely tipped by the bat: it is counted as a strike, but to be counted as a third strike, it must be caught by the catcher
foulard (fu: lärd´) •n. 1 a lightweight material of silk, rayon, or sometimes cotton in a plain or twill weave, usually printed with a small design 2 a necktie, scarf, etc. made of this material [Fr < ? dial. foulat, lit., fulled (cloth) < fouler, to full < ML fullare, to FULL²]
foulbrood (faul´bru:d') •n. a deadly bacterial disease of the larvae of honeybees
foulmouthed (faul´mauðd', -mauθt´) •adj. using obscene, profane, or scurrilous language
foul-up (faul´ûp') •n. a mix-up; botch; mess
found object OBJET TROUVÉ
found¹ (faund) •vt., vi. pp. & pt. of FIND •adj. designating something displayed as a work of art (or presented as a poem) that is actually a natural object or ordinary man-made article (or a fragment of prosaic writing) found by chance, but considered to have aesthetic value Æ and found [Colloq.] with room and board in addition to wages [ME funden < OE funden, pp. of findan]
found² (faund) •vt. 1 to lay the base of; set for support; base {a statement founded on facts} 2 to begin to build or organize; bring into being; establish {to found a college} •vi. [Rare] to be based (on or upon) [ME founden < OFr fonder < L fundare < fundus, bottom < IE *bhundhos < base *bhudh- > Sans budhnáh, BOTTOM]
found³ (faund) •vt. 1 to melt and pour (metal or materials for glass) into a mold 2 to make by pouring molten metal into a mold; cast [ME founden < OFr fondre < L fundere, to pour, melt (metal) < IE base *Gheu- > OE geotan, Gr cheein, pour]
foundation (faun dei´shэn) •n. 1 a founding or being founded; establishment 2 a) an organization established to maintain, assist, or finance institutions or projects of a social, educational, charitable, religious, etc. nature, as by the making of grants b) the fund or endowment used by such an organization to carry out its programs c) an institution maintained by such a fund 3 the base on which something rests; specif., the supporting part of a wall, house, etc., usually of masonry, concrete, etc., and at least partially underground 4 the fundamental principle on which something is founded; basis 5 a supporting material or part beneath an outer part 6 FOUNDATION GARMENT 7 a cosmetic cream, liquid, etc. over which other makeup is applied SYN. BASE¹ foun·da´tion·al •adj. [ME foundacioun < OFr fondation < L fundatio < pp. of fundare: see FOUND²]
foundation garment a woman's corset or girdle, esp. one with an attached brassiere
founder¹ (faun´dэr) •vi. 1 to stumble, fall, or go lame 2 to become stuck as in soft ground; bog down 3 to fill with water, as during a storm, and sink: said of a ship or boat 4 to become sick from overeating: used esp. of livestock 5 to break down; collapse; fail •vt. to cause to founder •n. LAMINITIS [< the vi., 1] [ME foundren < OFr fondrer, to fall in, sink < fond, bottom < L fundus, bottom: see FOUND²]
founder² (faun´dэr) •n. a person who founds, or establishes
founder³ (faun´dэr) •n. a person who founds, or casts, metals, glass, etc.
