shutter (shût´эr) •n. 1 a person or thing that shuts 2 a movable screen or cover for a window, usually hinged and often fitted with louvers 3 anything used to cover an opening, as a slide or door on a lantern 4 Photog. a device that controls the duration of an exposure by opening and closing, allowing light to reach the film or plate for a specified amount of time •vt. to close or furnish with a shutter or shutters

shutterbug (-bûg') •n. [Slang] a person whose hobby is photography [SHUTTER (n. 4) + BUG¹]

shuttle (shût´ªl) •n. 1 a) an instrument containing a reel or spool of the woof thread, used in weaving to carry the thread back and forth between the warp threads b) a smaller but similar thread holder used in tatting, etc. c) a device that carries the lower thread back and forth in making a lock stitch on a sewing machine d) any of several devices having a similar to-and-fro action Æ 2 a) a traveling back and forth over an often short route, as by an airplane, train, bus, etc. {kept the planes in a 24-hour shuttle} b) the route so traveled c) a shuttle service offered by an airline, esp. one for which reservations are not required {the New York-Washington shuttle} d) an airplane, train, bus, etc. used in a shuttle 3 SPACE SHUTTLE 4 short for SHUTTLECOCK •vt., vi. -tled, -tling 1 to move or go back and forth rapidly or frequently Æ 2 to move or go by or as by means of a shuttle [ME schutylle < OE scytel, missile < base of sceotan, to SHOOT: so called because shot to and fro with the thread in weaving]

shuttle diplomacy diplomacy between hostile countries or groups conducted by a mediator who travels back and forth between the parties involved

shuttlecock (-käk') •n. 1 a rounded piece of cork having a flat end stuck with feathers: it is struck back and forth across a net with rackets in playing badminton or with paddles in battledore and shuttlecock 2 the game of battledore and shuttlecock: cf. BATTLEDORE •vt., vi. to go, send, or bandy back and forth

shy¹ (shai) shy´er or shi´er, shy´est or shi´est •adj. 1 easily frightened or startled; timid 2 not at ease with other people; extremely self-conscious; bashful 3 showing distrust or caution; wary 4 not bearing or breeding well, as some plants; unproductive Æ 5 [Slang] a) not having paid money due, as one's poker ante b) lacking; short (on or of) •vi. shied, shy´ing 1 to move suddenly as when startled; jump; start; recoil {the horse shied at the gunshot} 2 to react negatively; be or become cautious or unwilling; draw back: often with at or from •n. pl. shies an act of shying; start, as of a horse fight shy of to keep from; avoid; evade shy´er •n. shy´ly •adv. shy´ness •n. SYN.—shy implies a shrinking from the notice of others and a reticence in approaching them, either as an inherent trait or as resulting from inexperience; bashful implies such shyness as is displayed in awkward behavior and embarrassed timidity; diffident implies a self-distrust and lack of self-confidence that makes one reluctant to assert oneself; modest implies an unassuming manner in one who, because of ability, achievements, etc., might be expected to assert himself or herself strongly; demure, in current usage, suggests a decorously modest manner, often one that is affectedly so —ANT. bold, confident [ME schei, dial. development < OE sceoh, akin to Ger scheu, shy, prob. < IE *skeuk-, harassed (> OSlav ščuti, to pursue); akin to *skeub- > SCOFF¹]

shy² (shai) shied, shy´ing •vt., vi. to throw or fling, esp. sideways with a jerk {shying stones at a target} •n. pl. shies 1 the act of shying; fling 2 [Colloq.] a try or attempt 3 [Colloq.] a gibe [< ?]

Shylock (shai´läk') the Jewish moneylender in Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice •n. 1 [s-] a person who is without pity in business dealings; exacting creditor 2 [Slang] LOAN SHARK

shyster (shai´stэr) •n. [Slang] a person, esp. a lawyer, who uses unethical or tricky methods; pettifogger [earlier shuyster, prob. altered < Ger scheisser, defecator]

