manual training training in practical arts and crafts, as metalworking, etc.
manubrium (mэ nu:´bri: эm, -nyu:´-) pl. -bri·a (-э) •n.or -bri·ums a handlelike structure, process, or part; esp., a) the portion of a jellyfish or other cnidarian that bears the mouth at its tip b) the uppermost of the three bony segments constituting the sternum, or breastbone, in mammals [L, a handle, hilt, haft < manus, a hand: see MANUAL]
Manuel (mæn´yu: эl) a masculine name: dim. Manny: see EMMANUEL
manuf or manufac 1 manufactured 2 manufacturer
manufactory (mæn'yu: fæk´tэr i:, -yэ-) pl. -ries FACTORY (sense 1) •n. [< fol. + FACTORY]
manufacture (mæn'yu: fæk´chэr, -yэ-; often mæn'э-) •n. 1 the making of goods and articles by hand or, esp., by machinery, often on a large scale and with division of labor 2 anything so made; manufactured product 3 the making of something in any way, esp. when regarded as merely mechanical •vt. -tured, -tur·ing 1 to make by hand or, esp., by machinery, often on a large scale and with division of labor 2 to work (wool, steel, etc.) into usable form 3 to produce (art, literature, etc.) in a way regarded as mechanical and uninspired 4 to make up (excuses, evidence, etc.); invent; fabricate; concoct SYN. MAKE¹ man'u·fac´tu·ra·ble •adj. [Fr < ML manufactura < L manu, abl. of manus, a hand (see MANUAL) + factura, a making < factus, pp. of facere, to make, DO¹]
manufacturer (-chэr эr) •n. a person or company in the business of manufacturing; esp., a factory owner
manumission (mæn'yu: mish´эn) •n. a freeing or being freed from slavery; liberation; emancipation [OFr < L manumissio < pp. of manumittere: see MANUMIT]
manumit (-mit´) -mit´ted, -mit´ting •vt. to free from slavery; liberate (a slave, serf, etc.) [ME manumitten < OFr manumitter < L manumittere, lit., to let go from the hand, free < manu, abl. of manus, a hand (see MANUAL) + mittere, to send: see MISSION]
manure (mэ nur´, -nyur´) -nured´, -nur´ing •vt. to put manure on or into (soil); fertilize •n. animal excrement or other substance put on or into the soil to fertilize it [< the vt.] ma·nur´er •n. [ME manouren, orig., to farm (land) < Anglo-Fr maynoberer < OFr manouvrer, to cultivate, lit., to work with the hands: see MANEUVER]
manus (mei´nэs) pl. ma´nus •n. the terminal part of the forelimb of a vertebrate, as the hand of a person or the forefoot of a four-legged animal [L, hand: see MANUAL]
manuscript (mæn´yu: skript', -yэ-) •adj. 1 written by hand or with a typewriter, not printed 2 designating writing that consists of unconnected letters resembling print; not cursive •n. [ML manuscriptum] 1 a book or document written by hand, esp. before the invention of printing: see CODEX 2 a written or typewritten document or paper, esp. the copy of an author's work that is submitted to a publisher or printer 3 writing as distinguished from print [L manu scriptus, written by hand < manu, abl. of manus, hand (see MANUAL) + scriptus, pp. of scribere, to write: see SCRIBE]
Manutius (mэ nu:´shi: эs, -nyu:´-), Al·dus (öl´dэs) (It. name Aldo Manucci or Manuzio) 1450-1515; It. printer: see ALDINE
manward (mæn´wэrd) •adj., adv. toward man; in relation to man: also man´wards •adv.
manwise (-waiz') •adv. as a man would do; like a man
Manx (mæŋks) •adj. of the Isle of Man, its people, or their language •n. 1 the Goidelic language formerly spoken on the Isle of Man, but now nearly extinct 2 pl. Manx any of a breed of domestic cat, originating on the Isle of Man, with a short, dense coat and no tail the Manx the people of the Isle of Man [by metathesis < obs. Maniske < ON *manskr < Man-, inflectional base of Mon, Isle of Man < Celt name, as in Welsh Manau, OIr Manu]
Manxman (-mэn) pl. -men •n. a native or inhabitant of the Isle of Man Manx´wom'an, pl. -wom'en, •n.fem.
many (men´i:) more, most •adj. 1 consisting of some large, indefinite number (of persons or things); numerous 2 relatively numerous (preceded by as, too, etc.) •n. a large number (of persons or things) pron. many persons or things: many a (or an, another) followed by a singular noun or pronoun is equivalent to many followed by the corresponding plural (Ex.: many a man has tried means the same thing as many men have tried) a good many [with pl. v.] a relatively large number (of persons or things) a great many [with pl. v.] an extremely large number (of persons or things) as many the same number of {to read ten books in as many days} be (one) too many for to defeat; overwhelm so many 1 a finite but unspecified number of {works so many hours a week} 2 some number of {acting like so many children} the many 1 the majority of people 2 the masses [ME < OE manig, akin to Ger manch (OHG manag) < IE base *menegh-, many, richly > Sans maghā-, gift, OIr menicc, abundant]
manyplies (men´i: plaiz') •n. OMASUM [prec. + pl. of PLY¹]
many-sided (men´i: said'id) •adj. 1 having many sides or aspects 2 having many possibilities, qualities, interests, or accomplishments man´y-sid´ed·ness •n.
manzanilla (mæn'zэ ni:l´yэ, -ni:´э) •n. a dry Spanish sherry
manzanita (mæn'zэ ni:t´э) •n. any of several shrubs or small trees (genus Arctostaphylos) of the heath family, found in the W U.S. [AmSp < Sp, dim. of manzana, apple: see MANCHINEEL]
Manzoni (män zou´ni:; It män dzô´-), A·les·san·dro (Francesco Tommaso Antonio) (ä'les sän´dřô) 1785-1873; It. poet & novelist
MAO (em'ei'ou´) •n. an enzyme that deaminates monoamines: it destroys the excessive amounts of many biologically active monoamines, as serotonin, epinephrine, or histamine
Mao Tse-tung (mau´ dzû´du:ŋ´) 1893-1976; Chinese communist leader: chairman of the People's Republic of China (1949-59) & of its Communist Party (1949-76): Pinyin Mao Zedong
Maoism (mau´iz'эm) •n. the communist theories and policies of Mao Tse-tung Mao´ist •adj., n.
Maori (mä´ou ri:, mau´ri:; also mei ör´i:) •n. 1 pl. -ris or -ri a member of a brown-skinned people native to New Zealand, of Polynesian origin 2 their Polynesian language •adj. of the Maoris, their language, etc. [< Maori: said to mean native, of the usual kind]
mao-tai (mau´tai´) •n. a strong, colorless Chinese liquor distilled from grain: also written mao tai [after Mao-t'ai, town in SW China]
map (mæp) •n. 1 a drawing or other representation, usually on a flat surface, of all or part of the earth's surface, ordinarily showing countries, bodies of water, cities, mountains, etc. 2 a similar representation of part of the sky, showing the relative position of the stars, planets, etc. 3 any maplike representation or delineation 4 [Slang] the face •vt. mapped, map´ping 1 to make a map or maps of; represent or chart on or as on a map 2 to arrange or plan in detail: often with out {to map out a project} 3 to survey or explore for the purpose of making a map 4 Math. to transform, as by a mapping put on the map to make well known Æ wipe off the map to put out of existence map´per •n. [ML mappa (mundi), map (of the world) < L mappa, napkin, cloth (on which maps were painted): said (by QUINTILIAN) to be of Punic orig.; prob. < TalmudHeb mappa < *manpa, contr. < menafa, a fluttering banner] Map (mæp), Walter c. 1140-c. 1209; Welsh poet & satirist: also, L. name, Mapes (meips, mei´pi:z')
maple (mei´pэl) •n. 1 any of a large genus (Acer) of trees of the maple family, grown for wood, sap, or shade 2 the hard, closegrained, light-colored wood of such a tree, used for furniture, flooring, etc. 3 the reddish-yellow or yellowish color of the finished wood 4 the flavor of maple syrup or of the sugar made from this 5 [Slang] a bowling pin: usually used in pl. •adj. 1 designating a family (Aceraceae, order Sapindales) of dicotyledonous trees and a few shrubs, characterized by opposite, often lobed leaves, small clusters of flowers, and two-winged fruits 2 of or made of maple 3 flavored with maple [ME < OE mapel(treo), akin to ON mopurr]
maple leaf 1 the national emblem of Canada 2 pl. maple leafs [often M- L-] a gold coin of Canada, often bought for investment
maple sugar sugar made by a further boiling down of maple syrup
maple syrup syrup made by boiling down the sap of any of various maples, esp. the sugar maple
mapping (mæp´iŋ) •n. Math. a transformation taking the points of one space into the points of the same or another space
Maputo (mэ pu:t´ou) capital of Mozambique: seaport on the Indian Ocean: pop. 785,000
maquette (mæ ket´) •n. a small model of a planned sculpture, building, etc. [Fr < It macchietta, lit., little spot, dim. of macchia < L macula, a spot]
maqui (mä´ki:) •n. an ornamental Chilean plant (Aristotelia chilensis, family Elaeocarpaceae) of the same order (Malvales) as the linden tree: fiber from its bark is used for stringing native musical instruments, and its purple berries are made into a medicinal wine [AmSp < Araucanian name]
maquiladora (mä'ki: lэ dör´э; Sp mä'ki: lä dô´řä) •n. a manufacturing facility under foreign ownership in Mexico, usually located close to the U.S. border: it is set up to take advantage of low taxes and wage rates [MexSp]
maquillage (må ki: yåzh´) •n. makeup; cosmetics [Fr < maquiller, to make up, orig., to work, irreg. < OFr makier, to do, make < MDu maken, akin to MAKE¹]
maquis (mä ki:´; Fr må ki:´) •n. 1 a zone of shrubby plants, chiefly evergreens, growing in areas having a Mediterranean climate 2 pl. -quis´ (-ki:z´; Fr, -ki:´) [often M-] a member of the French underground fighting against the Nazis in World War II [Fr < It macchia, a thicket, orig. a spot < L macula, a spot, stain]
mar (mär) marred, mar´ring •vt. to injure or damage so as to make imperfect, less attractive, etc.; spoil; impair; disfigure •n. [Rare] something that mars; an injury or blemish [ME marren < OE mierran, to hinder, spoil, akin to Goth marzjan, to offend < IE base *mer-, to disturb, anger > Sans mŕsyate, (he) forgets, neglects] mar abbrev. 1 marine 2 maritime 3 married Mar March
Mar del Plata (mär'del plät´э) seaport & resort in E Argentina, south of Buenos Aires: pop. 424,000
marabou (mær´э bu:') •n. 1 a bare-headed, large-billed African stork (Leptoptilos crumeniferus) 2 soft feathers from the wing coverts and tail of the marabou 3 a) a delicate, white raw silk thread that can be dyed with the natural gum still in it b) a fabric made of this [Fr, marabout (see MARABOUT): so named from its contemplative posture]
marabout (mær´э bu:t') •n. 1 a Muslim hermit or holy man, esp. among the Berbers and Moors 2 the tomb or shrine of such a man 3 MARABOU [Fr < Port marabuto < Ar murābit, hermit]
maraca (mэ rä´kэ, -ræk´э) •n. a percussion instrument consisting of a dried gourd or a gourd-shaped rattle with dried seeds or loose pebbles in it, that is shaken [Port maracá < Braz native name]
Maracaibo (mær'э kai´bou; Sp mä'řä kai´bô) 1 seaport in NW Venezuela: pop. 929,000 2 Gulf of Gulf of VENEZUELA 3 Lake lake in NW Venezuela, connected by channel with the Gulf of Venezuela: largest lake in South America: c. 5,000 sq. mi. (12,950 sq. km)
Maracanda (mer'э kæn´dэ) ancient name of SAMARKAND
Maracay (mä'řä kai´) city in N Venezuela: pop. 440,000
maraging steel (mär´ei'jiŋ) a nickel-iron alloy of extremely high strength, produced from martensite steel by spontaneous hardening at moderate temperatures without quenching [MAR(TENSITE) + aging, spontaneous hardening of metals during storage]
maranatha (mær'э næθ´э) •n. an invocation to the Lord, sometimes regarded as forming, with the preceding anathema (in 1 Cor. 16:22), an intensified curse or malediction [ME < ML(Ec) < Gr(Ec), assumed to be < Aram māranā thā, O Lord, come, but prob. false transliteration of Heb mohorām atta, you are put under the ban]
Maranhão (mä´řэ nyauñ´) state of NE Brazil: 126,897 sq. mi. (328,663 sq. km); pop. 4,640,000 cap. São Luís
Marañón (mä'řä nyôn´) river that rises in the Andes in WC Peru, flows northwest to N Peru, then east & joins the Ucayali to form the Amazon: c. 1,000 mi. (1,600 km)
maranta (mэ rän´tэ) •n. any of a genus (Maranta) of plants of the arrowroot family, esp. a variety (M. leuconeura kerchoveana) with spotted red leaves
marasca (mэ ræs´kэ) •n. SOUR CHERRY [It: see MARASCHINO]
maraschino (mær'э ski:´nou, -shi:´-) •n. a strong, sweet liqueur or cordial made from the fermented juice of the marasca [It < marasca, amarasca, kind of cherry < amaro, bitter < L amarus < IE base *om-, raw, bitter > OE ampre, sorrel]
maraschino cherries cherries in a syrup flavored with maraschino or, now usually, imitation maraschino
marasmus (mэ ræz´mэs) •n. a condition of progressive emaciation, esp. in infants, as from inability to assimilate food ma·ras´mic •adj. [ML < Gr marasmos, a wasting away < marainein, to quench, cause to waste away: see MARE³]
Marat (må řå´), Jean Paul (zhäñ pôl) 1743-93; Fr. Revolutionary leader, born in Switzerland: assassinated by Charlotte Corday
Maratha (mэ rä´tэ) •n. a member of a people of Maharashtra state in W India [Marathi Marathā < Sans Mahārāstra, lit., great country < mahā-, great (see MAGNI-) + rāstra, kingdom < rāj, to rule: see RAJAH]
Marathi (mэ rä´ti:) •n. the Indic language of the Marathas
marathon (mær´э θän') •n. 1 a footrace of 26 miles, 385 yards, run over an open course, esp. as an event of the Olympic games or as an annual event in some cities: after the legend of the Greek runner who ran from Marathon to Athens to tell of the victory over the Persians (490 B.C.) 2 any long-distance or endurance contest Marathon (mær´э θän') ancient Greek village in E Attica, or a plain nearby, where the Athenians under Miltiades defeated the Persians under Darius I (490 B.C.)
