elytroid (el´i troid') •adj. like an elytron

elytron (el´i trän') pl. -tra (-trэ) either of the front pair of modified, usually thickened, wings in certain insects, esp. beetles, which act as protective covering for the rear wings Also el´y·trum (-trэm), pl. -tra (-trэ) •n. [ModL < Gr a covering, sheath < IE *welutrom < base *wel-, to roll > WALK]

Elzevir (el´zэ vir') 1 name of a family of Du. printers & publishers of the 16th & 17th cent. 2 Bon·a·ven·ture (bän´э ven'|chэr) 1583-1652: son of Louis 3 Louis c. 1540-1617; founder of his family's printing tradition

em (em) •n. 1 the letter M 2 Printing a square of any type body, used as a unit of measure, as of column width; esp., an em pica, equal to about ¹/6 of an inch [< the size of the capital letter M of any given type font] Em Chem. symbol for EMANATION (sense 3a) EM 1 electromagnetic 2 engineer of mines 3 enlisted man (or men)

'em (эm) pron. [Colloq.] them [taken as corruption of THEM, but also < ME hem, dat. pl. of 3d pers. pron. used as acc. & later replaced by THEM]

em- (em, im) prefix EN-¹: used before b, m, or p {emboss, empower}

emaciate (i: mei´shi: eit'; -si:-; i-) -at'ed, -at'ing •vt. to cause to become abnormally lean; cause to lose much flesh or weight, as by starvation or disease e·ma'ci·a´tion (-si: ei´shэn, -shэ ei´shэn) •n. [< L emaciatus, pp. of emaciare, to make lean < e-, out + macies, leanness < macer, lean < IE base *mak- > OE mæger, lean]

e-mail (i:´meil') •n. [also E-] [Colloq.] short for ELECTRONIC MAIL

emalangeni (em´э läŋ gen'i:) •n. pl. of LILANGENI

emanate (em´э neit') -nat'ed, -nat'ing •vi. to come forth; issue, as from a source •vt. [Rare] to send forth; emit SYN. RISE [< L emanatus, pp. of emanare, to flow out, arise < e-, out + manare, to flow < IE base *mano-, damp, wet > Welsh mawn, peat]

emanation (em'э nei´shэn) •n. 1 the act of emanating 2 something that comes forth from a source; thing emitted 3 Chem. a) RADON b) a gaseous radioactive species liberated by several natural and artificial radioactive series em´a·na'tive •adj. [LL emanatio]

emancipate (i: mæn´sэ peit', i-) -pat'ed, -pat'ing •vt. 1 to set free (a slave, etc.); release from bondage, servitude, or serfdom 2 to free from restraint or control, as of social convention 3 Law to release (a child) from parental control and supervision SYN. FREE e·man'ci·pa´tion •n. e·man´ci·pa'tive or e·man´ci·pa·to'ry (-pe tör'i:) •adj. e·man´ci·pa'tor •n. [< L emancipatus, pp. of emancipare < e-, out + mancipare, to deliver up or make over as property < manceps, purchaser < manus, the hand (see MANUAL) + capere, to take (see HAVE)]

Emancipation Proclamation a proclamation issued by President Lincoln in September, 1862, effective January 1, 1863, freeing the slaves in all territory still at war with the Union

Emanuel (i mæn´yu: el', -эl) var. of EMMANUEL

emarginate (i: mär´jэ nit, -neit'; i-) •adj. having a notched margin or tip, as some leaves or wings Also e·mar´gi·nat'ed [L emarginatus, pp. of emarginare, to deprive of its edge: see E- & MARGINATE]

emasculate (i: mæs´kyu: leit', -kyэ-; i-; for adj., -lit) -lat'ed, -lat'ing •vt. 1 to deprive (a male) of the power to reproduce, as by removing the testicles; castrate; geld 2 to destroy the strength or force of; weaken {a novel emasculated by censorship} •adj. deprived of virility, strength, or vigor; effeminate e·mas'cu·la´tion •n. e·mas´cu·la'tive or e·mas´cu·la·to'ry (-lэ tör'i:) •adj. e·mas´cu·la'tor •n. [< L emasculatus, pp. of emasculare < e-, out + masculus, MASCULINE]

embalm (em bäm´, im-) •vt. 1 to treat (a dead body) with various chemicals, usually after removing the viscera, etc., to keep it from decaying rapidly 2 to preserve in memory 3 to make fragrant; perfume em·balm´er •n. em·balm´ment •n. [ME embaumen < OFr embaumer: see EN-¹ & BALM]

embank (em bæŋk´, im-) •vt. to protect, support, or enclose with a bank or banks of earth, rubble, etc.

embankment (em bæŋk´mэnt, im-) •n. 1 the act or process of embanking 2 a bank of earth, rubble, etc. used to keep back water, hold up a roadway, or as part of a fortification

embarcadero (em bär'kэ der´ou) pl. -der´os •n. a wharf or other landing place [Sp < pp. of embarcar, EMBARK]

embargo (em bär´gou, im-) pl. -goes •n. 1 a government order prohibiting the entry or departure of commercial ships at its ports, esp. as a war measure 2 any restriction or restraint, esp. one imposed on commerce by law; specif., a) a prohibition of trade in a particular commodity b) a prohibition or restriction of freight transportation •vt. -goed, -go·ing to put an embargo upon [Sp < embargar < VL *imbarricare < L in-, in, on + ML barra, BAR¹]

embark (em bärk´, im-) •vt. 1 to put or take (passengers or goods) aboard a ship, aircraft, etc. 2 to engage (a person) or invest (money, etc.) in an enterprise •vi. 1 to go aboard a ship, aircraft, etc. 2 to begin a journey 3 to engage in an enterprise em'bar·ka´tion, em·bar·ca·tion (em'bär kei´shэn), or em·bark´ment •n. [Fr embarquer < Sp or OProv embarcar < em- (L in-) + L barca, BARK³]

embarras de richesses (äñ bå řäd ři: shes´) literally, an embarrassment of wealth (of good things); hence, too much to choose from [Fr]

embarrass (em bær´эs, im-) •vt. 1 to cause to feel self-conscious, confused, and ill at ease; disconcert; fluster 2 to cause difficulties to; hinder; impede 3 to cause to be in debt; cause financial difficulties to 4 to make more difficult; complicate em·bar´rass·ing •adj. em·bar´rass·ing·ly •adv. em·bar´rass·ment •n. SYN.—to embarrass is to cause to feel ill at ease so as to result in a loss of composure [embarrassed by their compliments]; abash implies a sudden loss of self-confidence and a growing feeling of shame or inadequacy [I stood abashed at his rebukes]; discomfit implies a frustration of plans or expectations and often connotes a resultant feeling of discomposure or humiliation; to disconcert is to cause someone to lose self-possession quickly, resulting in confusion or mental disorganization [his interruptions were disconcerting]; rattle and faze are equivalents for disconcert, but the former emphasizes emotional agitation, and the latter is most commonly used in negative constructions [danger does not faze him] —ANT. compose, assure [Fr embarrasser, lit., to encumber, obstruct < Sp embarazar < It imbarrazzare < imbarrare, to bar, impede < in- (L in-) + barra < ML, BAR¹]

embassage (em´bэ sij) •n. archaic var. of EMBASSY

embassy (em´bэ si:) pl. -sies •n. 1 the position, functions, or business of an ambassador 2 the official residence or offices of an ambassador in a foreign country 3 an ambassador and his or her staff 4 a person or group sent on an official mission to a foreign government 5 any important or official mission, errand, or message [earlier ambassy < MFr ambassée < OIt ambasciata < Prov ambaissada < *ambaissa: see AMBASSADOR]

embattle (em bæt´ªl) -tled, -tling •vt. 1 a) to prepare, array, or set in line for battle b) to engage in battle or conflict (rare, except in pp.) 2 to fortify 3 to provide with battlements em·bat´tle·ment •n. [ME embataillen: see EN-¹ & BATTLEMENT]

embay (em bei´) •vt. 1 to shelter or confine (a vessel) in a bay 2 to shut in; enclose or surround, as in a bay

embayment (-mэnt) •n. 1 a forming into a bay 2 a bay or a formation resembling a bay

embed (em bed´, im-) -bed´ded, -bed´ding •vt. 1 to set (flowers, etc.) in earth 2 to set or fix firmly in a surrounding mass {to embed tiles in cement} 3 to fix in the mind, memory, etc. em·bed´ment •n.

embellish (em bel´ish, im-) •vt. 1 to decorate or improve by adding detail; ornament; adorn 2 to add grace notes, syncopated accents, trills, etc. to (a melody) 3 to improve (an account or report) by adding details, often of a fictitious or imaginary kind; touch up SYN. ADORN [ME embelishen < extended stem of OFr embellir < em- (L in) + bel < L bellus, beautiful]

embellishment (-mэnt) •n. 1 an embellishing or being embellished; ornamentation 2 something that embellishes, as an ornament, a fictitious touch added to a factual account, a musical phrase, etc.

ember¹ (em´bэr) •n. 1 a glowing piece of coal, wood, etc. from a fire; esp., such a piece smoldering among ashes 2 [pl.] the smoldering remains of a fire [ME eymere & (with intrusive -b) eymbre < OE æmerge (& ON eimyrja) < æm- (akin to ON eimr, steam) + -yrge (akin to ON ysja, fire) < IE base *eus-, to burn > L urere, to burn]

ember² (em´bэr) •adj. [often E-] designating or of three days (Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday) set aside for prayer and fasting in a specified week of each of the four seasons of the year: often observed in the Roman Catholic and certain other churches [ME (SE dial.) embyr-, as in embyr-dayes < OE ymbren, lit., a coming around < ymbryne, circuit, revolution < ymb, round (akin to AMBI-) + ryne, a running (< base of RUN)]

embezzle (em bez´эl, im-) -zled, -zling •vt. to steal (money, etc. entrusted to one's care); take by fraud for one's own use em·bez´zle·ment •n. em·bez´zler •n. [ME embesilen < Anglo-Fr enbesiler < OFr embesillier < en- (see EN-¹) + besillier, to destroy]

embitter (em bit´эr, im-) •vt. 1 to make bitter; make resentful or morose 2 to make more bitter; exacerbate; aggravate em·bit´ter·ment •n.

emblaze¹ (em bleiz´) -blazed´, -blaz´ing •vt. [Archaic] 1 to light up; illuminate 2 to set on fire; kindle [EM- (see EN-¹) + BLAZE¹]

emblaze² (em bleiz´) -blazed´, -blaz´ing •vt. archaic var. of EMBLAZON [EM- (see EN-¹) + BLAZE³]

emblazon (em blei´zэn, im-) •vt. 1 to decorate or adorn (with coats of arms, etc.) 2 to display brilliantly; decorate with bright colors 3 to spread the fame of; praise; celebrate em·bla´zon·ment •n. [EM- (see EN-¹) + BLAZON]

emblazonry (-ri:) pl. -ries •n. 1 heraldic decoration 2 any brilliant decoration or display

emblem (em´blэm) •n. 1 [Historical] a picture with a motto or verses, allegorically suggesting some moral truth, etc. 2 a visible symbol of a thing, idea, class of people, etc.; object or representation that stands for or suggests something else {the cross is an emblem of Christianity} 3 a sign, badge, or device •vt. [Rare] to emblematize [orig., inlaid work < L emblema < Gr emblēma, insertion < emballein < en-, in + ballein, to throw, put: see BALL²]

emblematic (em'blэ mæt´ik) •adj. of or serving as an emblem; symbolic Also em'blem·at´i·cal em'blem·at´i·cal·ly •adv.

emblematize (em blem´э taiz') -tized', -tiz'ing •vt. 1 to be an emblem of; symbolize 2 to represent by or as by an emblem Also em´blem·ize', -ized', -iz'ing

emblements (em´blэ mэnts) •n.pl. 1 Law cultivated growing crops which are produced annually 2 the profits from such crops [ME enblaymentez < OFr emblaement (sing.) < emblaer < en- (L in) + blee, grain < WGmc base akin to Ger blatt, leaf, MDu blat, BLADE]

embodiment (em bäd´i mэnt, -bäd´i:-; im-) •n. 1 an embodying or being embodied 2 that in which something is embodied; concrete expression of some idea, quality, etc. {she is the embodiment of virtue}

embody (em bäd´i:, im-) -bod´ied, -bod´y·ing •vt. 1 to give bodily form to; make corporeal; incarnate 2 to give definite, tangible, or visible form to; make concrete {a speech embodying democratic ideals} 3 to bring together into an organized whole; incorporate {the latest findings embodied in the new book}

embolden (em boul´dэn, im-) •vt. to give courage to; cause to be bold or bolder [EM- (see EN-¹) + BOLD + -EN]

embolectomy (em'bou lek´tэ mi:) •n. the surgical removal of an embolus

embolic (em bäl´ik) •adj. 1 of or caused by embolism or an embolus 2 of or during emboly

embolism (em´bэ liz'эm) •n. 1 the intercalation of a day, month, etc. into a calendar, as in leap year 2 the time intercalated 3 Med. a) the obstruction of a blood vessel by an embolus too large to pass through it b) loosely, an embolus [ME embolisme < LL embolismus < Gr embolismos, intercalary < embolos: see EMBOLUS]

embolus (em´bэ lэs) pl. -li´ (-lai´) •n. any foreign matter, as a blood clot or air bubble, carried in the bloodstream and capable of causing an embolism [ModL < Gr embolos, anything put in, wedge < emballein < en-, in + ballein, to throw: see BALL²]

emboly (em´bэ li:) •n. Embryology the process by which cells move inward during gastrulation to form the archenteron [< Gr embolē, insertion, lit., a putting in < emballein: see EMBOLUS]

embonpoint (äñ bouñ pwæñ´) •n. plumpness; corpulence [Fr < OFr en bon point, in good condition]

embosom (em buz´эm) •vt. 1 [Archaic] to take to one's bosom; embrace; cherish 2 to enclose protectively; surround; shelter

emboss (em bös´, -bäs´; im-) •vt. 1 to decorate or cover with designs, patterns, etc. raised above the surface 2 to carve, raise, or print (a design, etc.) so that it is raised above the surface; raise in relief 3 to embellish; ornament em·boss´er •n. em·boss´ment •n. [ME embocen < OFr embocer: see EN-¹ & BOSS²]

embouchure (äm'bu: shur´) •n. 1 the mouth of a river 2 Music a) the mouthpiece of a wind instrument b) the method of applying the lips and tongue to the mouthpiece of a wind instrument [Fr < emboucher, to put into the mouth < VL *imbuccare < L in, in + bucca, the cheek: see BUCCAL]

embourgeoisement (äñ bu:ř zhwåz mäñ´) •n. the process of becoming middle-class in economic status, social attitudes, etc.

