International Court of Justice a court established at The Hague in 1945 as an advisory or arbitrational judicial organ of the United Nations
international date line [often I- D- L-] an imaginary line drawn north and south through the Pacific Ocean, largely along the 180th meridian: at this line, by international agreement, each calendar day begins at midnight, so that when it is Sunday just west of the line, it is Saturday just east of it
international law the rules generally observed and regarded as binding in the relations between nations
International Monetary Fund an international organization, established by the United Nations, to promote monetary cooperation, international trade, and exchange stability and to help equalize balance of payments by allowing members to draw from its fund
International Phonetic Alphabet a set of phonetic symbols for international use, orig. sponsored in the late 19th cent. by the International Phonetic Association: each symbol represents a single sound or kind of articulation, whether the sound or articulation occurs in only one language or in more than one
international pitch (since 1939) CONCERT PITCH (sense 2)
International Style 1 a style of modern architecture characterized by boxlike structure, little or no decoration, and smooth, flat surfaces of stone, concrete, glass, etc. 2 a 14th and 15-cent. style of painting characterized by realistic detail and the effect of light on the subject
Internationale (in'tэr næsh'э næl´, -näl´; Fr æñ teř nå syô nål´) a revolutionary socialist hymn written in France in 1871 [Fr]
internationalism (in'tэr næsh´э nэl iz'эm) •n. 1 the principle or policy of international cooperation for the common good 2 international character, quality, etc.
internationalist (-ist) •n. 1 a person who believes in internationalism 2 a specialist in international law and relations
internationalize (in'tэr næsh´эn эl aiz') -ized', -iz'ing •vt. 1 to make international 2 to bring under international control in'ter·na'tion·al·i·za´tion •n.
interne (in´tørn') •n. alt. sp. of INTERN
internecine (in'tэr ni:´sin, -si:n'; also, -ni:s´in, -i:n'; chiefly Brit, -ni:´sain') •adj. 1 orig., full of slaughter or destruction 2 deadly or harmful to both sides of a group involved in a conflict, as a civil war; mutually destructive or harmful 3 of or involving conflict within a group [L internecinus < internecare, to kill, destroy < inter-, between + necare, to kill: see NECRO-]
internee (in'tørn'i:´) •n. a person interned as a prisoner of war or enemy alien [INTERN + -EE¹]
interneuron (in'tэr nu:´rän', -nyu:´-; -nur´än', -nyur´-) •n. INTERNUNCIAL NEURON
internist (in´tørn'ist, in tørn´ist) •n. a doctor who specializes in internal medicine
internment (in tørn´mэnt) •n. an interning or being interned
internode (in´tэr noud') •n. 1 Anat., Zool. the part between two nodes, as a segment of a nerve fiber 2 Bot. the section of a plant between two successive nodes or joints in'ter·nod´al •adj. [L internodium]
internship (in´tørn'ship', in tørn´-) •n. 1 the position of an intern 2 the period of service as an intern
internuncial neuron any of various nerve cells connecting sensory and motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord
internuncio (in'tэr nûn´shou', -shi: ou'; -si: ou'; -nun´tsi: ou') pl. -ci·os' •n. 1 a messenger; envoy 2 a papal representative ranking below a nuncio in'ter·nun´cial •adj. in'ter·nun´cial·ly •adv. [It internunzio < L internuntius: see INTER- & NUNCIO]
interoceanic (-ou'shi: æn´ik) •adj. between oceans
interoceptor (in'tэr ou'sep´tэr) •n. an efferent nerve terminal or internal sensory receptor that responds to the internal organs, muscles, blood vessels, and the ear labyrinth in'ter·o'cep´tive •adj. [ModL: see INTERNAL & RECEPTOR]
interoffice (in'tэr öf´is, in´tэr öf'-) •adj. between or among the offices within an organization
interosculate (in'tэr äs´kyu: leit', -kyэ-) -lat'ed, -lat'ing •vi. 1 to interpenetrate 2 Biol. to have some common characteristics: said of separate species or groups in'ter·os´cu·lant •adj. in'ter·os'cu·la´tion •n. [INTER- + OSCULATE]
interpellate (in'tэr pel´eit'; also, in tør´pэ leit') -lat'ed, -lat'ing •vt. to question (a person) formally: a form of political challenge to members of the administration in legislative bodies of certain countries in'ter·pel´lant •adj., n. in'ter·pel´la'tor •n. [< L interpellatus, pp. of interpellare, to interrupt in speaking < inter-, between + -pellare < pellere, to drive, urge: see FELT¹]
interpellation (in'tэr pэ lei´shэn; also in tør´-) •n. the act of interpellating; formal calling to account of a cabinet minister, etc. by a legislative body [L interpellatio]
interpenetrate (in'tэr pen´э treit') -trat'ed, -trat'ing •vt. 1 to penetrate thoroughly; pervade; permeate 2 to penetrate (each other) reciprocally or mutually •vi. 1 to penetrate each other 2 to penetrate, between parts, etc. in'ter·pen'e·tra´tion •n. in'ter·pen´e·tra'tive •adj.
interpersonal (in'tэr pør´sэn эl) •adj. 1 between persons {interpersonal relationships} 2 of or involving relations between persons in'ter·per´son·al·ly •adv.
interphase (in´tэr feiz') •n. the stage of a cell between mitotic divisions
interphone (in´tэr foun') •n. an intercommunication telephone system, as between departments of an office
interplanetary (in'tэr plæn´э ter'i:) •adj. 1 between planets 2 within the solar system but outside the atmosphere of any planet or the sun
interplay (for n. in´tэr plei'; for v. in'tэr plei´, in´tэr plei') •n. action, effect, or influence on each other or one another; interaction •vi. to exert influence reciprocally
interplead (in'tэr pled´) -plead´ed or -plead´ (-pled´) or -pled´, -plead´ing Law to initiate an interpleader •vi. [Anglo-Fr entrepleder: see INTER- & PLEAD]
interpleader (-эr) •n. a legal procedure by which two or more parties claiming the same money or property may be compelled to resolve the dispute among themselves in a single action rather than proceeding individually against the party holding the disputed money or property [< Anglo-Fr entrepleder, to interplead: substantive use of inf.]
Interpol (in´tэr päl', -poul') an international police organization with headquarters in Paris: it coordinates the police activities of participating nations against international criminals: full name International Criminal Police Organization [inter(national) pol(ice)]
interpolate (in tør´pэ leit') -lat'ed, -lat'ing •vt. 1 to alter, enlarge, or corrupt (a book or manuscript, etc.) by putting in new words, subject matter, etc. 2 to insert between or among others; specif., to insert (a word or words) in a text 3 Math. to estimate (a missing functional value) by taking a weighted average of known functional values at neighboring points, as in estimating a specific, missing intermediate value on a table, esp. a logarithmic or trigonometric table •vi. to make interpolations in·ter´po·lat'er or in·ter´po·la'tor •n. in·ter'po·la´tion •n. in·ter´po·la'tive •adj. [< L interpolatus, pp. of interpolare, to polish, dress up, corrupt < interpolis, altered by furbishing, repaired < inter-, between + polire, to POLISH]
interpose (in'tэr pouz´, in´tэr pouz') -posed´, -pos´ing •vt. 1 to place or put between; insert 2 to introduce by way of intervention; put forward as interference 3 to introduce (a remark, opinion, etc.) into a conversation, debate, etc.; put in as an interruption •vi. 1 to be or come between 2 to intervene or mediate 3 to interrupt in'ter·pos´al •n. in'ter·pos´er •n. [Fr interposer, altered (infl. by poser: see POSE¹) < L interpositus, pp. of interponere, to set between < inter-, between + ponere, to put, place: see POSITION]
interposition (in'tэr pэ zish´эn) •n. 1 an interposing or being interposed 2 a thing interposed Æ 3 the disputed doctrine that a State may reject a Federal mandate that it considers to be encroaching on its rights [ME interposicioun < OFr interposicion < L interpositio < pp. of interponere: see INTERPOSE]
interpret (in tør´prэt) •vt. 1 to explain the meaning of; make understandable {to interpret a poem} 2 to translate (esp. oral remarks) 3 to have or show one's own understanding of the meaning of; construe {to interpret a silence as contempt} 4 to bring out the meaning of; esp., to give one's own conception of (a work of art), as in performance or criticism 5 to translate (a program in a high-level language) into machine language and execute it, statement by statement: said of an interpreter program •vi. to act as an interpreter; explain or translate SYN. EXPLAIN in·ter´pret·a·ble •adj. [ME interpreten < MFr intepréter < L interpretari < interpres, agent between two parties, broker, interpreter]
interpretation (in tør'prэ tei´shэn) •n. 1 the act or result of interpreting; explanation, meaning, translation, exposition, etc. 2 the expression of a person's conception of a work of art, subject, etc. through acting, playing, writing, criticizing, etc. {the pianist's interpretation of the sonata} in·ter'pre·ta´tion·al •adj. [ME interpretacioun < OFr entrepretation < L interpretatio]
interpretative (in tør´prэ teit'iv, -tэ tiv) •adj. INTERPRETIVE [ML interpretativus]
interpreter (in tør´prэ tэr) •n. 1 a person who interprets; specif., a person whose work is translating a foreign language orally, as in a conversation between people speaking different languages 2 a computer program that translates and executes, statement by statement, a program written in a high-level language [ME interpretour < Anglo-Fr < OFr interpreteur < LL(Ec) interpretator]
interpretive (-prэ tiv) •adj. that interprets; explanatory
interracial (in'tэr rei´shэl) •adj. between, among, or involving members of different races Also in´ter·race'
interradial (in'tэr rei´di: эl) •adj. situated between rays or radii in'ter·ra´di·al·ly •adv.
interregnum (in'tэr reg´nэm) pl. -reg´nums or -reg´na (-nэ) •n. 1 an interval between two successive reigns, when the country has no sovereign 2 a suspension of governmental or administrative functions; period without the usual ruler, governor, etc. 3 any break in a series or in a continuity; interval [L < inter-, between + regnum, REIGN]
interrelate (in'tэr ri: leit´, -ri-) -lat´ed, -lat´ing •vt., vi. to make, be, or become mutually related in'ter·re·lat´ed •adj.
interrelation (-ri: lei´shэn) •n. mutual relationship; interconnection in'ter·re·la´tion·ship •n.
interrex (in´tэr reks') pl. in'ter·re´ges' (-ri:´ji:z') •n. a person acting as ruler during an interregnum [L < inter-, between + rex (gen. regis), king: see REGAL]
interrobang (in ter´э bæŋ') •n. a punctuation mark (##) used to express incredulity, disbelief, etc. [INTERRO(GATION MARK) + BANG¹, proofreaders' term for exclamation mark] interrogate (in ter´э geit') -gat'ed, -gat'ing •vt. to ask questions of formally in examining {to interrogate a witness} •vi. to ask questions SYN. ASK [< L interrogatus, pp. of interrogare, to ask < inter-, between + rogare, to ask: see ROGATION]
interrogation (in ter'э gei´shэn) •n. 1 an interrogating or being interrogated; examination 2 a question 3 [Now Rare] short for INTERROGATION MARK [ME interrogacion < MFr interrogation < L interrogatio]
interrogation mark (or point) QUESTION MARK
interrogative (in'tэ räg´э tiv, -tэr räg´-) •adj. 1 asking, or having the form of, a question 2 used in a question •n. an interrogative word or expression (Ex.: what? where?) in'ter·rog´a·tive·ly •adv. [LL interrogativus see INTERROGATE]
interrogator (in ter´э geit'эr) •n. 1 a person who interrogates; questioner 2 a radio or radar transmitter whose signals actuate a transponder or a beacon
interrogatory (in'tэ räg´э tör'i:, -tэr räg´-) •adj. expressing or implying a question •n. pl. -ries a formal question or set of questions in'ter·rog´a·to'ri·ly •adv. [LL interrogatorius]
interrupt (in'tэ rûpt´, -tэr rûpt´) •vt. 1 a) to break into or in upon (a discussion, train of thought, etc.) b) to break in upon (a person) who is speaking, working, etc.; stop or hinder 2 to make a break in the continuity of; cut off; obstruct •vi. to make an interruption, esp. in another's speech, action, etc. in'ter·rup´tive •adj. [ME interrupten < L interruptus, pp. of interrumpere, to break apart, break off < inter-, between + rumpere, to break: see RUPTURE]
interrupted (-id) •adj. 1 broken by interruption; not continuous 2 Bot. asymmetrical; irregular: said of parts not equally spaced on a stem
interrupted screw a screw having the thread interrupted by a slot or slots to enable it to be locked or released by a partial turn
interrupter (-эr) •n. 1 a person or thing that interrupts 2 Elec. a mechanism for intermittently opening and closing a circuit
interruption (in'tэ rûp´shэn, -tэr rûp´-) •n. 1 an interrupting or being interrupted 2 anything that interrupts 3 the interval during which something is interrupted; intermission [ME interrupcion < OFr < L interruptio]
interscholastic (in'tэr skэ læs´tik) •adj. between or among schools {an interscholastic debate}
intersect (in'tэr sekt´) •vt. to divide into two parts by passing through or across; cut across {a river intersects the plain} •vi. to cross each other {lines intersecting to form right angles} [< L intersectus, pp. of intersecare, to cut between, cut off < inter-, between + secare, to cut: see SAW²]
intersection (-sek´shэn) •n. 1 the act of intersecting 2 a place of intersecting; specif., a) the point or line where two lines or surfaces meet or cross b) the place where two or more roads meet or, esp., cross 3 Math. the set containing all the points common to two or more given sets [L intersectio]
intersectional (-shэ nэl) •adj. 1 of or forming an intersection 2 between sections or regions {intersectional games}
interservice (in'tэr sør´vis, in´tэr sør'-) •adj. between or among branches of the armed forces
intersession (-sesh´эn) •n. a short session, usually a month long, between regular sessions of a college year, in which the student concentrates on a specialized project
intersex (in´tэr seks') •n. Biol. an abnormal individual having characteristics intermediate between those of male and female
intersexual (in'tэr sek´shu: эl) •adj. 1 between the sexes {intersexual rivalry} 2 of, or having the characteristics of, an intersex
interspace (for n. in´tэr speis'; for v. in'tэr speis´, in´tэr speis') •n. a space between •vt. -spaced´, -spac´ing 1 to make spaces between 2 to fill spaces between
interspecific (in'tэr spэ sif´ik) •adj. between species
intersperse (in'tэr spørs´) -spersed´, -spers´ing •vt. 1 to scatter among other things; put here and there or at intervals 2 to decorate or diversify with things scattered here and there in'ter·sper´sion (-spør´shэn, -zhэn) •n. [< L interspersus, pp. of interspergere < inter-, among + spargere, to scatter: see SPARK¹]
interstadial (in'tэr stei´di: эl) •adj. of a relatively warm period during a glacial epoch, when glaciers temporarily stop or retreat
interstate (in´tэr steit') •adj. between or among states esp. of the U.S. {interstate commerce} •n. one of a network of U.S. highways connecting the 48 contiguous states
Interstate Commerce Commission a Federal commission created in 1887 to regulate commerce among the States: it has eleven members, appointed by the President
interstellar (in'tэr stel´эr) •adj. between or among the stars {interstellar space} [INTER- + STELLAR]
interstice (in tør´stis) pl. -sti·ces' (-stэ siz', -si:z') •n. a small or narrow space between things or parts; crevice [Fr < LL interstitium < inter-, between + sistere, to set, redupl. of stare, to STAND]
interstitial (in'tэr stish´эl) •adj. 1 of, forming, or occurring in interstices 2 Anat. situated between the cellular components of an organ or structure in'ter·sti´tial·ly •adv.