marathoner (-эr) •n. one who competes in a marathon
maraud (mэ röd´) •vi. to rove in search of plunder; make raids •vt. to raid; plunder; pillage •n. [Archaic] the act of marauding ma·raud´er •n. [Fr marauder < maraud, vagabond, prob. special use of dial. Fr maraud, tomcat, echoic of cry]
maravedi (mær'э vei´di:) •n. 1 a gold coin used by the Moors in Spain in the 11th & 12th cent. 2 an obsolete Spanish copper coin [Sp < Ar Murābitīn, name of a Moorish dynasty at Córdoba (1086-1147) < murābit: see MARABOUT]
marble (mär´bэl) •n. 1 a hard, crystalline or granular, metamorphic limestone, white or variously colored and sometimes streaked or mottled, which can take a high polish: it is much used in building and sculpture 2 a) a piece or slab of this stone, used as a monument, inscribed record, etc. b) a piece of sculpture in marble 3 anything resembling or suggesting marble in hardness, smoothness, coldness, coloration, etc. 4 a) a little ball of stone, glass, or clay, used in games b) [pl., with sing. v.] a children's game in which a marble is propelled by the thumb at other marbles, usually in an attempt to drive them out of a marked circle 5 a marbled pattern; marbling 6 [pl.] [Slang] mental soundness; sanity; wits {to lose one's marbles} •adj. 1 made or consisting of marble 2 like marble in some way; hard, cold, smooth, white, etc., or streaked, mottled, etc. •vt. -bled, -bling 1 to stain or color (book edges) to look mottled or streaked like marble 2 to cause fat to be evenly distributed in narrow streaks through (meat) Æ go for all the marbles [Slang] to take a great risk in the hope of a great gain mar´bled or mar´bly •adj. [ME marble, marbre < OFr marbre < L marmor < Gr marmaros, white stone, orig. boulder (meaning infl. by marmairein, to shine) < IE base *mer-, to rub > MARE³]
marble cake a cake made of light and dark batter mixed to give a streaked, marblelike appearance
marbleize (mär´bэl aiz') -ized', -iz'ing •vt. to make, color, grain, or streak in imitation of marble
marbling (mär´bliŋ) •n. 1 the art or process of staining or veining like marble, as the decoration of book edges in marblelike patterns 2 a streaked, veined, or mottled appearance like that of marble {a marbling of fat in beef}
marc (märk; Fr måř) •n. 1 refuse of grapes, seeds, other fruits, etc. after pressing 2 a brandy distilled from it, esp. from grape residue 3 the residue after extraction of a chemical, drug, etc. from a substance [Fr < marcher, to tread, trample, MARCH¹]
Marc Antony see ANTONY, Mark
marcasite (mär´kэ sait') •n. 1 a pale-colored pyrite (white iron pyrite) crystallized in orthorhombic form 2 this mineral cut and mounted on silver or other white metal to look like brilliants [Fr marcassite < ML marcasita < Ar marqashītā < Pers marqashīshā]
Marceau (måř sou´), Marcel 1923- ; Fr. mime
marcel (mär sel´) •n. a formerly popular hairstyle consisting of a series of even waves put in the hair with a curling iron Also marcel wave •vt. -celled´, -cel´ling to put such waves in (hair) [after Marcel Grateau, early 20th-c. Fr hairdresser] Marcel (mär sel´) 1 a masculine name: see MARCELLUS 2 Ga·bri·el (gå bři: el´) 1889-1973; Fr. philosopher
Marcella (mär sel´э) a feminine name: see MARCELLUS [L]
Marcellus (mär sel´эs) 1 a masculine name: var. Marcel; fem. Marcella 2 (Marcus Claudius) c. 268-208 B.C.; Rom. statesman & general [L, dim. of Marcus]
marcescent (mär ses´эnt) •adj. Bot. withering but not falling off [L marcescens, prp. of marcescere, to wither, decay < marcere, to wither < IE *merk-, to grow soft, rot < base *mer-, to rub > MARE³]
March (märch) •n. the third month of the year, having 31 days: abbrev. Mar, Mr, or M [ME < OFr march, marz < L Martius (mensis), (month) of Mars < Mars, MARS]
March hare a hare in breeding time, proverbially regarded as an example of madness
march¹ (märch) •vi. 1 to walk with regular, steady steps of equal length, usually in a group or military formation 2 to walk in a grave, stately way 3 to advance or progress steadily •vt. 1 to cause (troops, etc.) to march 2 to cause or force to go •n. 1 the act of marching 2 a regular forward movement; steady advance; progress {the march of events} 3 a regular, steady step or pace 4 the distance covered in a period of marching {a day's march} 5 a long, tiring walk 6 a piece of music, with a steady, even beat, suitable for marching 7 an organized walk by a number of people demonstrating on some public issue {a peace march} on the march marching; advancing steal a march on to get an advantage over without being perceived [Fr marcher < OFr, prob. < Frank *markon < *marka, MARK: orig. sense prob. to pace off the boundary]
march² (märch) •n. 1 a boundary, border, or frontier 2 a borderland, esp. one in dispute •vi. [Rare] to have a common border (with); border the Marches borderlands between England & Scotland & between England & Wales [OFr < Frank *marka, MARK¹]
Marche (måřsh) historical region of central France Marche (mäř´ke), Le (le) region of central Italy, on the Adriatic: 3,742 sq. mi. (9,692 sq. km); pop. 1,425,000; chief city, Ancona: Eng. name (The) Marches
Märchen (meř´Hэn) pl. -chen •n. a story or tale; esp., a fairy tale or folk tale [Ger]
marcher¹ (mär´chэr) •n. a person who marches
marcher² (mär´chэr) •n. 1 a person who lives in a march, or borderland 2 a lord who governed or defended the Marches for England: see MARCH²
marchese (mäř kei´zei) pl. -che´si (-zi:) •n. an Italian nobleman ranking just above a count; marquis mar·che´sa (-kei´zä), pl. -che´se (-zei), •n.fem. [It < OFr marchis: see MARQUIS]
marching orders 1 orders to march, go, or leave 2 notice of dismissal
marchioness (mär´shэn is, mär'shэn es´) •n. 1 the wife or widow of a marquess 2 a lady whose rank in her own right equals that of a marquess See also MARQUISE (sense 1) [ML marchionissa, fem. of marchio, prefect of the marches < marcha, border < Frank *marka, MARK¹]
marchpane (märch´pein') •n. MARZIPAN
Marcia (mär´shэ) a feminine name: var. Marsha [L, fem. of Marcius, name of a Roman gens < Marcus, MARCUS]
Marciano (mär'si: ä´nou), Rocky (born Rocco Francis Marchegiano) 1923-69; U.S. boxer: world heavyweight champion (1952-56)
Marcionism (mär´shэn iz'эm) •n. the doctrines of a Gnostic sect of the 2d & 3d cent. that rejected the Old Testament and much of the New Testament Mar´cion·ite' (-nait') •n. [after Marcion, Christian Gnostic of the 2d c. A.D.]
Marco Polo see POLO, Marco
Marconi (mär kou´ni:; It mäř kô´ni:), Marchese Gu·gliel·mo (gu: lyel´mô) 1874-1937; It. physicist: developed wireless telegraphy
Marconi rig a popular sailing rig with a tall, triangular mainsail set fore and aft [so named because the structure resembles that used in wireless telegraphy, developed by MARCONI]
marconigram (mär kou´ni: græm') •n. early term for RADIOGRAM
Marcus (mär´kэs) a masculine name: var. Mark; fem. Marcia [L < Mars, MARS]
Marcus Aurelius see AURELIUS, Marcus
Marcy (mär´si:), Mount mountain in N N.Y.: highest peak of the Adirondacks: 5,344 ft. (1,629 m) [after Wm. L. Marcy, governor of New York (1833-39)]
Mardi Gras (mär'di: grä´) [sometimes M- g-] Shrove Tuesday, the last day before Lent: it is a day of merrymaking and carnival, as in New Orleans, often marking the climax of a carnival period [Fr, lit., fat Tuesday]
Marduk (mär´duk') Bab. Myth. the chief deity, orig. a local sun god [Bab]
Mare (mer) island at the N end of San Francisco Bay, Calif.: site of a U.S. navy yard [transl. of Sp Isla de la Yegua: said to be for a mare that swam to the island and joined a herd of elk]
mare clausum (mä'rei klau´sum, -klö-; -sэm; mä'ri:-, mær'i:-) a sea under the jurisdiction of a single nation and not open to all others [L, closed sea]
mare liberum (mä'rei li:´bэ rэm; mä'ri:-, mær'i:-; -lib´эr эm) a sea open to all nations [L, free sea]
mare nostrum (mä´rei nös´trum) our sea: Roman name for the Mediterranean [L]
mare¹ (mær, mer) •n. a fully mature female horse, mule, donkey, burro, etc.; specif., a female horse that has reached the age of five [ME < OE mere, fem. of mearh, akin to Ger mähre, jade, prob. < IE base *marko-, horse, seen only in Gmc & Celt (Ir marc, Welsh march, horse)]
mare² (mä´rei', -ri:'; mær´i:) pl. ma·ri·a (mä´ri: э, mær´i: э) •n. 1 a sea 2 one of several vast, dark flat areas on the moon, Mercury, or Mars [L, sea < IE base *mori > Goth marei, sea, OE mere, sea, lake, Welsh mor, sea]
mare³ (mær, mer) •n. [Obs.] an evil spirit once thought to produce nightmares [ME < OE, akin to Ger dial. mahr, ON mar < IE *mora, incubus < base *mer-, to rub, seize > Gr marainein, to quench, OIr meirb, lifeless, OE mearu, soft]
maremma (mэ rem´э) pl. -rem´me (-i:) •n. low, unhealthful, but fertile marshy land near the sea, esp. in Italy [It < L maritimus: see MARITIME]
Marengo (mэ reŋ´gou) village in the Piedmont, NW Italy: site of a victory (1800) by Napoleon over the Austrians
mare's-nest (mærz´nest', merz´-) •n. 1 something supposed to be a wonderful discovery but turning out to be a hoax or a delusion 2 a disorderly or confused condition; mess
mare's-tail (-teil') •n. 1 long, narrow formations of cirrus cloud somewhat like a horse's tail in shape, supposed to be a sign of changes in the wind 2 the only species (Hippuris vulgaris) of an aquatic family (Hippuridaceae, order Callitrichales) of plants with tiny flowers and narrow, hairlike leaves growing in thick whorls around the slender, erect stems
Marfan syndrome (mär´fæn) a hereditary disorder characterized by abnormalities of the blood circulation and the eyes, abnormally long bones in the limbs, and very mobile joints Also Marfan's syndrome [after Antonin Marfan (1858-1942), Fr physician, who first described it (1892)]
marg 1 margin 2 marginal
Margaret (mär´gэ rit, -grit) a feminine name: dim. Greta, Madge, Maggie, Marge, Meg, Peg, Peggy; var. Margery, Margo, Margot, Marjorie; equiv. Fr. Marguerite, Ger. Margarete, Gretchen, Ir. Megan, It. Margherita, Sp. Margarita [ME < OFr Margarete < L margarita, a pearl < Gr margaritēs < margaron, a pearl, ult. < or akin to Sans mañjaram, a pearl, orig., bud]
Margaret of Anjou 1430-82; queen of Henry VI of England (1445-61; 1470-71)
Margaret of Navarre 1492-1549; queen of Navarre (1544-49): writer & patroness of literature: also Margaret of An·gou·lême (äñ gu: lem´)
Margaret of Valois 1553-1615; queen of Henry IV of France (1589-99): called Queen Margot
margaric acid (mär gær´ik, -gär´-; mär´gэ rik) a white, crystalline fatty acid, C17H34O2, obtained from lichens or synthetically [Fr margarique < Gr margaron, a pearl (see MARGARET): from the pearly luster of its crystals]
margarine (mär´jэ rin; also, -ri:n') •n. a spread or cooking fat made of refined vegetable oils (and sometimes rendered animal fat) processed to the consistency of butter, often churned with pasteurized milk, or whey, and generally fortified with vitamins A and D Also mar´ga·rin [Fr, from the erroneous notion that margaric acid was contained in all fats and oils]
Margarita (mär'gэ ri:t´э) island of Venezuela, just off the N coast: 444 sq. mi. (1,150 sq. km) margarita (mär'gэ ri:t´э) •n. a cocktail made of tequila, lemon or lime juice, and triple sec, usually served in a salt-rimmed glass [< Sp Margarita, MARGARET]
margarite (mär´gэ rait') •n. 1 a hydrated silicate of calcium and aluminum, CaAl2(Si2Al2)O10(OH)2, found as scales with a pearly luster 2 a crystal-like material, occurring in some igneous rocks, consisting of strings of tiny, beadlike masses 3 [Obs.] a pearl [OFr < L margarita: see MARGARET]
Margate (mär´geit, -git) seaport & summer resort in Kent, SE England: pop. 53,000
margay (mär´gei') •n. a small ocelot (Leopardus wiedii) of Central and South America [Fr < Port maracajá < Brazilian (Tupi) name]
marge (märj) •n. [Archaic] a border; edge; margin [Fr < L margo, MARGIN]
margent (mär´jэnt) •n. [Archaic] a margin, or edge [< MARGIN, with unhistoric -t]
Margery (mär´jэr i:) a feminine name: dim. Marge: see MARGARET [ME Margerie < OFr < L margarita: see MARGARET]
margin (mär´jэn) •n. 1 a border, edge, or brink {the margin of the pond} 2 the blank space around the printed or written area on a page or sheet 3 a limit to what is desirable or possible 4 a) an amount of money, supplies, etc. reserved or allowed beyond what is needed; extra amount for contingencies or emergencies b) provision for increase, addition, or advance 5 the amount by which something is higher or lower {to win by a wide margin} 6 Business, Finance a) the difference between the cost and the selling price of goods produced, sold, etc. b) money or collateral deposited with a broker or other lender, either to meet legal requirements or to insure against loss on contracts, as to buy stocks or commodities which have been financed with funds provided by the lender c) a customer's equity if his or her account is closed at the prevailing prices d) the difference between the face value of a loan and the market value of the collateral put up to secure it 7 Econ. the minimum return, below which activities are not profitable enough to be continued 8 Psychol. the fringe of consciousness •vt. [L marginare] 1 to provide with a margin or border; be a margin to; border 2 to enter, place, or summarize in the margin of a page or sheet 3 Business, Finance Æ a) to deposit a margin upon b) to hold by depositing or adding to a margin upon c) to purchase (securities) on margin SYN. BORDER [ME margine < L margo (gen. marginis): see MARK¹]
marginal (mär´jэ nэl) •adj. 1 written or printed in the margin of a page or sheet 2 of or constituting a margin 3 at, on, or close to the margin or border 4 a) close to a margin or limit, esp. a lower limit {a marginal standard of living} b) limited; minimal 5 Econ. a) on the border between being profitable and nonprofitable {a marginal business, marginal land} b) of or from goods produced and sold at margin {marginal costs, marginal profits} mar'gin·al´i·ty (-æl´э ti:) •n. mar´gin·al·ly •adv. [ML marginalis]
marginalia (mär'jэ nei´li: э) •n.pl. marginal notes [ModL < neut. pl. of ML marginalis]