embow (em bou´) •vt. to bend into the form of an arch or bow: now only in pp. {a dolphin embowed on the shield} [ME embouen: see EN-¹ & BOW²]

embowel (em bau´эl) -eled or -elled, -el·ing or -el·ling •vt. 1 rare var. of DISEMBOWEL 2 [Obs.] to embed deeply [OFr enboweler, altered < esboueler < es- (L ex), out of + bouel, BOWEL]

embower (em bau´эr) •vt. to enclose or shelter in or as in a bower

embrace¹ (em breis´, im-) -braced´, -brac´ing •vt. 1 to clasp in the arms, usually as an expression of affection or desire; hug 2 to accept readily; avail oneself of {to embrace an opportunity} 3 to take up or adopt, esp. eagerly or seriously {to embrace a new profession} 4 to encircle; surround; enclose {an isle embraced by the sea} 5 to include; contain {biology embraces botany and zoology} 6 to take in mentally; perceive {his glance embraced the scene} •vi. to clasp or hug each other in the arms •n. an embracing; hug SYN. INCLUDE em·brace´a·ble •adj. em·brace´ment •n. em·brac´er •n. [ME embracen < OFr embracier < VL *imbrachiare < L im-, in + brachium, an arm: see BRACE¹]

embrace² (em breis´) -braced´, -brac´ing •vt. Law to try illegally to influence or instruct (a jury) [ME embrasen < OFr embraser, to set on fire, incite < en-, in + braise, live coals: see BRAISE]

embraceor or embracer (em brei´sэr) •n. Law a person guilty of embracery [ME embracer < OFr embraseor: see EMBRACE2]

embracery (em brei´sэr i:) •n. Law an illegal attempt to influence or instruct a jury [ME embracerie: see EMBRACE²]

embranchment (em brænch´mэnt) •n. a branching out or off, as of a river, etc.; ramification

embrangle (em bræŋ´gэl, im-) -gled, -gling •vt. to entangle; mix up; confuse; perplex em·bran´gle·ment •n. [EM- (see EN-¹) + dial. brangle, to wrangle, prob. var. of WRANGLE¹, infl. ? by Fr branler, to confuse]

embrasure (em brei´zhэr, im-) •n. 1 an opening (for a door, window, etc.), esp. one with the sides slanted so that it is wider on the inside than on the outside 2 an opening (in a wall or parapet) with the sides slanting outward to increase the angle of fire of a gun [Fr < obs. embraser, to widen an opening, earlier ébraser < ?]

embrocate (em´brou keit', -brэ-) -cat'ed, -cat'ing •vt. to moisten and rub (a part of the body) with an oil, liniment, etc. [< LL embrocatus, pp. of embrocare, to foment < L embrocha, wet poultice < Gr embrochē < embrechein < en-, in + brechein, to wet < IE base *meregh- > Czech mrholiti, to drizzle]

embrocation (em'brou kei´shэn, -brэ-) •n. 1 the process of rubbing an oil, etc. on the body 2 a liquid used in this way; liniment, etc.

embroider (em broi´dэr, im-) •vt. 1 to ornament (fabric) with a design in needlework 2 to make (a design, etc.) on fabric with needlework 3 to embellish (an account or report); add fanciful details to; exaggerate •vi. 1 to do embroidery 2 to exaggerate em·broi´der·er •n. [ME embrouderen < OFr embroder: see EN-¹ & BROIDER]

embroidery (em broi´dэr i:, im-) pl. -der·ies •n. 1 the art or work of ornamenting fabric with needlework; embroidering 2 embroidered work or fabric; ornamental needlework 3 embellishment, as of an account 4 something superficial or unnecessary but attractive or desirable [ME embrouderie: see EMBROIDER & -ERY]

embroil (em broil´, im-) •vt. 1 to confuse (affairs, etc.); mix up; muddle 2 to draw into a conflict or fight; involve in trouble em·broil´ment •n. [Fr embrouiller: see EN-¹ & BROIL²]

embrown (em braun´) •vt. to make darker in color; esp., to make brown or tan

embrue (em bru:´) -brued´, -bru´ing •vt. IMBRUE

embryectomy (em'bri: ek´tэ mi:) pl. -ec´to·mies •n. the surgical removal of an embryo, esp. in cases of pregnancy outside of the uterus [EMBRY(O)- + -ECTOMY]

embryo (em´bri: ou') pl. -os' •n. 1 an animal in the earliest stages of its development in the uterus or the egg, specif., in humans, from conception to about the eighth week: see FETUS 2 a) an early or undeveloped stage of something b) anything in such a stage 3 the rudimentary plant contained in a seed, usually made up of hypocotyl, radicle, plumule, and cotyledons •adj. EMBRYONIC [ME embrio < ML embryo < Gr embryon, embryo, fetus, thing newly born, neut. of embryos, growing in < en-, in + bryein, to swell, be full]

embryo- (em´bri: ou') combining form embryo, embryonic {embryology} Also, before a vowel, em´bry-

embryo sac Bot. the female gametophyte of a flowering plant, consisting typically of a microscopic elongated sac that is situated within the ovule and contains eight nuclei in seven cells: it gives rise to the embryo and endosperm of the seed after fertilization

embryogeny (em'bri: äj´э ni:) •n. the formation and development of the embryo Also em'bry·o'gen´e·sis (-ou'jen´э sis) em'bry·o'gen´ic (-jen´ik) or em'bry·o·ge·net´ic (-jэ net´ik) •adj. [prec. + -GENY]

embryology (em'bri: äl´э ji:) •n. the branch of biology dealing with the formation and development of embryos em'bry·o·log´ic (-э läj´ik) or em'bry·o·log´i·cal •adj. em'bry·o·log´i·cal·ly •adv. em'bry·ol´o·gist •n. [EMBRYO- + -LOGY]

embryonic (em'bri: än´ik) •adj. 1 of or like an embryo: also em·bry·o·nal (em´bri: э nэl) 2 in an early stage; undeveloped; rudimentary

embryonic membrane any of several living membranes enclosing or closely associated with the developing vertebrate embryo, as the allantois, amnion, yolk sac, etc.

embryophyte (em´bri: ou fait') •n. any of a subkingdom (Embryobionta) of plants, having an enclosed embryo, as within a seed or archegonium, including bryophytes, ferns, gymnosperms, and angiosperms Cf. THALLOPHYTE

emcee (em´si:´) -ceed´, -cee´ing •vt., vi. [Colloq.] to act as master of ceremonies (for) •n. [Colloq.] a master of ceremonies [< MC, sense 1]

-eme (i:m) combining form Linguis. a distinctive unit of language structure at a (specified) level of analysis, generally characterized as a class consisting of all the variant forms of the given unit {the grapheme consists of all the possible written forms of the letter w} [Fr -ème, unit, sound < phonème, PHONEME]

emeer (e mir´, э-) •n. EMIR e·meer´ate' (-eit', -it) •n.

emend (i: mend´, i-) •vt. 1 [Rare] to correct or improve 2 to make scholarly corrections or improvements in (a text) [ME emenden < L emendare, AMEND < e-, out (see EX-¹) + menda, a defect, error < IE *mend-, a flaw]

emendate (i:´men deit', -mэn-; i: men´deit, i-) -dat'ed, -dat'ing •vt. EMEND (sense 2) e´men·da'tor •n. e·mend·a·to·ry (i: men´dэ tör'i:, i-) •adj. [< L emendatus, pp. of emendare]

emendation (i:'men dei´shэn, -mэn-; also em'en-, -эn-) •n. 1 the act of emending 2 correction or change made in a text, as in an attempt to restore the original reading [ME emendacioun < L emendatio]

emerald (em´эr эld) •n. 1 a bright-green, transparent precious stone; green variety of beryl 2 a similar variety of corundum 3 bright green See GEM, illus. •adj. 1 bright-green 2 made of or with an emerald or emeralds 3 designating or of a cut of gem in a rectangular style used esp. with emeralds [ME & OFr emeralde < VL smaraldus, for L smaragdus < Gr smaragdos, of Oriental orig.]

Emerald Isle name for IRELAND [from its green landscape]

emerge (i: mørj´, i-) e·merged´, e·merg´ing •vi. 1 to rise from or as from a surrounding fluid 2 a) to come forth into view; become visible b) to become apparent or known 3 to develop or evolve as something new, improved, etc. {a strong breed emerged} [L emergere < e-, out + mergere, to dip, immerse: see MERGE]

emergence (i: mør´jэns, i-) •n. 1 an emerging 2 an outgrowth from beneath the outer layer of a plant, as a rose prickle [< L emergens, prp. of emergere]

emergency (i: mør´jэn si:, i-) pl. -cies •n. a sudden, generally unexpected occurrence or set of circumstances demanding immediate action •adj. for use in case of sudden necessity {an emergency brake} SYN.—emergency refers to any sudden or unforeseen situation that requires immediate action [the flood had created an emergency]; exigency may refer either to such a situation or to the need or urgency arising from it [the exigencies of the moment require drastic action]; contingency is used of an emergency regarded as remotely possible in the future [prepare for any contingency]; crisis refers to an event regarded as a turning point which will decisively determine an outcome [an economic crisis]; strait (or straits) refers to a trying situation from which it is difficult to extricate oneself [the loss left them in dire straits] [orig. sense, emergence: see EMERGENCE]

emergent (i: mør´jэnt, i-) •adj. 1 emerging 2 arising unexpectedly or as a new or improved development 3 recently founded or newly independent {an emergent nation} [< L emergens, prp. of emergere]

emeritus (i: mer´i tэs, i-) •adj. retired from active service, usually for age, but retaining one's rank or title {professor emeritus} •n. pl. -ti' (-tai') a person with such status [L, pp. of emereri, to serve out one's time < e-, out + mereri, to serve, earn, MERIT]

emersed (i: mørst´) •adj. having emerged above the surface; specif., standing out above the water, as the leaves of certain aquatic plants [< L emersus (pp. of emergere, EMERGE) + -ED]

emersion (i: mør´zhэn, -shэn) •n. an emerging; emergence [< L emersus: see EMERSED]

Emerson (em´эr sэn), Ralph Waldo 1803-82; U.S. essayist, philosopher, & poet Em'er·so´ni·an (-sou´ni: эn) •adj.

emery (em´эr i:) •n. a dark, impure, coarse variety of corundum used for grinding, polishing, etc. [Fr émeri < OFr emeril < It smeriglio < MGr smeri, for Gr smyris, emery < IE base *smer-, SMEAR]

emery board a small, flat stick coated with powdered emery, used as a manicuring instrument

emery cloth cloth coated with a mixture of powdered emery and glue, used for polishing and cleaning metal

emery wheel a wheel composed of emery or surfaced with emery, used in grinding, polishing, cutting, etc.

emesis (em´i sis) pl. -ses •n. vomiting [ModL < Gr emesis: see EMETIC]

emetic (i: met´ik, i-) •adj. causing vomiting •n. an emetic medicine or other substance [L emeticus < Gr emetikos < emein, to vomit < IE base *wemē-, VOMIT]

emetine (em´э ti:n', -tin) •n. an emetic alkaloid, C29H40N2O4, obtained from ipecac root, used chiefly in the treatment of amebiasis [prec. + -INE³]

emeu (i:´myu:') •n. EMU

émeute (ei möt´) •n. an uprising or riot [Fr < pp. of émouvoir, to agitate: see EMOTION]

EMF or emf electromotive force

-emia (i:´mi: э) combining form a (specified) condition or disease of the blood {leukemia} [ModL < Gr -aimia < haima, blood: see HEMO-]

emigrant (em´i grэnt) •adj. 1 emigrating 2 of emigrants or emigration •n. a person who emigrates [L emigrans, prp. of emigrare]

emigrate (em´i greit') -grat'ed, -grat'ing •vt. to leave one country or region to settle in another: opposed to IMMIGRATE SYN. MIGRATE [< L emigratus, pp. of emigrare, to move away < e-, out + migrare, to move, MIGRATE]

emigration (em'i grei´shэn) •n. 1 the act of emigrating 2 emigrants collectively [LL emigratio]

émigré or emigré (em'i grei´, em´i grei') •n. 1 an emigrant 2 a person forced to flee his country for political reasons, as a Royalist during the French Revolution SYN. ALIEN [Fr < pp. of émigrer < L emigrare: see EMIGRATE]

Emil (i:´mэl, ei´-; em´эl; ei´mэl) a masculine name: fem. Emily Also É·mile (ei mi:l´) [Ger < Fr Émile < L Aemilius, name of a Roman gens < L aemulus: see EMULATE]

Emilia-Romagna (ei mi:l´yä'rou män´yä') region in NC Italy, near the head of the Adriatic: 8,542 sq. mi. (22,123 sq. km); pop. 3,947,000; cap. Bologna

Emily (em´э li:) a feminine name: var. Emilia, Emeline, Emmeline [Fr Émilie < L Aemilia, fem. of Aemilius: see EMIL]

eminence (em´i nэns) •n. 1 a high or lofty place, thing, etc., as a hill 2 a) superiority in rank, position, character, achievement, etc.; greatness; celebrity b) a person of eminence 3 [E-] R.C.Ch. a title of honor used in speaking to or of a cardinal: preceded by Your or His 4 Anat. a raised area, usually on the surface of a bone [ME < OFr < L eminentia < eminens, excellent, prominent, prp. of eminere, to stand out < e-, out + *minere, to project, add, for minari: see MENACE]