founderous (faun´dэr эs) •adj. causing or likely to cause foundering {a founderous road} Also foun´drous (-drэs)
founding father 1 someone who founds or is instrumental in founding an institution, nation, etc. 2 [usually F- F-] a participant in the U.S. Constitutional Convention of 1787, esp. one who signed the document
foundling (faund´liŋ') •n. an infant of unknown parents that has been found abandoned [ME foundeling < founde(n), pp. of finden, FIND + -ling]
foundry (faun´dri:) pl. -ries •n. 1 the act, process, or work of melting and molding metals; casting 2 metal castings 3 a place where metal is cast [see FOUND³ & -ERY]
foundry proof Printing proof from a locked form, submitted for a final reading before plates are cast
fount¹ (faunt) •n. 1 [Old Poet.] a fountain or spring 2 a source [ME font < OFr < L fons, FOUNTAIN]
fount² (faunt) •n. [Brit.] FONT²
fountain (faunt´ªn, faun´tэn) •n. 1 a natural spring of water 2 the source or beginning of a stream 3 a source or origin of anything {a fountain of knowledge} 4 a) an artificial spring, jet, or flow of water b) the basin, pipes, etc. where this flows c) DRINKING FOUNTAIN 5 a container or reservoir, as for ink, oil, etc. [ME < OFr fontaine < LL fontana < fem. of L fontanus < fons (gen. fontis), spring, prob. < IE base *dhen-, to run, flow > Sans dhanáyati, (he) runs]
Fountain of Youth a legendary spring supposed to restore the health and youth of anyone who drinks from it: it was sought in America by Ponce de León and other explorers
fountain pen a pen in which a nib at the end is fed ink from a supply in a reservoir or cartridge
Fountain Valley city in SW Calif., near Long Beach: pop. 54,000 [from the many artesian wells in the area]
fountainhead (-hed') •n. 1 a spring that is the source of a stream 2 the original or main source of anything
four (för, four) •adj. totaling one more than three •n. 1 the cardinal number between three and five; 4; IV 2 any group of four people or things 3 something numbered four or having four units, as a playing card, face of a die, etc. on all fours 1 on all four feet 2 on hands and knees (or feet) 3 exactly equatable (with) [ME < OE feower, akin to Ger vier, Goth fidwōr < IE base *kwetwor- > L quattuor, Welsh pedwar]
four hundred [also F- H-] the exclusive social set of a particular place: preceded by the [popularized by C. J. Allen, New York Sun society reporter, from a remark by Ward McAllister: There are only 400 people in New York that one really knows; prob. from limited capacity of Mrs. J. J. Astor's ballroom]
four-bagger (-bæg´эr) •n. [Slang] HOME RUN
fourchette (fur shet´) •n. 1 the side strip of a finger in a glove 2 Anat. a small fold of skin at the posterior end of the vulva [Fr, dim. of fourche: see FORK]
four-color (för´kûl´эr) •adj. designating or of a printing process using separate plates in yellow, red, blue, and black, so as to produce any color or colors
four-cycle (för´sai´kэl) •adj. FOUR-STROKE
four-dimensional (för'dэ men´shэ nэl) •adj. of or in four dimensions, esp. in relativity theory where four coordinates are used to record the space location and time of occurrence of each event
Fourdrinier (fur drin´i: эr) •adj. designating or of a papermaking machine that produces paper in a continuous strip or roll •n. such a machine [after Sealy and Henry Fourdrinier, 19th-c. Eng papermakers, for whom the machine was developed]
four-flush (för´flûsh') •vi. 1 Stud Poker to bluff when one holds four cards of the same suit (four flush) instead of the five in a true flush 2 [Colloq.] to pretend to be, have, or intend something so as to deceive; bluff four´-flush'er •n.
fourfold (för´fould') •adj. 1 having four parts 2 having four times as much or as many •adv. four times as much or as many [FOUR + -FOLD]
four-footed (-fu:t'id) •adj. having four feet; quadruped
fourgon (fu:ř gouñ´) •n. a wagon or car for baggage [Fr]
four-handed (för´hæn'did) •adj. 1 having four hands 2 for four players, as some card games 3 Music for two performers, as a piano duet Also four´-hand'
Fourier (fu: řyei´; E fur´i: эr) 1 Fran·çois Ma·rie Charles (fřäñ swå´ må ři:´ shåřl) 1772-1837; Fr. socialist & reformer 2 Baron Jean Bap·tiste Jo·seph (zhäñ bå ti:st´ zhou zef´) 1768-1830; Fr. mathematician & physicist
Fourier series (fur´i: эr) Math. the expansion of a periodic function into a series of sines and cosines [formulated by Baron Jean Baptiste Joseph FOURIER]
Fourierism (fur´i: эr iz'эm) •n. the doctrines of F. M. C. Fourier, esp. his proposed system for reorganizing society into small, self-sufficient, cooperative agricultural communities