Si Chem. symbol for silicon SI International System of weights and measures, using the metric system augmented by scientific units used in technology [Fr S(ystème) I(nternationale)] Si (shi:) old form of XI si (si:) •n. Music TI¹: see also SOLFEGGIO [< ML S(ancte) I(ohannes): see GAMUT]

sí (si:) •adv. yes [Sp]

sì (si:) •adv. yes [It]

sial (sai´æl') •n. Geol. the light, granitic rock material near the surface of the earth's crust, underlying the continents si·al´ic •adj. [SI(LICON) + AL(UMINUM)]

sialagogue (sai æl´э gäg') •n. any substance that stimulates the flow of saliva si·al'a·gog´ic (-gä´jik) •adj. [ModL sialagogus < Gr sialon, saliva + ModL -agogus, -AGOGUE]

sialid (sai´э lid) •adj. of an alderfly •n. an alderfly Also si·al·i·dan (sai æl´i dэn) [< ModL Sialidae < Gr sialis, a kind of bird]

Sialkot (si: äl´kout) city in the Punjab region of NE Pakistan: pop. 296,000

sialoid (sai´э loid') •adj. resembling saliva [< Gr sialon, saliva + -OID]

Siam (sai æm´) 1 old name of THAILAND 2 Gulf of old name of Gulf of THAILAND

siamang (si:´э mæŋ') •n. a very agile, black gibbon (Symphalangus syndactylus) of the Malay Peninsula and Sumatra [Malay]

Siamese (sai'э mi:z´, -mi:s´) pl. Si'a·mese´ •n. 1 old name for THAI 2 any of a breed of domestic cat, thought to have originated in Siam, with blue eyes and a light-colored coat that is darker on the face, ears, legs, and tail •adj. 1 old name for THAI 2 [also s-] designating or of a pipe coupling or joint in the form of a Y, for joining two pipes or hoses to one pipe [< SIAMESE TWINS]

Siamese twins any pair of twins born with bodies joined together in some way [after such a pair of twins, Chang and Eng (1811-1874), of Siam]

Sian (shi:´än´) old form of XI'AN

Siang (shyäŋ) old form of XIANG

sib (sib) •n. 1 blood relatives; kin 2 a blood relative; kinsman or kinswoman; esp., a brother or sister 3 Anthrop. a group of persons tracing their descent unilineally from a traditional or actual common ancestor 4 Zool. any of the offspring of the same parents in relation to one another •adj. related by blood; akin [ME sibb < OE, kinsman, kinship, akin to Ger sippe, kinship < IE *s(w)ebh-, of the same kind (> OHG Swaba, Swabian) < base *se-, apart > L se]

Sibelius (si bei´li: us; E sэ beil´yэs), Jean (zhän) (born Johan Julius Christian Sibelius) 1865-1957; Finn. composer

Siberia (sai bir´i: э) region in N Asia, between the Urals & the Pacific: Asian section of Russia: c. 5,000,000 sq. mi. (12,950,000 sq. km) Si·ber´i·an •adj., n.

Siberian husky any of a breed of medium-sized dog, originating in Siberia, with erect ears and a soft, thick coat, used especially for pulling sleds [see HUSKY¹]

sibilant (sib´эl эnt) •adj. 1 having or making a hissing sound 2 Phonet. articulated with such a sound, as (s), (z), (sh), (zh), (ch), and (j) •n. a sibilant consonant: a type of fricative sib´i·lance or sib´i·lan·cy, pl. -cies, •n. sib´i·lant·ly •adv. [L sibilans < sibilare, to hiss]

sibilate (-eit') -lat'ed, -lat'ing •vt., vi. to hiss, or pronounce with a hissing sound sib'i·la´tion •n. [< L sibilatus, pp.: see SIBILANT]

Sibiu (si: byu:´) city in central Romania: pop. 160,000

sibling (sib´liŋ) •n. one of two or more persons born of the same parents or, sometimes, having one parent in common; brother or sister [20th-c. revival of OE, a relative: see SIB & -LING¹]

sibyl (sib´эl) •n. 1 any of certain women consulted as prophetesses by the ancient Greeks and Romans 2 a fortuneteller [ME sibille < L sibylla < Gr] Sibyl (sib´эl) a feminine name [L Sibylla: see SIBYL]

sibylline (sib´эl ain', -i:n', -in) •adj. of or like the sibyls; prophetic Also si·byl´ic or si·byl·lic (si bil´ik) [L sibyllinus]