éminence grise (ei mi: näñs gři:z´) a person who wields great power and influence, but secretly or unofficially [Fr, lit., gray eminence, nickname of François Leclerc du Tremblay (1577-1638), Fr monk and confidential agent of, and an assumed influence over, Richelieu: so named from the color of his habit]

eminency (em´i nэn si:) pl. -cies •n. [Obs.] eminence

eminent (em´э nэnt) •adj. 1 rising above other things or places; high; lofty 2 projecting; prominent; protruding 3 standing high by comparison with others, as in rank or achievement; renowned; exalted; distinguished 4 outstanding; remarkable; noteworthy {a man of eminent courage} SYN. FAMOUS em´i·nent·ly •adv. [ME < L eminens: see EMINENCE]

eminent domain Law Æ the right of a government to take, or to authorize the taking of, private property for public use, just compensation being given to the owner

emir (e mir´, э-) •n. 1 in certain Muslim countries, a ruler, prince, or commander 2 a title given Mohammed's descendants through his daughter Fatima: see FATIMID e·mir´ate (-eit', -it) •n. [Ar amīr < amara, to command]

emissary (em´i ser'i:) pl. -sar'ies •n. a person or agent, esp. a secret agent, sent on a specific mission •adj. of, or serving as, an emissary or emissaries [L emissarius < pp. of emittere: see EMIT]

emission (i: mish´эn, i-) •n. 1 the act of emitting; issuance; specif., a) the transmission of radio waves b) the ejection of electrons from a surface by heat, radiation, etc. c) a discharge of fluid from the body; esp., an involuntary discharge of semen 2 something emitted; discharge [L emissio < pp. of emittere]

emissive (i: mis´iv, i-) •adj. emitting or able to emit [ML emissivus < L emissus, pp. of emittere]

emissivity (i:'mi siv´э ti:, em'i-) •n. the relative ability of a surface to radiate energy as compared with that of an ideally black surface under the same conditions

emit (i: mit´, i-) e·mit´ted, e·mit´ting •vt. 1 to send out; give forth; discharge {geysers emit water} 2 to utter (words or sounds) 3 to transmit (a signal) as by radio waves 4 to give off (electrons) under the influence of heat, radiation, etc. 5 to issue (paper money or the like); put into circulation [L emittere < e-, out (see EX-¹) + mittere, to send: see MISSION]

emitter (-эr) •n. 1 one that emits; specif., a substance that emits particles {a beta emitter} 2 in a transistor, the region or layer of semiconductor material from which a flow of electrons or holes is injected into the base region

Emma (em´э) a feminine name [Ger < Erma < names beginning with Erm- (e.g., Ermenhilde): see IRMA]

Emmanuel (e mæn´yu: el', -эl; i-) 1 a masculine name: dim. Manny; var. Emanuel, Immanuel, Manuel 2 the Messiah: see IMMANUEL [Gr Emmanouēl < Heb imanuel, lit., God with us]

Emmen (em´эn) city in NE Netherlands: pop. 91,000

emmenagogue (e men´э gäg', -mi:´nэ-; э-) •n. anything used to stimulate the menstrual flow [< Gr emmēna, n.pl., menses (< en-, in + mēn, MONTH) + -AGOGUE]

emmer (em´эr) •n. any of a group of wheat species having 14 pairs of chromosomes, esp. a wild species (Triticum dicoccum) having a spike broken up into segments and grains that do not thresh free of the chaff: see DURUM [Ger < OHG amari]

emmet (em´it) •n. [Archaic] an ant [see ANT]

emmetropia (em'э trou´pi: э) •n. the condition of normal refraction of light in the eye, in which vision is perfect em'me·trop´ic (-träp´ik) •adj. [ModL < Gr emmetros, in measure, fit < en-, in + metron, MEASURE + -OPIA]

Emmy (em´i:) pl. -mys •n. Æ any of the statuettes awarded annually by the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for special achievement in television programming, acting, etc. [altered < Immy, engineering slang for the image-orthicon camera: name proposed (1948) in contrast to OSCAR by H. R. Lubcke, U.S. TV engineer]

emollient (i: mäl´yэnt, -i: эnt; i-; also, -moul´-) •adj. softening; soothing •n. something that has a softening or soothing effect; esp., an emollient preparation or medicine applied to surface tissues of the body [L emolliens, prp. of emollire, to soften < e- out + mollire, to soften < mollis, soft: see MILL¹]

emolument (i: mäl´yu: mэnt, i-; -yэ-) •n. gain from employment or position; payment received for work; salary, wages, fees, etc. SYN. WAGE [ME < L emolumentum, the result of exertion, gain, profit < emolere, to grind out < e-, out + molere, to grind: see MILL¹]

Emory (em´эr i:) a masculine name: var. Emery; equiv. Ger. Emmerich, It. Amerigo [prob. via OFr Aimeri < OHG Amalrich, lit., work ruler < *amal-, work (in battle) + *rich, ruler (akin to L rex, king: see RIGHT)]

emote (i: mout´, i-) e·mot´ed, e·mot´ing •vi. [Colloq.] to act in an emotional or theatrical manner while, or as though, playing a role in a drama: often used humorously [back-form. < fol.]

emotion (i: mou´shэn, i-) •n. 1 a) strong feeling; excitement b) a state of consciousness having to do with the arousal of feelings, distinguished from other mental states, as cognition, volition, and awareness of physical sensation 2 any specific feeling; any of various complex reactions with both mental and physical manifestations, as love, hate, fear, anger, etc. SYN. FEELING e·mo´tion·less •adj. [Fr (prob. after motion) < émouvoir, to agitate, stir up < VL *exmovere, for L emovere < e-, out + movere, MOVE]

emotional (i: mou´shэ nэl, i-) •adj. 1 of or having to do with emotion or the emotions 2 showing emotion, esp. strong emotion 3 easily aroused to emotion; quick to weep, be angry, etc. 4 appealing to the emotions; moving people to tears, anger, etc. e·mo´tion·al·ly •adv.

emotionalism (-nэl iz'эm) •n. 1 the tendency to be emotional or to show emotion quickly and easily 2 display of emotion 3 an appeal to emotion, esp. to sway an audience to some belief

emotionalist (-nэl ist) •n. 1 a very emotional person 2 a person who uses or relies on emotion or emotional effects, as in art

emotionality (i: mou'shэ næl´э ti:, i-) •n. the quality or state of being emotional

emotionalize (i: mou´shэ nэl aiz', i-) -ized', -iz'ing •vt. to treat, present, or interpret in an emotional way e·mo'tion·al·i·za´tion •n.

emotive (i: mout´iv, i-) •adj. 1 characterized by, expressing, or producing emotion 2 relating to the emotions e·mo´tive·ly •adv.

Emp 1 Emperor 2 Empress EMP electromagnetic pulse: an immense surge of electromagnetic radiation caused by a nuclear explosion

empale (em peil´) -paled´, -pal´ing •vt. IMPALE

empanada (em pэ nä´dэ) •n. any of various pastry turnovers of Spain and Latin America, filled as with seasoned chopped meat and vegetables or with chopped fruit, then sealed and deep-fried

empanel (em pæn´эl) -eled or -elled, -el·ing or -el·ling •vt. IMPANEL

empathetic (em'pэ θet´ik) •adj. of or characterized by empathy Also em·path·ic (em pæθ´ik)

empathize (em´pэ θaiz') -thized', -thiz'ing •vt. to undergo or feel empathy (with another or others) [< fol., after SYMPATHIZE]

empathy (em´pэ θi:) •n. 1 the projection of one's own personality into the personality of another in order to understand the person better; ability to share in another's emotions, thoughts, or feelings 2 the projection of one's own personality into an object, with the attribution to the object of one's own emotions, responses, etc. [< Gr empatheia, affection, passion < en-, in + pathos, feeling: used to transl. Ger einfühlung (< ein-, in + fühlung, feeling)]

Empedocles (em ped´э kli:z') c. 495-c. 435 B.C.; Gr. philosopher & poet

empennage (em´pэ nij', em pen´ij'; em'pэ näzh´, äm'-) •n. the tail assembly of an airplane, consisting of vertical and horizontal stabilizers, and including the fin, rudder, and elevators [Fr < OFr empenner, to feather an arrow < em-, in + penne, a feather: see PEN]

emperor (em´pэr эr) •n. 1 the supreme ruler of an empire 2 any of various butterflies (family Nymphalidae) and moths (family Saturniidae) em´per·or·ship' •n. [ME emperour < OFr empereor, ruler (of the Holy Roman Empire) < L imperator, commander in chief < pp. of imperare, to command < in-, in + parare, to set in order, PREPARE]

emperor penguin the largest penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri), found only in Antarctica and growing to four feet in height

empery (em´pэr i:) pl. -per·ies •n. [Old Poet.] 1 the sovereignty of an emperor; empire 2 broad dominion or authority [ME & OFr emperie < L imperium < imperare: see EMPEROR]

emphasis (em´fэ sis) pl. -ses' (-si:z') •n. 1 force of expression, thought, feeling, action, etc. 2 special stress given as to a syllable, word, or phrase in speaking 3 special attention given to something so as to make it stand out; importance; stress; weight {to put less emphasis on athletics} [L < Gr emphasis, an appearing in, outward appearance < emphainein, to indicate < en-, in + phainein, to show < IE base *bha-, to shine > OE bonian, to polish]

emphasize (em´fэ saiz') -sized', -siz'ing •vt. to give emphasis to; give special force or prominence to; stress

emphatic (em fæt´ik, im-) •adj. 1 expressed, felt, or done with emphasis 2 using emphasis in speaking, expressing, etc. 3 very striking; forcible; definite {an emphatic defeat} 4 Gram. designating or of a present tense or past tense in which a form of do is used as an auxiliary for emphasis (Ex.: I do care, we did go) em·phat´i·cal·ly •adv. [Gr emphatikos]

emphysema (em'fэ si:´mэ; -zi:´-) •n. 1 an abnormal swelling of body tissues caused by the accumulation of air; esp., such a swelling of the lung tissue, due to the permanent loss of elasticity, or the destruction, of the alveoli, which seriously impairs respiration 2 HEAVES em'phy·se´ma·tous (-si:´mэ tэs, -sem´-) •adj. [ModL < Gr emphysēma, inflation < emphysaein, to inflate, blow in < en-, in + physaein, to blow < IE *phus- < base *pu-, *phu-, echoic of blowing with puffed cheeks]

empire (em´pair'; for adj., also öm pi:´эr, -pir´; äm-) •n. 1 supreme rule; absolute power or authority; dominion 2 a) government by an emperor or empress b) the period during which such government prevails 3 a) a group of states or territories under the sovereign power of an emperor or empress b) a state uniting many territories and peoples under a single sovereign power 4 an extensive social or economic organization under the control of a single person, family, or corporation •adj. [E-] of or characteristic of the first French Empire (1804-15) under Napoleon; specif., a) designating a style of furniture of this period, characterized by massiveness, bronze ornamentation, and motifs of ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt b) designating a gown in the style of the period, with a short waist, décolleté bodice, flowing skirt, and short, puffed sleeves [ME & OFr < L imperium < imperare: see EMPEROR]

Empire Day a former holiday celebrated in the British Empire on May 24, Queen Victoria's birthday

Empire State name for NEW YORK (State)

empiric (em pir´ik) •n. 1 a person who relies solely on practical experience rather than on scientific principles 2 [Archaic] a charlatan; quack •adj. empirical [L empiricus < Gr empeirikos, experienced < empeiria, experience < en-, in + peira, a trial, experiment: see FARE]

empirical (em pir´i kэl) •adj. 1 relying or based solely on experiment and observation rather than theory {the empirical method} 2 relying or based on practical experience without reference to scientific principles {an empirical remedy} em·pir´i·cal·ly •adv. [prec. + -AL]

empirical formula a chemical formula which gives the composition of elements in a molecule in their lowest relative proportions but does not specify the structural arrangement or true molecular weight (Ex.: CH for benzene or acetylene)

empiricism (em pir´i siz'эm) •n. 1 experimental method; search for knowledge by observation and experiment 2 a) a disregarding of scientific methods and relying solely on experience b) [Archaic] quackery 3 Philos. the theory that sense experience is the only source of knowledge em·pir´i·cist •n.

emplace (em pleis´, im-) -placed´, -plac´ing •vt. to place in position [back-form < fol.]

emplacement (-mэnt) •n. 1 the act of emplacing; placement 2 the position in which something is placed; specif., the prepared position from which a heavy gun or guns are fired [Fr < emplacer, to put in position: see EN-¹ & PLACE]

emplane (em plein´, im-) -planed´, -plan´ing •vi. ENPLANE

employ (em ploi´, im-) •vt. 1 to make use of; use 2 to keep busy or occupied; take up the attention, time, etc. of; devote {to employ oneself in study} 3 to provide work and pay for {mining employs fewer men now} 4 to engage the services or labor of for pay; hire •n. 1 the state of being employed, esp. for pay; paid service; employment 2 [Archaic] work or occupation SYN. USE [ME emploien < OFr emploier < L implicare, to enfold, engage: see IMPLY]

employable (-э bэl) •adj. that can be employed; specif., a) physically or mentally fit to be hired for work b) meeting the minimum requirements for a specified kind of work or position of employment em·ploy'a·bil´i·ty (-э bil´э ti:) •n.