four-in-hand (för´in hænd') •n. 1 a) a team of four horses driven by one person b) a coach drawn by such a team Æ 2 a necktie tied in a slipknot with the ends left hanging •adj. designating or of a four-in-hand
four-leaf clover (-li:f´) a clover with four leaflets on one leafstalk, popularly supposed to bring good luck to the finder
four-letter word (-let´эr) any of several short words having to do with sex or excrement and generally regarded as offensive or objectionable
four-o'clock (för´э kläk') •adj. designating a family (Nyctaginaceae, order Caryophyllales) of dicotyledonous plants, including the bougainvilleas •n. any of a genus (Mirabilis) of chiefly tropical American plants of the four-o'clock family, bearing petal-less flowers and, often, brightly colored leaves; esp., a garden plant (M. jalapa) with long-tubed blossoms that generally open at about 4:00 PM
fourpence (för´pэns) •n. 1 the sum of four British pennies 2 a former silver coin of this value
fourpenny (for 1 & n. för´pen i:; for 2, -pэn'i:) •adj. 1 costing or valued at fourpence 2 designating a size of nail: see PENNY •n. fourpence
four-poster (för´pous´tэr) •n. a bedstead with tall corner posts that sometimes support a canopy or curtains
fourragère (fu: řå zheř´) •n. a colored and braided cord worn about the shoulder of a uniform; esp., such a cord awarded as a military decoration to an entire unit of troops [Fr < fourrager: see FORAGE, vi.]
fourscore (för´skör´) •adj., n. four times twenty; eighty [ME]
foursome (för´sэm) •adj. of or engaged in by four •n. 1 a group of four persons 2 Golf a game involving four players, often two to a team [FOUR + -SOME²]
foursquare (för´skwer´) •adj. 1 perfectly square 2 unyielding; unhesitating; firm 3 frank; honest; forthright •adv. 1 in a square form; squarely 2 forthrightly •n. [Archaic] a square
four-star (för´stär´) •adj. 1 designating a general or admiral whose insignia bears four stars 2 especially important or good, highly recommended, etc.
four-stroke (för´strouk´) •adj. designating or having to do with an internal-combustion engine in which a complete fuel cycle in a cylinder requires four separate piston strokes
fourteen (för´ti:n´) •adj. totaling four more than ten •n. the cardinal number between thirteen and fifteen; 14; XIV [ME fourtene < OE feowertyne: see FOUR & -TEEN]
fourteenth (för´ti:nθ´) •adj. 1 preceded by thirteen others in a series; 14th 2 designating any of the fourteen equal parts of something •n. 1 the one following the thirteenth 2 any of the fourteen equal parts of something; ¹/14 •adv. in the fourteenth place, rank, group, etc. [ME fourtenthe, altered (after prec.) < OE feowerteotha]
fourth (förθ, fourθ) •adj. 1 preceded by three others in a series; 4th 2 designating any of the four equal parts of something 3 designating the forward gear ratio of a motor vehicle next after third gear •n. 1 the one following the third 2 any of the four equal parts of something; ¼ 3 Music a) the fourth tone of an ascending diatonic scale, or a tone three degrees above or below any given tone in such a scale; subdominant b) the interval between two such tones, or a combination of them •adv. in the fourth place, rank, group, etc. fourth´ly •adv. [ME feorthe, ferthe < OE feortha: see FOUR & -TH²]
fourth dimension a dimension in addition to the ordinary three space coordinates of length, width, and depth: in the theory of relativity, time is regarded as the fourth dimension: see SPACE-TIME (sense 1) fourth´-di·men´sion·al •adj.
fourth estate [often F- E-] journalism or journalists Etymology [see ESTATE (sense 2)]
Fourth of July See INDEPENDENCE DAY
Fourth Republic the republic established in France in 1946 and lasting until 1958
fourth world [often F- W-] the poorest, most underdeveloped countries of the third world
fourth-class (-klæs´) •adj. 1 of the class, rank, excellence, etc. next below the third Æ 2 designating or of a class of mail consisting of merchandise, printed matter, mailable live animals, and all other material not included in first-class, second-class, or third-class; parcel post Æ adv. as or by fourth-class mail; parcel post
four-walling (för´wöl'iŋ) •n. a form of distribution and exhibition, esp. of motion pictures, in which a distributor or producer rents a theater for a fixed amount, pays all advertising and operating costs, and collects all box-office receipts [< the four walls of the theater]
four-way (för´wei´) •adj. 1 giving passage in four directions {a four-way valve} 2 involving four participants or elements {a four-way debate}
four-wheel (-hwi:l', -wi:l') •adj. 1 having or running on four wheels: also four´-wheeled' 2 affecting four wheels {a four-wheel drive} four´-wheel´er •n.