marginalize (mär´jэnªl aiz') •vt. to exclude or ignore, esp. by relegating to the outer edge of a group or by diverting the public's attention to something else
marginate (mär´jэ neit'; for adj. usually, -nit) -at'ed, -at'ing •vt. to provide with a margin •adj. having a distinct margin Also mar´gin·at'ed mar'gin·a´tion •n. [< L marginatus, pp. of marginare]
Margot (mär´gou', -gэt) a feminine name: see MARGARET Also Mar´gō (-gou) [Fr]
margravate (mär´grэ veit', -vit) •n. the territory ruled by a margrave Also mar·gra·vi·ate (mär grei´vi: eit', -vi: it) [see MARGRAVE & -ATE²]
margrave (mär´greiv') •n. 1 orig., a military governor of a march, or border province, in Germany 2 the hereditary title of certain princes of the Holy Roman Empire or Germany mar·gra´vi·al •adj. [MDu markgrave < MHG marcgrave < OHG marcgravo < marc (see MARK¹), a march, border + graf, a count, earl]
margravine (mär´grэ vi:n') •n. the wife of a margrave [Du markgravin, fem. of markgraaf]
marguerite (mär'gэ ri:t´) •n. 1 DAISY (sense 1) 2 any of several cultivated chrysanthemums (esp. Chrysanthemum frutescens) with a single flower 3 any of various daisylike plants of the composite family [Fr, a pearl, daisy: see MARGARET] Marguerite (mär'gэ ri:t´) a feminine name [see MARGARET]
maria (mä´ri: э, mær´i: э) •n. pl. of MARE² Maria (mэ ri:´э, -rai´-) a feminine name: see MARY
Maria Theresa 1717-80; archduchess of Austria: wife of Francis I (1708-65), emperor of the Holy Roman Empire: dowager empress (1765-80): queen of Bohemia & Hungary (1740-80): mother of Marie Antoinette
mariachi (mär'i: ä´chi:) pl. -chis •n. 1 a member of a strolling band of musicians in Mexico 2 such a band 3 their music [MexSp < Fr mariage (see MARRIAGE): from providing music at wedding celebrations]
mariage de convenance (må řyåzh´ dэ kouñv näñs´) MARRIAGE OF CONVENIENCE [Fr]
Marian (mer´i: эn, mær´-) a feminine name: var. Marianne, Marianna •adj. 1 of the Virgin Mary 2 of Mary I of England 3 of Mary, Queen of Scots •n. 1 a devotee of the Virgin Mary 2 a follower or defender of Mary, Queen of Scots [var. of MARION, but sp. as if < MARY + ANNE]
Mariana Islands (mer'i: æn´э, mær'-) group of islands in the W Pacific, east of the Philippines: formerly (except Guam) a Japanese possession and (1947-78) part of the U.S. Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands; since 1978, a commonwealth (called Northern Marianas) of the U.S. with its own internal self-government: pop. 43,000
Marianao (mä'řyä nä´ô) city in NW Cuba: suburb of Havana: pop. 128,000
Marianne (mer'i: æn´, mær'-) 1 a feminine name: see MARIAN 2 a personification of the French Republic: a woman in French Revolutionary costume
Maribor (mär´i bör') city in N Slovenia: pop. 186,000
mariculture (mær´i kûl'chэr) •n. saltwater aquaculture mar'i·cul´tur·ist •n. [< L mare, sea + CULTURE]
Marie (mэ ri:´, mæ-) a feminine name: see MARY
Marie Antoinette (mэ ri:´ æn'twэ net´; Fr må ři: äñ twå net´) 1755-93; wife of Louis XVI: queen of France (1774-92): daughter of Maria Theresa: guillotined
Marie Byrd Land region in W Antarctica, on the Amundsen Sea
Marie de Médicis see MEDICI, Maria de'
Marie Galante (må ři:´ gå läñt´) island in the Leeward group of the West Indies: a dependency of Guadeloupe: 58 sq. mi. (151 sq. km); pop. 16,000
Marie Louise 1791-1847; 2d wife of Napoleon I & empress of France (1810-15)
Marietta (mer'i: et´э, mær'-) 1 a feminine name: see MARY 2 city in SE Ohio, on the Ohio River: 1st permanent settlement (1788) in the Northwest Territory: pop. 15,000 [after MARIE ANTOINETTE]
marigold (mær´i gould') •n. 1 a) any of a genus (Tagetes) of annual plants of the composite family, with chiefly red, yellow, or orange flowers b) the flower of any of these 2 any of several other plants, usually of the composite family, as the pot marigold [ME marigolde < Marie (prob. the Virgin Mary) + gold, GOLD]
marijuana or marihuana (mær'i wä´nэ, mär'-; -hwä´-) •n. 1 HEMP (n. 1a) 2 its dried leaves and flowers, smoked, esp. in the form of cigarettes, for euphoric effects [AmSp marihuana, mariguana < ? native word blended with pers. name María Juana, Mary Jane]
Marilyn (mær´э lin) a feminine name: see MARY
marimba (mэ rim´bэ) •n. a musical instrument somewhat like a xylophone, consisting of a series of hard wooden bars, usually with resonators beneath, struck with small mallets [Mbundu, a percussive instrument resembling the xylophone, akin to Tshiluba madimba]
marina (mэ ri:´nэ) •n. Æ a small harbor or boat basin where dockage, supplies, fuel, etc. are provided for small pleasure craft [It & Sp, seacoast < L marinus: see MARINE]
marinade (mær'э neid´) •n. 1 a spiced pickling solution, esp. a mixture of oil, wine or vinegar, and spices, in which meat, fish, etc. is steeped, often before cooking 2 meat or fish thus steeped •vt. -nad´ed, -nad´ing MARINATE [Fr < Sp marinada < marinar, to pickle in brine < marino < L marinus: see MARINE]
marinara (mä'ri nä´rэ, -ri:-) •adj. 1 designating or of a tomato sauce seasoned with garlic and spices and served with pasta, seafood, etc. 2 served with marinara sauce [< It marinare, to pickle: see MARINATE]
marinate (mær´i neit') -nat'ed, -nat'ing •vt. to steep (meat, fish, etc.) in a marinade mar'i·na´tion •n. [< It marinato, pp. of marinare, to pickle in brine < marino < L marinus: see MARINE]
marine (mэ ri:n´) •adj. 1 a) of the sea or ocean b) inhabiting, found in, or formed by the sea 2 a) of navigation on the sea; nautical b) of shipping by sea; maritime 3 used, or to be used, at sea {a marine engine} 4 a) trained for service at sea and on land, as certain troops b) of such troops •n. 1 a) a member of a marine military force Æ b) [often M-] a member of the UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS 2 naval or merchant ships collectively; seagoing ships; fleet {the merchant marine} 3 in some countries, the department of government in charge of naval affairs 4 a picture of a ship or a sea scene [ME maryne < L marinus < mare, the sea: see MARE²]
Marine Corps UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
mariner (mær´i nэr) •n. a sailor; seaman [ME marinere < Anglo-Fr mariner (OFr marinier) < ML marinarius < L marinus, MARINE]
Marinetti (mær'э net´i:, mär'-), (Emilio) Fi·lip·po Tom·ma·so (fi: li:p´pô tôm mä´zô) 1876-1944; It. poet
Mariolatry (mer'i: äl´э tri:, mær'-) •n. veneration of the Virgin Mary, when regarded as carried to an idolatrous extreme [< Gr Maria, MARY + -LATRY]
Mariology (-äl´э ji:) •n. study and beliefs concerned with the Virgin Mary [see MARIOLATRY & -LOGY]
Marion (mer´i: эn, mær´-) 1 a masculine name 2 a feminine name: see MARY 3 Francis c. 1732-95; Am. general in the Revolutionary War: called the Swamp Fox [Fr, orig. dim. of Marie, MARY]
marionette (mær'i: э net´, mer'-) •n. a puppet or little jointed figure made to look like a person or animal and moved by strings or wires from above, often on a miniature stage [Fr, dim. of Marion: see MARION]
Mariposa lily (or tulip) (mær'э pou´zэ-, -sэ) 1 any of a genus (Calochortus) of plants of the lily family, found in W North America, with tuliplike flowers of white, red, yellow, or violet 2 the flower of any of these plants [AmSp mariposa < Sp, butterfly: from the appearance of the blossoms]
Marisat (mær´э sæt') •n. any of a system of U.S. satellites for providing communication to and between ships at sea [mari(time) sat(ellite)]
marish (mær´ish) •n. [Archaic] a marsh; swamp •adj. [Archaic] marshy [ME mareis < OFr < Frank *marisk, akin to OE merisc, MARSH]
Marist (mær´ist, mer´-) •adj. of or dedicated to the Virgin Mary; esp., of any of several such educational and missionary societies founded in the 19th cent. •n. a member of a Marist society [Fr Mariste < Marie, MARY]
Maritain (må ři: tæñ´), Jacques (zhäk) 1882-1973; Fr. philosopher
marital (mær´i tэl, -itªl) •adj. 1 orig., of a husband 2 of marriage; matrimonial; connubial mar´i·tal·ly •adv. [L maritalis < maritus, married, a husband < mas (gen. maris), male]
maritime (mær´i taim') •adj. 1 on, near, or living near the sea {maritime provinces, a maritime people} 2 of or relating to sea navigation, shipping, etc. {maritime law} 3 characteristic of sailors; nautical 4 Meteorol. of the relatively wet air or climate associated with large bodies of water: see AIR MASS [L maritimus < mare, the sea: see MARE²]
Maritime Alps S division of the W Alps, along the French-Italian border: highest peak, 10,817 ft. (3,297 m)
Maritime Provinces Canadian provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, & Prince Edward Island
Mariupol (mä'ři: u:´pôl) city in SE Ukraine, on the Sea of Azov: pop. 522,000: see ZHDANOV
Marius (mer´i: эs), Gai·us (gei´эs, gai´-) c. 157-86 B.C.; Rom. general & statesman
Marivaux (må ři: vou´), Pierre Car·let de Cham·blain de (Fr pyeř kåř let shäñ blæñd´ dэ) 1688-1763; Fr. playwright & novelist
marjoram (mär´jэ rэm) •n. any of a number of perennial plants of the mint family, esp. sweet marjoram [ME majoran < OFr majorane < ML maiorana, prob. altered < L amaracus < Gr amarakos, marjoram: of Indic orig., akin to Sans maruva-]
Marjorie or Marjory (mär´jэ ri:) a feminine name: see MARGARET
Mark (märk) 1 a masculine name: var. Marc: see MARCUS 2 a) Bible one of the four Evangelists, to whom is ascribed the second Gospel: his day is April 25 (also Saint Mark) b) the second book of the New Testament, telling the story of Jesus' life (abbrev. Mk)
Mark Antony see ANTONY, Mark
mark¹ (märk) •n. 1 a visible trace or impression on a surface; specif., a) a line, dot, or other distinctive feature produced by drawing, coloring, stamping, etc. b) a spot, stain, scratch, blemish, mar, bruise, dent, etc. 2 a sign, symbol, or indication; specif., a) a printed or written sign or stroke {punctuation marks} b) a brand, label, seal, tag, etc. put on an article to show the owner, maker, etc. c) a sign or indication of some quality, character, etc. {politeness is a mark of good upbringing} d) a letter or figure used in schools, etc. to show quality of work or behavior; grade; rating {a mark of B in history} e) a cross or other sign made on a document as a substitute for a signature by a person unable to write 3 a standard of quality, proficiency, propriety, etc. {failing to come up to the mark} 4 importance; distinction; eminence {a man of mark} 5 impression; influence {to leave one's mark in history} 6 a visible object of known position, serving as a guide or point of reference {a tower as a mark for fliers} 7 a line, dot, notch, etc. used to indicate position, as on a graduated scale 8 a) an object aimed at; target b) an object desired or worked for; end; aim; goal 9 a) a person against whom an attack, criticism, ridicule, etc. is directed b) [Slang] an intended victim of a swindle 10 a taking notice; heed 11 [Archaic] a) a boundary, border, or borderland; march b) among Germanic peoples in earlier times, land held or worked in common by a community 12 Naut. one of the knots or bits of leather or colored cloth placed at irregular intervals on a lead line to indicate depths in fathoms: cf. DEEP (n. 4) 13 Sports a) the starting line of a race b) a spare or a strike in bowling •vt. 1 to put or make a mark or marks on 2 to identify or designate by or as by a mark or marks {abilities that mark one for success} 3 to trace, make, or produce by or as by marks; draw, write, record, etc. 4 to show or indicate by a mark or marks 5 to show plainly; manifest; make clear or perceptible {a smile marking happiness} 6 to set off as distinctive; distinguish; characterize {scientific discoveries that marked the 19th century} 7 to observe; note; take notice of; heed {mark my words} 8 to give a grade or grades to; rate {to mark examination papers} 9 to put prices on (merchandise) 10 to keep (score, etc.); record •vi. 1 to make a mark or marks 2 to observe; take note 3 Games to keep score beside the mark 1 not striking the point aimed at 2 not to the point; irrelevant hit the mark 1 to achieve one's aim; be successful in one's attempt 2 to be accurate; be right make one's mark to achieve success or fame mark down 1 to make a note of; write down; record Æ 2 to mark for sale at a reduced price mark off (or out) to mark the limits of; demarcate mark out for to select for or note as selected for mark time 1 to keep time while at a halt by lifting the feet alternately as if marching 2 to suspend progress for a time, as while awaiting developments mark up 1 to cover with marks Æ 2 to mark for sale at an increased price 3 to add overhead and profit to the cost of in order to arrive at the selling price 4 to put (a legislative bill) into final form miss the mark 1 to fail in achieving one's aim; be unsuccessful in one's attempt 2 to be inaccurate (God) save the mark! an exclamation of humorous astonishment, irony, contempt, etc. wide of the mark 1 not striking the point aimed at 2 not to the point; irrelevant [ME < OE mearc, orig., boundary, hence boundary sign, hence sign, akin to Ger mark, boundary, boundary mark, marke, a token, mark < Gmc *marka < IE base *mereG-, edge, boundary > L margo, MARGIN, OIr mruig, borderland]
mark² (märk) •n. 1 a former European unit of weight for gold and silver, equal to about eight ounces 2 a unit of value orig. equivalent to about eight ounces of silver; specif., a) an obsolete Scottish silver coin b) a former money of account of England 3 the former basic monetary unit of Germany, superseded in 1924 by the REICHSMARK: cf. DEUTSCHE MARK 4 DEUTSCHE MARK 5 MARKKA [ME marke < OE marc < ON mork, a half pound of silver, mark, akin to prec.: orig. prob. in reference to symbol on the balance, later on the silver bar]
markdown (märk´daun') •n. 1 a marking for sale at a reduced price 2 the amount of reduction in price
marked (märkt) •adj. 1 having a mark or marks (in various senses) 2 singled out to be watched or looked for as an object of suspicion, hostility, etc. {a marked man} 3 noticeable; obvious; appreciable; distinct; conspicuous {a marked change in behavior} mark·ed·ly (märk´id li:) •adv. mark´ed·ness •n.