intertextual (in'tэr teks´chu: эl) •adj. of or having to do with the links between one literary work and another or others, as those formed by allusions in'ter·tex'tu·al´i·ty (-chu: æl´э ti:) •n.
intertexture (-teks´chэr) •n. 1 the act or process of interweaving 2 something formed by interweaving [< L intertextus, pp. of intertexere, to interweave (see INTER- & TEXTURE) + -URE]
intertidal (-taid´ªl) •adj. of or pertaining to a shore zone bounded by the levels of low and high tide
intertribal (-trai´bэl) •adj. between or among tribes
intertropical (-träp´i kэl) •adj. within or between the tropics (of Cancer and Capricorn)
intertwine (in'tэr twain´, in´tэr twain') -twined´, -twin´ing •vt., vi. to twine together; intertwist
intertwist (-twist´) •vt., vi. to twist together
interurban (-ør´bэn) •adj. between cities or towns {an interurban train} •n. an interurban railway, train, etc. [INTER- + URBAN]
interval (in´tэr vэl) •n. 1 a space between two things; gap; distance 2 a period of time between two points of time, events, etc.; intervening period 3 the extent of difference between two qualities, conditions, etc. Æ 4 INTERVALE 5 Math. the set containing all numbers between two given numbers and including one, both, or neither end point 6 Music the difference in pitch between two tones at intervals 1 once in a while 2 here and there in'ter·val´lic (-væl´ik) •adj. [ME enterval, intervalle < OFr < L intervallum, lit., space between two palisades or walls < inter-, between + vallum, palisade, WALL]
intervale (in´tэr veil') •n. [Chiefly New England] low, flat land between hills or along a river; bottom land Also intervale land [a blending of prec. + VALE]
intervene (in'tэr vi:n´) -vened´, -ven´ing •vi. 1 to come, be, or lie between 2 to take place between two events, points of time, etc. 3 to come or be in between as something unnecessary or irrelevant 4 to come between as an influence, as in order to modify, settle, or hinder some action, argument, etc. 5 Law to come in as a third party to a suit, to protect one's own interests in'ter·ven´er or Law in'ter·ve´nor •n. [L intervenire < inter-, between + venire, to COME]
intervenient (-vi:n´yэnt) •adj. intervening •n. an intervening person or thing [L interveniens, prp.]
intervention (in'tэr ven´shэn) •n. 1 the act of intervening 2 any interference in the affairs of others, esp. by one country in the affairs of another [LL interventio < L intervenire]
interventionist (-ist) •n. one who favors or practices intervention, esp. in international affairs •adj. 1 of intervention or interventionists 2 favoring or practicing intervention in'ter·ven´tion·ism' •n.
intervertebral (-vørt´э brэl) •adj. between the vertebrae in'ter·ver´te·bral·ly •adv.
intervertebral disk a disk of fibrous cartilage between adjacent vertebral surfaces
interview (in´tэr vyu:') •n. 1 a meeting of people face to face, as to evaluate or question a job applicant Æ 2 a) a meeting in which a person is asked about personal views, activities, etc., as by a newspaper reporter or a pollster b) a published, taped, or filmed account of such a meeting •vt. Æ to have an interview with Æ vi. 1 to carry on an interview {interviewing for the parent company} 2 to be interviewed: usually with with {interviewing with four law firms} in'ter·view·ee´ •n. in´ter·view'er •n. [Fr entrevue: see INTER- & VIEW]
intervocalic (in'tэr vou kæl´ik) •adj. Phonet. immediately preceded by and followed by a vowel: said of a consonant
intervolve (in'tэr välv´) -volved´, -volv´ing •vt., vi. 1 to wind or roll up together; coil up 2 to involve or be involved with one another [< INTER- + L volvere, to roll: see WALK]
interweave (in'tэr wi:v´, in´tэr wi:v') -wove´, -wo´ven, -weav´ing •vt., vi. 1 to weave together; interlace 2 to connect closely or intricately; intermingle; blend
intestacy (in tes´tэ si:) •n. the fact or state of dying intestate
intestate (in tes´teit', -tit) •adj. 1 having made no will 2 not disposed of by a will •n. a person who has died intestate [ME < L intestatus < in-, not + testatus, pp. of testari, to make a will: see TESTAMENT]
intestinal (in tes´tэ nэl) •adj. of, in, or affecting the intestines in·tes´ti·nal·ly •adv.
intestinal fortitude courage and perseverance; grit; pluck: a euphemism for guts (see GUT, sense 7a)
intestine (in tes´tэn) •adj. internal, with regard to a country or community; domestic; civil •n. [usually pl.] the lower part of the alimentary canal, extending from the stomach to the anus and consisting of the small intestine and the large intestine; bowel(s): food passes from the stomach into the small intestine for further digestion [L intestinum, neut. sing. of intestinus] [L intestinus, inward, internal < intus, within, akin to Gr entos < IE *entos < base *en, in]
inthrall or inthral (in θröl´) -thralled´, -thrall´ing •vt. ENTHRALL
inti (in´ti:) •n. the basic monetary unit of Peru: see MONEY, table
intifada (in'tэ fä´dэ) •n. an uprising; specif., the insurrection of Palestinian Arabs, begun in 1987, against Israeli military forces in the occupied territories of the Gaza Strip and the west bank of the Jordan Also sp. in'ti·fa´deh [Ar intifāda, lit., a shudder, shaking off < nafada, to shake]
intima (in´tэ mэ) pl. -mae (in´tэ mi:') •n.or -mas the innermost living membrane of an organ or other part, as of an artery, vein, or lymphatic, or of an insect's trachea in·ti·mal •adj. [ModL < fem. of L intimus: see INTIMATE]
intimacy (in´tэ mэ si:) pl. -cies •n. 1 the state or fact of being intimate; intimate association; familiarity 2 a) an intimate act b) [usually pl.] illicit sexual intercourse (a euphemism)
intimate (for adj. in´tэ mэt; for v., -meit') •adj. 1 pertaining to the inmost character of a thing; fundamental {the intimate structure of the atom} 2 most private or personal {his intimate feelings} 3 closely acquainted or associated; very familiar {an intimate friend} 4 promoting a feeling of privacy, coziness, romance, etc. {an intimate nightclub} 5 a) resulting from careful study or investigation; thorough {an intimate knowledge of French} b) very close {intimate acquaintance with the facts} 6 having illicit sexual relations: a euphemism •n. an intimate friend or companion •vt. -mat'ed, -mat'ing [< L intimatus, pp. of intimare, to announce < intimus] 1 orig., to make known formally; announce 2 to make known indirectly; hint or imply SYN. FAMILIAR, SUGGEST in´ti·mate·ly •adv. in´ti·mate·ness •n. [altered (infl. by the v.) < earlier intime < Fr < L intimus, superl. of intus, within: see INTESTINE]
intimate apparel LINGERIE (sense 2)
intimation (in'tэ mei´shэn) •n. 1 the act of intimating 2 a formal announcement or declaration: now chiefly in law 3 a hint; indirect suggestion [ME intimacion < OFr intimation < LL intimatio]
intime (æñ ti:m´) •adj. INTIMATE (esp. sense 4)
intimidate (in tim´э deit') -dat'ed, -dat'ing •vt. 1 to make timid; make afraid; daunt 2 to force or deter with threats or violence; cow in·tim'i·da´tion •n. in·tim´i·da'tor •n. [< ML intimidatus, pp. of intimidare, to make afraid < L in-, in + timidus, afraid, TIMID]
intimist (in´tэ mist) •adj. dealing largely with intimate, personal thoughts and feelings in literature and art •n. an intimist writer or painter [Fr intimiste < intime, INTIMATE]
intinction (in tiŋk´shэn) •n. the act of dipping the Eucharistic bread into the consecrated wine, so that the communicant receives both together [LL(Ec) intinctio, a dipping in, baptizing < L intinctus, pp. of intingere, to dip in < in-, + tingere, to dye, TINGE]
intine (in´tin', -ti:n', -tain') •n. ENDOSPORE (sense 2) [Ger < L intus, within + Ger -ine, -INE³]
intitle (in tait´ªl) -tled, -tling •vt. ENTITLE
intitule (in tit´yu:l') -uled, -ul·ing •vt. [Chiefly Brit.] to entitle (a legislative act, etc.) [ME intitulen < OFr intituler < LL intiulare, to ENTITLE]
intl international
into (in´tu:, -tu, -tэ; in tu:´) •prep. 1 from the outside to the inside of; toward and within {into a house} 2 advancing or continuing to the midst of (a period of time) {dancing far into the night} 3 to the form, substance, or condition of {turned into a swan, divided into parts} 4 so as to strike {to bump into a door} 5 to the work or activity of {to go into teaching} 6 in the direction of {to head into a storm} 7 Math. used to indicate division {3 into 21 is 7} Æ 8 [Colloq.] involved in or concerned with {she's very much into jazz now} [ME < OE: see IN & TO]
intolerable (in täl´эr э bэl) •adj. not tolerable; unbearable; too severe, painful, cruel, etc. to be endured in·tol'er·a·bil´i·ty or in·tol´er·a·ble·ness •n. in·tol´er·a·bly •adv. [ME intollerable < L intolerabilis]
intolerance (in täl´эr эns) •n. 1 lack of tolerance, esp. of others' opinions, beliefs, etc.; bigotry 2 an allergy or sensitivity to some food, medicine, etc. [L intolerantia]
intolerant (in täl´эr эnt) •adj. not tolerant; unwilling to tolerate others' opinions, beliefs, etc. or persons of other races, background, etc.; bigoted; illiberal intolerant of not able or willing to tolerate in·tol´er·ant·ly •adv. in·tol´er·ant·ness •n. [L intolerans]
intonate (in´tou neit', -tэ-) -nat'ed, -nat'ing •vt. INTONE [< ML intonatus, pp. of intonare: see INTONE]
intonation (in'tou nei´shэn, -tэ-) •n. 1 the act of intoning 2 the quality of singing or playing tones in or out of tune with regard to a given standard of pitch 3 a) the opening words of a Gregorian chant b) the singing of these 4 Linguis. a) the system of significant levels and variations in pitch sequences within an utterance b) the type of pitch used at the end of a spoken sentence or phrase {to ask a question with a rising intonation} in'to·na´tion·al •adj. [ML intonatio]
intonation pattern Linguis. the sequence or arrangement of pitch levels occurring in an utterance
intone (in toun´) -toned´, -ton´ing •vt. 1 to utter or recite in a singing tone or in prolonged monotones; chant 2 to give a particular intonation to 3 to sing or recite the opening phrase of (a chant, canticle, etc.) •vi. to speak or recite in a singing tone or in prolonged monotones; chant in·ton´er •n. [ME entonen < OFr entoner < ML intonare: IN-¹ & TONE]
intoxicant (in täks´i kэnt) •n. something that intoxicates; esp., alcoholic liquor •adj. that intoxicates; intoxicating [< ML intoxicans, prp. of intoxicare]
intoxicate (for v. in täks´i keit'; for adj., -kit, -keit') -cat'ed, -cat'ing •vt. 1 to affect the nervous system of, so as to cause a loss of control; make drunk; stupefy; inebriate: said of alcoholic liquor or a drug 2 to excite to a point beyond self-control; make wild with excitement or happiness 3 Med. to poison or have a poisonous effect on [< ML intoxicatus, pp. of intoxicare, to poison, drug < L in-, in + toxicare, to smear with poison < toxicum, poison: see TOXIC]
intoxication (in täks'i kei´shэn) •n. 1 an intoxicating or becoming intoxicated; specif., a) a making or becoming drunk b) Med. a poisoning or becoming poisoned, as by a drug, serum, etc. 2 a feeling of wild excitement; rapture; frenzy
intr intransitive
intra- (in´trэ) prefix within, inside {intramural, intravenous} [L intra- < tra, within, inside < *intera, akin to interior, inter: see INTER-]
intracellular (in'trэ sel´yu: lэr) •adj. of or occurring within individual cells
intracity (in'trэ sit´i:, in´trэ sit'i:) •adj. of or within a large municipality, often specif. the inner city
Intracoastal Waterway (in'trэ kous´tªl) waterway for small craft extending in two sections from Boston, Mass., to Brownsville, Tex.: it consists of natural and artificial channels within the U.S. coastline except for a stretch of open water along the W Fla. coast: 2,500 to 3,000 mi. (4,000 to 4,900 km) long
intractable (in træk´tэ bэl) •adj. not tractable; specif., a) hard to manage; unruly or stubborn b) hard to work, manipulate, cure, treat, etc. in·trac'ta·bil´i·ty or in·trac´ta·ble·ness •n. in·trac´ta·bly •adv. [L intractabilis]
intracutaneous test (in'trэ kyu: tei´ni: эs) the injection of an antigen into the skin in order to determine whether or not the subject is allergic to it
intradermal (in'trэ dør´mэl) •adj. within the skin or between the layers of the skin
intrados (in trei´däs') •n. Archit. the inside curve or surface of an arch or vault: see ARCH¹, illus. [Fr < L intra, within + Fr dos < L dorsum, the back]
intramolecular (in'trэ mou lek´yэ lэr) •adj. acting, existing, or taking place within a molecule: see INTERMOLECULAR in'tra·mo·lec´u·lar·ly •adv.