fovea (fou´vi: э) pl. fo´ve·ae' (-i:', -ai') or -ve·as •n. 1 Biol. a small pit, hollow, or depression 2 FOVEA CENTRALIS fo´ve·al (-эl) or fo´ve·ate (-it, -eit') •adj. fo·ve·i·form (fou vi:´i förm') •adj. [ModL < L]
fovea centralis (sen trei´lis) a depression toward the center of the retina in some vertebrates, the point where the vision is most acute
foveola (fou vi:´э lэ) pl. -lae' (-li:', -lai) or -las a small fovea, or pit Also fo·ve·ole (fou´vi: oul') •n. fo·ve´o·late (-lit, -leit') or fo´ve·o·lat'ed (-leit'id) •adj. [ModL, dim. of fovea]
fowl (faul) pl. fowls or fowl •n. 1 orig., any bird: now only in combination {wildfowl} 2 any of various domestic birds used as food; specif., a) the chicken b) the duck, goose, turkey, etc. c) a full-grown chicken, as distinguished from a springer, etc. 3 the flesh of any of these birds used for food •vi. to catch, trap, hunt, or shoot wild birds for food or sport fowl´er •n. fowl´ing •n. [ME foule, foghel < OE fugol, akin to Ger vogel, bird < Gmc *fuglaz, altered by dissimulation < *fluglaz < *flug-, *fleug- < IE *pleuk- > FLY¹]
Fowler (fau´lэr), H(enry) W(atson) 1858-1933; Eng. lexicographer & arbiter of linguistic usage
fowling piece a type of shotgun for hunting wild fowl
fox (fäks) pl. fox´es or fox •n. 1 any of various small, wild canines (esp. genera Vulpes or Urocyon) with bushy tails and, commonly, reddish-brown or gray fur: the fox is conventionally thought of as sly and crafty 2 the fur of a fox 3 a sly, crafty, deceitful person Æ 4 [Slang] a person, esp. a woman, who is attractive, esp. sexually attractive •vt. 1 to make (beer, etc.) sour by fermenting 2 to cause (book leaves, prints, etc.) to become stained with reddish-brown or yellowish discolorations [from the color of a fox] 3 to trick or deceive by slyness or craftiness 4 to bewilder or baffle 5 a) to repair (boots, shoes, etc.) with new upper leather b) to trim (the upper of a shoe) with leather 6 [Obs.] to intoxicate •vi. 1 to become sour: said of beer, etc. 2 to become stained: said of book leaves, etc. foxed •adj. [ME < OE, akin to Ger fuchs < Gmc base *fuh- < IE base *pu-, thick-haired, bushy > Sans púccha, tail] Fox (fäks) 1 Charles James 1749-1806; Eng. statesman & orator 2 George 1624-91; Eng. religious leader: founder of the Society of Friends Fox (fäks) •n. Æ 1 a member of a North American Indian people formerly living in Wisconsin and Illinois, now living in Iowa Æ 2 the Algonquian language of the Fox, Sauks, and Kickapoo; esp., the dialect spoken by the Fox [transl. of Fr Renard, which is transl. of Huron Skenchiohronon, lit., red-fox people (prob. with ref. to a clan or moiety; cf. the modern clan name waakosheehaki, lit., foxes)]
fox fire the luminescence of decaying wood and plant remains, caused by various fungi
fox grape a common wild grape (Vitis labrusca) native to E North America with leaves whose undersides are covered with whitish or reddish woolly hairs: it is the parent of many American vineyard grapes, as the Concord and Catawba
fox hunt a sport in which hunters on horses ride after dogs in pursuit of a fox fox´-hunt' •vi.