Sibylline Books a number of oracular manuscripts consulted regularly by the ancient Romans and thought to have been written by the sibyl of Cumae

sic (sik, si:k) •adv. thus; so: used within brackets, [sic], to show that a quoted passage, esp. one containing some error or something questionable, is precisely reproduced [L]

sic passim (sik pæs´im) thus throughout (the book, etc.): said of a word, phrase, etc. [L, so everywhere]

sic transit gloria mundi (sik træn´sit glör´i: э mûn´di:) thus passes away worldly glory [L]

sic¹ (sik) •adj. Scot. var. of SUCH

sic² (sik) sicced or sicked, sic´cing or sick´ing •vt. 1 to set upon; pursue and attack: said esp. of or to a dog 2 to urge or incite to attack {to sic a dog on someone} [var. of SEEK]

siccative (sik´э tiv) •adj. causing to dry; drying •n. a substance that promotes drying, esp. a DRIER (sense 1) [LL siccativus < L siccatus, pp. of siccare: see DESICCATE]

Sichuan (si:´chwän´) province of SC China: 219,691 sq. mi. (569,000 sq. km); pop. 99,700,000; cap. Chengdu

Sicilia (si: chi:l´yä) It. name of SICILY

Sicilian (si sil´yэn, -i: эn) •adj. of Sicily, its people, their dialect, etc. •n. 1 a native or inhabitant of Sicily 2 the Italian dialect of the Sicilians

Sicilies , Two see TWO SICILIES

Sicily (sis´эl i:) 1 island of Italy, off its S tip 2 region of Italy, comprising this island & small nearby islands: 9,926 sq. mi. (25,709 sq. km); pop. 4,907,000; cap. Palermo

sick bay a hospital and dispensary, esp. on board ship

sick call Mil. 1 a daily formation made up of personnel who wish to receive medical attention 2 a signal for or the time of such a formation

sick headache 1 any headache accompanied by or resulting from nausea 2 MIGRAINE

sick leave leave from work granted for illness, often with pay (sick pay), for a limited number of days

sick¹ (sik) •adj. 1 suffering from disease or illness; unwell; ill: in this sense, now rare or literary in England 2 having nausea; vomiting or about to vomit: the predominant sense in England 3 characteristic of or accompanying sickness {a sick expression} 4 of or for sick people {sick leave} 5 deeply disturbed or distressed; extremely upset, as by grief, disappointment, disgust, failure, etc. 6 disgusted by reason of excess; annoyed or exasperated: usually with of {sick of such excuses}: often sick and tired 7 in poor condition; impaired; unsound 8 having a great longing or nostalgia (for) {sick for the hills} 9 of sickly color; pale 10 having a discharge of the menses; menstruating 11 mentally ill or emotionally disturbed 12 [Colloq.] sadistic, morbid, or abnormally unwholesome {a sick joke} Æ 13 Agric. a) incapable of producing an adequate yield of a certain crop {wheatsick soil} b) infested with harmful microorganisms {a sick field} the sick sick or ill people collectively SYN.—sick and ill both express the idea of being in bad health, affected with disease, etc. (for differences in American and British usage, see definition above), but sick is more commonly used than ill, which is somewhat formal [he's a sick person; he is sick, or ill, with the flu]; ailing usually suggests prolonged or even chronic poor health [she has been ailing ever since her operation]; indisposed suggests a slight, temporary illness or feeling of physical discomfort [indisposed with a headache] —ANT. well, healthy [ME sik, seke < OE seoc, akin to Ger siech < IE base *seug-, to be troubled or grieved > Arm hiucanim, (I) am weakening]

sick² (sik) •vt. alt. sp. of SIC²

sickbed (sik´bed') •n. the bed to which a sick person is confined [ME seke bed]

sicken (sik´эn) •vt., vi. to make or become sick, ill, disgusted, distressed, etc. sick´en·er •n. [ME sekenen]

sickening (-iŋ) •adj. 1 causing sickness or nausea 2 disgusting or revolting sick´en·ing·ly •adv.