employee or employe (em ploi´i:, im-; also em ploi'i:´, im-, or em'ploi i:´) •n. a person hired by another, or by a business firm, etc., to work for wages or salary [Fr employé: see EMPLOY & -EE¹]

employer (em ploi´эr, im-) •n. one who employs; esp., a person, business firm, etc. that hires one or more persons to work for wages or salary

employment (em ploi´mэnt, im-) •n. 1 an employing or being employed 2 the thing at which one is employed; work; occupation; profession; job 3 the number or percentage of persons gainfully employed 4 [Archaic] purpose to which something is put

empoison (em poi´zэn) •vt. 1 [Archaic] to make poisonous; taint or corrupt 2 to embitter; envenom [ME empoisounen < OFr empoisoner: see EN-¹ & POISON]

emporium (em pör´i: эm) pl. -ri·ums or -ri·a (-э) •n. 1 a place of commerce; trading center; marketplace 2 a large store with a wide variety of things for sale [L < Gr emporion, trading place, mart < emporios, pertaining to trade, commerce < emporos, traveler, merchant < en-, in + poros, way: see FARE]

empower (em pau´эr, im-) •vt. 1 to give power or authority to; authorize {Congress is empowered to levy taxes} 2 to give ability to; enable; permit

empress (em´pris) •n. 1 the wife of an emperor 2 a woman ruler of an empire 3 a woman with great power or influence {the empress of his heart} [ME emperesse < OFr, fem. of empereor, EMPEROR]

empressement (äñ přes mäñ´) •n. great or extreme attentiveness, care, or cordiality [Fr, eagerness < s'empresser, to be eager, hasten: see IMPRESS²]

emprise or emprize (em praiz´) •n. [Archaic] 1 an enterprise or adventure 2 prowess or daring {knights of great emprise} [ME emprise < OFr < pp. of emprendre, to undertake < VL *imprehendere < L im-, in + prehendere, to take: see PREHENSILE]

empty (emp´ti:) -ti·er, -ti·est •adj. 1 containing nothing; having nothing in it 2 having no one in it; unoccupied; vacant {an empty house} 3 carrying or bearing nothing; bare 4 having no worth or purpose; useless or unsatisfying {empty pleasure} 5 without meaning or force; insincere; vain {empty promises} 6 [Colloq.] hungry •vt. -tied, -ty·ing 1 to make empty 2 a) to pour out or remove (the contents) of something b) to transfer (the contents) into, onto, or on something else 3 to unburden or discharge (oneself or itself) •vi. 1 to become empty 2 to pour out; discharge {the river empties into the sea} •n. pl. -ties an empty freight car, truck, bottle, etc. empty of lacking; without; devoid of emp´ti·ly •adv. emp´ti·ness •n. SYN.—empty means having nothing in it [an empty box, street, stomach, etc.]; vacant means lacking that which appropriately or customarily occupies or fills it [a vacant apartment, position, etc.]; void, as discriminated here, specifically stresses complete or vast emptiness [void of judgment]; vacuous, now rare in its physical sense, suggests the emptiness of a vacuum see also VAIN —ANT. full [ME emti & (with intrusive -p-) empti < OE æmettig, unoccupied, lit., at leisure < æmetta, leisure (< æ-, without + base of motan, to have to: see MUST¹) + -ig, -Y²]

empty nester a person whose children have grown up and left home

empty-handed (-hæn'did) •adj. bringing or carrying away nothing

empty-headed (-hed'id) •adj. frivolous and stupid; silly and ignorant

empty-nest syndrome (emp´ti: nest´) a form of mental depression said to be caused in women by the loss felt when their children grow up and leave home

empurple (em pør´pэl) -pled, -pling •vt., vi. to make or become purple

empyema (em'pai i:´mэ, -pi: i:´-) pl. -ma·ta (-mэ tэ) •n.or -mas the accumulation of pus in a body cavity, esp. in the pleural cavity em'py·e´ma·tous (-i:´mэ tэs, -em´э-) or em'py·e´mic (-i:´mik, -em´ik) •adj. [altered (infl. by Gr) < ME empima < ML empyema < Gr empyēma < empyein, to suppurate < en-, in + pyon, PUS]

empyreal (em pir´i: эl; em'pai ri:´эl, -pэ-) •adj. of the empyrean; heavenly; sublime [LL empyrius, empyreus < Gr empyrios, in fire < en, in + pyr, FIRE]

empyrean (em pir´i: эn; em'pai ri:´эn, -pэ-) •n. 1 the highest heaven; specif., a) among the ancients, the sphere of pure light or fire b) among Christian poets, the abode of God 2 the sky; the celestial vault; firmament •adj. EMPYREAL [see EMPYREAL & -AN]

Ems (emz) river in NW Germany, flowing northward into the North Sea: c. 200 mi. (320 km) EMS 1 Emergency Medical Service 2 European Monetary System: a system linking the currencies within the European Community

emu (i:´myu:') •n. any of a family (Dromaiidae) of large, flightless Australian birds: see CASSOWARY [< Port ema (di gei) crane (of the ground) < ?]

EMU or emu abbrev. electromagnetic units

emulate (em´yu: leit', -yэ-; for adj., -lit) -lat'ed, -lat'ing •vt. 1 to try, often by imitating or copying, to equal or surpass 2 to imitate (a person or thing admired) 3 to rival successfully •adj. [Obs.] ambitious [< L aemulatus, pp. of aemulari < aemulus, trying to equal or excel < IE base *ai- to give, accept, take > Gr ainymai, take]

emulation (em'yu: lei´shэn, -yэ-) •n. 1 the act of emulating 2 desire or ambition to equal or surpass 3 [Obs.] a) ambitious rivalry b) envious dislike SYN. COMPETITION em´u·la'tive •adj. em´u·la'tive·ly •adv. [L aemulatio]

emulator (em´yu: leit'эr, -yэ-) •n. 1 one that emulates 2 software or hardware that allows one computer to perform the functions of, or execute programs designed for, another type of computer

emulous (em´yu: lэs, -yэ-) •adj. 1 desirous of equaling or surpassing 2 characterized or caused by emulation 3 [Obs.] jealous; envious SYN. AMBITIOUS em´u·lous·ly •adv. em´u·lous·ness •n. [L aemulus: see EMULATE]

emulsifiable (i: mûl´sэ fai'э bэl, i-) •adj. that can be emulsified: also e·mul´si·ble (-sэ bэl)

emulsify (i: mûl´sэ fai', i-) -fied', -fy'ing •vt., vi. to form into an emulsion e·mul'si·fi·ca´tion •n. e·mul´si·fi'er •n.

emulsion (i: mûl´shэn, i-) •n. a stable colloidal suspension, as milk, consisting of an immiscible liquid dispersed and held in another liquid by substances called emulsifiers; specif., a) Pharmacy such a suspension used as a vehicle for medication b) Photog. a suspension of a salt of silver, platinum, etc. in gelatin or collodion, used to coat plates, film, and paper e·mul´sive (-siv) •adj. [ModL emulsio < L emulsus, pp. of emulgere, to milk or drain out < e-, out + mulgere, to MILK]

emulsoid (-soid') •n. a lyophilic emulsion

emunctory (i: mûŋk´tэ ri:) pl. -ries •n. any organ or part of the body that gives off waste products, as the kidneys, lungs, or skin •adj. giving off waste products; excretory [ModL emunctorium < pp. of L emungere, to blow the nose, cleanse < e-, out + mungere, to blow the nose: for IE base see MUCUS]

en (en) •n. 1 the letter N 2 Printing a space half the width of an em

-en (эn, ªn) suffix 1 forming verbs a) to become or cause to be (added to adjectives) {darken, weaken} b) to come to have, cause to have (added to nouns) {heighten, hearten, strengthen} [ME < -en, -ien < OE -nian] 2 forming adjectives made of: added to concrete nouns {wooden, waxen} [ME & OE, akin to L -inus, Gr -inos] 3 forming the past participle of strong verbs {risen, written} [ME & OE] 4 forming the plural of certain nouns {children, oxen} [OE -an] 5 forming the feminine of certain nouns {vixen} [OE] 6 forming certain old diminutives {chicken} [OE]

en arrière (äñ nå řyeř´) 1 behind 2 in arrears [Fr]

en avant (äñ nå väñ´) forward; onward; ahead [Fr]

en bloc (en bläk´; Fr äñ blôk´) in a mass; as a whole; all together [Fr, lit., in a block]

en brochette (äñ břô shet´) broiled on small spits or skewers [Fr]

en brosse (äñ břôs´) cut short so as to stand up like brush bristles: said of hair [Fr, lit., like a brush]

en casserole (en kæs´э roul'; Fr äñ kås řôl´) (baked and served) in a casserole [Fr]

en clair (äñ kleř´) not in code or cipher; in plain language {a message sent en clair}

en croûte (än kru:t´; Fr äñ křu:t´) wrapped in pastry and baked: said esp. of meats {pâté en croûte}

en famille (äñ få mi:´yª) 1 with one's family; at home 2 in an informal way [Fr]

en garde (äñ gåřd´) Fencing on guard: the opening position from which one may either attack or defend [Fr]

en masse (en mæs´, än-; Fr äñ mås´) in a group; as a whole; all together [Fr, lit., in mass]

en passant (äñ pä säñ´; E än'pэ sänt´, en'-) in passing; by the way: used, in chess, of the capture of a pawn which has just taken a first move of two squares, passing an opponent's pawn that dominates the first of those squares and that makes the capture by moving to that square [Fr]

en prise (äñ při:z´; E än pri:z´, en-) Chess in a position to be taken [Fr]

en rapport (äñ řå pôř´; E än'rэ pör´) in a mutually understanding and harmonious relationship; in accord [Fr]

en règle (äñ ře´glª) in proper form or order [Fr]

en route (en ru:t´, än-, ön-; also, -raut´; Fr äñ řu:t´) on the way; along the way [Fr]

en suite (än swi:t´, en) in, or as part of, a series or set [Fr]

en-¹ (en, in) prefix forming verbs 1 a) to put or get into or on {enthrone, enplane} b) to cover or wrap with {enrobe}: added to nouns 2 to make, make into or like, cause to be: added to nouns and adjectives {endanger, enthrall} 3 in or into: added to verbs {encase} 4 used as an intensifier {encourage} Often becomes em- before b, m, or p Many words beginning with en- are also spelled with in- [enquire, inquire] [ME < OFr < L in- < in, IN]

en-² (en, in) prefix meaning in: used chiefly in Greek derivatives {endemic} [Gr en- < en, IN]

enable (en ei´bэl, in-) -bled, -bling •vt. 1 to make able; provide with means, opportunity, power, or authority (to do something) 2 to make possible or effective en·a´bler •n.

enact (en ækt´, in-) •vt. 1 to make (a bill, etc.) into a law; pass (a law); decree; ordain 2 to represent or perform in or as in a play; act out en·ac´tor •n.

enactive (-æk´tiv) •adj. enacting or having the power to enact

enactment (en ækt´mэnt, in-) •n. 1 an enacting or being enacted 2 something enacted, as a law or decree

enamel (e næm´эl, i-) •n. 1 a glassy, colored, opaque substance fused to surfaces of metals, glass, and pottery as an ornamental or protective coating 2 any smooth, hard, glossy coating or surface like enamel 3 the hard, white, glossy coating of the crown of a tooth: see TOOTH, illus. 4 anything enameled; enameled ware or a piece of jewelry, etc. produced in enamel 5 paint that produces a smooth, hard, glossy surface when it dries •vt. -eled or -elled, -el·ing or -el·ling [ME enamelen < Anglo-Fr enamayller < en- (see EN-¹) + amayl < OFr esmail, enamel < Gmc *smalts, a glaze, melted substance: for IE base see SMELT¹] 1 to inlay or cover with enamel 2 to decorate in various colors, as if with enamel 3 to form an enamel-like surface on [ME < the v.]

enameler or enameller (-эr) •n. 1 a person whose work is applying enamel, as to metal surfaces 2 an artist who designs and produces jewelry and other fine objects in enamel: in this sense, now usually en·am´el·ist or en·am´el·list

enamelware (-wer') •n. kitchen utensils, etc. made of enameled metal

enamor (en æm´эr, in-) •vt. to fill with love and desire; charm; captivate: now mainly in the passive voice, with of {much enamored of her} [ME enamouren < OFr enamourer < en-, in + amour < L amor, love]

enantiomorph (en æn´ti: ou mörf') •n. either of two isomers that are, partly or completely, mirror images of each other: they usually have nearly identical properties, although one form is dextrorotatory and the other levorotatory Also en·an´ti·o·mer (-mэr) en·an'ti·o·mor´phic •adj. en·an'ti·o·mor´phism •n. [Ger < Gr enantios, opposite (< en, IN + anti, against, ANTI-) + Ger -morph, -MORPH]

enarthrosis (en'är θrou´sis) pl. -ses' (-si:z') •n. BALL-AND-SOCKET JOINT [ModL < Gr enarthrōsis < enarthros, jointed < en-, in + arthron, a joint: see ARTHRO-]

enc enclosure

encaenia (en si:´ni: э, -si:n´yэ) •n.pl. [often with sing. v.] 1 a festival commemorating the founding of a city, church, university, etc. 2 [E-] the annual ceremony commemorating the founding of Oxford University [altered (after L) < ME encennia < L encaenia < Gr enkainia < en-, EN-² + kainos, new: see -CENE]

encage (en keij´) -caged´, -cag´ing •vt. to shut up in a cage; confine

encamp (en kæmp´, in-) •vi. to set up a camp •vt. 1 to put in a camp 2 to form into a camp

encampment (-mэnt) •n. 1 an encamping or being encamped 2 a camp or campsite

encapsulate (en kæp´sэ leit', -syu:-) -lat'ed, -lat'ing •vt. 1 to enclose in or as if in a capsule 2 to put in concise form; condense Also en·cap´sule (-sэl, -syul'), -suled, -sul·ing en·cap'su·la´tion •n.

encarnalize (en kär´nэl aiz') -ized', -iz'ing •vt. 1 to incarnate 2 to make carnal; make sensual

encase (en keis´, in-) -cased´, -cas´ing •vt. 1 to cover completely; enclose 2 to put into a case or cases en·case´ment •n.

encaustic (en kös´tik) •adj. done by a process of burning in or applying heat {encaustic tile} •n. a method of painting in which colors in wax are fused to a surface with hot irons en·caus´ti·cal·ly •adv. [L encausticus < Gr enkaustikos < enkaustos, burnt in < enkaiein, to burn in < en-, in + kaiein, to burn]