intramural (-myur´эl) •adj. 1 within the walls or limits of a city, college, etc. 2 between or among members of the same school, college, etc. {intramural athletics} 3 Anat. within the substance of the walls of an organ in'tra·mu´ral·ly •adv. [INTRA- + MURAL]
intramuscular (-mûs´kyu: lэr) •adj. located or injected within the substance of a muscle in'tra·mus´cu·lar·ly •adv.
intrans intransitive
intransigent (in træn´sэ jэnt) •adj. refusing to compromise, come to an agreement, or be reconciled; uncompromising •n. a person who is intransigent, esp. in politics in·tran´si·gence or in·tran´si·gen·cy •n. in·tran´si·gent·ly •adv. [Fr intransigeant < Sp intransigente < L in-, IN-² + transigens, prp. of transigere, to come to a settlement, TRANSACT]
intransitive (in træn´sэ tiv) •adj. 1 not transitive 2 Gram. designating a verb that does not require a direct object •n. an intransitive verb in·tran´si·tive·ly •adv. [LL intransitivus]
intraparty (in´trэ pär'ti:) •adj. within a political party {intraparty factions, intraparty disagreements}
intrapersonal (in'trэ pør´sªn эl) •adj. existing or occurring within one person's mind or self
intrapsychic (in'trэ sai´kik) •adj. existing or occurring within the mind or psyche Also in'tra·psy´chi·cal in'tra·psy´chi·cal·ly •adv.
intraspecific (-spэ sif´ik) •adj. within a single species
intrastate (-steit´) •adj. within a state; esp., within a State of the U.S.
intratelluric (-te lur´ik) •adj. 1 formed, located, or occurring deep inside the earth: used esp. to refer to the minerals of igneous rocks before eruption or to phenocrysts formed before the ground mass solidified 2 designating or of the period of crystallization of a magma before extrusion as a lava [INTRA- + TELLURIC², modeled on Ger intratellurisch]
intrauterine (-yu:t´эr in) •adj. within the uterus
intrauterine (contraceptive) device any of various devices, as a coil or loop of plastic, inserted in the uterus as a contraceptive
intravasation (in træv'э sei´shэn) •n. the entry of a foreign substance into a blood or lymph vessel [INTRA- + (EXTRA)VASATION]
intravenous (in'trэ vi:´nэs) •adj. in, or directly into, a vein or veins {an intravenous injection} in'tra·ve´nous·ly •adv. [INTRA- + VENOUS]
intrazonal (-zou´nэl) •adj. designating or of a soil whose characteristics indicate the dominance of local conditions, such as topography or parent material, over the ordinary effects of climate and vegetation
intreat (in tri:t´) •vt., vi. archaic var. of ENTREAT
intrench (in trench´) •vt., vi. ENTRENCH
intrepid (in trep´id) •adj. not afraid; bold; fearless; dauntless; very brave SYN. BRAVE in'tre·pid´i·ty (-trэ pid´э ti:) or in·trep´id·ness •n. in·trep´id·ly •adv. [L intrepidus < in-, not + trepidus, alarmed, anxious: see TREPIDATION]
intricacy (in´tri kэ si:) •n. 1 the quality or state of being intricate; complexity 2 pl. -cies something intricate; involved matter, proceeding, etc.
intricate (in´tri kit) •adj. 1 hard to follow or understand because full of puzzling parts, details, or relationships {an intricate problem} 2 full of elaborate detail {an intricate filigree} SYN. COMPLEX in´tri·cate·ly •adv. in´tri·cate·ness •n. [L intricatus, pp. of intricare, to entangle, perplex, embarrass < in-, in + tricae, vexations: see TRICK]
intrigant (in´tri gэnt; Fr æñ tři: gäñ´) pl. -gants (-gэnts; Fr, -gäñ´) •n. a person given to or involved in intrigue in'tri·gante´ (-gænt´; Fr, -gäñt´), pl. -gantes´ (-gænts´; Fr, -gäñt´), •n.fem. [Fr < It intrigante < intrigare, to INTRIGUE]
intrigue (in tri:g´; for n., also in´tri:g') -trigued´, -trigu´ing •vi. 1 to carry on a secret love affair 2 to plot or scheme secretly or underhandedly •vt. 1 to bring on or get by secret or underhanded plotting 2 to excite the interest or curiosity of; fascinate {the puzzle intrigued her} 3 [Archaic] to trick or perplex 4 [Obs.] to entangle •n. 1 an intriguing; secret or underhanded plotting 2 a secret or underhanded plot or scheme; machination 3 a secret love affair SYN. PLOT in·trigu´er •n. [Fr intriguer < It intrigare < L intricare: see INTRICATE]
intriguing (-tri:´giŋ) •adj. exciting interest or curiosity; fascinating in·trigu´ing·ly •adv.
intrinsic (in trin´sik, -zik) •adj. 1 belonging to the real nature of a thing; not dependent on external circumstances; essential; inherent 2 Anat. located within, or exclusively of, a part Opposed to EXTRINSIC Also [Archaic] in·trin´si·cal in·trin´si·cal·ly •adv. in·trin´si·cal·ness •n. [LME intrinsique < MFr intrinsèque < LL intrinsecus, inward < L, inwardly < intra-, within (see INTRA-) + secus, following: see EXTRINSIC]
intrinsic factor a substance secreted by the stomach which permits the absorption of vitamin B12 in the intestines, thus preventing pernicious anemia
intro (in´trou) •n. [Slang] short for INTRODUCTION intro abbrev. 1 introduction 2 introductory
intro- (in´trou, -trэ) prefix into, within, inward {introvert} [L intro- < intro, inwardly, on the inside < *intero, akin to inter: see INTER-]
introduce (in'trэ du:s, -dyu:s´) -duced´, -duc´ing •vt. 1 to lead or bring into a given place or position; conduct in 2 to put in or within; insert {to introduce an electric wire into a conduit} 3 to bring or add as a new feature into some action, composition, etc. {to introduce a humorous note in a speech} 4 to bring into use, knowledge, or fashion; make popular or common; institute {space science has introduced many new words} Æ 5 to offer (a new product) for sale 6 a) to make acquainted; present (to another or others or to one another) {please introduce me to your friend} b) to present (a person) to society, a court, the general public, etc. c) to present (a performer) for a public appearance, as on stage or television d) to give knowledge or experience of {to introduce a freshman to campus life} 7 to bring forward; bring to notice formally {to introduce a bill into Congress} 8 to start; open; begin {to introduce a talk with an anecdote} in'tro·duc´er •n. [L introducere < intro- (see INTRO-) + ducere, to lead: see DUCT]
introduction (-dûk´shэn) •n. 1 an introducing or being introduced 2 anything introduced, or brought into use, knowledge, or fashion 3 anything that introduces, or prepares the way for; specif., a) the preliminary section of a book, usually made up of material considered essential to an understanding of the main text b) the preliminary part of a speech, treatise, etc. c) an opening section of a musical composition d) a preliminary guide or text 4 the formal presentation of one person to another, to an audience, to society, etc. SYN.—introduction, in strict usage, refers to the preliminary section of a book, etc. that explains and leads into the subject proper; preface refers to a statement preliminary to a book, written by the author or editor and explaining the purpose, plan, or preparation of the work; the preface may also include acknowledgments for help or for permissions granted for use of previously published material; foreword is a brief preface written by someone other than the author; preamble refers to a formal, but usually brief, introduction to a constitution, treaty, etc.; prologue applies to the preliminary section as of a play or poem, serving as an introduction and, in the play, frequently spoken by one of the characters —ANT. conclusion, epilogue [ME introduccion < MFr introduction < L introductio]
introductory (-dûk´tэ ri:) •adj. used as an introduction; preliminary Also in'tro·duc´tive in'tro·duc´to·ri·ly •adv. [L introductorius]
introgression (in'trou gresh´эn) •n. the infiltration of genes from the gene pool of one species into that of another in'tro·gres´sive (-gres´iv) •adj. [INTRO- + (DI)GRESSION]
introit (in trou´it, in´troit') •n. 1 a psalm or hymn sung or played at the opening of a Christian worship service 2 [I-] R.C.Ch. the first variable part of the Mass, consisting typically of one or more psalm verses and the Gloria Patri [ME introite < MFr < L introitus, a going in, entrance (in LL(Ec), introit of the mass) < introire < intro-, INTRO- + ire, to go: see EXIT]
introject (in'trou jekt´, -trэ-) •vt. Psychoanalysis to incorporate unconsciously into the psyche (a mental image of an object, person, etc.) and focus aggressive energy upon this image rather than the object itself in'tro·jec´tion •n. [INTRO- + (PRO)JECT(ION)]
intromit (-mit´) -mit´ted, -mit´ting •vt. 1 to cause to enter; put in; insert 2 to allow to enter; admit in'tro·mis´sion (-mish эn) •n. in'tro·mit´tent •adj. [L intromittere < intro-, INTRO- + mittere, to send: see MISSION]
intron (in´trän) •n. an intervening sequence in the eukaryote genetic code, interrupting protein formation [coined (1978) by W. Gilbert (1932- ), U.S. molecular biologist < INTRA- (because within the gene) + -on, as in OPERON]
introrse (in trörs´, in´trörs') •adj. Bot. facing inward, or toward the center: opposed to EXTRORSE in·trorse´ly •adv. [L introrsus, contr. of introversus: see INTRO- & VERSE]
introspect (in'trou spekt´, -trэ-) •vt., vi. [Rare] to look into (one's own mind, feeling, etc.) [L introspectare, freq. < introspectus, pp. of introspicere, to look within < intro-, INTRO- + specere, to see: see SPY]
introspection (-spek´shэn) •n. a looking into one's own mind, feelings, etc.; observation and analysis of oneself in'tro·spec´tive •adj. in'tro·spec´tive·ly •adv. in'tro·spec´tive·ness •n.
introversion (-vør´zhэn, -shэn) •n. 1 an introverting or being introverted 2 Psychol. an attitude in which one directs one's interest to one's own experiences and feelings rather than to external objects or other persons Opposed to EXTROVERSION in'tro·ver´sive •adj. in'tro·ver´sive·ly •adv. [ModL introversio, coined by JUNG < intro-, INTRO- + versio: see VERSION]
introvert (in´trou vørt', -trэ-; for v., also in'trэ vørt´) •vt. 1 to direct (one's interest, mind, or attention) upon oneself; introspect 2 to bend (something) inward 3 Zool. to draw (a tubular organ or part) inward upon itself, commonly by invagination •vi. to practice introversion; become introverted •n. 1 a thing, esp. a tubular organ or part, that can be introverted 2 Psychol. one whose interest is more in oneself than in external objects or other people; introspective person: opposed to EXTROVERT •adj. INTROVERTED [ModL introvertere < L intro-, INTRO- + vertere, to turn: see VERSE]
introverted (-id) •adj. characterized by introversion
intrude (in tru:d´) -trud´ed, -trud´ing •vt. 1 to push or force (something in or upon) 2 to force (oneself or one's thoughts) upon others without being asked or welcomed 3 Geol. to force (liquid magma, etc.) into or between solid rocks •vi. to intrude oneself in·trud´er •n. SYN.—intrude implies the forcing of oneself or something upon another without invitation, permission, or welcome [to intrude upon another's privacy]; obtrude connotes even more strongly the distractive nature or the undesirability of the invasion [side issues keep obtruding]; interlope implies an intrusion upon the rights or privileges of another to the disadvantage or harm of the latter [the interloping merchants have ruined our trade]; butt in (or into) (at BUTT²) is a slang term implying intrusion in a meddling or officious way [stop butting into my business] see also TRESPASS [L intrudere < in-, in + trudere, to thrust, push: see THREAT]
intrusion (in tru:´zhэn) •n. 1 a) the act of intruding b) Law the illegal entering upon another's land without right to possession 2 Geol. a) the invasion, as of liquid magma, into or between solid rock b) the body of rock resulting from such invasion [ME < OFr < ML intrusio < L intrusus: see INTRUSIVE]
intrusive (-siv) •adj. 1 intruding or tending to intrude 2 Geol. a) forced into or between other rocks while in a molten state b) formed of such rock 3 Linguis. added without etymological justification, as the d in spindle: cf. EXCRESCENT in·tru´sive·ly •adv. in·tru´sive·ness •n. [< L intrusus, pp. of intrudere (see INTRUDE) + -IVE]
intrust (in trûst´) •vt. ENTRUST
intubate (in´tu: beit', -tyu:-) -bat'ed, -bat'ing •vt. to insert a tube into (an orifice or hollow organ, as the larynx) for the administration of gases or to admit air in'tu·ba´tion •n. [IN-¹ + TUB(E) + -ATE¹]
intuit (in tu:´it, -tyu:´-; in´tu wit) •vt., vi. to know or learn by intuition in·tu´it·a·ble •adj. [< L intuitus]
intuition (in'tu: ish´эn, -tyu-) •n. 1 the direct knowing or learning of something without the conscious use of reasoning; immediate understanding 2 something known or learned in this way 3 the ability to perceive or know things without conscious reasoning in'tu·i´tion·al •adj. in'tu·i´tion·al·ly •adv. [LL < L intuitus, pp. of intueri, to look at, regard < in-, in + tueri, to look at, view]
intuitionism (-iz'эm) •n. 1 Philos. the doctrine that things and principles are truly apprehended by intuition 2 Ethics the doctrine that fundamental moral principles or the rightness of acts is apprehended by intuition in'tu·i´tion·ist •adj., n.