Sickert (sik´эrt), Walter Richard 1860-1942; Brit. painter & etcher

sickie (sik´i:) •n. [Slang] a sick person, esp. one who is emotionally disturbed, sadistic, etc.

sickish (sik´ish) •adj. 1 somewhat sick or nauseated 2 somewhat sickening or nauseating sick´ish·ly •adv.

sickle (sik´эl) •n. a cutting tool consisting of a crescent-shaped blade with a short handle: used for cutting down tall grasses and weeds [ME sikel < OE sicol (akin to Ger sichel) < early WGmc borrowing < L secula < secare, to cut: see SAW¹]

sickle bar a mowing device, as in a harvesting machine, consisting of a heavy bar which supports and protects the cutting blade or blades

sickle cell anemia an inherited chronic anemia found chiefly among blacks, characterized by an abnormal red blood cell (sickle cell) containing a defective form of hemoglobin that causes the cell to become sickle-shaped when deprived of oxygen Also sickle cell disease

sickle cell trait the heterozygous condition of having one gene for sickle cell hemoglobin and one for normal hemoglobin: ordinarily this does not cause anemia or sicklemia

sickle feather any long, curving feather, as in the tail of a rooster

sicklebill (-bil') •n. any bird with a sharply curved bill resembling a sickle, as a curlew or thrasher

sicklemia (sik li:´mi: э, sik'эl i:´-) •n. the presence of sickle cells in the blood, with or without accompanying anemia [SICKLE (CELL) + -(E)MIA]

sickly (sik´li:) -li·er, -li·est •adj. 1 in poor health; chronically sick or prone to sickness; not strong or robust 2 of or produced by sickness {a sickly pallor} 3 characterized by the prevalence of disease or sickness; unhealthful 4 sickening; nauseating {a sickly odor} 5 faint; feeble {a sickly light} 6 weak; mawkish {a sickly smile} •adv. in a sick manner: also sick´li·ly (-lэ li:) •vt. -lied, -ly·ing to make sickly, as in color sick´li·ness •n. [ME sekly]

sickness (-nis) •n. 1 the condition of being sick or diseased; illness 2 a malady or disease 3 nausea

sicko (sik´ou) pl. sick´os •n. [Slang] SICKIE

sickout (-aut') •n. a joint action by a group of employees claiming illness and not reporting for work in order to force the granting of certain demands; esp., such an action by a group forbidden by law to strike

sickroom (-ru:m') •n. the room to which a sick person is confined

Siddhartha (sid där´tэ) see BUDDHA

Siddons (sid´ªnz), Sarah (born Sarah Kemble) 1755-1831; Eng. actress

siddur (sid´эr) pl. -durs or sid·du·rim (si dur´im) •n. the Jewish prayer book that contains the daily and Sabbath liturgy: cf. MAHZOR [Yidd sider < MHeb sidur, shortening of Heb sefer sidur hatefila, lit., book of the order of prayer < root sdr: see SEDER]

side (said) •n. 1 the right or left half of a human or animal body, esp. either half of the trunk 2 a position or space beside one 3 a) any of the lines or surfaces that bound or limit something {a square has four sides, a cube six} b) any bounding line or surface of an object other than the ends or top and bottom c) either of the two bounding surfaces of an object that are distinguished from the front, back, top, and bottom 4 either of the two surfaces of a thing having no appreciable thickness, as paper, cloth, etc. 5 a surface or part of a surface having a specified aspect {the visible side of the moon} 6 any aspect or phase as contrasted with another or others {his cruel side} 7 either of the two lateral surfaces of a ship from stem to stern above the waterline 8 a slope of a hill, bank, etc. 9 the shore of a river or other body of water 10 any location, area, space, direction, etc. with reference to its position in relation to an observer or to a central part, point, or line 11 the action, position, or attitude of one person or faction opposing another {my side of the argument} 12 one of the parties in a contest, conflict, etc.; faction 13 either of the longitudinal halves of an animal carcass processed for use as meat 14 line of descent through either parent; maternal or paternal lineage 15 any of the pages containing an actor's lines and cues for a role in a play 16 [Brit., etc. (exc. Cdn.) Slang] a conceited or pretentious manner 17 [Brit., etc. (exc. Cdn.)] Billiards ENGLISH (n. 6) •adj. 1 of, at, or on a side or sides {a side door} 2 to or from one side {a side glance} 3 made, done, happening, etc. on the side, or incidentally {a side effect} 4 not of primary importance; secondary {a side issue} Æ 5 ordered separately, along with the main dish {a side order of cole slaw} •vt. sid´ed, sid´ing to furnish with sides or siding Æ on the side in addition to the main thing, part, course, etc. side by side 1 beside each other 2 in close companionship; together side with to support (one of opposing parties, factions, etc.) take sides to support one of the parties in a discussion, dispute, etc. [ME < OE sīde, akin to Ger seite, side, OE sīd, ample, broad < IE base *sē(i)-, to throw, let fall, reach for, let go, rest > SOW²]

side arms weapons of the kind that may be worn at the side or at the waist, as sword, dagger, pistol, etc.