marker (märk´эr) •n. a person or thing that marks; specif., a) a person who keeps score in a game b) a device for keeping score c) a device for marking lines, as on a tennis court d) a bookmark e) a memorial tablet or gravestone Æ f) a milestone or similar sign
market (mär´kit) •n. 1 a) a gathering of people for buying and selling things, esp. provisions or livestock b) the people gathered c) the time of such a gathering 2 an open space or a building where goods are shown for sale, usually with stalls or booths for the various dealers 3 a store or shop for the sale of provisions {a meat market} 4 a region in which goods can be bought and sold {the Latin American market} 5 a) buying and selling; trade in goods, stocks, etc. {an active market} b) trade in a specified commodity {the wheat market} c) a place where such trade is carried on d) the group of people associated in such trade 6 short for STOCK MARKET 7 opportunity to sell, or demand (for goods or services) {a good market for new products} 8 opportunity to buy, or supply (of goods or services) {reduced labor market} 9 a) MARKET PRICE b) MARKET VALUE •vt. 1 to send or take to market 2 to offer for sale 3 to sell •vi. 1 to deal in a market; buy or sell 2 to buy provisions for the home be in the market for to be seeking to buy be on the market to be offered for sale put on the market to offer for sale mar'ket·eer´ (-kэ tir´) •n. mar´ket·er •n. [ME < NormFr < L mercatus, trade, marketplace, pp. of mercari, to trade < merx (gen. mercis), wares, merchandise < ? IE base *mer-, to seize]
market order an order to buy or sell goods, stock, etc. at the current market price
market price the price that a commodity brings when sold in a given market; prevailing price
market research the study of the demands or needs of consumers in relation to particular goods or services
market value the price that a commodity can be expected to bring when sold in a given market
marketable (-э bэl) •adj. 1 a) that can be sold; fit for sale b) readily salable 2 of buying or selling {marketable value} mar'ket·a·bil´i·ty •n.
marketbasket (mär´kit bæs'kit) •n. a selected list of goods and services, usually food and household items regarded as typifying consumer spending over a given time, used to measure the cost of living Also market basket
marketing (-iŋ) •n. 1 the act of buying or selling in a market 2 all business activity involved in the moving of goods from the producer to the consumer, including selling, advertising, packaging, etc.
marketplace (-pleis') •n. 1 a place, esp. an open place, where goods are offered for sale 2 the world of trade, business, economic affairs, etc.: often used figuratively {the marketplace of ideas}
Markham (mär´kэm), (Charles) Edwin 1852-1940; U.S. poet Markham (mär´kэm) 1 city in SE Ontario, Canada, northeast of Toronto: pop. 115,000 [after Rev. W. Markham (1720-1806), Archbishop of York (England)] 2 Mount mountain in Antarctica, near the SW edge of the Ross Ice Shelf: 14,270 ft. (4,349 m)
marking (märk´iŋ) •n. 1 the act of making a mark or marks 2 a mark or marks 3 the characteristic arrangement of marks or coloring, as of a plant or animal
markka (mäřk´kä) pl. -kaa (-kä) •n. the basic monetary unit of Finland See MONEY, table [Finn < Swed mark: see MARK²]
Markov process (mär´köf) a chain of random events in which only the present state influences the next future state, as in a genetic code Also Markoff process
marksman (märks´mэn) pl. -men (-mэn) •n. a person who shoots, esp. one who shoots well marks´man·ship' •n.
markup (märk´ûp') •n. 1 a marking for sale at an increased price 2 the amount of increase in price 3 the amount added to the cost to cover overhead and profit in arriving at the selling price 4 a) the putting of a legislative bill into final form b) the committee meeting at which this is done
marl¹ (märl) •n. 1 a mixture of clay, sand, and limestone in varying proportions, that is soft and crumbly and usually contains shell fragments 2 any loose, earthy, crumbly deposit 3 [Old Poet.] earth •vt. to cover or fertilize with marl marl´y •adj. [ME < OFr marle < ML margila (> Ger mergel), dim. of L marga, marl < Gaul]
marl² (märl) •vt. to wind marline around (rope), taking a hitch at each turn [Du marlen, prob. freq. < MDu marren, to lash, bind, akin to MHG merren, to hinder, fasten < IE base *mer-, to disturb, anger > MAR]
Marlborough (märl´bør'ou, -э; Brit möl´bэr э), 1st Duke of (John Churchill) 1650-1722; Eng. general & statesman
Marlene (mär´li:n) a feminine name
marlin (mär´lin) pl. -lin or -lins any of several large, slender, deep-sea billfishes, esp. a bluish species (Makaira nigricans) •n. [< MARLINESPIKE: from the shape]
marline (mär´lin) •n. a small cord of two loosely twisted strands, used as for winding around ropes or cables to prevent fraying Also mar´lin or mar´ling (-liŋ) [Du marlijn, altered (infl. by lijn, LINE¹) < marling < marlen: see MARL²]
marlinespike or marlinspike (-spaik') •n. a pointed metal tool for separating the strands of a rope or wire in splicing Also mar´ling·spike'
Marlowe (mär´lou), Christopher 1564-93; Eng. dramatist & poet Mar·lo·vi·an (mär lou´vi: эn) •adj.
marmalade (mär´mэ leid') •n. a jamlike preserve made by boiling the pulp, and usually the sliced-up rinds, of oranges or some other fruits with sugar [OFr marmelade < Port marmelada, orig., confection of quinces < marmelo, quince < L melimelum < Gr melimēlon, sweet apple < meli, honey (see MILDEW) + mēlon, apple]
marmalade tree a tropical American evergreen tree (Calocarpum sapota) of the sapodilla family, bearing a plumlike fruit used for preserving Also called marmalade plum
Marmara (mär´mэ rэ), Sea of sea between European & Asiatic Turkey, connected with the Black Sea by the Bosporus & with the Aegean by the Dardanelles: c. 4,300 sq. mi. (11,137 sq. km): see DARDANELLES, map
marmite (mär´mait; mär mi:t´) •n. 1 a usually ceramic pot for making soup 2 soup made in, or as if in, such a pot [M-] trademark for an extract made from brewer's yeast
Marmolada (mäř'mô lä´dä) highest peak of the Dolomites, N Italy: 10,965 ft. (3,342 m)
marmoreal (mär mör´i: эl) •adj. 1 of marble 2 like marble; cold, white, smooth, hard, etc. Also mar·mo´re·an mar·mo´re·al·ly •adv. [< L marmoreus < marmor, MARBLE + -AL]
marmoset (mär´mэ zet', -set') •n. any of a family (Callithricidae) of very small New World monkeys of South and Central America, with thick, soft, variously colored fur [ME < OFr marmouset, grotesque figure < ?: form prob. infl. by marmouser, to mumble, grumble, of echoic orig.]
marmot (mär´mэt) •n. any of a genus (Marmota) of thick-bodied, gnawing, burrowing squirrels with coarse fur and a short, bushy tail, as the woodchuck [Fr marmotte < earlier marmottaine, prob. < L mus montanus, mountain mouse]
Marne (märn) river in NE France, flowing northwest & west into the Seine near Paris: scene of two World War I battles in which German offensives were checked
Maroc (må řôk´) Fr. name of MOROCCO
Maronite (mær´э nait') •n. a member of an Eastern Church, originally heterodox but now in communion with the Western Church [ML Maronita, after Maro (lit., master), 5th-c. Syrian monk, founder of the sect]
maroon¹ (mэ ru:n´) •n., adj. dark brownish red [Fr marron, chestnut, chestnut color < It marrone]
maroon² (mэ ru:n´) •n. 1 [sometimes M-] in the West Indies and Suriname, a) orig., a fugitive black slave b) a descendant of such slaves 2 [Rare] a marooned person •vt. 1 to put (a person) ashore in some desolate place, as a desert island, and abandon that person there, as pirates or mutineers sometimes did 2 to leave abandoned, isolated, or helpless •vi. Æ [Obs.] in the South, to camp out or picnic for several days [Fr marron < AmSp cimarrón, wild, unruly < OSp cimarra, thicket]
marplot (mär´plät') •n. a person who mars or spoils some plan by officious interference: term is occasionally applied to things
Marq 1 Marquess 2 Marquis
Marquand (mär´kwänd', -kwэnd), J(ohn) P(hillips) 1893-1960; U.S. novelist
marque¹ (märk) •n. reprisal: obsolete except in LETTERS OF MARQUE [ME mark < MFr marque < Prov marca, seizure, reprisal < marcar, to seize as a pledge < marc, token of pledge < Gmc: see MARK¹]
marque² (märk) •n. 1 a nameplate or emblem, as to identify an automobile 2 a brand of a product, esp. of an automobile [Fr, a sign < marquer, to mark < OIt marcare < marca, a mark < Gmc *marka: see MARK¹]
marquee (mär ki:´) •n. 1 [Chiefly Brit.] a large tent with open sides, esp. one used for some outdoor entertainment Æ 2 a rooflike structure or awning projecting over an entrance, as to a theater [false sing. < Fr marquise (misunderstood as pl.), an awning, canopy over an officer's tent, lit., marquise: reason for name uncert.]
Marquesan (mär kei´sэn, -zэn) •n. 1 any of the aboriginal people of the Marquesas Islands 2 their Polynesian language •adj. 1 of the Marquesas Islands or their people 2 of Marquesan
Marquesas Islands (mär kei´zэz, -sэz) group of islands in French Polynesia, in E South Pacific: 492 sq. mi. (1,275 sq. km); pop. 5,100
marquess (mär´kwis) •n. 1 a British nobleman ranking above an earl and below a duke 2 MARQUIS mar´quess·ate (-kwэ zit) •n. [var. of MARQUIS]
Marquess of Queensberry rules the basic rules of modern boxing, providing for the use of gloves, the division of a match into rounds, etc. [after 8th Marquess of Queensberry (1844-1900), who supervised their formulation (c. 1867)]
marquetry or marqueterie (mär´kэ tri:) •n. decorative inlaid work of wood, ivory, metal, etc., used in furniture and flooring [Fr marqueterie < marqueter, to spot, inlay < marque, a mark < OFr merc < ON merki < Gmc *marka, MARK¹]
Marquette (mär ket´), Jacques (zhäk) 1637-75; Fr. Jesuit missionary & explorer in North America: called Père Marquette
Marquis (mär´kwis), Don(ald Robert Perry) 1878-1937; U.S. humorist & journalist marquis (mär´kwis; Fr måř ki:´) pl. -quis·es or Fr. -quis´ (-ki:´) •n. in some countries of Europe, a nobleman ranking above an earl or count and below a duke: cf. MARQUESS mar´quis·ate (-kwэ zit) •n. [ME markis < OFr marchis (later marquis) < ML marchisus, prefect of a frontier town < marca, a borderland < Frank *marka: see MARK¹]
marquise (mär ki:z´; Fr måř ki:z´) •n. 1 a) the wife or widow of a marquis b) a lady whose rank in her own right equals that of a marquis 2 MARQUEE 3 a) a ring with jewels set in the shape of a pointed oval b) a gem cut in this shape, esp. a diamond: see GEM, illus. [Fr, fem. of marquis]
marquisette (mär'ki zet´, -kwi-) •n. a thin, meshlike fabric used for curtains, dresses, etc. [dim. of Fr marquise, awning: see MARQUEE]
Marrakech or Marrakesh (mэ rä´kesh, mær'э kesh´) city in WC Morocco: pop. 483,000
Marrano (mэ rä´nou) pl. -nos •n. [also m-] during the Spanish Inquisition, a Jew who professed Christianity to escape death or persecution, often continuing to observe Judaism secretly [Sp, lit., swine (expression of contempt) < Ar muharram, forbidden thing]
marriage (mær´ij) •n. 1 the state of being married; relation between husband and wife; married life; wedlock; matrimony 2 the act of marrying; wedding 3 the rite or form used in marrying 4 any close or intimate union 5 the king and queen of a suit, esp. as a meld in pinochle [ME mariage < OFr < marier: see MARRY¹]
marriage broker a person whose occupation is arranging marriages for others
marriage of convenience marriage entered into from calculated self-interest or expediency
marriage portion DOWRY
marriageable (mær´i jэ bэl) •adj. 1 old enough to get married 2 suitable for marriage {of a marriageable age} mar'riage·a·bil´i·ty •n.