intuitive (in tu:´i tiv, -tyu:-) •adj. 1 having to do with intuition 2 having, or perceiving by, intuition 3 that is or can be perceived by intuition {an intuitive truth} in·tu´i·tive·ly •adv. in·tu´i·tive·ness •n. [ML intuitivus < L intuitus]
intumesce (in'tu: mes´, -tyu:-) -mesced´, -mesc´ing •vi. to swell, enlarge, expand, or bubble up, as with heat [L intumescere: see IN-¹ & TUMESCENT]
intumescence (-mes´эns) •n. 1 an intumescing or being intumesced 2 a swollen or enlarged organ or mass, as a tumor; swelling in'tu·mes´cent •adj. [Fr]
intussuscept (in'tэ sэ sept´) •vt. to receive within, itself or into another part; specif., to telescope (one section of the intestines) into another; invaginate [< L intus, within + susceptus, pp. of suscipere: see INTUSSUSCEPTION]
intussusception (-sэ sep´shэn) •n. 1 an intussuscepting or being intussuscepted 2 the process of taking in food or other foreign matter and interposing the tiny particles among those already present in the cell walls in'tus·sus·cep´tive •adj. [< L intus, within (see INTESTINE) + susceptio, a taking up < pp. of suscipere, to take up: see SUSCEPTIBLE]
intwine (in twain´) -twined´, -twin´ing •vt., vi. ENTWINE
Inuit (in´u: it, -yu:-) pl. -it or -its •n. 1 a member of a group of native people of northern North America, inhabiting areas from Greenland and E Canada to Alaska 2 their language, belonging to the Eskimo-Aleut language family 3 ESKIMO: now the preferred term, esp. in Canada [Esk inuit, pl. of inuk, person, man]
inulase (in´yu: leis') •n. an enzyme that converts inulin into fructose [< fol. + -ASE]
inulin (-lin) •n. a white, starchlike polysaccharide which yields fructose, and glucose when hydrolyzed: found in the roots and tubers of many composite plants [< ModL Inula, genus of plants (< L inula, ELECAMPANE) + -IN¹]
inunction (in ûŋk´shэn) •n. 1 the act of rubbing ointment, liniment, etc. 2 an ointment, liniment, etc. [L inunctio: see IN-¹ & UNCTION]
inundant (in ûn´dэnt) •adj. overflowing or inundating [L inundans, prp. of inundare: see INUNDATE]
inundate (in´эn deit') -dat'ed, -dat'ing •vt. 1 to cover or engulf with a flood; deluge 2 to overwhelm with a rush or great amount of anything in'un·da´tion •n. in´un·da'tor •n. in·un·da·to·ry (in ûn´dэ tör'i:) •adj. [< L inundatus, pp. of inundare, to overflow < in-, in, on + undare, to move in waves, flood < unda, a wave: see WATER]
inurbane (in'эr bein´) •adj. not urbane; crude; unpolished in'ur·ban´i·ty (-bæn´э ti:) •n. [L inurbanus]
inure (in yur´; often i nur´) -ured´, -ur´ing •vt. to make accustomed to something difficult, painful, etc.; habituate •vi. to come into use or take effect {sick pay inures from the first day of illness} in·ure´ment •n. [ME (in pp. enured) < in ure, in practice < in, in + ure, practice, work < OFr eure, ovre < L opera, work: see OPERA¹]
inurn (in ørn´) •vt. 1 to put (ashes of the dead) into an urn 2 to bury; entomb in·urn´ment •n.
inutile (in yu:t´ªl) •adj. useless; unprofitable in·u·til·i·ty (in'yu: til´э ti:) •n. [ME < MFr < L inutilis < in-, IN-² + utilis, useful: see UTILITY]
Inuvik (in´u: vik, -yu:-) Region of W Northwest Territories, Canada: 152,130 sq. mi. (394,015 sq. km)
inv 1 he (or she) designed it [L invenit] 2 invented 3 inventor 4 invoice
invade (in veid´) -vad´ed, -vad´ing •vt. 1 to enter forcibly or hostilely; come into as an enemy 2 to crowd into; throng {tourists invading the beaches} 3 to intrude upon; infringe; violate {to invade someone's privacy} 4 to enter and spread through with harmful effects {a body invaded by disease} •vi. to make an invasion SYN. TRESPASS in·vad´er •n. [ME invaden < L invadere < in-, in + vadere, to come, go: see WADE]
invaginate (in væj´э neit') -nat'ed, -nat'ing •vt. 1 to place or receive into a sheath 2 INTUSSUSCEPT •vi. 1 to become invaginated 2 to grow inward to form a hollow or cavity, as in the formation of a gastrula in·vag'i·na´tion •n. [< ML invaginatus, pp. of invaginare < L in-, in + vagina, a sheath]
invalid¹ (in´vэ lid; chiefly Brit, -li:d´) •adj. 1 not well; weak and sickly; infirm 2 of or for invalids {an invalid home} •n. a weak, sickly person; esp., one who is chronically ill or disabled •vt. 1 to make invalid; disabled or weaken 2 [Chiefly Brit.] to remove (a soldier, sailor, etc.) from active duty or from a combat zone because of injury or illness [Fr invalide < L invalidus, feeble: see IN-² & VALID]
invalid² (in væl´id) •adj. not valid; having no force; null or void in·va·lid·i·ty (in'vэ lid´э ti:) •n. in·val´id·ly •adv. [L invalidus]
invalidate (in væl´э deit') -dat'ed, -dat'ing •vt. to make invalid; deprive of legal force in·val'i·da´tion •n. [prec. + -ATE¹]
invalidism (in´vэ lid iz'эm) •n. the state of being an invalid; chronic ill health or disability
invaluable (in væl´yu: э bэl) •adj. extremely valuable; having value too great to measure; priceless SYN. COSTLY in·val´u·a·ble·ness •n. in·val´u·a·bly •adv.
Invar (in´vär') trademark for a steel alloy containing approximately 36% nickel, used for making precision instruments and thermostatic elements because of its low coefficient of thermal expansion •n. [i-] this substance [abbrev. < fol.]
invariable (in ver´i: э bэl) •adj. not variable; not changing; constant; uniform •n. an invariable quantity; constant in·var'i·a·bil´i·ty or in·var´i·a·ble·ness •n. in·var´i·a·bly •adv. [ML invariabilis]
invariant (in ver´i: эnt) •adj. not varying; constant; specif., having the nature of an invariant •n. Math. an entity that is unchanged by a given transformation in·var´i·ance •n.
invasion (in vei´zhэn, -shэn) •n. an invading or being invaded; specif., a) an entering or being entered by an attacking military force b) an intrusion or infringement c) the onset or appearance of something harmful or troublesome, as a disease in·va´sive •adj. [MFr < LL invasio < L invasus, pp. of invadere]
invasion of privacy a wrongful intrusion into, or exposure of, one's private affairs such as to cause humiliation or mental suffering to a person of average sensibilities
invective (in vek´tiv) •adj. inveighing; using, inclined to use, or characterized by strong verbal abuse •n. 1 a violent verbal attack; strong criticism, insults, curses, etc.; vituperation 2 an abusive term, insult, curse, etc. in·vec´tive·ly •adv. in·vec´tive·ness •n. [ME invectiff < MFr invectif < LL invectivus < L invectus, pp. of invehere: see INVEIGH]
inveigh (in vei´) •vi. to make a violent verbal attack; talk or write bitterly (against); rail in·veigh´er •n. [ME invehen < L invehi, to assail, attack with words, pass. of invehere, to bring in < in-, in, to + vehere, to carry: see VEHEMENT]
inveigle (in vi:´gªl, -vei´-) -gled, -gling •vt. to lead on with deception; entice or trick into doing or giving something, going somewhere, etc. SYN. LURE in·vei´gle·ment •n. in·vei´gler •n. [LME invegelen, altered (after IN-¹) < MFr aveugler, to blind, delude < aveugle, blind < LL *aboculus, blind < L ab, from + oculus, an EYE]
invent (in vent´) •vt. 1 to think up; devise or fabricate in the mind {to invent excuses} 2 to think out or produce (a new device, process, etc.); originate, as by experiment; devise for the first time 3 [Archaic] to find; discover [ME inventen < L inventus, pp. of invenire, to come upon, meet with, discover < in-, in, on + venire, to COME]
invention (in ven´shэn) •n. 1 an inventing or being invented 2 the power of inventing; ingenuity or creativity 3 something invented; specif., a) something thought up or mentally fabricated; esp., a falsehood b) something originated by experiment, etc.; new device or contrivance 4 Music a short composition, usually for a keyboard instrument, developing a single short motif in counterpoint; esp., any of a group of these by J. S. Bach [ME inuencioun < OFr invencion < L inventio]
inventive (-tiv) •adj. 1 of or characterized by invention {inventive powers} 2 skilled in inventing; creative {an inventive person} in·ven´tive·ly •adv. in·ven´tive·ness •n. [ME inventif < ML inventivus]
inventor (-tэr) •n. a person who invents; esp., one who devises a new contrivance, method, etc.
inventory (in´vэn tör'i:) pl. -ries •n. 1 an itemized list or catalog of goods, property, etc.; esp., such a list of the stock of a business, taken annually 2 the store of goods, etc. that are or may be so listed; stock 3 any detailed list 4 the act of making such a list •vt. -ried, -ry·ing 1 to make an inventory of 2 to place on an inventory SYN. LIST¹ take inventory 1 to make an inventory of stock on hand 2 to make an appraisal, as of one's skills or personal characteristics in'ven·to´ri·al •adj. in'ven·to´ri·al·ly •adv. [ML inventorium < LL inventarium < L inventus: see INVENT]
inveracity (in'vэ ræs´э ti:) •n. 1 lack of veracity; untruthfulness 2 pl. -ties a falsehood; lie
Inverness (in'vэr nes´) 1 former county of N Scotland, now part of the region of Highland: also In'ver·ness´-shire (-shir) 2 burgh at the head of Moray Firth: pop. 40,000
inverse (in vørs´, in´vørs') •adj. 1 inverted; reversed in order or relation; directly opposite 2 Math. designating or of an operation which, when applied after a specific operation, cancels it {subtraction is the inverse operation of addition} •n. 1 any inverse thing; direct opposite 2 Math. a) the result of an inversion b) the result obtained after dividing 1 by the given number; reciprocal {the inverse of x is 1/x} •vt. -versed´, -vers´ing [Rare] to invert; reverse in·verse´ly •adv. [L inversus, pp. of invertere]
inverse function the function obtained by expressing the independent variable of another function in terms of the dependent variable which is then regarded as an independent variable
inversion (in vør´zhэn, -shэn) •n. 1 an inverting or being inverted 2 something inverted; reversal 3 Chem. a) a chemical change in which an optically active substance is converted into another substance having no effect, or the opposite rotatory effects, on the plane of polarization b) the conversion of an isomeric compound to its opposite 4 Gram., Rhetoric a reversal of the normal order of words in a sentence (Ex.: said he for he said) 5 Math. a) the process of using an opposite rule or method b) an interchange of the terms of a ratio 6 Meteorol. an atmospheric condition in which the normal properties of layers of air are reversed; esp., a temperature reversal in which a layer of warm air traps cooler air near the surface of the earth, preventing the normal rising of surface air 7 Music a) the reversal of the position of the tones in an interval or chord, as by raising the lower tone by an octave, etc. b) the recurrence of a theme, fugue subject, motive, or figure in identical intervals and note values, but consistently in the opposite direction 8 Phonet. a position of the tongue in which the tip is turned upward and backward 9 Psychiatry HOMOSEXUALITY in·ver´sive •adj. [L inversio < inversus, pp. of invertere]
invert (in vørt´; for adj. & n., in´vørt') •vt. 1 to turn upside down 2 to change to the direct opposite; reverse the order, position, direction, etc. of 3 to subject to inversion (in various senses) 4 Math. to divide 1 by (a given quantity) •adj. Chem. inverted {invert sugar} •n. 1 an inverted person or thing 2 Psychiatry HOMOSEXUAL in·vert´i´ble •adj. [L invertere < in-, in, to, toward + vertere, to turn: see VERSE]
invert sugar a mixture of dextrose and levulose in approximately equal proportions, found in fruits and produced artificially by the hydrolysis of sucrose
invertase (in vør´teis') •n. SUCRASE [prec. + -ASE]
invertebrate (in vør´tэ brit, -breit') •adj. 1 not vertebrate; having no backbone, or spinal column 2 of invertebrates 3 having no moral backbone; lacking courage, resolution, etc. •n. any animal without a backbone, or spinal column; any animal other than a fish, amphibian, reptile, bird, or mammal [ModL invertebratus]
inverted comma [Brit.] QUOTATION MARK
inverted mordent see MORDENT
inverter (in vørt´эr) •n. Elec. a device for transforming direct current into alternating current
invest (in vest´) •vt. 1 to clothe; array; adorn 2 a) to cover, surround, or envelop like, or as if with, a garment {fog invests the city} b) to endow with qualities, attributes, etc. 3 to install in office with ceremony 4 to furnish with power, privilege, or authority 5 [Rare] to vest or settle (a power or right) in a person, legislative body, etc. 6 to put (money) into business, real estate, stocks, bonds, etc. for the purpose of obtaining an income or profit 7 to spend (time, effort, etc.) with the expectation of some satisfaction 8 Mil. to hem in or besiege (a town, port, enemy, etc.) •vi. to invest money; make an investment in·ves´tor •n. [L investire < in-, in + vestire, to clothe < vestis, clothing: see VEST]
investigate (in ves´tэ geit') -gat'ed, -gat'ing •vt. to search into so as to learn the facts; inquire into systematically •vi. to make an investigation in·ves´ti·ga·ble (-gэ bэl) •adj. [< L investigatus, pp. of investigare, to trace out < in-, in + vestigare, to track < vestigium, a track]
investigation (in ves'tэ gei´shэn) •n. 1 an investigating or being investigated 2 a careful search or examination; systematic inquiry in·ves'ti·ga´tion·al •adj. [ME investigacioun < MFr < L investigatio]
investigative (in ves´tэ geit'iv) •adj. 1 of or characterized by investigation 2 inclined to investigate Also in·ves´ti·ga·to'ry (-gэ tör'i:) [ML investigativus]
investigator (in ves´tэ gei'tэr) •n. a person who gathers confidential information and conducts an investigation for an individual or company; private detective Also private investigator
investitive (in ves´tэ tiv) •adj. 1 that invests or can invest authority, etc. 2 of such investing [< L investitus, pp. (see INVEST) + -IVE]
investiture (-chэr) •n. 1 a formal investing as with an office, power, or authority, often with appropriate symbols or robes 2 anything that clothes or covers; vesture 3 Feudal Law ceremonial transfer of land to a tenant [ME < ML investitura < L investire]
investment (in vest´mэnt) •n. 1 an investing or being invested 2 an outer covering 3 INVESTITURE (sense 1) 4 a) the investing of money b) the amount invested c) anything in which money is or may be invested
investment bank (or banker) a firm which markets new issues of stocks, bonds, etc., usually in association with other such firms, as by purchasing an entire issue and selling it, at a profit, to investors
investment company (or trust) a company or trust that invests in diverse securities with funds obtained through the sale of its own shares: see also CLOSED-END, OPEN-END (sense 1)
inveterate (in vet´эr it) •adj. 1 firmly established over a long period; of long standing; deep-rooted 2 settled in a habit, practice, prejudice, etc.; habitual SYN. CHRONIC in·vet´er·a·cy •n. in·vet´er·ate·ly •adv. [L inveteratus, pp. of inveterare, to make or become old < in-, in + vetus, old: see VETERAN]
inviable (in vai´э bэl) •adj. not viable; unable to live and develop normally in·vi'a·bil´i·ty •n.