-ence (эns, ªns) suffix act, fact, quality, state, result, or degree {conference, excellence} [ME < OFr -ence & L -entia < -ent- (see -ENT) + -ia, n. ending]

enceinte (en sænt´; Fr äñ sæñt´) •n. 1 the line of works enclosing a fortified place 2 the space so enclosed [Fr < pp. of enceindre < L incingere, to gird about < in, in + cingere, to surround] enceinte (äñ sæñt´; E en sænt´) •adj. pregnant; with child [Fr < ML incincta, orig. fem. of incinctus, ungirt < L in-, not + cinctus, pp. of cingere, to gird, surround: see CINCH]

Enceladus (en sel´э dэs) a smooth satellite of Saturn having more reflective brightness than any other celestial body in the solar system [L < Gr Enkelados]

encephalic (en'sэ fæl´ik) •adj. of or near the brain [ENCEPHAL(O)- + -IC]

encephalitis (en sef'э lait´is, en'sef-) •n. inflammation of the brain en·ceph'a·lit´ic (-lit´ik) •adj. [ENCEPHAL(O)- + -ITIS]

encephalitis lethargica (li θär´ji kэ) a form of encephalitis, or sleeping sickness, epidemic in the period from 1915 to 1926

encephalo- (en sef´э lou', -lэ) combining form of the brain Also, before a vowel, en·ceph´al- [< Gr enkephalos: see ENCEPHALON]

encephalogram (en sef´э lou græm', -lэ-) •n. short for PNEUMOENCEPHALOGRAM

encephalomyelitis (en sef'э lou'mai'э lait´is) •n. inflammation of the brain and spinal cord; specif., a virus disease of horses and other animals sometimes communicable to people [ENCEPHALO- + MYELITIS]

encephalon (en sef´э län', -lэn) pl. -la (-lэ) •n. Anat. the brain [ModL < Gr enkephalos, (what is) in the head < en-, in + kephalē, the head: see CEPHALIC]

encephalopathy (en sef'э läp´э θi:) pl. -thies •n. any disease of the brain en·ceph'a·lo'path´ic (-lou'pæθ´ik) •adj.

enchain (en chein´) •vt. 1 to bind or hold with chains; fetter 2 to hold fast; captivate en·chain´ment •n. [ME encheinen < OFr enchainer: see EN-¹ & CHAIN]

enchant (en chænt´, -chänt´; in-) •vt. 1 to cast a spell over, as by magic; bewitch 2 to charm greatly; delight SYN. ATTRACT en·chant´er •n. [ME enchanten < OFr enchanter < L incantare, to bewitch < in- (intens.) + cantare, sing: see CHANT]

enchanting (-iŋ) •adj. 1 charming; delightful 2 bewitching; fascinating en·chant´ing·ly •adv.

enchantment (-mэnt) •n. 1 an enchanting or being enchanted 2 a magic spell or charm 3 something that charms or delights greatly 4 great delight or pleasure [ME & OFr enchantement: see ENCHANT & -MENT]

enchantress (en chæn´tris, in-) •n. 1 a sorceress; witch 2 a fascinating or charming woman [ME & OFr enchanteresse: see ENCHANT]

enchase (en cheis´) -chased´, -chas´ing •vt. 1 to put in a setting or serve as a setting for 2 to ornament by engraving, embossing, or inlaying with gems, etc. 3 to engrave or carve (designs, etc.) [MFr enchasser < OFr < en-, EN-¹ + châsse: see CHASE²]

enchilada (en'chi lä´dэ) •n. a tortilla usually rolled with meat inside and served with a chili-flavored sauce the whole enchilada [Slang] all of it; everything; the entirety of something [AmSp < en- (see EN-¹) + chile (see CHILI) + -ada (see -ADE)]

enchiridion (en'ki rid´i: эn, -kai-) •n. [Rare] a handbook; manual [LL < Gr encheiridion < en-, in + cheir, hand (see CHIRO-) + -idion, dim. suffix]

enchondroma (en'kän drou´mэ) pl. -ma·ta (-mэ tэ) •n.or -mas a benign cartilaginous tumor en'chon·drom´a·tous (-dräm´э tэs, -drou´mэ tэs) •adj. [ModL < Gr en, in + chondros, cartilage (see CHONDRO-) + -OMA]

enchorial (en kör´i: эl) •adj. of or used in a particular country; native; popular; esp., DEMOTIC (sense 1) [< Gr enchōrios, native (< en-, in + chōra, country, place, akin to chōros: see CHOROGRAPHY) + -AL]

encina (en si:´nэ) •n. a live oak of the SW U.S. [Sp < VL ilicina, holm oak < L ilex, ILEX]

encipher (en sai´fэr) •vt. to convert (a message, information, etc.) into cipher

encircle (en sør´kэl, in-) -cled, -cling •vt. 1 to make a circle around; enclose within a circle; surround 2 to move in a circle around en·cir´cle·ment •n.

encl enclosure

enclasp (en klæsp´) •vt. to hold in a clasp; embrace

enclave (en´kleiv'; also än´-) •n. 1 a territory surrounded or nearly surrounded by the territory of another country {San Marino is an enclave within Italy}: cf. EXCLAVE 2 a minority culture group living as an entity within a larger group [Fr < OFr < enclaver, to enclose, lock in < VL *inclavare < L in, in + clavis, a key: see LOT]

enclitic (en klit´ik) •adj. Gram. dependent on the preceding word for its stress: said as of a word that has lost its stress in combination (Ex.: man in layman), or of certain particles, as in classical Greek •n. any such word or particle Cf. PROCLITIC [LL encliticus < Gr enklitikos < enklinein, to lean toward, incline < en-, in + klinein, to LEAN¹]

enclose (en klouz´, in-) -closed´, -clos´ing •vt. 1 to shut in all around; hem in; fence in; surround 2 to insert in an envelope, wrapper, etc., often along with something else {to enclose a check with one's order} 3 to contain [ME enclosen, prob. < enclos, an enclosure < OFr, orig. pp. of enclore, to enclose < VL *inclaudere, for L includere, INCLUDE]

enclosure (en klou´zhэr, in-) •n. 1 an enclosing or being enclosed 2 something that encloses, as a fence, wall, etc. 3 something enclosed; specif., a) an enclosed place or area b) a document, money, etc. enclosed as with a letter [ME & OE: see ENCLOSE & -URE]

encode (en koud´, in-) -cod´ed, -cod´ing •vt. to convert (a message, information, etc.) into code en·cod´er •n.

encomiast (en kou´mi: æst', -эst) •n. a person who speaks or writes encomiums; eulogist [Gr enkōmiastēs < enkōmiazein, to praise < enkōmion]

encomiastic (en kou'mi: æs´tik) •adj. 1 of an encomiast 2 of or like an encomium; eulogistic

encomium (en kou´mi: эm) pl. -mi·ums or -mi·a (-э) •n. a formal expression of high praise; eulogy; panegyric SYN. TRIBUTE [L < Gr enkōmion, hymn to a victor, neut. of enkōmios < en-, in + kōmos, a revel]

encompass (en kûm´pэs, in-) •vt. 1 to shut in all around; surround; encircle 2 to contain; include 3 to bring about; achieve; contrive {to encompass its destruction} en·com´pass·ment •n.

encore (än´kör'; also, esp. for interj., än kör´) •interj. again; once more: cf. BIS •n. 1 a demand by the audience, shown by continued applause, for the repetition of a piece of music, etc., or for another appearance of the performer or performers 2 the repetition, further performance, etc. in answer to such a demand 3 the piece of music, etc. performed in answer to such a demand •vt. -cored', -cor'ing [Now Rare] to demand further performance of or by •vi. [Colloq.] to give an encore [Fr, again, still < OFr ancor, prob. < L (hinc) hac hora (from that time) to the present hour]

encounter (en kaun´tэr, in-) •vt. 1 to meet unexpectedly; come upon 2 to meet in conflict or battle 3 to meet with; face (difficulties, trouble, etc.) •vi. to meet accidentally or in opposition •n. 1 a direct meeting, as in conflict or battle 2 a meeting with another, esp. when unexpected or by chance •adj. designating or of a small group that meets for a kind of therapy in personal interrelationship, involving a release of inhibitions, an open exchange of intimate feelings, etc. SYN. BATTLE¹ [ME encontren < OFr encontrer < encontre, against < VL *incontra < L in, in + contra, against]

encourage (en kør´ij, in-) -aged, -ag·ing •vt. 1 to give courage, hope, or confidence to; embolden; hearten 2 to give support to; be favorable to; foster; help [ME encouragen < OFr encoragier: see EN-¹ & COURAGE]

encouragement (-mэnt) •n. 1 an encouraging or being encouraged 2 something that encourages

encouraging (-iŋ) •adj. giving courage, hope, or confidence en·cour´ag·ing·ly •adv.

encrimson (en krim´zэn) •vt. to make crimson

encrinite (en´kri nait') •n. a crinoid, esp. a fossil crinoid (genus Encrinus) [ModL encrinites < Gr en, in + krinon, lily]

encroach (en krouch´, in-) •vi. 1 to trespass or intrude (on or upon the rights, property, etc. of another), esp. in a gradual or sneaking way 2 to advance beyond the proper, original, or customary limits; make inroads (on or upon) SYN. TRESPASS en·croach´ment •n. [ME encrochen < OFr encrochier, to seize upon, take < en-, in + croc, croche, a hook: see CROSIER]

encrust (en krûst´) •vt. 1 to cover with or as with a crust, or hard coating 2 to decorate elaborately, esp. with gems •vi. to form a crust [OFr encrouster < L incrustare: see IN-¹ & CRUST]

encrustation (en'krûs tei´shэn) •n. 1 an encrusting or being encrusted 2 a crust; hard layer or coating 3 an elaborate decorative coating, inlay, etc. 4 Med. a crust, scale, scab, etc. [LL incrustatio]

encrypt (en kript´) •vt. to encode or encipher en·cryp´tion •n. [< EN-¹ + CRYPT(OGRAM)]

enculturate (en kûl´chэ reit', in-) -rat'ed, -rat'ing •vt. to cause to adapt to the prevailing cultural patterns of one's society; socialize en·cul'tu·ra´tion •n.

encumber (en kûm´bэr, in-) •vt. 1 to hold back the motion or action of, as with a burden; hinder; hamper 2 to fill in such a way as to obstruct; block up; obstruct 3 to load or weigh down, as with claims, debts, etc.; burden [ME encombren < OFr encombrer: see EN-¹ & CUMBER]

encumbrance (en kûm´brэns, in-) •n. 1 something that encumbers; hindrance; obstruction; burden 2 [Rare] a dependent, esp. a child 3 Law a lien, charge, or claim attached to real property, as a mortgage [ME & OFr encombraunce]

-ency (эn si:, ªn si:) suffix -ENCE {dependency, emergency, efficiency} [L -entia]

ency or encyc encyclopedia

encyclical (en sik´li kэl, in-; occas., -sai´kli-) •adj. for general circulation: also en·cyc´lic •n. R.C.Ch. a papal document addressed to the bishops, generally dealing with doctrinal matters [LL encyclicus < Gr enkyklios, in a circle, general, common < en-, in + kyklos, a circle: see CYCLE]

encyclopedia or encyclopaedia (en sai'klou pi:´di: э, -klэ-; in-) •n. 1 a book or set of books giving information on all or many branches of knowledge, generally in articles alphabetically arranged 2 a similar work giving information in a particular field of knowledge {an encyclopedia of philosophy} [ModL (1508) encyclopaedia < Gr enkyklopaideia, false reading for enkyklios paideia, instruction in the circle of the arts and sciences < enkyklios (en-, in + kyklos, a circle: see CYCLE) in a circle, general + paideia, education < paideuein, to educate, bring up a child < pais (gen. paidos), child: see PEDO-¹]

encyclopedic or encyclopaedic (-pi:´dik) •adj. of or like an encyclopedia; esp., giving information about many subjects; comprehensive in scope en·cy'clo·pe´di·cal·ly or en·cy'clo·pae´di·cal·ly •adv.

encyclopedism or encyclopaedism (-pi:´diz'эm) •n. encyclopedic knowledge or learning

encyclopedist or encyclopaedist (-pi:´dist) •n. a person who compiles or helps compile an encyclopedia the Encyclopedists the writers of the French Encyclopedia (1751-1772) edited by Diderot and d'Alembert, which contained the advanced ideas of the period

encyst (en sist´) •vt., vi. to enclose or become enclosed in a cyst, capsule, or sac en·cyst´ment or en'cys·ta´tion (-sis tei´shэn) •n.

end (end) •n. 1 a limit or limiting part; point of beginning or stopping; boundary 2 the last part of anything; final point; finish; completion; conclusion {the end of the day} 3 a) a ceasing to exist; death or destruction b) the cause or manner of this 4 the part at, toward, or near either of the extremities of anything; tip 5 a) an outer district or region {the west end of town} b) a division, as of an organization 6 what is desired or hoped for; object; purpose; intention 7 an outcome; result; upshot; consequence 8 a piece left over; fragment; remnant {odds and ends} 9 the reason for being; final cause Æ 10 Football a) a player at either end of the line b) his position •vt. [ME enden < OE endian] 1 to bring to an end; finish; stop; conclude 2 to be or form the end of •vi. 1 to come to an end; terminate: often with up 2 to die •adj. at the end; final {end man, end product} SYN. CLOSE², INTENTION end for end with the ends, or the position, reversed ends of the earth remote regions end to end in a line so that the ends touch or meet in the end finally; ultimately keep one's end up [Colloq.] to do one's share make an end of 1 to finish; stop 2 to do away with make (both) ends meet to manage to keep one's expenses within one's income [as in Fr joindre les deux bouts] no end [Colloq.] extremely; very much or many on end 1 in an upright position 2 without interruption {for days on end} put an end to 1 to stop 2 to do away with to end that surpasses or exceeds {a trip to end all trips} [ME & OE ende, akin to Ger ende, Goth andeis < IE *antyos, opposite, lying ahead < *anti-, opposite, facing (< base *ants, front, forehead) < OHG endi, forehead, Ger anti, L ante] end abbrev. 1 endorse 2 endorsement

end line Basketball, Football a line at either end of a court or playing field, marking the limits of the playing area: see also BASE LINE

end man 1 a man at the end of a row Æ 2 in a minstrel show, the comic performer at each end of the first row, for whom the interlocutor serves as a foil

end organ any specialized structure at the peripheral end of nerve fibers having either sensory or motor functions

end plate the area of specialized tissue that forms the junction between an individual muscle fiber and its motor nerve

end product the final result of any series of changes, processes, or chemical reactions

end rhyme a rhyming of the ends of two or more lines of verse

end run 1 Football an offensive play in which the ball carrier runs around one end of the line 2 an attempt to bypass red tape, opposition, etc.