side chain Chem. a chain of atoms attached to a closed chain

side chair a chair without arms, usually one of a set used at a dining table

side check a checkrein passing back to the saddle from the side of a horse's head

side dish any food served along with the main course, usually in a separate dish

side meat [Dial.] meat from the side of a pig; specif., bacon or salt pork

side step a step to one side, as to avoid something, or a step taken sideways

side whiskers whiskers growing at the side of the face

sidearm (-ärm') •adj., adv. with a sweeping forward motion of the arm from the side of the body at or below shoulder level {a sidearm pitch}

sideband (-bænd') •n. Radio the frequency or frequencies on either side of a carrier frequency that are generated by the process of modulation of the carrier

sidebar (-bär') •n. a short article dealing with a sidelight of a major news story and printed alongside it

sideboard (-börd') •n. 1 a piece of dining-room furniture for holding linen, silver, china, etc. 2 a board that forms or is part of a side {the sideboards of a wagon} 3 [pl.] Hockey the solid wooden fence surrounding the rink

sideburns (-børnz') •n.pl. 1 BURNSIDES 2 the hair on a man's face, just in front of the ears, esp. when the rest of the beard is cut off [reversed < BURNSIDES]

sidecar (-kär') •n. 1 a small car attached to the side of a motorcycle, for carrying a passenger Æ 2 a cocktail of brandy, an orange-flavored liqueur, and lemon juice

-sided (said´id) combining form having (a specified number or kind of) sides {six-sided}

sidekick (said´kik') •n. [Slang] 1 a companion; close friend 2 a partner; confederate

sidelight (said´lait') •n. 1 a light coming from the side 2 a bit of incidental knowledge or information on a subject 3 a window or opening in or at the side of a wall, door, etc. 4 a lamp or light carried on the side of a ship or boat, a red one on the port side and a green one on the starboard

sideline (said´lain') •n. a line at or along the side; specif., a) either of two lines marking the side limits of a playing area, as in football or tennis b) [pl.] the areas just outside these lines c) a small line branching off the main line, as of a railroad, pipeline, etc. Æ d) a line, as of merchandise or work, in addition to one's main line •vt. -lined', -lin'ing Æ to remove from active participation {sidelined by an injury} Æ on the sidelines 1 in the area along the sidelines 2 outside the main sphere of action 3 not actively participating side´lin'er •n.

sideling (said´liŋ) •adv. sidelong; sideways; obliquely •adj. 1 directed or moving to the side {a stealthy, sideling approach} 2 inclined; sloping [ME sydelinge: see SIDE & -LING²]

sidelong (said´löŋ') •adv. 1 toward the side; laterally; obliquely 2 on the side; side downward •adj. 1 inclined; slanting; sloping 2 directed to the side, as a glance 3 indirect; subtle or devious {a sidelong remark} [altered (based on ALONG) < prec.]

sideman (said´mæn') pl. -men' (-men') •n. a member of a jazz or dance band other than the leader or a featured soloist [as distinguished from the front man, or leader]

sidepiece (said´pi:s') •n. a piece forming or attached to the side of something

sidereal (sai dir´i: эl) •adj. 1 of or pertaining to the stars 2 expressed in reference to the stars si·de´re·al·ly •adv. [< L sidereus < sidus (gen. sideris), a star < IE base *sweid-, to gleam > Lith svidù, to gleam]

sidereal day the time between two successive passages of the vernal equinox across the meridian: it measures one rotation of the earth and equals 23 hours, 56 minutes, 4.1 seconds of mean solar time

sidereal month the time required for the moon to complete one revolution around the earth with respect to a fixed star: its average value is 27.32 days of mean solar time