invidious (in vid´i: эs) •adj. 1 a) such as to excite ill will, odium, or envy; giving offense b) giving offense by discriminating unfairly {invidious comparisons} 2 [Obs.] envious in·vid´i·ous·ly •adv. in·vid´i·ous·ness •n. [L invidiosus < invidia: see ENVY]
invigilate (in vij´э leit') -lat'ed, -lat'ing •vi. [Brit.] to monitor students during a written examination in·vig'i·la´tion •n. [< L invigilatus, pp. of invigilare < in-, in, on + vigilare, to watch: see VIGIL]
invigorate (in vig´эr eit') -at'ed, -at'ing •vt. to give vigor to; fill with energy; enliven SYN. ANIMATE in·vig'or·a´tion •n. in·vig´or·a'tive •adj. in·vig´or·a'tor •n. [IN-¹ + VIGOR + -ATE¹]
invincible (in vin´sэ bэl) •adj. that cannot be overcome; unconquerable in·vin'ci·bil´i·ty or in·vin´ci·ble·ness •n. in·vin´ci·bly •adv. [ME invyncyble < MFr invincible < L invincibilis: see IN-² & VINCIBLE]
inviolable (in vai´ou lэ bэl, -vai´э lэ-) •adj. 1 not to be violated; not to be profaned or injured; sacred {an inviolable promise} 2 that cannot be violated; indestructible {the inviolable heavens} in·vi'o·la·bil´i·ty •n. in·vi´o·la·bly •adv. [MFr < L inviolabilis]
inviolate (in vai´э lit, -leit') •adj. not violated; kept sacred or unbroken in·vi´o·la·cy (-lэ si:) or in·vi´o·late·ness •n. in·vi´o·late·ly •adv. [ME < L inviolatus: see IN-² & VIOLATE]
invisible (in viz´э bэl) •adj. 1 not visible; that cannot be seen 2 out of sight; not apparent 3 too small or too faint to be seen; imperceptible; indistinct 4 not publicized; kept hidden {invisible assets} •n. an invisible thing or being the Invisible 1 God 2 the unseen world in·vis'i·bil´i·ty or in·vis´i·ble·ness •n. in·vis´i·bly •adv. [OFr < L invisibilis]
invisible ink a colorless ink that cannot be seen on paper until it is treated with heat, vapor, or a chemical
invitation (in'vэ tei´shэn) •n. 1 an inviting to come somewhere or do something 2 the message or note used in inviting 3 enticement or allurement [L invitatio < pp. of invitare]
invitational (-shэ nэl) •adj. participated in only by those invited {an invitational tennis tournament}
invitatory (in vait´э tör'i:) •adj. containing an invitation •n. pl. -ries a form of invitation used in worship as a call to prayer or praise; esp., Ps. 95 (94 in the Douay) [LL invitatorius]
invite (in vait´; for n. in´vait') -vit´ed, -vit´ing •vt. 1 to ask courteously to come somewhere or do something; request the presence or participation of 2 to make a request for {to invite questions} 3 to tend to bring on; give occasion for {action that invites scandal} 4 to tempt; allure; entice •n. [Colloq.] an invitation SYN. CALL in´vit·ee´ •n. [Fr inviter < L invitare < in-, IN-¹ + ? IE base *wei-, to go directly toward, chase after > L via & OE wæthan, to hunt]
inviting (-vait´iŋ) •adj. tempting; alluring; enticing
invocate (in´vэ keit') -cat'ed, -cat'ing •vt., vi. [Rare] to speak or ask in invocation [< L invocatus, pp. of invocare: see INVOKE]
invocation (in'vэ kei´shэn) •n. 1 the act of calling on God, a god, a saint, the Muses, etc. for blessing, help, inspiration, support, or the like 2 a) a formal prayer used in invoking, as at the beginning of a church service b) a formal plea for aid from a Muse, god, etc., at the beginning of an epic or similar poem 3 a) a conjuring of evil spirits b) an incantation used in conjuring in'vo·ca´tion·al •adj. in·voc´a·to'ry (-väk´э tör'i:) •adj. [OFr < L invocatio < pp. of invocare: see INVOKE]
invoice (in´vois') •n. an itemized list of goods shipped or services rendered, stating quantities, prices, fees, shipping charges, etc.; bill •vt. -voiced', -voic'ing to present an invoice for or to [prob. orig. pl. of ME envoie, a message: see ENVOY¹]
invoke (in vouk´) -voked´, -vok´ing •vt. 1 to call on (God, a god, a saint, the Muses, etc.) for blessing, help, inspiration, support, etc. 2 to resort to or put into use (a law, ruling, penalty, etc.) as pertinent {to invoke an article of the U.N. Charter} 3 to call forth; cause 4 to summon (evil spirits) by incantation; conjure 5 to ask solemnly for; beg for; implore; entreat {to invoke aid} in·vok´er •n. [ME invoken < MFr invoquer < L invocare < in-, in, on + vocare, to call < vox, VOICE]
involucel (in väl´yu: sel') •n. a secondary involucre; ring of small leaves, or bracts, at the base of each segment of a cluster in·vol'u·cel´late (-sel´it) •adj. [ModL involucellum, dim. < L involucrum]
involucrate (in'vou lu:´krit, -kreit'; -vэ-) •adj. having an involucre
involucre (in'vou lu:´kэr, -vэ-) •n. 1 Anat. a membranous covering or envelope 2 Bot. a ring of small leaves, or bracts, at the base of a flower, flower cluster, or fruit: involucres are found in all plants of the composite family Also in'vo·lu´crum (-krэm), pl. -cra (-krэ) in'vo·lu´cral (-krэl) •adj. [Fr < L involucrum, wrapper, case, envelope < involvere: see INVOLVE]
involuntary (in väl´эn ter'i:) •adj. not voluntary; specif., a) not done of one's own free will; not done by choice b) unintentional; accidental c) not consciously controlled; automatic {sneezing is involuntary} SYN. SPONTANEOUS in·vol´un·tar'i·ly •adv. in·vol´un·tar'i·ness •n. [LL involuntarius]
involute (in´vэ lu:t') •adj. 1 intricate; involved 2 rolled up or curled in a spiral; having whorls wound closely around the axis {involute shells} 3 Bot. rolled inward at the edges {involute leaves} •n. Math. a) the curve traced by any point of a taut string when it is wound upon or unwound from a fixed curve on the same plane with it b) the locus of any fixed point on a moving tangent which rolls, but does not slide on a curve: correlative to EVOLUTE •vi. -lut'ed, -lut'ing to become involute or undergo involution [L involutus, pp. of involvere, INVOLVE]
involution (in'vэ lu:´shэn) •n. 1 an involving or being involved; entanglement 2 anything that is involved; complication; intricacy 3 Anat. the process of rolling or curling inward, as in the formation of a gastrula 4 Biol. a retrograde or degenerative change 5 Gram. an involved construction, esp. one created by a clause interposed between a subject and its predicate 6 Math. the raising of a quantity to any given power 7 Med. a) the return of an organ to its normal size after distention, as of the womb after childbirth b) a decline in the normal functions of the human body, or of an organ, that occurs with age, as the changes taking place at menopause in'vo·lu´tion·al •adj. in'vo·lu´tion·ar'y •adj. [L involutio < involutus, pp. of involvere]
involve (in välv´, -völv´) -volved´, -volv´ing •vt. 1 orig., to enfold or envelop as in a wrapping {fog involved the shoreline} 2 to make intricate, tangled, or complicated 3 to entangle in trouble, difficulty, danger, etc.; implicate 4 to draw or hold within itself; include {a riot that soon involved thousands} 5 to include by necessity; entail; require {a project involving years of work} 6 to relate to or affect {the matter involves his honor} 7 to make busy; employ; occupy {involved the class in research} 8 [Obs.] to wind spirally; coil up SYN. INCLUDE in·volve´ment •n. [ME involven < L involvere < in-, in + volvere, to roll: see WALK]
involved (-välvd´, -völvd´) •adj. 1 not easily understood; intricate; complicated 2 implicated, affected, or committed 3 having a close emotional, and often sexual, relationship with
invulnerable (in vûl´nэr э bэl) •adj. not vulnerable; specif., a) that cannot be wounded or injured b) proof against attack; unassailable in·vul'ner·a·bil´i·ty •n. in·vul´ner·a·bly •adv. [L invulnerabilis]
inward (in´wэrd) •adj. 1 situated within; being on the inside; internal 2 of or belonging to the inner nature of a person; mental or spiritual 3 directed toward the inside; ingoing {the inward pull of a centrifuge} 4 a) insightful, sensitive {an inward understanding of the poetic mind} b) subtle {a delicate inward lyricism} c) intimate (with) {the play invites the audience to be inward with the character} d) introspective {an obsession with inward consciousness} e) withdrawn; reticent {a shy and inward person} •n. 1 the inside; inward part 2 [pl.] the entrails •adv. 1 toward the inside, interior, or center 2 into the mind, thoughts, or soul [ME inneward < OE inweard, inneweard: see IN-¹ & -WARD]
inwardly (-li:) •adv. 1 in or on the inside; internally 2 in the mind or spirit {inwardly resentful} 3 toward the inside [ME inwardlich < OE inweardlic: see INWARD & -LY²]
inwardness (-nis) •n. 1 the inner nature, essence, or meaning 2 the quality or state of being inward 3 depth of thought; insight and sensitivity 4 intimacy; familiarity (with) 5 introspection 6 reticence [ME inwardnesse]
inwards (in´wэrdz) •adv. INWARD
inweave (in wi:v´, in´wi:v') -wove´, -wo´ven or -wove´, -weav´ing •vt. to weave in; interweave
inwrap (in ræp´) -wrapped´, -wrap´ping •vt. var. of ENWRAP
inwrought (in röt´, in´röt') •adj. 1 a) worked or woven into a fabric (said of a pattern, etc.) b) [Archaic] having a decoration worked in 2 closely blended with other things [IN-¹ + WROUGHT]
Io Chem. symbol for ionium Io (ai´ou'; for 2, also i:´ou') 1 Gr. Myth. a maiden loved by Zeus and changed into a heifer by jealous Hera or, in some tales, by Zeus to protect her: she is watched by Argus and is driven to Egypt, where she regains human form 2 the third largest satellite of Jupiter: discovered in 1610 by Galileo and found to be volcanically active in 1979 [L < Gr Iō]
io moth (ai´ou) a large, yellowish, North American moth (Automeris io) with an eyelike spot on each hind wing: its caterpillar has poisonous, stinging hairs
Ioannina (yô ä´ni: nä') city in Epirus, NW Greece: pop. 45,000
iodate (ai´э deit') -dat'ed, -dat'ing •vt. to treat with iodine •n. any salt of iodic acid i'o·da´tion •n. [IOD(O)- + -ATE²]
iodic (ai äd´ik) •adj. designating, of, or containing iodine, esp. pentavalent iodine
iodic acid a colorless or white crystalline powder, HIO3, that is a relatively strong acid: used as an analytical reagent and oxidizing agent
iodide (ai´э daid') •n. a compound of iodine with another element, as in sodium iodide, NaI, or with a radical, as in methyl iodide, CH3I [IOD(O)- + -IDE]
iodinate (ai´э di neit') -nat'ed, -nat'ing •vt. to treat or cause to combine with iodine i'o·di·na´tion •n.
iodine (ai´э dain', -din; Brit & among chemists, -di:n') •n. 1 a nonmetallic chemical element belonging to the halogen family and consisting of grayish-black crystals that volatilize into a violet-colored vapor: used as an antiseptic, in the manufacture of dyes, in photography, etc.: symbol, I; at. wt., 126.9044; at. no., 53; sp. gr., 4.93; melt. pt., 113.7°C; boil. pt., 184.35°C: a radioactive isotope of iodine (I-131) is used esp. in the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid function, in internal radiation therapy, and as a tracer 2 tincture of iodine, used as an antiseptic [Fr iode, iodine (< Gr iōdēs, violetlike < ion, a violet + eidos, form: see -OID) + -INE³]
iodism (ai´э diz'эm) •n. a disease caused by the excessive use of iodine [IOD(O)- + -ISM]
iodize (-daiz') -dized', -diz'ing •vt. to treat (a wound, photographic plate, etc.) with iodine or an iodide [IOD(O)- + -IZE]
iodized salt common table salt to which a small amount of sodium iodide or potassium iodide has been added
iodo- (ai ou´dou, -dэ; ai´э dou', -э dэ) combining form iodine or a compound of iodine {iodoform} Also, before a vowel, iod- [< Fr iode, IODINE]
iodoform (ai ou´dэ förm') •n. a yellowish, crystalline compound of iodine, CHI3, used as an antiseptic in surgical dressings [prec. + FORM(YL)]
Iodol (ai´э döl', -doul') trademark for a brownish, crystalline compound of iodine, C4HI4N, used as an antiseptic •n. [i-] this substance [IOD(O)- + (PYRR)OL(E)]
iodometry (ai'ou däm´э tri:) •n. quantitative determination of iodine, or of substances that will react with it or liberate it, by volumetric analytical methods i'o·do'met´ric (-dou'me´trik) •adj. [IODO- + -METRY]
iodoprotein (ai'ou dou'prou´ti:n', -prout´i: in) •n. a protein that contains iodine
iodopsin (ai'ou däp´sin) •n. a photosensitive, violet-colored pigment-protein found in the cones of the retinas of animals that have color vision [< IOD(O)- + Gr opsis, sight (< ops, EYE) + -IN¹]
iodous (ai ou´dэs, ai´э dэs) •adj. 1 of or containing iodine 2 designating or of a chemical compound containing trivalent iodine [IOD(O)- + -OUS]
iolite (ai´ou lait') •n. CORDIERITE [altered (infl. by -LITE) < Ger iolith < Gr ion, violet + lithos, stone]
ion (ai´эn, -än') •n. an electrically charged atom or group of atoms, the electrical charge of which results when a neutral atom or group of atoms loses or gains one or more electrons during chemical reactions, by the action of certain forms of radiant energy, etc.: the loss of electrons results in a positively charged ion (cation), the gain of electrons in a negatively charged ion (anion) [arbitrary use (by Michael FARADAY) of Gr ion, neut. of iōn, prp. of ienai, to go < IE base *wei-, to go, chase after > L via, way]
-ion a suffix forming nouns 1 the act or condition of {retrospection} 2 the result of {retroaction} [< Fr or L: Fr -ion < L -io, nom., (gen. -ionis)]
ion engine a reaction engine, as for space vehicles, that uses for propulsion a stream of ionized atoms or molecules, accelerated by an electrostatic field
ion exchange a chemical process whereby ions are reversibly transferred between an insoluble solid, such as a resin, and a fluid mixture, usually an aqueous solution: widely used in water softening, recovery of metals from waste solutions, etc.