end table a small table to be placed at either end of a sofa, beside a chair, etc.

end zone Football the ten-yard-deep area between the goal line and the end line at each end of the playing field

end-all (end´öl') •n. see BE-ALL AND END-ALL

endamage (en dæm´ij) -aged, -ag·ing •vt. to cause damage or injury to

endameba (en'dэ mi:´bэ) •n. any of a genus (Endamoeba) of amoebas parasitic in invertebrates, as in the digestive tract of cockroaches and termites: see ENTAMEBA [ModL: see ENDO- & AMOEBA]

endanger (en dein´jэr, in-) •vt. 1 to expose to danger, harm, or loss; imperil 2 to threaten with extinction en·dan´ger·ment •n.

endangered species a species of animal or plant in danger of becoming extinct

endarch (en´därk') •adj. Bot. having the primary xylem maturing from the center of the stem toward the outside: cf. EXARCH² [< END(O)- + Gr archē, beginning]

endarterectomy (end är'tэr ek´tэ mi:) pl. -mies •n. the removal of plaque deposits and the inner lining of a blood vessel by surgery or pressurized carbon dioxide to improve blood circulation

endbrain (end´brein') •n. TELENCEPHALON

endear (en dir´, in-) •vt. to make dear, beloved, or well liked {to endear oneself by acts of generosity}

endearing (-iŋ) •adj. 1 that makes dear or well liked 2 expressing affection {endearing tones}

endearment (en dir´mэnt, in-) •n. 1 an endearing or being endeared; affection 2 a word or act expressing affection

endeavor (en dev´эr, in-) •vi. to make an earnest attempt; strive: now usually with an infinitive {to endeavor to finish first} •vt. [Archaic] to try to achieve •n. an earnest attempt or effort Brit. sp. en·deav´our SYN. EFFORT, TRY [ME endever < en- (see EN-¹) + dever < OFr deveir, duty, as in se mettre en deveir, to try to do: see DEVOIR]

endemic (en dem´ik) •adj. 1 native to a particular country, nation, or region: said of plants, animals, and, sometimes, customs, etc. 2 constantly present in a particular region: said of a disease that is generally under control: cf. EPIDEMIC Also en·dem´i·cal •n. 1 an endemic plant or animal 2 an endemic disease SYN. NATIVE en·dem´i·cal·ly •adv. en·de·mic·i·ty (en'dэ mis´i ti:) or en·dem´ism' •n. [Fr endémique < endémie, endemic disease < Gr endēmia, a dwelling in < endēmos, native < en-, in + dēmos, the people: see DEMOCRACY]

Enderby Land (en´dэr bi:) region of Antarctica, opposite the tip of Africa: claimed by Australia

endergonic (en'dэr gän´ik) •adj. of or having to do with a biochemical reaction requiring the absorption of energy, as photosynthesis or anabolism: opposed to EXERGONIC

endermic (en dør´mik) •adj. designating or of a medicine, chemical, etc. that is absorbed through the skin en·der´mi·cal·ly •adv. [< Gr en, in + derma, the skin (see DERMA¹) + -IC]

Enders (en´dэrz), John F(ranklin) 1897-1985; U.S. bacteriologist

endgame (end´geim') •n. 1 the final stage of a game of chess, in which each player has only a few pieces left 2 the final stage of anything

ending (en´diŋ) •n. 1 an end; specif., a) the last part; finish; conclusion b) death 2 Gram. the letter(s) or syllable(s) added to the end of a word or base to make a derived or inflected form {-ed is the ending in wanted} [OE endung: see END]

endive (en´daiv', än´di:v') •n. 1 a) a cultivated, lettucelike plant (Cichorium endivia) of the composite family: its curled, narrow leaves are cooked or blanched and used for salads b) another form of this vegetable with wide, smooth leaves, used as a potherb or in salads 2 the young leaves of CHICORY (sense 1) blanched for salads [ME & OFr < ML endivia < MGr endivi < L intibus < Gr entybon, prob. < Egypt tر-؟رbt, January (when it is said to grow in Egypt)]

endless (end´lis) •adj. 1 having no end; going on forever; infinite 2 lasting too long {an endless speech} 3 continual {endless interruptions} 4 with the ends joined to form a closed unit that can move continuously over wheels, etc. {an endless chain} end´less·ly •adv. end´less·ness •n. [ME endeles < OE endeleas: see END & -LESS]

endlong (-löŋ') •adv. [Archaic] 1 lengthwise 2 on end

endmost (end´moust') •adj. at the end; farthest; last

endnote (-nout') •n. a note of comment or reference placed at the end of a chapter or, usually, a book: cf. FOOTNOTE

endo- (en´dou, -dэ) combining form within, inner {endoderm} Also, before a vowel, end- [< Gr endon, within < en, in + (?) *dom, locative of base seen in L domus, house: hence, orig., in the house]

endobiotic (en'dou bai ät´ik, -bi:-) •adj. living within the body or tissues of a host organism [prec. + BIOTIC]

endoblast (en´dou blæst') •n. ENDODERM [ENDO- + -BLAST]

endocardial (en'dou kär´di: эl) •adj. 1 within the heart 2 of the endocardium

endocarditis (en'dou kär dait´is) •n. inflammation of the endocardium [ModL: see -ITIS]

endocardium (en'dou kär´di: эm) •n. the thin endothelial membrane lining the cavities of the heart [ModL < ENDO- + Gr kardia, HEART]

endocarp (en´dou kärp') •n. the inner layer of the pericarp of a ripened ovary or fruit, as the pit surrounding the seed of a drupe [ENDO- + -CARP]

endocentric (en'dou sen´trik) •adj. Linguis. designating or of a construction which in its totality has the same syntactic function as one or more of its constituents (Ex.: the phrase ham and eggs has the same syntactic function as ham or eggs): cf. EXOCENTRIC

endocommensal (en'dou kэ men´sэl) •n. a commensal living within the body of the host organism

endocranium (en'dou krei´ni: эm) pl. -ni·a (-э) or -ni·ums •n. 1 DURA MATER 2 the processes supporting the brain in the head capsule of an insect

endocrine (en´dou krin', -krain', -kri:n'; -dэ-) •adj. 1 designating or of any gland producing one or more hormones 2 designating or of such a hormone •n. any such gland or hormone, as the thyroid or its thyroxine [ENDO- + Gr krinein, to separate: see CRISIS]

endocrinology (en'dou kri näl´э ji:, -krai-) •n. the branch of medicine dealing with the endocrine glands and their hormones en'do·crin'o·log´i·cal (-krin'э läj´i kэl, -krai'nэ-) •adj. en'do·cri·nol´o·gist •n.

endocytosis (-sai tou´sis) •n. a process in which a cell engulfs a large molecule, bacterium, etc. and forms a vesicle around it: opposed to EXOCYTOSIS en'do·cyt´ic (-sit´ik) •adj. en'do·cy´tose' (-sai´tous', -touz') •vt., vi. en'do·cy·tot´ic (-sai tät´ik) •adj.

endoderm (en´dou dørm') •n. the inner layer of cells of the embryo, from which is formed the lining of the digestive tract, of other internal organs, and of certain glands en'do·der´mal or en'do·der´mic •adj. [ENDO- + -DERM]

endodermis (en'dou dør´mis) •n. the specialized innermost layer of cells of the cortex in roots and many stems

endodontics (en'dou dän´tiks) •n.pl. [with sing. v.] the branch of dentistry that treats disorders of the pulp; root-canal therapy Also en'do·don´tia (-shэ) en'do·don´tic •adj. en'do·don´tist •n. [END(O)- + -ODONT + -ICS]

endoenzyme (en'dou en´zaim') •n. an enzyme that functions within the cell

endogamy (en däg´э mi:) •n. 1 the custom of marrying only within one's own group, as a clan, tribe, etc.; inbreeding: opposed to EXOGAMY 2 self-pollination among flowers of the same plant en·dog´a·mous or en·do·gam·ic (en'dou gæm´ik) •adj. [ENDO- + -GAMY]

endogen (en´dou jэn) •n. old term for MONOCOTYLEDON [Fr endogène (see ENDO- & -GEN): the stems were formerly believed to grow from within]

endogenous (en däj´э nэs) •adj. 1 developing from within; originating internally 2 Biol. growing or developing from or on the inside 3 Physiol., Biochem. of the anabolism of cells [prec. + -OUS]

endogeny (en däj´э ni:) •n. Biol. growth from within; endogenous formation of cells [ENDO- + -GENY]

endolymph (en´dou limf') •n. Anat. the fluid in the membranous labyrinth of the ear [ENDO- + LYMPH]

endometriosis (en'dou mi:'tri: ou´sis) pl. -ses' (-si:z') •n. the growth of endometrial tissue in abnormal locations, as on the ovaries or within the peritoneal cavity [see ENDOMETRIUM & -OSIS]

endometrium (-mi:´tri: эm) pl. -tri·a (-tri: э) •n. the inner lining of the uterus en'do·me´tri·al •adj. [ENDO- + Gr mētra, uterus; akin to mētēr, MOTHER¹]

endomixis (en'dou miks´is) •n. a periodic reorganization of the nucleus in the cells of certain ciliates, not caused by conjugation [ENDO- + ModL -mixis, a mixing < Gr mixis < base of mygnynai, to MIX]

endomorph (en´dou mörf') •n. 1 a mineral, esp. a crystal, enclosed within another 2 a person of the endomorphic physical type [ENDO- + -MORPH]

endomorphic (en'dou mör´fik) •adj. 1 of an endomorph 2 of or caused by endomorphism 3 designating or of the round, fat physical type characterized by predominance of the structures developed from the endodermal layer of the embryo, as the internal organs: cf. ECTOMORPHIC, MESOMORPHIC en´do·mor'phy (-fi:) •n.

endomorphism (-mör´fiz'эm) •n. structural change caused in an intrusive igneous rock by the action of the surrounding rock

endoparasite (en'dou pær´э sait') •n. a parasite that inhabits the internal organs or tissues of an animal or plant

endopeptidase (-pep´tэ deis') •n. any enzyme, as pepsin, that starts to hydrolyze peptide bonds in the interior of a peptide chain

endophagous (en däf´э gэs) •n. feeding from the inside of an animal or plant: said of certain parasitic insects [ENDO- + -PHAGOUS]

endophyte (en´dou fait') •n. any plant that grows within another plant, as certain parasitic fungi or algae en'do·phyt´ic (-fit´ik) •adj. [ENDO- + -PHYTE]

endoplasm (en´dou plæz'эm) •n. the inner part of the cytoplasm of a cell: distinguished from ECTOPLASM en'do·plas´mic •adj. [ENDO- + -PLASM]

endoproct (en´dou präkt') •n. ENTOPROCT

endorphin (en dör´fin) •n. any of several peptides secreted in the brain that have a pain-relieving effect like that of morphine

endorse (en dörs´, in-) -dorsed´, -dors´ing •vt. 1 to write on the back of (a document); specif., a) to sign (one's name) as payee on the back of (a check, money order, etc.) b) to make (a check, etc.) payable to another person by thus signing one's name and specifying the payee 2 to write a note, title, etc. on (a document) 3 a) to give approval to; support; sanction {to endorse a candidate} b) to state, as in an advertisement, that one approves of (a product, service, etc.), often in return for a fee SYN. APPROVE en·dors´a·ble •adj. en·dors´er •n. [altered (after L) < ME endosen < OFr endosser < ML indorsare < L in, on, upon + dorsum, the back]

endorsee (en'dörs i:´) •n. the person to whom a check, note, etc. is made over by endorsement

endorsement (en dörs´mэnt, in-) •n. 1 the act of endorsing something 2 something written in endorsing; specif., a) the signature of a payee on the back of a check, note, etc. b) a change, as of coverage or beneficiary, written on or added to an insurance policy c) a statement endorsing a person, product, etc., as in an advertisement [ME endosement]

endoscope (en´dou skoup', -dэ-) •n. an instrument for examining visually the inside of a hollow organ of the body, as the bladder or rectum en'do·scop´ic (-skäp´ik) •adj. en·dos·co·py (en däs´kэ pi:) •n. [ENDO- + -SCOPE]

endoskeleton (en'dou skel´э tэn) •n. the internal bony, cartilaginous, or chitinous supporting structure in vertebrates, echinoderms, etc.: distinguished from EXOSKELETON en'do·skel´e·tal •adj.

endosmosis (en'däs mou´sis) •n. in osmosis, the more rapid, inward diffusion of the less dense fluid through the semipermeable membrane to mingle with the more dense: opposed to EXOSMOSIS en'dos·mot´ic (-mät´ik) •adj. [altered (after OSMOSIS) < Fr endosmose < endo-, ENDO- + Gr ōsmos: see OSMOSIS]

endosperm (en´dou spørm') •n. a tissue which surrounds the developing embryo of a seed and provides food for its growth en'do·sper´mic or en'do·sper´mous •adj. [ENDO- + SPERM¹]

endospore (en´dou spör') •n. 1 an asexual spore formed within the cell wall of the parent cell, as in certain bacteria, fungi, and algae 2 the inner wall of a spore or pollen grain; intine: also en'do·spo´ri·um (-spör´i: эm), pl. -ri·a (-э) en'do·spor´ous •adj.