married (mær´i:d) •adj. 1 living together as husband and wife; joined in wedlock 2 having a husband or wife 3 of marriage or married people; connubial; conjugal 4 closely or intimately joined •n. a married person: chiefly in young marrieds
marron (mær´эn; Fr må řouñ´) •n. a large, sweet European chestnut, often used in confectionery [Fr < It marrone, chestnut]
marrons glacés (må řouñ glå sei´) marrons in syrup or glazed with sugar; candied chestnuts [Fr]
marrow (mær´ou) •n. 1 the soft, vascular, fatty tissue that fills the cavities of most bones 2 the innermost, essential, or choicest part; pith 3 vitality 4 [Brit.] VEGETABLE MARROW mar´row·y •adj. [ME merow < OE mearg, akin to Ger mark, marrow < IE base *mozgho-, marrow, brains > Sans majján-, marrow]
marrow bean a plump-seeded strain of the common field bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), grown for its dry, edible seeds
marrow squash any variety of oblong squash with a hard, smooth rind
marrowbone (-boun') •n. 1 a bone containing marrow, esp. one used in cooking 2 [pl.] the knees: humorous usage
marrowfat (-fæt') •n. a variety of large, rich pea Also marrowfat pea or marrow pea
Marruecos (mäř'we´kôs) Sp. name of MOROCCO
marry¹ (mær´i:) -ried, -ry·ing •vt. 1 a) to join as husband and wife; unite in wedlock b) to join (a man) to a woman as her husband, or (a woman) to a man as his wife 2 to take as husband or wife; take in marriage 3 to join closely or intimately; unite •vi. 1 to get married; take a husband or wife 2 to enter into a close or intimate relationship; unite marry off to give in marriage {they married off the last of their children} mar´ri·er •n. [ME marien < OFr marier < L maritare < maritus, a husband, married, prob. < IE base *meri, young wife, akin to *meryo, young man > Sans márya-, man, young man, suitor]
marry² (mær´i:) •interj. [Now Chiefly Dial.] an exclamation of surprise, anger, etc., sometimes a mere intensive [euphemistic respelling of (the Virgin) MARY]
Mars (märz) 1 Rom. Myth. the god of war; identified with the Greek Ares 2 a personification of war 3 the seventh largest planet of the solar system and the fourth in distance from the sun: diameter, c. 6,790 km (c. 4,220 mi.); period of revolution, 1.88 earth years; period of rotation, 24.6 hours; two satellites; symbol, ♂ [L]
Marsala (mär sä´lä) •n. a dry or sweet, amber-colored fortified wine made in western Sicily [after Marsala, seaport in W Sicily]
Marseillaise (mär'sэ leiz´; Fr måř se yez´) the national anthem of France, composed by Rouget de Lisle in 1792 during the French Revolution [Fr, lit., of Marseille: first sung by Marseille volunteers]
Marseille (måř se´yª; E mär sei´) seaport in SE France, on the Gulf of Lions: pop. 879,000
Marseilles (mär sei´, -seilz´; for n., -seilz´) Eng. sp of MARSEILLE •n. [sometimes m-] a thick, strong, figured or striped cotton cloth with a raised weave, somewhat resembling piqué: originally made in Marseille
Marsh (märsh), Reginald 1898-1954; U.S. painter marsh (märsh) •n. a tract of low, wet, soft land that is temporarily, or permanently, covered with water, characterized by aquatic, grasslike vegetation; swamp; bog; morass; fen [ME mersch < OE merisc, akin to MLowG mersch, marsch (> Ger marsch) < IE base *mori, sea > MARE²]
marsh elder Æ any of a genus (Iva) of North American plants of the composite family, growing in salt marshes and moist soil
marsh gas a gaseous product, chiefly methane, formed from decomposing vegetable matter, as in marshes
marsh hawk a large, gray, American hawk (Circus cyaneus) that nests on the ground and preys on mice, frogs, snakes, etc.: the only North American harrier hawk
marsh hen any of several birds, as the rail, coot, etc., living or feeding in marshy areas
marsh mallow 1 a pink-flowered, perennial, European plant (Althaea officinalis) of the mallow family: the root was formerly used for marshmallows and is sometimes used in medicine 2 ROSE MALLOW
marsh marigold a marsh plant (Caltha palustris) of the buttercup family, with bright-yellow flowers and shiny, circular leaves, sometimes used as greens
Marsha (mär´shэ) a feminine name
Marshal (mär´shэl) a masculine name Also Mar´shall [< prec.] marshal (mär´shэl) •n. 1 orig., a groom or, later, a master of the horse in a medieval royal household 2 a high official of a royal household or court, as in medieval times, in charge of military affairs, ceremonies, etc. 3 a military commander; specif., a) FIELD MARSHAL b) in various foreign armies, a general officer of the highest rank c) an officer of the highest rank in the British Royal Air Force 4 an official in charge of ceremonies, processions, rank and order, etc. who arranges the order of march Æ 5 an officer of various kinds in the U.S.; specif., a) a Federal officer appointed to a judicial district to carry out orders and perform functions like those of a sheriff b) a minor officer of the law in some cities c) the head, or a high-ranking officer, of a police or fire department in some cities •vt. -shaled or -shalled, -shal·ing or -shal·ling 1 to arrange (troops, things, ideas, etc.) in order; array; dispose {to marshal forces for battle} 2 a) to direct as a marshal; manage b) to lead or guide ceremoniously mar´shal·cy or mar´shal·ship' •n. [ME marescal < OFr mareschal < Frank *marhskalk or OHG marahscalh, lit., horse servant (> ML marescalcus) < marah, horse (akin to OE mearh, horse: see MARE¹) + scalh, servant < IE base *sel-, to spring] marshal (mär´shэl) •n. 1 orig., a groom or, later, a master of the horse in a medieval royal household 2 a high official of a royal household or court, as in medieval times, in charge of military affairs, ceremonies, etc. 3 a military commander; specif., a) FIELD MARSHAL b) in various foreign armies, a general officer of the highest rank c) an officer of the highest rank in the British Royal Air Force 4 an official in charge of ceremonies, processions, rank and order, etc. who arranges the order of march Æ 5 an officer of various kinds in the U.S.; specif., a) a Federal officer appointed to a judicial district to carry out orders and perform functions like those of a sheriff b) a minor officer of the law in some cities c) the head, or a high-ranking officer, of a police or fire department in some cities •vt. -shaled or -shalled, -shal·ing or -shal·ling 1 to arrange (troops, things, ideas, etc.) in order; array; dispose {to marshal forces for battle} 2 a) to direct as a marshal; manage b) to lead or guide ceremoniously mar´shal·cy or mar´shal·ship' •n. [ME marescal < OFr mareschal < Frank *marhskalk or OHG marahscalh, lit., horse servant (> ML marescalcus) < marah, horse (akin to OE mearh, horse: see MARE¹) + scalh, servant < IE base *sel-, to spring]
Marshall (mär´shэl) 1 George C(atlett) 1880-1959; U.S. general & statesman: U.S. Army chief of staff (1939-45): secretary of state (1947-49) 2 John 1755-1835; U.S. jurist: chief justice of the U.S. (1801-35) 3 Thur·good (θør´gud) 1908-93; U.S. jurist: associate justice, Supreme Court (1967-91)
Marshall Islands group of islands in the W Pacific, east of the Caroline Islands: formerly a Japanese mandate, since 1947 part of the U.S. Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands: c. 70 sq. mi. (181 sq. km); pop. 31,000 [after John Marshall, Brit. explorer (1788)]
Marshalsea (mär´shэl si:') 1 a British court of justice, abolished in 1849, under the marshal of the royal household 2 a prison in Southwark, London, for debtors, etc., abolished in 1842 [ME marschalcie < Anglo-Fr mareschalcie < ML marescalcia: see MARSHAL]
marshland (märsh´lænd') •n. an area or region characterized by marshes or swamps
marshmallow (märsh´mel'ou, -mæl'ou) •n. 1 orig., a confection made from the root of the marsh mallow 2 a soft, spongy confection made of sugar, starch, corn syrup, and gelatin, coated with powdered sugar
marshy (märsh´i:) marsh´i·er, marsh´i·est •adj. 1 of, consisting of, or containing a marsh or marshes 2 like a marsh; soft and wet; boggy; swampy 3 growing in marshes marsh´i·ness •n.
Marston (mär´stэn), John 1576-1634; Eng. dramatist & satirist
Marston Moor moor in Yorkshire, N England: site of a battle (July, 1644) of the English civil war in which Royalist forces were routed by the Parliamentarians
marsupial (mär su:´pi: эl) •adj. 1 of or like a marsupium, or pouch 2 of a superorder (Marsupialia) of mammals that lack a placenta and have an external abdominal pouch (marsupium) containing the teats: the incompletely developed offspring nurses within this pouch for several months after birth to complete its development •n. an animal of this kind, as a kangaroo, opossum, or wombat
marsupium (-эm) pl. -pi·a (-э) •n. 1 a fold of skin on the abdomen of a female marsupial, forming a pouch in which the newborn young are carried 2 a structure like this, in some crustaceans, fishes, etc. [ModL < L < Gr marsypion, dim. of marsypos, pouch, bag]
mart (märt) •n. 1 a market, or trading center 2 [Obs.] a) a fair b) buying and selling; bargaining c) a bargain [ME marte < MDu, var. of markt < VL marcatus, for L marcatus, MARKET]
Martaban (mär'tэ bän´), Gulf of part of the Andaman Sea, on the S coast of Myanmar
martagon (mär´tэ gэn) •n. a Turk's-cap lily (Lilium martagon) having white or purple flowers [ME < Fr < Turk martagān, a turban]
Martel (mär tel´), Charles c. A.D. 688-741; ruler of Austrasia (714-741) & of all the Franks (719-741): checked the Moorish invasion of Europe with a decisive victory near Tours (732): grandfather of Charlemagne
Martello tower (mär tel´ou) [also m- t-] a circular fort of masonry, formerly built on coasts to protect against invaders: also mar·tel´lo •n. [It martello, a hammer, folk etym. substitution for mortella, a tower, after Mortella, cape in Corsica, where such a tower was attacked by the English fleet (1794)]
marten (märt´ªn) pl. -tens or -ten •n. 1 any of a genus (Martes) of small musteline carnivores that live chiefly in trees and have a long, slender body, short legs, and soft, thick, valuable fur 2 the fur [ME martren < OFr martrine, adj. < martre, marten < Frank *martar, akin to Ger marder, OE mearth < PGmc marthu- < IE *martu-, bride (euphemism for the taboo IE name); akin to *meri: see MARRY¹]
martensite (märt´ªnz ait') •n. a very hard, brittle, solid solution of iron and carbon or the carbide of iron, Fe3C, into which hot steel turns when suddenly chilled by cold water mar'ten·sit´ic (-tэn zit´ik) •adj. [after A. Martens (1850-1914), Ger metallurgist]
Martha (mär´θэ) 1 a feminine name: equiv. Fr. Marthe, It. & Sp. Marta 2 Bible sister of Lazarus and Mary, chided by Jesus for being overly concerned with housework while he talked with Mary: Luke 10:40 [LL(Ec) < Gr(Ec) < Aram Mārthā, lit., lady, fem. of mār, lord]
Martha's Vineyard island off the SE coast of Mass., south of Cape Cod: c. 100 sq. mi. (258 sq. km) [after a Martha Gosnold and the wild grapes there]
Martí (mäř ti:´), Jo·sé (Julian) (hô se´) 1853-95; Cuban poet, essayist, & revolutionary patriot
Martial (mär´shэl) (Marcus Valerius Martialis) c. A.D. 40-c. 104; Rom. epigrammatist & poet, born in Spain martial (mär´shэl) •adj. 1 of or suitable for war {martial songs} 2 showing a readiness or eagerness to fight; warlike 3 of the army, the navy, or military life; military mar´tial·ism' •n. mar´tial·ist •n. mar´tial·ly •adv. SYN.—martial refers to anything connected with or characteristic of war or armies, connoting esp. pomp, discipline, etc. [martial music, martial law]; warlike stresses the bellicose or aggressive nature or temperament that leads to war or results from preparations for war [a warlike nation]; military applies to anything having to do with armies or soldiers [military uniforms, police, etc.] —ANT. pacifist [ME martialle < L martialis, of Mars]
martial art any of various systems of self-defense originating in the Orient, such as karate or kung fu, also engaged in as a sport: usually used in pl.
martial law temporary rule by the military authorities over the civilian population, as in an area of military operations in time of war, or when civil authority has broken down Distinguished from MILITARY LAW
Martian (mär´shэn) •adj. of Mars (god or planet) •n. an inhabitant of the planet Mars, as in science fiction [L Martius, of MARS + -AN]
Martin (märt´ªn) 1 a masculine name 2 Saint (c. A.D. 316-c. 397) bishop of Tours: his day is MARTINMAS: also called St. Martin of Tours 3 Archer John Porter 1910- ; Eng. biochemist 4 Homer Dodge 1836-97; U.S. painter [Fr < L Martinus < Mars (gen. Martis), Mars: hence, lit., warlike] martin (märt´ªn) •n. any of several swallows (esp. genus Progne), as the purple martin and the Old World house martin (Delichon urbica), with a deeply forked tail: see KINGBIRD [Fr, ? after ST. MARTIN]
Martin Luther King Day the third Monday in January, a legal holiday in the U.S. commemorating the birthday (Jan. 15) of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Martineau (märt´ªn ou'), Harriet 1802-76; Eng. writer & economist
martinet (märt'ªn et´, märt´ªn et') •n. 1 a very strict military disciplinarian 2 any very strict disciplinarian or stickler for rigid regulations [after Gen. Jean Martinet, 17th-c. Fr drillmaster]
martingale (märt´ªn geil') •n. 1 the strap of a horse's harness passing from the noseband to the girth between the forelegs, to keep the horse from rearing or throwing back its head: see HARNESS, illus. 2 a) a lower stay for the jib boom or flying jib boom of a sailing vessel, to bear the strain of the head stays b) DOLPHIN STRIKER 3 a system of betting in which, after a losing wager, the amount bet is doubled or otherwise increased Also mar´tin·gal' (-gæl') [Fr, prob. < Sp almártaga, a check, rein < Ar]
martini (mär ti:´ni:) pl. -nis •n. a cocktail made of gin (or vodka) and dry vermouth, usually served with a green olive or lemon twist [altered (prob. as assumed sing.) < earlier Martinez: said to have originated in Martinez, California]
Martinique (mär'tэ ni:k´) island in the Windward group of the West Indies: overseas department of France: 420 sq. mi. (1,087 sq. km); pop. 328,000; cap. Fort-de-France
Martinmas (märt´ªn mэs) •n. Saint Martin's day, a church festival held on Nov. 11 [ME Martinmasse: see MARTIN & MASS]
martlet (märt´lit) •n. 1 the Old World house martin 2 Heraldry a representation of a bird without feet, used as a crest or bearing [Fr martelet, prob. < martinet, dim. of martin]
martyr (märt´эr) •n. 1 a) any of those persons who choose to suffer or die rather than give up their faith or principles b) any person tortured or killed because of his or her beliefs 2 a person who suffers great pain or misery for a long time 3 a person who assumes an attitude of self-sacrifice or suffering in order to arouse feelings of pity, guilt, etc. in others •vt. 1 to put to death or torture for adherence to a belief 2 to torture; make suffer greatly; persecute [ME martir < OE < LL(Ec) < Gr martyr, martys, a witness (LGr(Ec), martyr) < IE base *(s)mer-, to remember, care > L memor, mindful, Sans smárati, (he) remembers]
martyrdom (-dэm) •n. 1 the state of being a martyr 2 the death or sufferings of a martyr 3 severe, long-continued suffering; torment; torture [ME martirdom < OE martyrdom: see MARTYR & -DOM]
martyrize (-aiz') -ized', -iz'ing •vt. to make a martyr of, as by causing to suffer •vi. to be or become a martyr mar'tyr·i·za´tion •n. [ME martirizen < LL(Ec) martyrizare]
martyrology (märt'эr äl´э ji:) pl. -gies •n. 1 a list of martyrs 2 a historical account of religious martyrs, esp. Christian martyrs 3 such accounts collectively 4 the branch of ecclesiastical history dealing with the lives of martyrs mar'tyr·ol´o·gist •n. [ML martyrologium < LGr martyrologion: see MARTYR & -LOGY]
martyry (märt´эr i:) pl. -tyr·ies •n. a shrine in memory of a martyr [ME martyrye < LL(Ec) martyrium < LGr(Ec) martyrion]
MARV (märv) •n. a MIRV-like ballistic missile having within each warhead an independent propulsion system that can evade defensive missiles and improve accuracy
marvel (mär´vэl) •n. 1 a wonderful or astonishing thing; prodigy or miracle 2 [Archaic] astonishment •vi. -veled or -velled, -vel·ing or -vel·ling to be filled with admiring surprise; be amazed; wonder •vt. to wonder at or about: followed by a clause [ME mervaile < OFr merveille, a wonder < VL mirabilia, wonderful things, orig. neut. pl. of L mirabilis, wonderful < mirari, to wonder at < mirus, wonderful: see SMILE]
Marvell (mär´vэl), Andrew 1621-78; Eng. poet
marvel-of-Peru (mär´vэl эv pэ ru:´) •n. FOUR-O'CLOCK
marvelous (mär´vэ lэs) •adj. 1 causing wonder; surprising, astonishing, or extraordinary 2 so extraordinary as to be improbable, incredible, or miraculous 3 [Colloq.] very good; fine; splendid Also [Chiefly Brit.] mar´vel·lous mar´vel·ous·ly •adv. [ME merveilous < OFr merveillos < merveille: see MARVEL]
Marvin (mär´vin) a masculine name: var. Mervin [prob. ult. < Gmc *mari, sea + *winiz, friend]
marvy (mär´vi:) •adj. [Old Slang] very good; fine; marvelous
Marx (märks), Karl (Heinrich) 1818-83; Ger. social philosopher & economist, in London after 1850: founder of modern socialism
Marxism (märks´iz'эm) •n. the system of thought developed by Karl Marx, his co-worker Friedrich Engels, and their followers: see SOCIALISM, COMMUNISM, DIALECTICAL MATERIALISM Also Marx´i·an·ism' Marx´ist or Marx´i·an •adj., n.