Ionesco (yэ nes´kou, i:'э-), Eugene 1912- ; Fr. playwright, born in Romania
Ionia (ai ou´ni: э) ancient region in W Asia Minor, including a coastal strip & the islands of Samos & Khíos: colonized by the Greeks in the 11th cent. B.C.
Ionian (-ni: эn) •adj. 1 of Ionia, its people, or their culture 2 of an ancient Greek people who settled in eastern Greece and Ionia •n. an Ionian Greek
Ionian Islands group of islands along the W coast of Greece, on the Ionian Sea: 891 sq. mi. (2,307 sq. km); pop. 183,000
Ionian Sea section of the Mediterranean, between Greece, Sicily, & the S part of the Italian peninsula
Ionic (ai än´ik) •adj. 1 of Ionia or its people; Ionian 2 designating or of a branch of the ancient Greek language, including the dialect of Attica 3 designating or of a classical (Greek or Roman) order of architecture, distinguished by ornamental scrolls (spiral volutes) on the capitals: see ORDER, illus. 4 of the Ionic of Greek and Latin prosody •n. 1 Gr. & Latin Prosody a) either of two feet consisting of four syllables, the first two long and the second two short or the first two short and the second two long b) verse or meter of such feet 2 the Ionic dialect [L Ionicus < Gr Iōnikos] ionic (ai än´ik) •adj. of, or being in the form of, an ion or ions
ionic bond the chemical bond between two oppositely charged ions formed when one atom transfers electrons to another atom, as in the formation of sodium chloride; electrovalent bond: see COVALENT BOND
ionium (ai ou´ni: эm) •n. a radioactive isotope of thorium having a mass number of 230 and a half-life of 8 X 104 years [ION + -IUM]
ionization chamber any of various devices, as a closed vessel containing a suitable gas, for determining the intensity of X-rays or the disintegration rate of a radioactive material, by measuring the current flow between oppositely charged electrodes in the gas
ionize (ai´эn aiz') -ized', -iz'ing •vt., vi. to change or be changed into ions; dissociate into ions, as a salt dissolved in water, or become electrically charged, as a gas under the influence of radiation or electric discharge i'on·i·za´tion •n. i´on·iz'er •n.
ionogen (ai än´э jэn) •n. a substance that can be ionized or that produces ions i·on'o·gen´ic •adj. [< ION + -O- + -GEN]
Ionone (ai´э noun') trademark for a colorless liquid, C13H20O, made from citral and acetone and used in perfume manufacture for its violetlike odor •n. [i-] this liquid [Gr ion, violet + -ONE]
ionophore (ai än´э för') •n. any of a group of compounds that transport across a cell membrane ions which are not able to cross by themselves; esp., certain antibiotics, as valinomycin
ionosonde (ai än´э sänd') •n. a pulse radar device operated at a frequency that can be varied from 1 to 25 megahertz: used to measure the height, thickness, etc. of ionospheric layers [< ION + -O- + (RADIO)SONDE]
ionosphere (ai än´э sfir') •n. the outer part of the earth's atmosphere, beginning at an altitude of c. 55 km (c. 34 mi.) and extending to the highest parts of the atmosphere: it contains several regions that consist of a series of constantly changing layers characterized by an appreciable electron and ion content: see D REGION, E REGION, F REGION i·on'o·spher´ic •adj. [< ION + -O- + SPHERE]
iontophoresis (ai än'tou fэ ri:´sis) •n. a medical technique in which an electric current is used to drive ions of chemicals through the skin and into the body tissues i·on'to·pho·ret´ic (-ret´ik) •adj. [ModL < ionto-, ion, ionic (< Gr iont-, iōn: see ION) + Gr phorēsis, a being carried < phērein, BEAR¹]
IOOF Independent Order of Odd Fellows
iota (ai out´э) •n. 1 name of the ninth letter of the Greek alphabet (Ι, ι) 2 a very small quantity; jot [Gr iōta < Sem, as in Heb yōdh]
iotacism (-siz'эm) •n. 1 in Greek, excessive use of the letter iota 2 a change, esp. in Greek, of other vowel sounds to the sound (i:) represented by this letter [LL iotacismus < Gr iōtakismos]
IOU (ai'ou'yu:´) pl. IOU's •n. an informally written, signed acknowledgment of a specified debt, characteristically bearing the letters IOU [for I owe you]
-ious (i: эs, yэs, эs) suffix 1 forming adjectives having, characterized by {furious} 2 forming adjectives corresponding to nouns ending in -ION {rebellious, religious} [< -I-, thematic vowel or stem ending + -OUS, for Fr -ieux & L -ius]
Iowa (ai´э wэ; also for the people and occas. for the State, -wei') uea, etc., prob. via Illinois < Dakota ayúxba, lit., ? the sleepy ones] 1 Middle Western State of NC U.S.: admitted 1846; 56,290 sq. mi. (146,354 sq. km); pop. 2,777,000; cap. Des Moines: abbrev. Ia or IA 2 river flowing from N Iowa southeast into the Mississippi: c. 300 mi. (482 km) •n. 1 pl. -wa or -was a member of a North American Indian people who earlier lived in Iowa and Mo. and now live in Neb., Kans., and Okla. 2 the Siouan language of this people, closely related to Missouri I´o·wan •adj., n. [Fr ayoés, earlier aiou[h]
Iowa City city in E Iowa: pop. 60,000
IPA International Phonetic Alphabet
ipecac (ip´i kæk') •n. 1 the dried root of a tropical South American plant (Cephaëlis ipecacuanha) of the madder family, that yields emetine and other alkaloids 2 a preparation from the dried roots, used to induce vomiting 3 any of several plant roots used in a similar way Also i·pe·ca·cu·a·nha (ip'i kæ'ku: æn´yэ) [contr. < Port ipecacuanha < Tupi ipe-kaa-guéne, small emetic plant]
Iphigenia (if'э jэ nai´э) Gr. Myth. a daughter of Agamemnon, offered by him as a sacrifice to Artemis and, in some versions, saved by the goddess, who makes her a priestess [L < Gr Iphigeneia]
Ipoh (i:´pou) city in Perak, NW Malaysia: pop. 248,000
ipomoea (ip'э mi:´э, ai'pou-) •n. any of a genus (Ipomoea) of twining or creeping plants of the morning-glory family, with funnel-shaped flowers and heart-shaped or lobed leaves, including the morning-glory and the sweet potato [ModL < Gr ips (gen. ipos), a worm + homoios, like: see SAME]
Ippolitov-Ivanov (i:'pô lü´tôf i: vä´nôf), Mi·kha·il Mi·khai·lo·vich (mi khä i:l´ mi khai´lô vich) 1859-1935; Russ. composer
I-proposition (ai´präp'э zish´эn) •n. Logic a particular affirmative proposition
ipse dixit (ip´sei dik´sit, -si:-) an arbitrary or dogmatic statement [L, he himself has said (it)]
ipsilateral (ip'sэ læt´эr эl) •adj. on or affecting the same side of the body [< L ipse, self + LATERAL]
ipsissima verba (ip sis´i mэ ver´bэ, -vør´-) the very words (of a person being quoted) [L]
ipso facto (ip´sou fæk´tou) by that very fact [L]
ipso jure (ip´sou jur´i:) by the law itself [L]
Ipswich (ip´swich) 1 river port in Suffolk, E England: pop. 121,000 2 city in SE Queensland, Australia: pop. 68,000
IQ intelligence quotient
Iquique (i: ki:´ke) seaport in N Chile: pop. 113,000
Iquitos (i: ki:´tôs) river port in NE Peru, on the Amazon: pop. 174,000
Ir 1 Iran 2 Iranian 3 Ireland 4 Chem. symbol for iridium 5 Irish
ir- (ir) prefix 1 IN-¹ {irrigate} 2 IN-² {irresponsible} Used before r
ir or i-r infrared
Ira (ai´rэ) a masculine name [Heb īrā, lit., watchful] IRA abbrev. Irish Republican Army IRA (ai'är'ei´; ai´rэ) pl. IRA's •n. a personal retirement plan whereby a limited amount of annual earned income may be saved or invested in specially designated accounts, with taxes on the earnings deferred until retirement: for some individuals, income placed in such accounts is deductible from taxable income [I(ndividual) R(etirement) A(ccount)]
Iraklion (i: řäk´li: ôn') seaport & largest city in Crete, on the N coast: pop. 264,000
Iran (i ræn´, ai-; i: rän´) 1 country in SW Asia, between the Caspian Sea & the Persian Gulf: formerly an empire, now an Islamic republic (1979): 636,296 sq. mi. (1,648,000 sq. km); pop. 46,604,000; cap. Tehran: former name PERSIA 2 Plateau of plateau extending from the Tigris River to the Indus River, mostly in Iran & Afghanistan Iran abbrev. Iranian
Irani (i: rä´ni:, i-) •adj. IRANIAN
Iranian (i rei´ni: эn, -rä´-; also ai-) •adj. of Iran, its people or their language or culture •n. 1 one of the people of Iran; Persian 2 a subbranch of the Indo-Iranian branch of the Indo-European family of languages that includes languages now spoken in the Plateau of Iran and a small area of the Caucasus: among the extant languages of the group are Persian, Kurdish, and Pashto
Iraq (i räk´, -ræk´; i:-) country in SW Asia, at the head of the Persian Gulf, coinciding more or less with ancient Mesopotamia: formerly a kingdom, now a republic (1958): 171,599 sq. mi. (444,439 sq. km); pop. 16,019,000; cap. Baghdad
Iraqi (i rä´ki:, -ræk´i:) pl. -qis •n. a native or inhabitant of Iraq •adj. of Iraq, its people, or their language or culture
irascible (i ræs´э bэl, ai-) •adj. 1 easily angered; quick-tempered 2 showing or resulting from a quick temper or a fit of anger {an irascible reply} SYN. IRRITABLE i·ras'ci·bil´i·ty or i·ras´ci·ble·ness •n. i·ras´ci·bly •adv. [ME irascibel < MFr < LL irascibilis < L irasci: see IRATE]
irate (ai reit´, ai´reit') •adj. angry; wrathful; incensed i·rate´ly •adv. i·rate´ness •n. [L iratus < irasci, to be angry < ira, IRE]
Irbil (ør´bil) modern name of ARBELA
IRBM intermediate range ballistic missile
ire (air) •n. anger; wrath SYN. ANGER ire´ful •adj. ire´ful·ly •adv. ire´ful·ness •n. [OFr < L ira < IE base *eis-, to move quickly, violently > Gr oima, stormy attack, ON eisa, to rush on] Ire Ireland
Ireland (air´lэnd) 1 island of the British Isles, west of Great Britain: 32,595 sq. mi. (84,420 sq. km) 2 republic comprising the S provinces of this island & three counties of Ulster province: established as a republic in 1922, it was a member of the Commonwealth until 1949: 27,136 sq. mi. (70,282 sq. km); pop. 3,624,000; cap. Dublin: cf. NORTHERN IRELAND [OE īrland < īra-land: see IRISH]
Irene (ai ri:n´; for 2 ai ri:´ni:) 1 a feminine name 2 Gr. Myth. the goddess of peace, daughter of Zeus and Themis: identified with the Roman Pax [< Fr or L: Fr Irène < L Irene < Gr Eirēnē, lit., peace]
irenic (ai ren´ik, ai ri:´nik) •adj. promoting peace; peaceful; pacific Also i·ren´i·cal i·ren´i·cal·ly •adv. [Gr eirēnikos < eirēnē, peace]
irenics (ai ren´iks, ai ri:´niks) •n.pl. [with sing. v.] the doctrine or practice of promoting peace among Christian churches in relation to theological differences; irenic theology [see IRENIC & -ICS]
Irian (ir'i: än´) Indonesian name of NEW GUINEA: see WEST IRIAN
irid (ai´rid) •n. a plant of the iris family [see IRIS]
iridectomy (ir'i dek´tэ mi:, ai'ri-) pl. -mies •n. the surgical removal of part of the iris of the eye [IRID(O)- + -ECTOMY]
irides (ir´i di:z', ai´ri-) •n. alt. pl. of IRIS
iridescent (ir'i des´эnt) •adj. having or showing shifting changes in color or an interplay of rainbowlike colors, as when seen from different angles ir'i·des´cence •n. ir'i·des´cent·ly •adv. [< L iris, rainbow < Gr, rainbow (see IRIS) + -ESCENT]
iridic (ai rid´ik, i-) •adj. 1 of or containing iridium 2 designating or of a chemical compound containing tetravalent iridium 3 of the iris of the eye
iridium (-i: эm) •n. a white, heavy, brittle, chemically resistant, metallic chemical element found in platinum ores: alloys of iridium are used for pen points and bearings of watches and scientific instruments: symbol, Ir; at. wt., 192.2; at. no., 77; sp. gr., 22.42; melt. pt., 2,410 °C; boil. pt., 4,130°C [ModL: so named (1804) by S. Tennant (1761-1815), Eng chemist < Gr iris (gen. iridos), IRIS, because its salts have varied colors; + -IUM]
irido- (ir´i dou', ai´ri-) combining form the iris (of the eye) {iridoparalysis} Also, before a vowel, irid- [< ModL iris: see IRIS]
iridosmine (ir'i däz´min, ai'ri-; -däs´-; -mi:n) •n. a native alloy of iridium and osmium containing small amounts of other metals of the platinum group: it crystallizes in the hexagonal system Also ir'i·dos´mi·um (-mi: эm) [< IRIDIUM + OSMIUM]
Iris (ai´ris) 1 a feminine name 2 Gr. Myth. the goddess of the rainbow: in the Iliad, she is the messenger of the gods [L < Gr Iris: see IRIS] iris (ai´ris) pl. i´ris·es or ir·i·des (ir´i di:z', ai´ri-) •n. 1 a rainbow 2 a rainbowlike show or play of colors 3 the round, pigmented membrane surrounding the pupil of the eye, having muscles that adjust the size of the pupil to regulate the amount of light entering the eye: see EYE, illus. 4 any of a large genus (Iris) of perennial plants of the iris family, with sword-shaped leaves and conspicuous flowers composed of three petals and three drooping sepals of widely varying color 5 the flower of these plants •adj. designating a family (Iridaceae, order Liliales) of monocotyledonous plants, including crocuses and gladioluses [LME < L < Gr iris (gen. iridos) < IE *wir- (> WIRE) < base *wei-, to turn, bend]
iris diaphragm a device consisting of thin, overlapping metal blades that can be adjusted to form an aperture of varying size for camera lenses, etc.