endosteum (en däs´ti: эm) pl. -te·a (-э) •n. the vascular connective tissue lining the marrow cavities of bones en·dos´te·al •adj. [ModL < END(O)- + Gr osteon, a bone: see OSSIFY]

endostosis (en'däs tou´sis) pl. -ses (-si:z') •n. the formation of bone within cartilage [ModL < END(O)- + OSTOSIS]

endothecium (en'dou θi:´shi: эm, -si:-) pl. -ci·a (-э) •n. an inner layer, as the inner wall of a pollen grain or the inner layer of a moss capsule [ENDO- + ModL -thecium, a fine enclosing structure < Gr thēkion, a small case, dim. of thēkē: see THECA]

endothelium (en'dou θi:´li: эm) pl. -li·a (-э) •n. the layer of cells lining the inside of blood and lymph vessels, of the heart, and of some other closed cavities en'do·the´li·al •adj. en'do·the´li·oid' or en·doth·e·loid (en däθ´э loid') •adj. [ModL < ENDO- + (EPI)THELIUM]

endothermal (-θør´mэl) •adj. 1 WARMBLOODED (sense 1) 2 endothermic en´do·therm' (-θørm') or en´do·ther'my (-θør'mi:) •n.

endothermic (en'dou θør´mik) •adj. designating, of, or produced by a chemical change in which there is an absorption of heat [ENDO- + THERMIC]

endotoxin (en'dou täks´in) •n. the polysaccharide that is combined with a lipid and released from the cell walls of Gram-negative bacteria, producing toxic effects causing fever, shock, etc. in many animals [ENDO- + TOXIN]

endotracheal (en'dou trei´ki: эl, -trэ ki:´-) •adj. within the trachea: said of devices thus placed for administering anesthetic gases, for examination, etc.

endow (en dau´, in-) •vt. 1 to provide with some talent, quality, etc. {endowed with courage} 2 to think of as having some quality or characteristic {to endow gods with human traits} 3 to give money or property so as to provide an income for the support of (a college, hospital, etc.) 4 [Obs.] to provide with a dower [ME endouen < Anglo-Fr endouer < OFr en-, in + dotare, to endow: see DOTATION]

endowment (en dau´mэnt, in-) •n. 1 the act of endowing 2 that with which something is endowed; specif., any bequest or gift that provides an income for an institution or person 3 a gift of nature; inherent talent, ability, quality, etc. [ME endouement]

endowment policy an insurance policy by which a stated amount is paid to the insured after the period of time specified in the contract, or to the beneficiaries in case the insured dies within the time specified

endpaper (end´pei'pэr) •n. a folded sheet of paper one half of which is pasted to the inside of either cover of a book, the other half to the inside edge of the first (or last) page of the book

endrin (en´drin) •n. a highly toxic isomer of dieldrin, used as an insecticide [< ? EN-¹ + (AL)DRIN]

endue (en du:´, -dyu:´; in-) -dued´, -du´ing •vt. 1 [Now Rare] to put on (a garment) 2 to provide (with something); specif., to endow (with qualities, talents, etc.) [ME endeuen < OFr enduire < L inducere, to lead in (see INDUCE): form and sense infl. by L induere (see INDUE) & ENDOW]

endurable (en dur´э bэl, -dyur´-; in-) •adj. that can be endured; bearable en·dur´a·bly •adv.

endurance (en dur´эns, -dyur´-; in-) •n. 1 the act of enduring 2 the power of enduring; specif., a) ability to last, continue, or remain b) ability to stand pain, distress, fatigue, etc.; fortitude 3 duration 4 [Rare] that which is endured; hardship SYN. PATIENCE

endure (en dur´, -dyur´; in-) -dured´, -dur´ing •vt. 1 to hold up under (pain, fatigue, etc.); stand; bear; undergo 2 to put up with; tolerate •vi. 1 to continue in existence; last; remain 2 to bear pain, etc. without flinching; hold out SYN. BEAR¹, CONTINUE [ME duren < OFr endurer < LL (Ec) indurare, to harden the heart < LL, to harden, hold out, last < durus, hard: see DURABLE]

enduring (-iŋ) •adj. lasting; permanent; durable en·dur´ing·ly •adv.

endways (end´weiz') •adv. 1 on end; upright 2 with the end foremost 3 lengthwise 4 end to end Also end´wise' (-waiz)

Endymion (en dim´i: эn) Gr. Myth. a beautiful young shepherd loved by Selene [L < Gr Endymiōn]

-ene (i:n) Chem. suffix forming nouns 1 any open-chain hydrocarbon containing one double bond {propylene} 2 any of certain other unsaturated compounds containing one or more double bonds {benzene, pinene} 3 any of certain commercial products [after L -enus, Gr -enos, adj. suffix]

ENE or ene east-northeast

enema (en´э mэ) pl. -mas or -ma·ta (-mэ tэ) •n. 1 a liquid forced into the colon through the anus, as a purgative, medicine, etc.; clyster 2 the forcing of a liquid into the colon in such a way [LL < Gr, injection < enienai, to send in < en-, in + hienai, to send: see JET¹]

enemy (en´э mi:) pl. -mies •n. 1 a person who hates another, and wishes or tries to injure him; foe 2 a) a nation or force hostile to another; military or wartime adversary b) troops, fleet, ship, member, etc. of a hostile nation 3 a person hostile to an idea, cause, etc. 4 anything injurious or harmful •adj. 1 [Obs.] hostile 2 of an enemy; of a hostile nation SYN. OPPONENT [ME & OFr enemi < L inimicus, unfriendly, enemy < in-, not + amicus, friend: see AMIABLE]

enemy alien an alien residing or interned in a country with which his or her own country is at war

energetic (en'эr jet´ik) •adj. of, having, or showing energy; vigorous; forceful SYN. ACTIVE en'er·get´i·cal·ly •adv. [Gr energētikos]

energetics (-iks) •n.pl. [with sing. v.] the science that deals with the laws of energy and its transformations

energid (en´эr jid', en ør´-) •n. the nucleus of a cell together with the mass of protoplasm around it [Ger < Gr energos, active (see ENERGY) + Ger -id, -ID]

energize (en´эr jaiz') -gized', -giz'ing •vt. 1 to give energy to; activate; invigorate 2 Elec. to apply a source of electromotive force or current to (a circuit, system of conductors, etc.) •vi. to show energy; be active en´er·giz'er •n.

energumen (en'эr gyu:´mэn) •n. 1 a person supposedly possessed by an evil spirit; demoniac 2 a fanatic; enthusiast [LL(Ec) energumenos < Gr energoumenos, prp. pass. of energein, to work on: see ENERGY]

energy (en´эr ji:) pl. -gies •n. 1 orig., force of expression or utterance 2 a) potential forces; inherent power; capacity for vigorous action b) [often pl.] such forces or power, esp. in action {to apply all one's energies} 3 strength or power efficiently exerted 4 a) those resources, as petroleum, coal, gas, wind, nuclear fuel, and sunlight, from which energy in the form of electricity, heat, etc. can be produced b) the available supply of such usable resources {an energy shortage} 5 Physics the capacity for doing work: see MATTER (sense 2) SYN. STRENGTH Etymology [LL energia < Gr energeia < energēs, active, at work < en-, in + ergon, WORK]

energy level a state in which the energy of a physical system is well defined by quantum mechanics

enervate (en´эr veit'; for adj. i: nør´vit, -veit') -vat'ed, -vat'ing •vt. to deprive of strength, force, vigor, etc.; weaken physically, mentally, or morally; devitalize; debilitate •adj. enervated; weakened SYN. UNNERVE, WEAKEN en'er·va´tion •n. en´er·va'tor •n. [< L enervatus, pp. of enervare < enervis, nerveless, weak < e-, out + nervus, NERVE]

Enesco (i nes´kou), Georges (zhôrzh) 1881-1955; Romanian violinist, composer, & conductor

enface (en feis´, in-) -faced´, -fac´ing •vt. [Brit.] to write or print on the face of (a document, check, etc.)

enfant terrible (äñ fäñ te ři:´blª) 1 an unmanageable, mischievous child 2 anyone constantly vexing, startling, or embarrassing others, as, in the arts, by outraging conventional opinion or expectations [Fr]

enfeeble (en fi:´bэl, in-) -fee´bled, -fee´bling •vt. to make feeble en·fee´ble·ment •n. [ME enfeblen < OFr enfeblir]

enfeoff (en fef´, -fi:f´) •vt. Law to invest with an estate held in fee en·feoff´ment •n. [ME enfeffen (Anglo-Fr enfeoffer) < OFr enfeffer: see EN-¹ & FIEF]

enfetter (en fet´эr) •vt. to bind in or as in fetters

Enfield (en´fi:ld) borough of Greater London, England: pop. 263,000

enfilade (en'fэ leid´, en´fэ leid') •n. 1 gunfire, from either flank, directed along the length of a column or line of troops 2 a disposition or placement of troops that makes them vulnerable to such fire •vt. -lad´ed, -lad´ing to direct such gunfire at [Fr < enfiler, to thread, string, rake with fire < OFr < en- (L in) + fil (L filum), a thread]

enfleurage (än'flэ räzh´, Fr äñ flë řåzh´) •n. a process of extracting perfumes by having fats absorb the exhalations of certain flowers [Fr < en-, in + fleur, FLOWER]

enfold (en fould´, in-) •vt. 1 to wrap in folds; wrap up; envelop 2 to embrace en·fold´ment •n.

enforce (en förs´, in-) -forced´, -forc´ing •vt. 1 to give force to; urge {to enforce an argument by analogies} 2 to bring about or impose by force {to enforce one's will on a child} 3 to compel observance of (a law, etc.) en·force´a·ble •adj. en·force´ment •n. en·forc´er •n. [ME enforcen < OFr enforcier < en-, in + force, FORCE]

enfranchise (en fræn´chaiz', in-) -chised', -chis'ing •vt. 1 to free from slavery, bondage, legal obligation, etc. 2 to give a franchise to; specif., to admit to citizenship, esp. to the right to vote en·fran´chise·ment (-chiz mэnt) •n. [ME enfraunchisen < OFr enfranchiss-, stem of enfranchir, to set free, enfranchise < en-, in + franchir, to set free < franc: see FRANK¹]

Eng 1 England 2 English ENG •n. the use of small TV cameras, video tape recorders, and transmission equipment in covering news events [< e(lectronic) n(ews) g(athering)] eng 1 engine 2 engineer 3 engineering 4 engraved

Engadine (en´gэ di:n') valley of the upper Inn River, E Switzerland: site of many resorts: c. 60 mi. (95 km) long

engage (en geij´, in-) -gaged´, -gag´ing •vt. 1 orig., to give or assign as security for a debt, etc. 2 to bind (oneself) by a promise; pledge; specif. (now only in the passive), to bind by a promise of marriage; betroth {he is engaged to Ann} 3 to arrange for the services of; hire; employ {to engage a lawyer} 4 to arrange for the use of; reserve {to engage a hotel room} 5 to draw into; involve {to engage him in conversation} 6 to attract and hold (the attention, etc.) 7 to employ or keep busy; occupy {reading engages his spare time} 8 to enter into conflict with (the enemy) 9 a) to interlock with or cause to come into frictional driving contact with b) mesh together {engage the gears} 10 [Obs.] to entangle; ensnare •vi. 1 to pledge oneself; promise; undertake; agree {to engage to do something} 2 to occupy or involve oneself; take part; be active {to engage in dramatics} 3 to enter into conflict 4 to interlock; mesh [ME engagen < OFr engagier: see EN-¹ & GAGE¹]

engagé (äñ gå zhei´) •adj. committed to supporting some aim, cause, etc. [Fr]

engaged (en geijd´, in-) •adj. 1 pledged; esp., pledged in marriage; betrothed {an engaged couple} 2 not at leisure; occupied; employed; busy 3 a) involved in combat, as troops b) voluntarily committed or personally involved (cf. ENGAGÉ) 4 attached to or partly set into a wall, etc. {engaged columns} 5 in gear; interlocked; meshed

engagement (en geij´mэnt, in-) •n. 1 an engaging or being engaged; specif., a) a promise; pledge b) a promise of marriage; betrothal c) an arrangement to go somewhere, do something, meet someone, etc.; appointment d) employment or period of employment, esp. in the performing arts e) a conflict; battle f) [usually pl.] financial obligations; commitments g) state of being in gear 2 something that engages SYN. BATTLE¹

engaging (-iŋ) •adj. attractive; pleasant; winning; charming en·gag´ing·ly •adv.

engarland (en gär´lэnd) •vt. [Old Poet.] to deck or adorn with or as with a garland