Mary (mer´i:, mær´i:; also mei´ri:) 1 a feminine name: dim. Mamie, Molly, Polly; masc. & fem. Marie, Marion; var. Mae, Maria, Marietta, Marilyn, May, Miriam; equiv. Ir. Maureen, Moira, Fr. Marie, Marion, Ger., It., & Sp. Maria, Pol. Marya 2 Bible a) mother of Jesus: Matt. 1:18-25: often referred to as the (Blessed) Virgin Mary, Saint Mary b) sister of Martha and Lazarus: Luke 10:38-42 c) MARY MAGDALENE (see MAGDALENE, sense 2) 3 Mary I (Mary Tudor) 1516-58; queen of England (1553-58): daughter of Henry VIII & Catherine of Aragon: wife of Philip II of Spain 4 Mary II 1662-94; queen of England, Scotland, and Ireland (1689-94), ruling jointly with her husband, William III: daughter of James II [ME Marie < OE < LL(Ec) Maria < Gr Maria, Mariam < Heb Miryām or Aram Maryām, lit., rebellion]
Mary Jane [Slang] MARIJUANA Also mar·y·jane (mer´i: jein´) •n. [see MARIJUANA]
Mary Janes Æ trademark for low-heeled shoes for girls, usually of patent leather with a strap across the instep
Mary Magdalene MAGDALENE (sense 2)
Mary, Queen of Scots (Mary Stuart) 1542-87; queen of Scotland (1542-67): beheaded
Maryland (mer´э lэnd) E State of the U.S., on the Atlantic: one of the 13 original States; 10,577 sq. mi. (27,394 sq. km); pop. 4,781,000; cap. Annapolis: abbrev. MD or Md Mar·y·land·er (-lэn dэr, -læn-) •n. [after Queen Henrietta Maria, wife of CHARLES I of England]
marzipan (mär´zi pæn', märt´si-; -pän) •n. a confection of ground almonds, sugar, and egg white made into a paste and variously shaped and colored [Ger < It marzapane, confection, earlier, the small box containing it, small dry measure, certain weight < ML matapanus, Venetian coin with figure of Christ on a throne < Ar mauthaban, seated king (< wathaba, to sit)]
mas masculine
-mas (mэs) combining form a (specified) festival or celebration {Martinmas} [ME masse, messe, MASS]
Masaccio (mä sät´chô) (born Tommaso Guidi) 1401-28; Florentine painter
Masada (mэ sä´dэ, mä sä dä´) ancient Jewish fortress in Israel, near the Dead Sea: site of a prolonged Roman siege (A.D. 72-73) resulting in a mass suicide by the Jews to avoid capture
Masai (mä sai´) •n. 1 pl. -sai´ or -sais´ a member of a people of Kenya and Tanganyika 2 the Eastern Sudanic language of this people
Masaryk (må´så řik; E mæs´э rik) 1 Jan (yån) 1886-1948; Czech statesman: son of Tomáš 2 To·máš Gar·rigue (tô´mäsh gå ři:g´) 1850-1937; Czech statesman: 1st president of Czechoslovakia (1918-35)
Masbate (mäs bä´ti:) island of the EC Philippines, west of Samar: 1,562 sq. mi. (4,046 sq. km)
masc masculine
Mascagni (mäs kän´yi:), Pie·tro (pye´třô) 1863-1945; It. composer
mascara (mæs kær´э) •n. a cosmetic preparation for coloring or darkening the eyelashes or eyebrows •vt. -car´aed, -car´a·ing to put mascara on [Sp máscara, a mask < It maschera: see MASK]
Mascarene Islands (mæs'kэ ri:n´) group of islands in the W Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar, including Mauritius & Réunion
mascon (mæs´kän') •n. a local concentration of very dense material beneath the surface of the moon [mas(s) con(centration)]
mascot (mæs´kät', -kэt) •n. 1 any person, animal, or thing supposed to bring good luck 2 any person, animal, or thing adopted by a group, esp. a sports team as a symbol or for good luck {the team's mascot is a bear} [Fr mascotte < Prov mascot, dim. of masco, sorcerer (< ?): in pop. use, after La Mascotte (1880), operetta by E. Audran (1840-1901), Fr composer]
masculine (mæs´kyu: lin, -kyэ-) •adj. 1 male; of men or boys 2 having qualities regarded as characteristic of men and boys, as strength, vigor, boldness, etc.; manly; virile 3 suitable to or characteristic of a man 4 mannish: said of women 5 Gram. designating, of, or belonging to the gender of words denoting or referring to males, as well as many other words to which no distinction of sex is attributed 6 Music designating or of a cadence ending on an accented note or chord 7 Prosody a) ending with a stressed syllable, as a line of verse b) designating or of rhyme in which the rhyming elements are stressed final syllables (Ex.: hill, fill, enjoy, destroy) •n. Gram. 1 the masculine gender 2 a word or form in this gender SYN. MALE mas´cu·line·ly •adv. mas'cu·lin´i·ty •n. [ME masculyn < OFr masculin < L masculinus < masculus, male < mas, male]
masculinize (-lin aiz') -ized', -iz'ing •vt. to make masculine; esp., to produce male characteristics in (a female) mas'cu·lin'i·za´tion •n. [< prec. + -IZE]
Masefield (meis´fi:ld'), John 1878-1967; Eng. writer: poet laureate (1930-1967)
maser (mei´zэr) •n. a device, operating at microwave frequencies, in which atoms or molecules are raised to a higher energy level and allowed to lose the energy by radiation that is emitted at a very precise frequency: cf. LASER [m(icrowave) a(mplification by) s(timulated) e(mission of) r(adiation)]
Maseru (mæz´э ru:') capital of Lesotho, in the NW part: pop. c. 45,000
mash (mæsh) •n. 1 crushed or ground malt or meal soaked in hot water for making wort, used in brewing beer 2 a mixture of bran, meal, etc. in warm water, for feeding horses, cattle, etc. 3 any soft mixture or mass •vt. [ME maschen < the n.] 1 to mix (crushed malt, etc.) in hot water for making wort 2 to change into a soft or uniform mass by beating, crushing, etc. 3 to crush and injure or damage Æ 4 [Old Slang] to make sexual advances to; flirt with [ME masshe- < OE masc-, in mascwyrt, infused malt, akin to Ger meisch, maisch, crushed grapes, infused malt < IE base *meigh-, to urinate > L mingere: see MICTURITION]
masher (-эr) •n. one that mashes; specif., a) a device for mashing vegetables, fruit, etc. Æ b) [Slang] a man who makes unwanted advances to women not acquainted with him, esp. in public places
Mashhad (mэ shäd´) city in NE Iran: site of a Shiite shrine: pop. 668,000
mashie (mæsh´i:) old term for number 5 iron: see IRON (n. 6) •n. [Scot, dim. of mash, a sledgehammer; ? akin to Fr massé (see MASSÉ)]
Masinissa (mæs'э nis´э) c. 238-148 B.C.; Numidian king who fought as a Roman ally against Hannibal
masjid (mûs´jid) •n. a mosque [Ar: see MOSQUE]
mask (mæsk, mäsk) •n. 1 a covering for the face or part of the face, to conceal the identity 2 anything that conceals or disguises 3 a party, carnival, etc. where masks are worn; masquerade 4 a person wearing a mask; masker 5 a likeness of a person's face, or face and neck, as, a) a sculptured or molded likeness of the face (cf. DEATH MASK) b) a grotesque or comic representation of a face, worn to amuse or frighten, as at Halloween c) a sculptured head or face, often grotesque, used as an ornament, as on a building d) a figure of a head worn on the stage by an ancient Greek or Roman actor to identify a character and amplify the voice 6 a protective covering for the face or head, as a wire screen [fencer's mask] or respirator [gas mask] 7 a) a covering for the mouth and nose used in administering an anesthetic or oxygen b) a piece of gauze, etc. worn over the mouth and nose of a surgeon, etc. to prevent infection of a patient, instruments, etc. by exhaled matter 8 a strip of darker color across an animal's eyes, as in the raccoon 9 something serving to conceal artillery, military operations, etc. from observation 10 an opaque or translucent material used to modify the exposure of selected areas of a photograph 11 MASQUE (senses 2 & 3) 12 Zool. a masklike formation about the head, as the enlarged lower lip of a dragonfly larva •vt. 1 to conceal or cover with or as with a mask 2 to conceal or disguise 3 to make (a sound, smell, taste, etc.) less noticeable 4 to protect by covering as with masking tape •vi. 1 to put on a mask, as for a masquerade 2 to hide or disguise one's true motives, character, etc. [Fr masque < It maschera, mascara, a mask, prob. < Ar maskhara, a clown, buffoonery]
masked (mæskt, mäskt) •adj. 1 wearing a mask 2 concealed, disguised, not apparent, etc. 3 Bot. PERSONATE
masked ball a ball at which masks and fancy costumes are worn
masker (mæs´kэr, mäs´-) •n. one who wears a mask; specif., a participant in a masque or masquerade
masking tape (-kiŋ) tape for use in covering surfaces that border on an area to be painted so as to protect them
masochism (mæs´э kiz'эm; also mæz´-) •n. 1 the getting of sexual pleasure from being dominated, mistreated, or hurt physically or otherwise by one's partner 2 the getting of pleasure from suffering physical or psychological pain, inflicted by others or by oneself Cf. SADISM mas´o·chist •n. mas'o·chis´tic •adj. mas'o·chis´ti·cal·ly •adv. [after Leopold von Sacher-Masoch (1835-95), Austrian writer in whose stories it is described]
mason (mei´sэn) •n. 1 a person whose work is building with stone, brick, concrete, etc. 2 [M-] FREEMASON •vt. to build of or reinforce with masonry [OFr maçon < ML macio < Frank *makjo- < *makon, akin to OE macian, to MAKE¹]
mason bee a solitary bee (Osmia cobaltina) that builds its nest of clay, sand, mud, etc.
Mason jar (mei´sen) [also m- j-] a glass jar having a wide mouth and a screw top, used for preserving foods, esp. in home canning [patented (1858) by John L. Mason of New York]
mason wasp any of a genus (Eumenes, family Eumenidae) of solitary wasps that build urn-shaped nests of mud
Mason-Dixon line (mei´sªn dik´sªn) boundary line between Pa. & Md., regarded, before the Civil War, as separating the free States from the slave States or, now, the North from the South Also Mason and Dixon's line [after C. Mason & J. Dixon, who surveyed it, 1763-67]
Masonic (mэ sän´ik, mei-) •adj. [also m-] of Masons (Freemasons) or Masonry (Freemasonry)
Masonite (mei´sэn ait') trademark for a kind of hardboard made from pressed wood fibers, used as building material, insulation, etc. •n. [also m-] such hardboard [after W. H. Mason (1877-c. 1947), U.S. engineer]
masonry (mei´sэn ri:) •n. 1 the trade or art of a mason 2 pl. -ries something built, as by a mason, of stone, brick, concrete, etc. 3 [usually M-] FREEMASONRY [ME masonerie < OFr maçonnerie < maçon, MASON]
Masora or Masorah (mэ sou´rэ) •n. 1 all the accumulated Jewish tradition concerning the correct Hebrew text of the Holy Scriptures 2 the marginal notes on manuscripts of the Holy Scriptures embodying this tradition, compiled from the 2d to the 10th cent. A.D. [ModHeb māsōrāh, tradition < LHeb māsōreth]
Masorete (mæs´э ri:t') •n. any of the Jewish scribes who compiled the Masora Also Mas´o·rite' (-rait') Mas'o·ret´ic (-ret´ik) •adj. [< LHeb māsōreth]
masque (mæsk, mäsk) •n. 1 a masked ball 2 a form of dramatic entertainment popular among the English aristocracy during the 16th and 17th cent., usually based on a mythical or allegorical theme and featuring lavish costumes, scenery, music, dancing, etc.: originally it contained no dialogue 3 a dramatic composition written for such an entertainment, usually in verse masqu´er •n. [see MASK]
masquerade (mæs'kэr eid´) •n. 1 a ball or party at which masks and fancy costumes or disguises are worn 2 a costume for such a ball or party 3 a) a disguise, false show, or pretense b) a living or acting under false pretenses •vi. -ad´ed, -ad´ing 1 to take part in a masquerade 2 to live or act under false pretenses mas'quer·ad´er •n. [altered (by assoc. with prec.) < Fr mascarade < It mascarata, dial. var. of mascherata (< maschera): see MASK]
Mass (mæs) •n. [also m-] 1 the Roman Catholic Eucharistic rite consisting of prayers and ceremonies centered on the consecration of bread and wine as a real though mystical reenactment of the sacrifice of Christ on the cross: with differing doctrinal interpretations, the term has sometimes been used of the Eucharistic rite of other Churches 2 a musical setting for certain parts of this rite [ME masse < OE mæsse < LL(Ec) missa, mass, lit., dismissal, orig. pp. of L mittere, to dismiss < the words said by the priest ite, missa est (contio), go, (the meeting) is dismissed] Mass abbrev. Massachusetts mass (mæs) •n. 1 a quantity of matter forming a body of indefinite shape and size, usually of relatively large size; lump 2 a large quantity or number {a mass of bruises} 3 bulk; size; magnitude 4 the main or larger part; majority 5 Painting a large area or form of one color, shade, intensity, etc. 6 Pharmacy the paste or plastic combination of drugs from which pills are made 7 Physics the quantity of matter in a body as measured by its inertia; the ratio of force to the acceleration produced by that force: experimentally it is found that the gravitational force on an object is proportional to its mass: cf. MATTER (n. 2) •adj. 1 a) of a large number of things; large-scale {mass production} b) of a large number of persons {a mass demonstration} 2 of, characteristic of, or for the masses {mass education} •vt., vi. to gather or form into a mass SYN. BULK¹ in the mass collectively; as a whole the masses the great mass of common people; specif., the working people, or lower classes in the social order [ME masse < OFr < L massa, a lump, mass < Gr maza, barley cake < massein, to knead < IE base *menk-, to knead > MINGLE]
Mass card a printed card indicating to its recipient that the donor has requested a Mass to be offered for a specified person or intention
mass defect Physics the difference between the mass of an atom and the sum of the masses of the individual neutrons and protons in its nucleus, expressed in atomic mass units
mass media those means of communication that reach and influence large numbers of people, esp. newspapers, popular magazines, radio, and television
mass meeting a large public meeting to discuss public affairs, demonstrate public approval or disapproval, etc.
mass noun a noun denoting an abstraction or something that is uncountable, and not preceded by a or an: it is typically in a singular construction, but may be singular or plural in form (Ex.: love, girlhood, butter, news) Cf. COUNT NOUN
mass number Physics, Chem. the number of neutrons and protons in the nucleus of an atom: the approximate mass of a given nucleus is obtained by multiplying the mass number by the fundamental unit of mass, 1.6605 X 10-²4 grams (¹/12 the mass of C¹² atom)
mass production the production of goods in large quantities, esp. by machinery and division of labor mass'-pro·duce´, -duced´, -duc´ing, •vt.
mass spectrograph an instrument for analyzing ionized particles by passing them through electric and magnetic fields, typically designed to focus particles of equal mass to a point where they are detected: used esp. to determine the abundance of chemical compounds or isotopes Also mass spectrometer
Massachusett (mæs'э chu:´sit) •n. 1 pl. -setts or -sett a member of a North American Indian people who lived around Massachusetts Bay 2 the Algonquian language of this people and certain adjacent peoples Also Mas'sa·chu´set [Massachusett name of Great Blue Hill (SW of Boston), lit., at the large hill]
Massachusetts (-sits) New England State of the U.S.: one of the 13 original States; 8,257 sq. mi. (21,386 sq. km); pop. 6,016,000; cap. Boston: abbrev. MA or Mass [after prec.]