Irish (i´rish) •adj. of Ireland, its people, their language, or culture •n. 1 the Celtic language of Ireland 2 the English dialect of Ireland 3 [Colloq.] temper: chiefly in get one's Irish up, to arouse one's temper the Irish the people of Ireland [ME < OE īrisc < īras, the Irish < OIr Eriu, Ireland > EIRE]
Irish bull BULL³
Irish coffee brewed coffee containing Irish whiskey, topped with cream or whipped cream
Irish Free State old name (1922-37) of IRELAND (the republic)
Irish Gaelic IRISH (n. 1)
Irish moss CARRAGEEN
Irish potato the common white potato; so called because extensively cultivated in Ireland
Irish Republican Army a secret organization founded to work for Irish independence from England: it continued to exist after the establishment of the Irish Free State, which declared it illegal in 1936
Irish Sea arm of the Atlantic between Ireland & Great Britain
Irish setter any of a breed of setter with a silky, reddish-brown coat
Irish stew a stew of meat, orig. mutton, with potatoes, onions, and other vegetables
Irish terrier any of a breed of terrier with a long head, a dense, wiry coat of a solid color, often red or reddish, and a docked tail
Irish water spaniel any of a breed of spaniel with a liver-colored coat of dense ringlets, a topknot, and a ratlike tail, often used as a retriever of waterfowl
Irish wolfhound any of a breed of very large, heavy, powerful dog with a hard, rough coat and bushy brows
Irishism (ai´rish iz'эm) •n. an Irish idiom, custom, etc.
Irishman (ai´rish mэn) pl. -men (-mэn) •n. a native or inhabitant of Ireland, esp. a man I´rish·wom'an, pl. -wom'en, •n.fem.
Irishry (ai´rish ri:) pl. I´rish·ry •n. 1 a custom, characteristic, or folkway of the Irish people 2 a word, phrase, or usage originating in or peculiar to the English dialect of Ireland Often used in pl.
iritis (ai rait´is) •n. inflammation of the iris of the eye i·rit´ic (-rit´ik) •adj. [ModL: see IRIS & -ITIS]
irk (ørk) •vt. to annoy, disgust, irritate, tire out, etc. SYN. ANNOY [ME irken, to loathe, be weary of, akin to northern & N Midland adj. irk, yrk, weary, troubled < ? ON yrkja, to WORK]
irksome (ørk´sэm) •adj. that tends to irk; tiresome or annoying irk´some·ly •adv. irk´some·ness •n. [ME irksum: see IRK & -SOME¹]
Irkutsk (iř ku:tsk´) city in S Asian Russia, near Lake Baikal: pop. 597,000
Irma (ør´mэ) a feminine name [Ger, orig. contr. of Irmenberta, Irmintrud, Irmgard, etc. < OHG Irmin, cognomen of the Gmc war god Tiu]
IRO (United Nations) International Refugee Organization (1946-52)
iron (ai´эrn) •n. 1 a white, malleable, ductile, metallic chemical element that can be readily magnetized, rusts rapidly in moist or salty air, and is vital to plant and animal life: it is the most common and important of all metals, and its alloys, as steel, are extensively used: symbol, Fe; at. wt., 55.847; at. no., 26; sp. gr., 7.86; melt. pt., 1,535°C; boil. pt., 3,000°C 2 any tool, implement, device, apparatus, etc. made of iron, as a) a device with a handle and flat, smooth undersurface, used, when heated, for pressing clothes or cloth; flatiron b) a rodlike device with a brand at one end, heated for branding cattle (in full, branding iron) 3 [pl.] iron shackles or chains 4 firm strength; power 5 [Slang] a pistol 6 Golf any of a set of numbered clubs with metal heads having various lofts; specif., the number 2 iron with little loft, used chiefly for relatively long fairway shots; the number 5 iron with medium loft; and the number 9 iron with much loft, used chiefly for short, lofted shots to the green 7 Med. a tonic or other preparation containing iron •adj. 1 of or consisting of iron 2 like iron, as a) firm; unyielding {an iron will} b) capable of great endurance; strong {an iron constitution} 3 cruel; merciless •vt. 1 to furnish or cover with iron 2 to put (a prisoner) in irons 3 to press (clothes or cloth) smooth or flat with a hot iron •vi. to iron clothes or cloth have many (or several, etc.) irons in the fire to have or be engaged in many (or several, etc.) activities, enterprises, or the like in irons 1 shackled with irons; imprisoned 2 Naut. headed into the wind with no way on: said of a sailing vessel that has failed to come about Æ iron out to smooth out; eliminate strike while the iron is hot to act at the opportune time [ME iren < OE (chiefly poetic & prob. dissimilated), var. of isern, isen akin to Goth eisarn) < Gmc *īsarna, akin to early Celt *isarno, prob. via Illyrian *eisarno- < IE base *eis-, to move vigorously; strong, holy (> IRE): orig. sense prob. the strong metal, in contrast to the softer bronze]
Iron Age 1 a phase of many human cultures, often following a Bronze Age, characterized by the introduction and development of iron tools and weapons; specif., in Europe beginning c. 1000 B.C. 2 Gr. & Rom. Myth. the last and worst age of the world, characterized by wickedness, selfishness, and degeneracy
iron curtain a barrier of secrecy and censorship regarded as isolating the Soviet Union and other countries in its sphere, or a similar barrier to information in other regions [prob. calque of Ger eiserner vorhang, as used by Joseph Goebbels: popularized by Sir Winston Churchill in a speech (1946)]
iron gray a dark to medium gray like that of freshly broken cast iron i´ron-gray´ •adj.
iron hand firm, rigorous, severe control i´ron·hand´ed •adj.
iron horse [Old Colloq.] a locomotive
iron lung a large metal respirator that encloses all of the body but the head, used for maintaining artificial respiration in a person who has difficulty in breathing as a result of poliomyelitis, gas poisoning, etc.
iron maiden [also I- M-] a former instrument of torture consisting of a case in the form of a person, with sharp spikes inside
iron pyrites PYRITE
ironbark (ai´эrn bärk') •n. 1 any of several Australian eucalyptus trees (genus Eucalyptus) with hard wood and hard, gray bark 2 the wood of any of these trees
ironbound (-baund') •adj. 1 bound with iron 2 hard; rigid; unyielding; inflexible 3 edged with rocks or cliffs, as a coast
ironclad (-klæd') •adj. 1 covered or protected with iron 2 difficult to change or break {an ironclad lease} •n. a warship armored with thick iron plates
Irondequoit (i rän´dэ kwoit', -kwät') city in NW N.Y., near Rochester: pop. 52,000 [< Seneca onyiumdaondagwat, lit., a turning aside from the lake]
ironer (ai´эr nэr) •n. one that irons; esp., a mangle
ironhearted (ai´эrn här'tid) •adj. unfeeling; cruel
ironic (ai rän´ik) •adj. 1 meaning the contrary of what is expressed 2 using, or given to the use of, irony 3 having the quality of irony; directly opposite to what is or might be expected Also i·ron´i·cal i·ron´i·cal·ly •adv.
ironing board (or table) a cloth-covered board or stand on which clothes are ironed
ironist (ai´rэ nist) •n. a writer or speaker noted for his frequent use of irony
ironmaster (ai´эrn mæs'tэr) •n. a manufacturer of iron
ironmonger (-mûŋ'gэr) •n. [Brit.] a dealer in hardware i´ron·mon'ger·y •n. [ME irenmonger: see IRON & MONGER]
Ironsides (ai´эrn saidz') 1 name for Oliver CROMWELL 2 a) the regiment that Cromwell led in the English Civil War b) his whole army
ironsmith (ai´эrn smiθ') •n. an ironworker or blacksmith
ironstone (-stoun') •n. 1 any rock rich in iron; specif., siderite occurring as nodules or beds in coal, shale, etc. 2 a hard variety of white ceramic ware
ironware (-wer') •n. articles made of iron, as tools, utensils, etc.
ironweed (-wi:d') •n. any of a genus (Vernonia) of perennial plants of the composite family, with clusters of small, tubular, purple flowers [so named from its hard stem]
ironwood (-wud') •n. 1 any of various trees, esp. hornbeam and hop hornbeam, with extremely hard, heavy wood 2 the wood of an ironwood
ironwork (-wørk') •n. articles or parts made of iron
ironworker (-wørk'эr) •n. 1 a person who makes iron or articles of iron 2 a worker who builds the framework of steel bridges, skyscrapers, etc.
ironworks (-wørks') •n.pl. [often with sing. v.] a place where iron is smelted or heavy iron goods are made
irony¹ (ai´rэ ni:, ai´эr ni:) pl. -nies •n. 1 a) a method of humorous or subtly sarcastic expression in which the intended meaning of the words is the direct opposite of their usual sense {the irony of calling a stupid plan clever} b) an instance of this 2 the contrast, as in a play, between what a character thinks the truth is, as revealed in a speech or action, and what an audience or reader knows the truth to be: often dramatic irony 3 a combination of circumstances or a result that is the opposite of what is or might be expected or considered appropriate {an irony that the firehouse burned} 4 a) a cool, detached attitude of mind, characterized by recognition of the incongruities and complexities of experience b) the expression of such an attitude in a literary work 5 the feigning of ignorance in argument: often Socratic irony (after Socrates' use in Plato's Dialogues) SYN. WIT¹ [Fr ironie < L ironia < Gr eirōneia < eirōn, dissembler in speech < eirein, to speak < IE base *wer-, to speak > WORD]
irony² (ai´эr ni:) •adj. of, like, or containing iron
Iroquoian (ir'э kwoi´эn) •n. 1 a family of languages, including Oneida, Mohawk, Huron, Tuscarora, and Cherokee 2 a member of any of the North American Indian peoples speaking these languages •adj. designating or of these languages or the peoples who speak them [< fol. + -AN: coined (1891) by J.W. Powell]
Iroquois (ir´э kwoi') •n. 1 pl. -quois' (-kwoi', -kwoiz) a member of a confederation of Iroquoian Indian peoples that lived in upstate New York and included the Seneca, Cayuga, Onondaga, Oneida, Mohawk, and (after 1723) the Tuscarora: their descendants live in New York, Ontario, Quebec, and Oklahoma: see FIVE NATIONS 2 the languages of the Iroquois •adj. designating or of the Iroquois or their languages or cultures [Fr, prob. < an Algonquian language]
irradiance (ir rei´di: эns, i rei´-) •n. 1 an irradiating; radiance 2 the amount of light or other radiant energy striking a given area of a surface; illumination Also ir·ra´di·an·cy ir·ra´di·ant •adj.
irradiate (-eit'; for adj., usually, -it) -at'ed, -at'ing •vt. 1 to shine or throw light upon; light up; make bright 2 to make clear; illuminate intellectually; enlighten 3 to radiate; diffuse; spread; give out 4 to expose to or treat by exposing to X-rays, ultraviolet rays, radium, or some other form of radiant energy 5 to heat with radiant energy •vi. 1 to emit rays; shine 2 to become radiant •adj. lighted up; irradiated ir·ra´di·a'tive •adj. ir·ra´di·a'tor •n. [< L irradiatus, pp. of irradiare, to beam upon, illumine: see IN-¹ & RADIATE]
irradiation (ir rei'di: ei´shэn, i rei´-) •n. 1 an irradiating or being irradiated; esp., a) exposure to radiation b) emission of radiant energy 2 IRRADIANCE (sense 2) 3 Optics the apparent enlargement of a brightly lighted object seen against a dark background [Fr < ML irradiatio]
irrational (ir ræsh´э nэl, i ræsh´-) •adj. 1 lacking the power to reason 2 contrary to reason; senseless; unreasonable; absurd 3 Math. designating a real number not expressible as an integer or as a quotient of two integers ir·ra'tion·al´i·ty (-э næl´э ti:), pl. -ties, •n. ir·ra´tion·al·ly •adv. SYN.—irrational implies mental unsoundness or may be used to stress the utterly illogical nature of that which is directly contrary to reason [an irrational belief that everybody was his enemy]; unreasonable implies bad judgment, willfulness, prejudice, etc. as responsible for that which is not justified by reason [unreasonable demands] —ANT. rational, reasonable [ME < L irrationalis: see IN-² & RATIONAL]
irrationalism (-iz'эm) •n. irrational thought, belief, or action ir·ra´tion·al·ist •n.