Engels (eŋ´gэlz; Ger eŋ´эls), Frie·drich (fři:´dřiH) 1820-95; Ger. socialist leader & writer, in England after 1850: close associate of Karl Marx Engels (en´gэlz) city in SC European Russia, on the Volga, opposite Saratov: pop. 177,000

engender (en jen´dэr, in-) •vt. 1 orig., to beget 2 to bring into being; bring about; cause; produce {pity engendered love} •vi. [Obs.] to be produced; originate [ME engendren < OFr engendrer < L ingenerare, to beget < in-, in + generare: see GENERATE]

engin 1 engineer 2 engineering

engine (en´jэn) •n. 1 any machine that uses energy to develop mechanical power; esp., a machine for transmitting motion to some other machine 2 a railroad locomotive 3 any instrument or machine; apparatus {engines of warfare, engines of torture} 4 FIRE ENGINE 5 [Archaic] any means or device [ME engin, native talent, hence something produced by this < OFr < L ingenium, natural ability, genius < in-, in + base of gignere, to beget: see GENUS]

engine house a building in which engines, as fire engines, railroad locomotives, etc., are housed

engineer (en'jэ nir´) •n. 1 [Now Rare] a person who makes engines 2 a person skilled or occupied in some branch of engineering {a mechanical engineer} 3 a) a person who operates or supervises the operation of engines or technical equipment {a locomotive engineer, radio engineer} b) a specialist in planning and directing operations in some technical field 4 a skillful or clever manager 5 Mil. a member of a military engineering unit trained in the construction and demolition of bridges, roads, airfields, etc. •vt. Æ 1 to plan, construct, or manage as an engineer Æ 2 to plan and direct skillfully; superintend; guide (a measure, action, etc. through) [earlier enginer < ME enginour < OFr engigneur]

engineering (en'jэ nir´iŋ) •n. 1 a) the science concerned with putting scientific knowledge to practical uses, divided into different branches, as civil, electrical, mechanical, and chemical engineering b) the planning, designing, construction, or management of machinery, roads, bridges, buildings, etc. 2 the act of maneuvering or managing

enginery (en´jin ri:) •n. [Now Rare] engines or machinery collectively; esp., instruments of war

engird (en gørd´) -girt´ or -gird´ed, -gird´ing •vt. [Archaic] to encircle; encompass; gird Also en·gir´dle (-ªl), -gir´dled, -gir´dling

englacial (en glei´shэl) •adj. within a glacier

England (iŋ´glэnd; also iŋ´lэnd) 1 division of the United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland, occupying most of the southern half of the island of Great Britain: 50,331 sq. mi. (130,357 sq. km); pop. 46,363,000; cap. London 2 England & Wales, considered an administrative unit 3 UNITED KINGDOM [ME Englonde, Yngelonde (with vowel change as in WING < ME weng) < OE Engla land, lit., land of the Angles (as opposed to the Saxons), hence England: see ANGLES]

Englander (-эr) •n. [Rare] ENGLISHMAN (sense 1)

English (iŋ´glish; also iŋ´lish) •adj. 1 of England, its people, their culture, etc. 2 of their language •n. 1 the language of the people of England, the official language of the Commonwealth of Nations, the U.S., Liberia, etc. 2 the English language of a specific period or place: see AMERICAN ENGLISH, BRITISH ENGLISH, OLD ENGLISH, MIDDLE ENGLISH, MODERN ENGLISH 3 a characteristic way of using this language {broken English} 4 the equivalent in the English language; English translation 5 a school course or class in the English language or its literature Æ 6 [sometimes e-] Billiards, Bowling, etc. a spinning motion given to a ball, as by striking it on one side 7 [Archaic] a size of printing type, 14 point •vt. 1 to translate into English 2 to apply the principles of English pronunciation, spelling, etc. to; Anglicize (a foreign word) Æ 3 [sometimes e-] Billiards, Bowling, etc. to give English to (a ball) the English the people of England [ME < OE Englisc, lit., of the Angles: see ANGLES & -ISH]

English bulldog BULLDOG (sense 1)

English Channel arm of the Atlantic, between S England & NW France: 21-150 mi. (34-240 km) wide; c. 350 mi. (560 km) long

English cocker spaniel any of a breed of small spaniel, similar to and the progenitor of the cocker spaniel

English daisy a small perennial plant (Bellis perennis) of the composite family, having single stalked heads with white or pinkish ray flowers

English horn a double-reed woodwind instrument similar to the oboe but larger and a fifth lower in pitch

English ivy IVY (sense 1)

English muffin a large, somewhat flat yeast roll, often baked on a griddle, and served split and toasted

English saddle a lightweight saddle with a low cantle and pommel and no horn, designed to place the rider's weight forward onto the withers

English setter any of a breed of setter with flat, white, silky hair spotted or speckled with black, tan, or orange and forming fringes on the neck, tail, legs, and buttocks

English sonnet SHAKESPEAREAN SONNET

English sparrow the common, small Old World sparrow (Passer domesticus) with brownish-gray feathers, now found extensively in North America; house sparrow

English springer spaniel any of a breed of medium-sized spaniel with a long, glossy, black-and-white or liver-and-white coat and a docked tail, usually used as a hunting dog

English toy spaniel any of a breed of small spaniel, usually with a thick mane, kept especially as a pet

English walnut 1 an Asiatic walnut tree (Juglans regia) now grown in Europe and North America 2 its nut

Englishism (iŋ´glish iz'эm; also iŋ´lish-) •n. 1 BRITICISM 2 an attachment to the British ways and things

Englishman (iŋ´glish mэn; also iŋ´lish-) pl. -men (-mэn) •n. 1 a native or inhabitant of England, esp. a man 2 an English ship

Englishry (iŋ´glish ri:; also iŋ´lish-) •n. 1 [Now Rare] a group of people of English descent; specif., the English population of Ireland 2 [Now Rare] the fact or state of being English by birth [ME Englishrie: see ENGLISH & -ERY]

Englishwoman (-wum'эn) pl. -wom'en (-wim'эn) •n. a woman who is a native or inhabitant of England

englut (en glût´) -glut´ted, -glut´ting •vt. [Archaic] 1 to gulp down; swallow 2 to glut [OFr englotir < LL ingluttire: see EN-¹ & GLUT]

engorge (en görj´, in-) -gorged´, -gorg´ing •vt. 1 to gorge; glut 2 to devour greedily 3 Med. to congest (a blood vessel, tissue, etc.) with fluid, as blood, milk, etc. •vi. to eat greedily; feed ravenously en·gorge´ment •n. [Fr engorger < OFr < en-, in + gorge, GORGE]

engr 1 engineer 2 engineering 3 engraved 4 engraver 5 engraving

engraft (en græft´, -gräft´; in-) •vt. 1 to graft (a shoot, etc.) from one plant onto another 2 to establish firmly; implant

engrail (en greil´) •vt. 1 to indent (an edge or rim) with concave, curved notches 2 to ornament the edge of with such a pattern en·grailed´ •adj. en·grail´ment •n. [ME engrelen (only in pp.) < OFr engresler < en-, in + gresle, slender < L gracilis: see GRACILE]

engrain (en grein´) •vt. INGRAIN [ME engreinen < OFr engrainer, to dye scarlet < en- (see EN-¹) + graine, seed, cochineal dye; assoc. in both Fr & E with grain (texture): see GRAIN]

engram (en´græm') •n. 1 Biol. a hypothetical permanent change produced by a stimulus in the protoplasm of a tissue 2 Psychol. a permanent effect produced in the psyche by stimulation, assumed in explaining persistence of memory en·gram´mic •adj. [EN-¹ + -GRAM]

engrave (en greiv´, in-) -graved´, -grav´ing •vt. 1 to cut or incise letters, designs, etc. in or on (a surface) 2 to impress deeply or permanently on the mind or memory, as though by engraving 3 to cut or incise (a picture, letters, etc.) into a metal plate, wooden block, etc. for printing 4 to print with such a plate, block, etc. 5 PHOTOENGRAVE en·grav´er •n. [Fr engraver < en-, in + graver, to incise < OFr grafe, stylus < L graphium < Gr graphion, graving tool < graphein: see GRAPHIC]

engraving (en greiv´iŋ, in-) •n. 1 the act, process, or art of one who engraves 2 an engraved plate, drawing, or design 3 a print made from an engraved surface

engross (en grous´, in-) •vt. 1 a) to write out in large letters of a kind once used for legal documents b) to make a final fair copy of (esp. a legislative bill) 2 to express formally or in legal form 3 to take the entire attention of; occupy wholly; absorb {engrossed in a book} 4 [Archaic] a) to buy all of so as to monopolize b) to take or require all of en·gross´er •n. en·gross´ment •n. [ME engrossen < OFr engrosser, to acquire in large quantity (< en-, in + gros, large < L grossus) & engroissier, to become thick < en- + groisse, thickness < VL *grossia < L grossus: see GROSS]

engrossing (in-) •adj. taking one's entire attention; very interesting; absorbing

engulf (en gûlf´, in-) •vt. 1 to swallow up; overwhelm 2 to plunge, as into a gulf [EN-¹ + GULF]

enhance (en hæns´, -häns´; in-) -hanced´, -hanc´ing •vt. 1 to make greater, as in cost, value, attractiveness, etc.; heighten; augment 2 to improve the quality or condition of 3 to improve electronically the quality or clarity of (a photograph or other image) as by means of a computer SYN. INTENSIFY en·hance´ment •n. en·hanc´er •n. [ME enhauncen < Anglo-Fr enhauncer < OFr enhaucier < VL *inaltiare < in-, EN-¹ + *altiare, to raise < L altus, high]

enharmonic (en'här män´ik) •adj. in equal temperament, designating or of tones, as C# and Db, that are identical in pitch but are written differently according to the key in which each occurs: enharmonic tones are especially important in instruments of fixed pitch, as the piano en'har·mon´i·cal·ly •adv. [L enharmonicus < Gr enarmonikos: see EN-¹ & HARMONY]

Enid (i:´nid) 1 a feminine name 2 Arthurian Legend the wife of Geraint: she is a model of constancy [prob. < OWelsh enaid, soul, used as term of endearment] Enid (i:´nid) city in NC Okla.: pop. 45,000 [prob. from Tennyson's poem Geraint and Enid (1859): cf. prec. (sense 2)]

enigma (i nig´mэ, e-) •n. 1 a perplexing, usually ambiguous, statement; riddle 2 a perplexing, baffling, or seemingly inexplicable matter, person, etc. SYN. MYSTERY¹ [L aenigma < Gr ainigma < ainissesthai, to speak in riddles < ainos, tale, story < ? IE base *ai-, oi-, meaningful speech > ? MIr ōeth, OATH]

enigmatic (en'ig mæt´ik; also i:'nig-) •adj. of or like an enigma; perplexing; baffling Also e'nig·mat´i·cal SYN. OBSCURE e'nig·mat´i·cal·ly •adv. [Fr énigmatique < LL aenigmaticus]

enisle (en ail´) -isled´, -isl´ing •vt. [Old Poet.] 1 to make into or like an island 2 to place on or as on an island; isolate

Eniwetok (en'э wi:´täk') atoll in the Marshall Islands: site of U.S. atomic & hydrogen bomb tests (1948-54)

enjambment or enjambement (en jæm´mэnt) •n. Prosody the running on of a sentence from one line to the next, with little or no pause [Fr enjambement < enjamber, to encroach < en- (see EN-¹) + jambe, leg: see JAMB]

enjoin (en join´, in-) •vt. 1 to urge or impose with authority; order; enforce {to enjoin silence on a class} 2 to prohibit, esp. by legal injunction; forbid {the company was enjoined from using false advertising} 3 to order (someone) authoritatively to do something, esp. by legal injunction SYN. FORBID, COMMAND [ME enjoinen < OFr enjoindre < L injungere, to join into, put upon < in-, in + jungere, JOIN]

enjoy (en joi´, in-) •vt. 1 to have or experience with joy; get pleasure from; relish 2 to have the use or benefit of; have as one's lot or advantage {the book enjoyed large sales} enjoy oneself to have a good time; have pleasure [ME enjoien < OFr enjoir < en-, in + joir, to rejoice < L gaudere, to be glad: see JOY]

enjoyable (-э bэl) •adj. giving or capable of giving enjoyment; pleasurable SYN. PLEASANT en·joy´a·ble·ness •n. en·joy´a·bly •adv.

enjoyment (en joi´mэnt, in-) •n. 1 the act or state of enjoying; specif., a) the possession, use, or benefit of something b) a pleasurable experiencing of something 2 something enjoyed 3 pleasure; gratification; joy SYN. PLEASURE

enkephalin (en kef´э lin) •n. an endorphin that occurs at nerve endings and may serve as a neurotransmitter

enkindle (en kin´dэl, in-) -dled, -dling •vt. 1 to set on fire; make blaze up 2 to stir up; arouse; excite

enl 1 enlarged 2 enlisted

enlace (en leis´, in-) -laced´, -lac´ing •vt. 1 to wind about as with a lace or laces; encircle; enfold 2 to entangle; interlace 3 to cover as with lace or netting en·lace´ment •n. [ME enlacen < OFr enlacer < en-, in + lacer, to tie, tangle < L laqueare < laqueus, a noose: see LACE]

enlarge (en lärj´, in-) -larged´, -larg´ing •vt. 1 to make larger; increase in size, volume, extent, etc.; broaden; expand 2 Photog. to reproduce on a larger scale •vi. 1 to become larger; increase in size, extent, etc.; expand 2 to speak or write at greater length or in greater detail; expatiate (on or upon) SYN. INCREASE en·larg´er •n. [ME enlargen < OFr enlargier: see EN-¹ & LARGE]

enlargement (-mэnt) •n. 1 an enlarging or being enlarged 2 something that enlarges by being added 3 a reproduction, as of a photograph, on a larger scale

enlighten (en lait´ªn, in-) •vt. 1 to give the light of fact and knowledge to; reveal truths to; free from ignorance, prejudice, or superstition 2 to make clear to (a person) the facts or nature of something; inform 3 [Archaic] to light up; illuminate en·light´en·er •n.

enlightenment (-mэnt) •n. an enlightening or being enlightened the Enlightenment a mainly 18th-cent. European philosophical movement characterized by a reliance on reason and experience rather than dogma and tradition and by an emphasis on humanitarian political goals and social progress

enlist (en list´, in-) •vt. 1 to enroll for service in some branch of the armed forces 2 to win the support of; get the help or services of {to enlist men in a cause} 3 to get (another's help, support, aid, etc.) •vi. 1 to join some branch of the armed forces 2 to join or support a cause or movement: with in en·list·ee (en lis´ti:, in-; en'lis ti:´, in'-) •n.

enlisted (-lis´tid) •adj. of or having to do with a person in the armed forces who is not a commissioned officer or warrant officer

enlistment (en list´mэnt, in-) •n. 1 an enlisting or being enlisted Æ 2 the period of time for which one enlists

enliven (en lai´vэn, in-) •vt. to make active, vivacious, interesting, or cheerful; liven up or brighten en·liv´en·er •n. en·liv´en·ment •n.