Massachusetts Bay inlet of the Atlantic, on the E coast of Mass.
massacre (mæs´э kэr) •n. 1 a) the indiscriminate, merciless killing of a number of human beings b) a large-scale slaughter of animals 2 [Colloq.] an overwhelming defeat, as in sports •vt. -cred, -cring (-kэr iŋ, -kriŋ) 1 to kill indiscriminately and mercilessly and in large numbers 2 [Colloq.] to defeat overwhelmingly SYN. SLAUGHTER mas´sa·crer (-kэr эr, -krэr) •n. [Fr < OFr maçacre, macecle, butchery, shambles < ?]
massage (mэ säzh´, -säj´) •n. a rubbing, kneading, etc. of part of the body, usually with the hands, as to stimulate circulation and make muscles or joints supple, relieve tension, etc. •vt. -saged´, -sag´ing to give a massage to mas·sag´er •n. [Fr < masser, to massage < Ar massa, to touch]
massage parlor a business establishment offering massage, steam baths, etc., often, specif., one that is a front for prostitution and other illicit sexual activity
massasauga (mæs'э sö´gэ) •n. a small, gray or brownish rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus) found in swampy regions in the E and S U.S. [< Mississauga, Ojibwa name of river and Indian people in Ontario]
Massasoit (mæs´э soit') died 1661; chief of the Wampanoag Indians: signed a treaty with the Pilgrims of Plymouth in 1621
masscult (mæs´kûlt') •n. [Colloq.] an artificial, commercialized culture popularized for the masses through the mass media [MASS + CULT(URE)]
massé (mæ sei´) •n. a stroke in billiards made by hitting the cue ball off center with the cue held nearly vertically, usually so as to make the ball move in a curve around another ball before hitting the object ball [Fr, pp. of masser, to make a massé shot < masse, billiard cue, lit., mace]
Masséna (må sei nå´), An·dré (äñ dřei´) Duc de Rivoli, Prince d'Essling 1758-1817; Fr. marshal under Napoleon
Massenet (mæs'э nei´; Fr mås ne´), Jules (Émile Frédéric) (zhül) 1842-1912; Fr. composer
masseter (mæ si:t´эr, mэ-) •n. either of a pair of large muscles in the angle of the lower jaw, which raise the jaw in chewing, etc. mas·se·ter·ic (mæs'э ter´ik) •adj. [ModL < Gr masētēr, a chewer < masasthai, to chew < IE base *menth- > MOUTH]
masseur (mæ sør´, mэ-; often, -su:r, -sur´; Fr må sëř´) •n. a man whose work is giving massages mas·seuse (mæ søz´, mэ-; often, -su:z´, -suz´; Fr må söz´) •n.fem. [Fr < masser: see MASSAGE]
massicot (mæs´i kät') •n. natural lead monoxide, PbO [ME masticote, altered (infl. by mastik, MASTIC) < MFr < It marzacotto < Sp mezacote < Ar shabb qubti, Coptic alum: see COPTIC]
massif (mæ si:f´, mæ´si:f'; also mæs´if) •n. Geol. 1 mountainous mass broken up into separate peaks and forming the backbone of a mountain range 2 a large block of the earth's crust that is isolated by boundary faults and has shifted as a unit [Fr, lit., solid: see MASSIVE]
Massine (må si:n´), Lé·o·nide (lei ô ni:d´) 1896-1979; U.S. ballet dancer & choreographer, born in Russia
Massinger (mæs´in jэr), Philip 1583-1640; Eng. dramatist
Massinissa (mæs'э nis´э) alt. sp. of MASINISSA
massive (mæs´iv) •adj. 1 a) forming or consisting of a large mass; big and solid; bulky; ponderous b) larger or greater than normal {a massive dose of medicine} 2 large and imposing or impressive; of considerable magnitude 3 large-scale; extensive {massive retaliation} 4 Geol. a) homogeneous in structure, without stratification, foliation, etc. {massive rock formations} b) occurring in thick beds, without minor joints and lamination: said of some stratified rocks 5 Med. heavy and of wide extent {massive hemorrhage} 6 Mineralogy irregular in form, though occasionally crystalline in internal structure SYN. HEAVY mas´sive·ly •adv. mas´sive·ness •n. [Fr massif, with change of suffix (see -IVE), for OFr massiz < VL *massiceus < L massa, MASS]
massless (mæs´lis) •adj. having no mass: said of some subatomic particles, as a gluon or a photon
massy (mæs´i:) mass´i·er, mass´i·est •adj. [Now Rare] massive; weighty, bulky, etc. mass´i·ness •n.
mast- combining form MASTO-: used before a vowel
mast cell a cell containing large, basophilic granules, found in connective and other body tissues [< Ger mastzelle < mast, food (see MAST²) + zelle, cell < OHG cella < L: see CELL]
mast¹ (mæst, mäst) •n. 1 a tall spar or, now often, a hollow metal structure, sometimes in sections, rising vertically from the keel or deck of a vessel and used to support the sails, yards, radar and radio equipment, etc. 2 a specified section of this {the topmast} 3 any vertical pole, as in a crane or derrick 4 a metal post for the support of a radio aerial or television antenna Æ 5 [also M-] U.S. Navy a summary session held by the commanding officer to try minor offenses, hear requests, or give commendations: in full captain's mast •vt. to put a mast or masts on before the mast [Now Rare] as a common sailor [quarters for common sailors were formerly located forward of the foremast] [ME maste < OE mæst, akin to Ger mast < IE *mazdos, a pole, rod > L malus, mast (< *madus with Sabine l for d), Ir maide, a stick]
mast² (mæst, mäst) •n. beechnuts, acorns, chestnuts, etc., esp. as food for hogs [ME maste < OE mæst, akin to Ger mast < IE base *mad-, moist, dripping (with fat, sap) > MEAT, Gr mastos, a breast]
mastaba or mastabah (mæs´tэ bэ) •n. an oblong structure with a flat roof and sloping sides, built over the opening of a mummy chamber or burial pit in ancient Egypt and used as a tomb [Ar mastabah]
mastectomy (mæs tek´tэ mi:) pl. -mies •n. the surgical removal of a breast [MAST(O)- + -ECTOMY]
master (mæs´tэr, mäs´-) •n. 1 a man who rules others or has control, authority, or power over something; specif., a) a man who is head of a household or institution b) an employer c) one who owns a slave or an animal d) the captain of a merchant ship e) the one that excels in a contest, skill, etc.; victor or superior f) [Chiefly Brit.] a male schoolteacher or tutor g) a person whose teachings in religion, philosophy, etc. one follows or professes to follow 2 something regarded as having control, power, etc. 3 a person very skilled and able in some work, profession, science, etc.; expert; specif., a) a highly skilled workman or craftsman qualified to follow his trade independently and, usually, to supervise the work of others b) an artist regarded as great c) Games, Sports a person recognized as having achieved the highest degree of skill {chess master, golf master} 4 [M-] a title variously applied to a) orig., a man of high rank b) later, any man or youth (now superseded by the variant Mister, usually written Mr. when placed before the name) c) a boy regarded as too young to be addressed as Mr. d) a man who heads some institution, group, activity, or place e) in Scotland, the heir apparent of a viscount or baron 5 a) a metal matrix or mold made from the original recording and used to produce phonograph records in quantity b) a completed tape recording used to produce discs, cassettes, etc. for sale 6 Law any of several court officers appointed to assist the judge by hearing evidence, reporting on certain matters, etc. •adj. 1 being a master 2 of a master 3 chief; main; controlling; specif., designating a mechanism or contrivance that controls others or sets a standard or norm {a master switch, a master test sheet} •vt. 1 to become master of; control, conquer, etc. 2 [Now Rare] to rule or govern as master 3 to become an expert in (an art, science, etc.) 4 to make a MASTER (sense 5) of [M-] Jesus Christ: with our, the, etc. [ME maistre < OE mægester, magister & OFr maistre, both < L magister, a master, chief, leader, orig., double compar. < base of L magnus, great < IE *meg(h)- > MUCH]
master builder a person skilled in building, as an architect
master chief petty officer U.S. Navy an enlisted person of the highest grade, ranking just above a senior chief petty officer
master class a class taught by an accomplished musician who individually instructs advanced students in performance and technique, often before an audience
master hand 1 an expert 2 great ability or skill
master key a key that will open every one of a set of locks
master mason 1 a highly skilled mason 2 [often M- M-] a Freemason of the third degree
Master of Arts (or Science, etc.) a degree given by a college or university to a person who has completed a prescribed course of graduate study in the humanities or related studies (or in science, etc.): it ranks above the degree of Bachelor and below that of Doctor Also master's (degree)
master of ceremonies 1 a person who supervises a ceremony Æ 2 a person who presides over an entertainment, as on a radio or television program or in a nightclub, at a banquet, etc., introducing the speakers or performers, filling in the intervals with jokes, etc.
master sergeant U.S. Mil. a noncommissioned officer of high rank; in the Army, the rank just above sergeant first class; in the Air Force, the rank just above technical sergeant; in the Marine Corps, the rank just above gunnery sergeant
master tape MASTER (n. 5b)
master-at-arms (-эt ärmz´) pl. mas´ters-at-arms´ •n. U.S. Navy a petty officer responsible for keeping order, maintaining discipline, taking charge of prisoners, etc. on a ship or in a shore station
masterdom (mæs´tэr dэm) •n. [Now Rare] complete control; mastery
masterful (mæs´tэr fэl) •adj. 1 fond of acting the part of a master; domineering; imperious 2 having or showing the ability of a master; expert; skillful; masterly: usage objected to by some mas´ter·ful·ly •adv. mas´ter·ful·ness •n. SYN.—masterful implies such strength of personality as enables one to impose his will on others [a masterful orchestral conductor]; domineering implies the arrogant, tyrannical manner of one who openly tries to dominate another [a domineering mother]; imperious suggests the arbitrary ruling of an emperor, but connotes less arrogance than domineering [the imperious old dean of the college]; magisterial, while not suggesting an assumption of arbitrary powers, implies an excessive use or display of such inherent powers as a magistrate might have [he dismissed me with a magisterial air]
masterly (mæs´tэr li:) •adj. showing the ability or skill of a master; expert {a masterly job of repair work} •adv. in a masterly manner mas´ter·li·ness •n.
mastermind (mæs´tэr maind') •n. a very intelligent or clever person, esp. one with the ability to plan or direct a group project •vt. to be the mastermind of (a project)
masterpiece (mæs´tэr pi:s') •n. 1 a thing made or done with masterly skill; great work of art or craftsmanship 2 the greatest work made or done by a person or group [calque of Ger meisterstück]
Masters (mæs´tэrz), Edgar Lee 1869-1950; U.S. poet
mastership (mæs´tэr ship') •n. 1 the state of being a master; rule; control; dominion 2 the position, duties, or term of office of a master 3 masterly ability; expert skill or knowledge
mastersinger (-siŋ´эr) •n. MEISTERSINGER [calque of Ger meistersinger]
masterstroke (-strouk') •n. a masterly action, move, or achievement
masterwork (-wørk') •n. MASTERPIECE
mastery (mæs´tэr i:, mäs´-) pl. -ter·ies •n. 1 mastership; rule; control 2 ascendancy or victory in struggle or competition; the upper hand 3 masterly ability; expert skill or knowledge {his mastery of chess} 4 the act of mastering (an art, science, etc.) [ME maistrie < OFr: see MASTER]
masthead (mæst´hed') •n. 1 the top part of a ship's mast Æ 2 a box or section printed in each issue of a newspaper or magazine, giving the publishers, owners, and editors, the location of the offices, subscription rates, etc. 3 NAMEPLATE (sense 2) •vt. 1 to send (a sailor) to the masthead as a punishment 2 to hoist to or display at the masthead
mastic (mæs´tik) •n. 1 a yellowish resin obtained from a small Mediterranean evergreen tree (Pistacia lentiscus) of the cashew family, used as an astringent and in making varnish, adhesives, etc. 2 the tree: in full mastic tree 3 any of various pasty substances used as adhesives, sealants, etc. [ME mastik < OFr mastic < LL mastichum < L mastiche < Gr mastichē, akin to mastichan: see MASTICATE]
masticate (mæs´ti keit') -cat'ed, -cat'ing •vt. 1 to chew up (food, etc.) 2 to grind, cut, or knead (rubber, etc.) to a pulp mas'ti·ca´tion •n. mas´ti·ca'tor •n. [< LL masticatus, pp. of masticare, to chew < Gr mastichan, to grind the teeth, gnash < mastax, a mouth, morsel < IE base *menth-, to chew, mouth > MOUTH, L mandere, to chew]
masticatory (-kэ tör'i:) •adj. of or for mastication; specif., adapted for chewing •n. pl. -ries any substance to be chewed but not swallowed, as a medicine
mastiff (mæs´tif) •n. any of a breed of large, powerful dog with hanging lips and drooping ears and having a short, thick, often fawn-colored coat, dark on the muzzle, nose, and ears: formerly used for hunting, now often a watchdog and guard dog Also called Old English mastiff [ME mastif < OFr mastin < VL *mansuetinus < L mansuetus, tame; ME form infl. by OFr mestif, a mongrel < L mixtus, mixed: see MIX]
mastigophoran (mæs'ti gäf´э rэn) •n. any of a subphylum (Mastigophora) of protozoans, sometimes parasitic, having flagella: certain classes, as dinoflagellates, are also classified as algae by botanists •adj. of or relating to the mastigophorans mas'ti·goph´o·rous (-rэs) •adj. [< ModL Mastigophora (< Gr mastix, gen. mastigos, a whip + ModL -phora, fem. of -phorus: see -PHORE) + -AN]
mastitis (mæs tait´is) •n. inflammation of the breast or udder [< Gr mastos, a breast + -ITIS]
masto- (mæs´tou, -tэ) combining form of or like a breast, or mammary gland {mastectomy} [< Gr mastos, a breast: see MAST²]
mastodon (mæs´tэ dän') •n. any of an extinct family (Mastodontidae) of proboscidean mammals that differed from the elephants and mammoths by being larger and having a different structure of the molars mas'to·don´ic •adj. mas´to·dont (-dänt') •adj., n. [< Fr mastodonte, coined (1806) by CUVIER < Gr mastos (see MASTO-) + odont-, stem of odous, TOOTH: from the nipplelike processes on its molar]
mastoid (mæs´toid') •adj. 1 shaped like a breast or nipple 2 designating, of, or near a projection of the temporal bone behind the ear •n. 1 the mastoid projection: see SKULL, illus. 2 [Colloq.] MASTOIDITIS [Gr mastoeidēs < mastos, a breast (see MAST²) + -eidēs, -OID]
mastoidectomy (mæs'toid ek´tэ mi:) pl. -mies •n. the surgical removal of part or all of a mastoid [see -ECTOMY]
mastoiditis (-ait´is) •n. inflammation of the mastoid
masturbate (mæs´tэr beit') -bat'ed, -bat'ing •vi., vt. to manipulate one's own genitals, or the genitals of (another), for sexual gratification mas'tur·ba´tion •n. mas´tur·ba'tor •n. mas´tur·ba·to'ry (-bэ tör'i:) •adj. [< L masturbatus, pp. of masturbari, altered (by assoc. with turbare, to DISTURB) < *manstupro < manus, hand (see MANUAL) + stuprum, defilement < IE base *steup-, to strike, a stick, stump > STEEP¹]
Masuria (mэ zur´i: э) region with many lakes, in NE Poland: formerly in East Prussia Ma·su´ri·an •adj.