Irrawaddy (ir'э wä´di:, -wö´-) river flowing from N Myanmar south into the Andaman Sea: c. 1,000 mi. (1,600 km)
irreal (ir ri:l´, i ri:l´) •adj. not real ir're·al´i·ty •n.
irreclaimable (ir´ri kleim´э bэl) •adj. that cannot be reclaimed ir're·claim'a·bil´i·ty •n. ir're·claim´a·bly •adv.
irreconcilable (ir rek'эn sail´э bэl) •adj. that cannot be reconciled; that cannot be brought into agreement; incompatible, conflicting, or inconsistent •n. 1 a person who is irreconcilable and refuses to make any compromise 2 [pl.] ideas, beliefs, etc. that cannot be brought into agreement with each other ir'rec'on·cil'a·bil´i·ty •n. ir'rec'on·cil´a·bly •adv.
irrecoverable (ir'ri kûv´эr э bэl, ir'i-) •adj. that cannot be recovered, rectified, or remedied; irretrievable ir're·cov´er·a·bly •adv.
irrecusable (ir'ri kyu:´zэ bэl) •adj. that cannot be refused or rejected ir're·cu´sa·bly •adv. [< Fr or LL: Fr irrécusable < LL irrecusabilis < in-, IN-² + recusabilis, that should be rejected < L recusare, to refuse: see RECUSANT]
irredeemable (ir´ri di:m´э bэl, ir'i-) •adj. 1 that cannot be bought back Æ 2 that cannot be converted into coin, as certain kinds of paper money 3 that cannot be changed; hopeless 4 that cannot be reformed ir're·deem´a·bly •adv. [see IN-² & REDEEMABLE]
irredentist (ir'ri den´tist, ir'i-) •n. 1 [usually I-] [Historical] any member of an Italian political party, organized in 1878, seeking to recover for Italy adjacent regions inhabited largely by Italians but under foreign control 2 any person who advocates a similar policy about territory formerly a part of that person's country ir're·den´tism •n. [It irredentista < (Italia) irredenta, unredeemed (Italy) < L in-, not + redemptus: see REDEMPTION]
irreducible (ir'ri dus´э bэl, ir'i-, -dyu:s´-) •adj. that cannot be reduced ir're·duc'i·bil´i·ty •n. ir're·duc´i·bly •adv.
irrefragable (ir ref´rэ gэ bэl, i ref´-) •adj. that cannot be refuted; indisputable ir·ref'ra·ga·bil´i·ty •n. ir·ref´ra·ga·bly •adv. [LL irrefragabilis < L in-, IN-² + refragari, to oppose < re-, against + (suf)fragari: see SUFFRAGAN]
irrefrangible (ir'ri fræn´jэ bэl, ir'i-) •adj. 1 that cannot be broken or violated 2 that cannot be refracted ir're·fran´gi·bly •adv. [IR- + REFRANGIBLE]
irrefutable (ir ref´yu: tэ bэl, i ref´-; ir'ri fyu:t´э-, ir'i-) •adj. that cannot be refuted or disproved ir·ref'u·ta·bil´i·ty •n. ir·ref´u·ta·bly •adv. [LL irrefutabilis]
irreg irregular
irregardless (ir'i gärd´lis) •adj., adv. REGARDLESS: a nonstandard or humorous usage
irregular (ir reg´yu: lэr, i reg´-; -yэ-) •adj. 1 not conforming to established rule, method, usage, standard, etc.; out of the ordinary; anomalous 2 not conforming to legal or moral requirements; lawless; disorderly 3 not straight or even; not symmetrical; not uniform in shape, design, or proportion 4 uneven in occurrence or succession; variable or erratic Æ 5 having minor flaws or imperfections: said of merchandise 6 Bot. not uniform in shape, size, etc. as the petals of a flower 7 Gram. not inflected in the usual way {go is an irregular verb} 8 Mil. not belonging to the regularly established army •n. 1 a person or thing that is irregular 2 a soldier who belongs to an irregular military force Æ 3 [usually pl.] irregular merchandise ir·reg'u·lar´i·ty, pl. -ties, •n. ir·reg´u·lar·ly •adv. SYN.—irregular implies deviation from the customary or established rule, procedure, etc. [irregular conduct]; abnormal and anomalous imply deviation from the normal condition or from the ordinary type, abnormal stressing atypical form or character [a man of abnormal height], and anomalous, an exceptional condition or circumstance [in the anomalous position of a leader without followers]; unnatural applies to that which is contrary to the order of nature or to natural laws [an unnatural appetite for chalk] —ANT. regular, normal, natural [ME < OFr irregulier < ML irregularis: see IN-² & REGULAR]
irrelative (ir rel´э tiv, i rel´-) •adj. unrelated or irrelevant ir·rel´a·tive·ly •adv.
irrelevant (ir rel´э vэnt, i rel´-) •adj. not relevant; not pertinent; not to the point; not relating to the subject ir·rel´e·vance or ir·rel´e·van·cy, pl. -cies, •n. ir·rel´e·vant·ly •adv.
irrelievable (ir'ri li:´vэ bэl) •adj. that cannot be relieved
irreligious (ir'ri lij´эs, ir'i-) •adj. 1 not religious; adhering to no particular religious belief 2 indifferent or hostile to religion 3 not in accord with religious principles; profane; impious ir're·li´gion (-эn) •n. ir're·li´gion·ist •n. ir're·li´gious·ly •adv. [L irreligiosus]
irremeable (ir rem´i: э bэl, -ri:´mi:-) •adj. [Archaic] from which there is no return [L irremeabilis < -in-, not + remeabilis, returning < remeare, to go back < re-, back + meare, to go < IE base *mei-, to go, wander]
irremediable (ir'ri mi:´di: э bэl, ir'i-) •adj. that cannot be remedied or corrected; incurable or irreparable ir're·me´di·a·ble·ness •n. ir're·me´di·a·bly •adv. [L irremediabilis]
irremissible (-mis´э bэl) •adj. not remissible; specif., a) that cannot be excused or pardoned b) that cannot be shirked ir're·mis´si·bly •adv. [ME < OFr irrémissible < L irremissibilis]
irremovable (-mu:´vэ bэl) •adj. not removable ir're·mov'a·bil´i·ty •n. ir're·mov´a·bly •adv.
irreparable (ir rep´э rэ bэl, i rep´-) •adj. not reparable; that cannot be repaired, mended, remedied, etc. ir'rep'a·ra·bil´i·ty •n. ir·rep´a·ra·bly •adv. [ME irreperable < OFr irréparable < L irreparabilis]
irrepealable (ir'ri pi:l´э bэl) •adj. not repealable
irreplaceable (-pleis´э bэl) •adj. not replaceable
irrepleviable (-plev´i: э bэl) •adj. that cannot be replevied [ML irrepleviabilis]
irrepressible (-pres´э bэl) •adj. that cannot be repressed or restrained ir're·press'i·bil´i·ty •n. ir're·press´i·bly •adv.
irreproachable (-prou´chэ bэl) •adj. not reproachable; beyond reproach; blameless; faultless ir're·proach'a·bil´i·ty or ir're·proach´a·ble·ness •n. ir're·proach´a·bly •adv. [Fr irréprochable]
irresistible (-zis´tэ bэl) •adj. that cannot be resisted; too strong, fascinating, compelling, etc. to be withstood ir're·sist'i·bil´i·ty or ir're·sist´i·ble·ness •n. ir're·sist´i·bly •adv. [LL irresistibilis]
irresoluble (ir rez´э lэ bэl, i rez´-) •adj. that cannot be resolved; insoluble [L irresolubilis]
irresolute (ir rez´э lu:t', i rez´-) •adj. not resolute; wavering in decision, purpose, or opinion; indecisive; vacillating ir·res´o·lute'ly •adv. ir·res´o·lute'ness •n. ir·res'o·lu´tion (-lu:´shэn) •n. [L irresolutus]
irresolvable (ir'ri zäl´vэ bэl, ir'i-) •adj. 1 that cannot be resolved into elements or parts 2 that cannot be solved
irrespective (-spek´tiv) •adj. [Rare] showing disregard for persons or consequences irrespective of regardless of; independent of ir're·spec´tive·ly •adv. [IR- + RESPECTIVE]
irrespirable (ir'ri spair´э bэl, ir'i-; ir res´pэr э-, i res´-) •adj. not suitable to be breathed [Fr < LL irrespirabilis: see IN-² & RESPIRE]
irresponsible (ir'ri spän´sэ bэl, ir'i-) •adj. not responsible; specif., a) not liable to be called to account for actions b) lacking a sense of responsibility; unreliable, shiftless, etc. c) said or done as by an irresponsible person •n. an irresponsible person ir're·spon'si·bil´i·ty or ir're·spon´si·ble·ness •n. ir're·spon´si·bly •adv.
irresponsive (-siv) •adj. not responsive ir're·spon´sive·ness •n.
irretentive (ir'ri ten´tiv, ir'i-) •adj. not retentive
irretrievable (-tri:v´э bэl) •adj. that cannot be retrieved, recovered, restored, or recalled ir're·triev'a·bil´i·ty •n. ir're·triev´a·bly •adv.
irreverence (ir rev´эr эns, i rev´-) •n. 1 lack of reverence; disrespect 2 an act or statement showing this 3 the condition of not being treated with reverence ir·rev´er·ent •adj. ir·rev´er·ent·ly •adv. [ME < L irreverentia]
irreversible (ir'ri vør´sэ bэl, ir'i-) •adj. not reversible; specif., a) that cannot be repealed or annulled b) that cannot be turned inside out, run backward, etc. ir're·vers'i·bil´i·ty •n. ir're·vers´i·bly •adv.
irrevocable (ir rev´э kэ bэl, i rev´-) •adj. that cannot be revoked, recalled, or undone; unalterable ir·rev'o·ca·bil´i·ty or ir·rev´o·ca·ble·ness •n. ir'rev´o·ca·bly •adv. [ME < MFr irrévocable < L irrevocabilis]
irrigable (ir´i gэ bэl) •adj. that can be irrigated
irrigate (ir´э geit') -gat'ed, -gat'ing •vt. 1 to refresh by or as by watering 2 to supply (land) with water by means of ditches or artificial channels or by sprinklers 3 Med. to wash out or flush (a cavity, wound, etc.) with water or other fluid ir'ri·ga´tion •n. ir´ri·ga'tive •adj. ir´ri·ga'tor •n. [< L irrigatus, pp. of irrigare, to bring water to or upon < in-, in, to, upon + rigare, to water, moisten: see RAIN]
irriguous (ir rig´yu: эs) •adj. [Now Rare] 1 moist; well-watered 2 that irrigates [L irriguus < in-, in + riguus, watered < rigare: see RAIN]
irritable (ir´i tэ bэl) •adj. 1 easily annoyed or provoked; fretful 2 Med. excessively or pathologically sensitive to a stimulus 3 Physiol. able to respond to a stimulus ir'ri·ta·bil´i·ty or ir´ri·ta·ble·ness •n. ir´ri·ta·bly •adv. SYN.—irritable implies quick excitability to annoyance or anger, usually resulting from emotional tension, restlessness, physical indisposition, etc.; irascible and choleric are applied to persons who are hot-tempered and can be roused to a fit of anger at the slightest irritation; splenetic suggests a peevish moroseness in one quick to vent his malice or spite; touchy applies to one who is acutely irritable or sensitive and is too easily offended; cranky and cross suggest moods in which one cannot be easily pleased or satisfied, cranky because of stubborn notions or whims, and cross because of ill humor [L irritabilis < irritare, to IRRITATE]
irritant (ir´i tэnt) •adj. causing irritation or inflammation •n. something that causes irritation ir´ri·tan·cy •n. [L irritans, prp. of irritare]
irritate (ir´i teit') -tat'ed, -tat'ing •vt. 1 to excite to anger; provoke; annoy; exasperate 2 to cause (an organ or part of the body) to be inflamed or sore 3 Physiol. to excite (an organ, muscle, etc.) to a characteristic action or function by a stimulus ir´ri·tat'ing·ly •adv. SYN.—irritate, the broadest in scope of these terms, may suggest temporary superficial impatience, or constant annoyance in, or an outburst of anger from, the person stirred to feeling [their smugness irritated him]; to provoke is to arouse strong annoyance or resentment, or, sometimes, vindictive anger [provoked by an insult]; nettle implies irritation that stings or piques rather than infuriates [sly, nettling remarks]; exasperate implies intense irritation such as exhausts one's patience or makes one lose one's self-control [exasperating impudence]; peeve, an informal word, means to cause to be annoyed, cross, or fretful [he seems peeved about something] [< L irritatus, pp. of irritare, to excite, stimulate, irritate < ir-, in- + IE base *erei-, to excite, agitate > ROAM]
irritation (ir'i tei´shэn) •n. 1 the act or process of irritating 2 the fact or condition of being irritated 3 something that irritates 4 Med. an excessive response to stimulation in an organ or part; specif., a condition of soreness or inflammation in some organ or part [L irritatio]
irritative (ir´i teit'iv) •adj. 1 causing irritation 2 accompanied or caused by irritation
irrupt (ir rûpt´, i rûpt´) •vi. 1 to burst suddenly or violently (into) 2 Ecol. to increase abruptly in size of population ir·rup´tion •n. ir·rup´tive •adj. [< L irruptus, pp. of irrumpere, to break in: see IN-¹ & RUPTURE]
IRS Internal Revenue Service
Irtysh (ir tish´) river in central Asia, flowing from NW China, northwestward into the Ob: c. 1,850 mi. (2,970 km): also sp. Irtish
Irvine (ør´vain') city in SW Calif.: suburb of Los Angeles: pop. 110,000 [after the Irvine Company, the developers]
Irving¹ (ør´viŋ) 1 a masculine name 2 Washington 1783-1859; U.S. writer [north Brit surname, prob. orig. a place name]
Irving² (ør´viŋ) city in NW Tex.: suburb of Dallas: pop. 155,000 [prob. an arbitrary selection]
Irvington (ør´viŋ tэn) town in NE N.J.: suburb of Newark: pop. 61,000 [after Washington IRVING]
Irwin (ør´win) a masculine name: see ERWIN
is abbrev. 1 island(s) 2 isle(s)
is- (ais) combining form ISO-: used before a vowel
is (iz) •vi. 3d pers. sing., pres. indic., of BE [ME < OE, akin to Ger ist < IE *esti (> Sans àsti, Gr esti, L est) < base *es-, to be + -ti, prob. orig. an enclitic pron.]