masurium (mэ sur´i: эm, -syur´-) •n. early term for TECHNETIUM [ModL < Ger Masuren, Masuria, where ore thought to contain the element was found + -IUM]
Mat Bible Matthew
mat¹ (mæt) •n. 1 a flat, coarse fabric made of woven or plaited hemp, straw, rope, rushes, etc., often used as a floor covering 2 a piece of this or of corrugated rubber, cocoa fiber, etc., used variously as a DOORMAT, BATHMAT, or removable floor covering for a car 3 a) a flat piece of cloth, woven straw, etc., put under a vase, dish, or the like, or used as an ornament, as on a table b) a pad, as of rubber or plastic, used to protect the surface of an oven, sink, etc. 4 a thickly padded floor covering, esp. one used in a gymnasium for tumbling, wrestling, etc. 5 anything densely interwoven or felted, or growing in a thick tangle {a mat of hair} 6 Naut. a thick web of rope yarn, used to protect rigging from wear •vt. mat´ted, mat´ting 1 to cover with or as with a mat or mats 2 to interweave, felt, or tangle together into a thick mass •vi. to be interwoven, felted, or tangled together into a thick mass go to the mat [Colloq.] to engage in a struggle or dispute [< n. 4 as used in wrestling] [ME matte < OE meatt < LL matta (> Ger matte) < Phoen word akin to Heb mittāh, a cover]
mat² (mæt) •adj. MATTE² •n. [Fr] 1 MATTE² 2 a border, as of cardboard or cloth, put around a picture, either as the frame or, usually, between the picture and the frame •vt. mat´ted, mat´ting 1 to produce a dull surface or finish on (metal, glass, etc.) 2 to frame (a picture) with a mat [Fr < OFr mat, defeated, exhausted, prob. < L mattus, drunk < madidus, soaked, drunk < madere, to be drenched, drunk < IE base *mad-, to be wet, drip, juicy, fat > MAST², MEAT]
mat³ (mæt) •n. a matrix; printing mold
Matabele (mæt'э bi:´li:) pl. -be´le •n.or -be´les a member of a Zulu tribe driven out of the Transvaal by the Boers in 1837 into Rhodesia [< Zulu name, lit., vanishing (or hidden) people: from hiding behind large leather shields in battle]
Matadi (mä tä´di:) main port of Zaire, on the Congo River: pop. 162,000
matador (mæt´э dör') •n. a bullfighter whose specialty is killing the bull with a sword thrust at the end of a bullfight after performing a series of formalized actions with a cape to anger and tire the animal [Sp, lit., killer < matar, to kill < mate, checkmate < Ar māt < Pers: see CHECKMATE]
Matamoros (mä'tä mô´řôs; E mæt'э mör´эs) city in NE Mexico, on the Rio Grande, opposite Brownsville, Tex.: pop. 239,000
Matanzas (mэ tæn´zэs; Sp mä tän´säs) seaport on the NW coast of Cuba: pop. 103,000
Matapan (mæt´э pæn'), Cape promontory of the S Peloponnesus, Greece
match play 1 play in a match, as in tennis, etc. 2 Golf a form of competitive play in which the score is calculated by counting holes won rather than strokes taken: distinguished from MEDAL PLAY
match point the final point needed to win the match, as in tennis
match¹ (mæch) •n. 1 orig., a wick or cord prepared to burn at a uniform rate, used for firing guns or explosives 2 a slender piece of wood, cardboard, waxed cord, etc. tipped with a composition that catches fire by friction, sometimes only when rubbed on a specially prepared surface [ME macche < OFr mesche, wick of a candle, match < VL *micca, prob. altered (by assoc. with muccare, to snuff a candle, orig., to blow one's nose < L mucus, MUCUS) < L myxa < Gr, lamp wick, lit., nasal discharge, akin to L mucus]
match² (mæch) •n. 1 any person or thing equal or similar to another in some way; specif., a) a person, group, or thing able to cope with or oppose another as an equal in power, size, etc.; peer b) a counterpart or facsimile c) either of two corresponding things or persons; one of a pair 2 two or more persons or things that go together in appearance, size, or other quality; pair {a purse and shoes that are a good match} 3 a contest or game involving two or more contestants 4 a) an agreement to marry or mate b) a marriage or mating {to make a good match} 5 a person regarded as a suitable or possible mate •vt. 1 to join in marriage; get a (suitable) match for; mate 2 a) [Now Rare] to meet as an antagonist b) to compete with successfully 3 to put in opposition (with); pit (against) 4 to be equal, similar, suitable, or corresponding to in some way {his looks match his character} 5 to make, show, produce, or get a competitor, counterpart, or equivalent to {to match a piece of cloth} 6 to suit or fit (one thing) to another 7 to fit (things) together; make similar or corresponding 8 to compare Æ 9 a) to flip or reveal (coins) as a form of gambling or to decide something contested, the winner being determined by the combination of faces thus exposed b) to match coins with (another person), usually betting that the same faces will be exposed •vi. 1 to be equal, similar, suitable, or corresponding in some way 2 [Obs.] to mate match´a·ble •adj. match´er •n. [ME macche < OE (ge)mæcca, one suited to another, mate < base of macian, to MAKE¹]
matchboard (-börd') •n. any of a number of identical boards with a tongue formed along one edge and a groove cut along the other so that the tongue of one can be fitted into the groove of the next, as in making floors Also matched board
matchbook (-buk') •n. Æ a folder of book matches
matchbox (-bäks') •n. a small box for holding matches
matched order 1 the pairing of an order to buy stock with an order to sell stock by member brokers on the stock exchange 2 WASH SALE
matchless (mæch´lis) •adj. having no equal; peerless match´less·ly •adv. match´less·ness •n.
matchlock (mæch´läk') •n. 1 an old type of gunlock in which the charge of powder was ignited by a slow-burning match (wick or cord) 2 a musket with such a gunlock
matchmaking¹ (-meik'iŋ) •n. the work or business of making matches (for burning) match´mak'er •n.
matchmaking² (-meik'iŋ) •n. 1 the act or occupation of arranging marriages for others 2 the arranging of wrestling or boxing matches, etc. match´mak'er •n.
matchmark (-märk') •n. a mark put on parts, as of a machine, to distinguish them as an aid in assembling •vt. to put such a mark on
matchstick (-stik') •n. 1 the thin piece of wood, cardboard, etc. of a match 2 something thin like this
matchup (mæch´ûp') •n. a direct pitting of two players on opposing teams, as in basketball, against each other
matchwood (-wud') •n. 1 wood for making matches 2 very small pieces; splinters
maté (mä´tei', mæ´-) •n. 1 a beverage made from the dried leaves of a South American evergreen tree (Ilex paraguariensis) of the holly family 2 this tree 3 the dried leaves of this tree Also sp. mate [AmSp mate < Quechua mati, calabash: in allusion to the gourd in which it is steeped]
mate¹ (meit) •n. 1 a companion, comrade, or fellow worker: often used in compounds [classmate] and, among sailors, British workingmen, etc., as a familiar form of address 2 one of a pair, esp. of a matched pair 3 a) a husband or wife; spouse b) the male or female of animals paired for propagation 4 [Archaic] an equal; fit associate 5 Naut. a) an officer of a merchant ship, ranking below the captain; specif., FIRST MATE b) an assistant: in the U.S. Navy, mate is used in the designators of certain petty officers and ratings, as machinist's mate, boatswain's mate •vt. mat´ed, mat´ing 1 to join as a pair; couple 2 to couple in marriage or sexual union 3 to provide with a mate •vi. to become mated [ME < MDu, a companion < gemate < Gmc *gamatan < *ga-, together (for IE base see COM-) + *mad-, food, MEAT: hence, orig., one who share meals: cf. COMPANION¹]
mate² (meit) mat´ed, mat´ing •n., interj., vt. CHECKMATE [ME mat < OFr: see CHECKMATE]
matelassé (mæt'lэ sei´, mæt'ªl э-) •adj. having a surface with a raised design; embossed: said of fabrics •n. a fabric with such a surface [Fr, pp. of matelasser, to stuff, pad < matelas, var. of materas, MATTRESS]
matelote (mæt´ªl out') •n. stewed fish in a sauce of wine, oil, onions, mushrooms, etc. [Fr < matelot, sailor < MFr matenot, prob. < ON motunautr, mate, companion < Gmc *mad-, food, MEAT + *ganauta < *ga- (see MATE¹) + *nauta, fellow: for IE base see NEAT²]
mater (meit´эr, mät´-) •n. [Colloq., Chiefly Brit.] mother: often preceded by the [L, MOTHER¹]
materfamilias (-fэ mil´i: эs) •n. the mother of a family; woman head of a household [L]
materia medica (mэ tir´i: э med´i kэ) 1 the drugs and other remedial substances used in medicine 2 the branch of medical science that deals with such substances, their uses, etc. [ML < L materia, MATTER + medica, fem. of medicus, MEDICAL]
material (mэ tir´i: эl) •adj. 1 of matter; of substance; relating to or consisting of what occupies space; physical {a material object, material forces} 2 a) of the body or bodily needs, satisfactions, etc.; corporeal, sensual, or sensuous {material pleasures} b) of or fond of comfort, pleasure, wealth, etc. rather than spiritual or intellectual values; worldly {material success} 3 important, essential, or pertinent (to the matter under discussion) 4 Law important enough to affect the outcome of a case, the validity of a legal instrument, etc. {a material witness} 5 Philos. of the content or substance of reasoning, as distinguished from the formal element •n. 1 what a thing is, or may be, made of; constituent substance; elements, parts, or constituents {raw material} 2 ideas, notes, sketches, etc., that may be worked up or elaborated; data 3 cloth or other fabric 4 [pl.] implements, articles, etc. needed to make or do something {writing materials} SYN.—material is applied to anything that is formed of matter and has substance [material objects, possessions, etc.]; physical applies either to material things as they are perceivable by the senses or to forces that are scientifically measurable [the physical world, the physical properties of sound]; corporeal applies only to such material objects as have bodily form and are tangible [corporeal property]; sensible is specifically applied to anything that can be known through the senses rather than through the intellect [a sensible phenomenon] —ANT. spiritual, mental, psychical [LL materialis < L materia, MATTER]
materialism (mэ tir´i: эl iz'эm) •n. 1 a) the philosophic doctrine that matter is the only reality and that everything in the world, including thought, will, and feeling, can be explained only in terms of matter (opposed to IDEALISM) b) the doctrine that comfort, pleasure, and wealth are the only or highest goals or values 2 the tendency to be more concerned with material than with spiritual or intellectual goals or values [Fr matérialisme]
materialist (-ist) •n. 1 a person who believes in MATERIALISM 2 a person characterized by MATERIALISM (sense 2) •adj. of materialism or materialists ma·te'ri·al·is´tic •adj. ma·te'ri·al·is´ti·cal·ly •adv.
materiality (mэ tir'i: æl´э ti:) •n. 1 the state or quality of being material, or physical 2 matter; substance 3 pl. -ties something material [ML materialitas]
materialize (mэ tir´i: эl aiz') -ized', -iz'ing •vt. 1 to give material form or characteristics to; represent in material form 2 to make (a spirit, etc.) appear in bodily form 3 to make materialistic •vi. 1 to become fact; develop into something real or tangible; be realized {a plan that never materialized} 2 to take on, or appear in, bodily form: said of spirits, etc. 3 to appear suddenly or unexpectedly ma·te'ri·al·i·za´tion •n.
materially (mэ tir´i: эl i:) •adv. 1 with regard to the matter, substance, or content, and not the form 2 with regard to material objects, interests, etc.; physically 3 to a great extent; substantially; considerably
materiel or matériel (mэ tir'i: el´, -tir´i: эl') •n. materials and tools necessary to any work, enterprise, etc.; specif., weapons, equipment, supplies, etc. of armed forces: distinguished from PERSONNEL [Fr matériel: see MATERIAL]
maternal (mэ tør´nэl) •adj. 1 of, like, or characteristic of a mother or motherhood; motherly 2 derived, received, or inherited from a mother 3 related through the mother's side of the family {maternal grandparents} ma·ter´nal·ly •adv. [ME < MFr maternel < L maternus < mater, MOTHER¹]
maternity (mэ tør´nэ ti:) pl. -ties •n. 1 the state of being a mother; motherhood 2 the character or qualities of a mother; motherliness 3 a maternity ward in a hospital •adj. 1 for a woman when pregnant or around the time of giving birth {maternity dress, maternity leave} 2 for the care of women giving birth and of newborn babies {a maternity ward} [Fr maternité < ML maternitas < L maternus, MATERNAL]
matey (meit´i:) •adj. [Brit. Colloq.] friendly; companionable •n. [Brit. Colloq.] a chum [MATE¹ + -Y³]
math abbrev. 1 mathematical 2 mathematician 3 mathematics math (mæθ) •n. [Colloq.] short for MATHEMATICS
mathematical (mæθ'э mæt´i kэl) •adj. 1 of, having the nature of, or concerned with mathematics 2 rigorously exact, precise, accurate, etc. Also math'e·mat´ic math'e·mat´i·cal·ly •adv. [ML mathematicalis < L mathematicus < Gr mathēmatikos, inclined to learn, mathematical < mathēma, what is learned < manthanein, to learn < IE *mendh-, to pay attention to, be alert (> Avestan mazdā, memory, Ger munter, cheerful) < base *men-, to think > MIND]
mathematical logic SYMBOLIC LOGIC
mathematician (mæθ'э mэ tish´эn; often mæθ'mэ-) •n. an expert or specialist in mathematics [ME mathematicion < MFr mathematicien]
mathematics (mæθ'э mæt´iks) •n.pl. [with sing. v.] the group of sciences (including arithmetic, geometry, algebra, calculus, etc.) dealing with quantities, magnitudes, and forms, and their relationships, attributes, etc., by the use of numbers and symbols [see MATHEMATICAL & -ICS]
Mather (mæθ´эr, mæθ-) 1 Cot·ton (kät´ªn) 1663-1728; Am. clergyman & writer 2 In·crease (in´kri:s') 1639-1723; Am. clergyman & writer: father of Cotton
Mathews (mæθ´yu:z'), Mit·ford M(cLeod) (mit´fэrd) 1891-1985; U.S. lexicographer & educator
maths (mæθs) •n. [Brit. Colloq.] short for MATHEMATICS
Mathura (mût´u rэ) city in N India, in Uttar Pradesh, on the Jumna River: sacred Hindu city, reputed birthplace of Krishna: pop. 159,000
Matilda or Mathilda (mэ til´dэ) a feminine name: dim. Mattie, Matty, Maud, Tilda, Tilly [ML Matilda, Mathildis < OHG Mahthilda < maht, might, power + hiltia, battle; hence, lit., powerful (in) battle]
matin (mæt´ªn) •n. 1 [often M-] [pl., usually with sing. v.] a) R.C.Ch. the first of the seven canonical hours, orig. recited between midnight and dawn, but often at daybreak, usually joined with lauds (matins is now called the Office of Readings) b) Anglican Ch. MORNING PRAYER 2 [Old Poet.] a morning song, esp. of birds •adj. 1 of matins 2 of morning mat´in·al •adj. [Early ME matyn < OFr matin, pl. matines < ML(Ec) matutinae (vigiliae), morning (watches) < L matutinus, of the morning, after Matuta, goddess of dawn: see MATURE]
matinee idol an actor whose looks and manner make him popular with women theatergoers