sidereal time 1 time measured by the sidereal day: it is divided into the sidereal hour (¹/24 of a sidereal day), the sidereal minute (¹/60 of a sidereal hour), and the sidereal second (¹/60 of a sidereal minute) 2 the hour angle of the vernal equinox

sidereal year see YEAR (sense 3)

siderite (sid´эr ait') •n. 1 a valuable ore of iron, FeCO3, iron carbonate, usually yellowish to light-brown 2 [Obs.] a meteorite consisting chiefly of iron sid'er·it´ic (-rit´ik) •adj. [Ger siderit < L siderites, lodestone < Gr sideritēs < sidēros, iron: Early ModE siderite, lodestone < L]

sidero-¹ (sid´эr ou, -э) combining form iron {siderolite} Also, before a vowel, sider- [< Gr sidēros]

sidero-² (sid´эr ou, -э) combining form star {sideromancy} Also, before a vowel, sider- [< L sidus: see SIDEREAL]

siderolite (sid´эr э lait') •n. [Obs.] any meteorite containing large proportions of both iron and silicates [SIDERO-¹ + -LITE]

siderosis (sid'эr ou´sis) •n. any disease of the lungs caused by the inhaling of particles of iron or other metal sid'er·ot´ic (-rät´ik) •adj. [ModL: see SIDERO-¹ & -OSIS]

sidesaddle (said´sæd'ªl) •n. a saddle, designed esp. for women riders in skirts, upon which the rider sits with both legs on the same side of the animal •adv. on or as if on a sidesaddle

sideshow (-shou') •n. 1 a small, separate show in connection with the main show, as of a circus 2 something of minor importance; subordinate event

sideslip (-slip') -slipped', -slip'ping •vi. 1 to slip or skid sideways, as on skis 2 Aeron. to move in a sideslip •vt. to cause to sideslip •n. 1 a slip or skid to the side 2 Aeron. a) a lateral slide or yaw during flight, caused by crosswinds, etc. b) a downward, lateral slide during a sharp bank, caused by gravity (see SKID, vi. 4)

sidesplitting (-split'iŋ) •adj. 1 very hearty: said of laughter 2 causing hearty laughter {a sidesplitting comedy}

sidestep (-step') -stepped', -step'ping •vt. to avoid by or as by stepping aside; dodge {to sidestep a difficulty} •vi. to step to one side; take a side step or side steps

sidestroke (said´strouk') •n. a swimming stroke performed, while lying sideways in the water, by working the arms alternately backward and forward while executing a scissors kick with the legs

sideswipe (-swaip') -swiped', -swip'ing •vt. to hit along the side in passing •n. a glancing blow of this kind

sidetrack (-træk') •vt., vi. 1 to switch from a main line to a siding: said of a train, etc. 2 to turn away from the main issue or course; divert or be diverted •n. a railroad siding

sidewalk (-wök') •n. a path for pedestrians, usually paved, along the side of a street

sidewalk superintendent [Colloq.] an onlooker at a construction or demolition site

sidewall (-wöl') •n. the side of a tire between the tread and the bead

sideward (-wэrd) •adv., adj. directed or moving toward one side: also side´wards •adv.

sideways (-weiz') •adv. 1 from the side 2 so as to present a side; with one side forward 3 toward one side; laterally; obliquely •adj. turned or moving toward or from one side Also side´way' or side´wise' (-waiz')

side-wheel (said´hwi:l', -wi:l') •adj. designating a steamboat having a paddle wheel on each side side´-wheel'er •n.

sidewinder (said´wain'dэr) •n. Æ 1 a small desert rattlesnake (Crotalus cerastes) of the SW U.S. that moves over shifting sand by looping its body sideways 2 [Colloq.] a hard, swinging blow of the fist, delivered from the side Æ 3 [S-] an air-to-air missile that homes in on a target by a heat-seeking device

Sidi-bel-Abbès (si:´di: bel'ä bes´) city in NW Algeria, near Oran: pop. 187,000

siding (said´iŋ) •n. Æ 1 a covering for an outside wall, as of a frame building, consisting generally of overlapping shingles, boards, aluminum panels, etc. 2 a short railroad track connected with a main track by a switch and used for unloading, bypassing, etc.; sidetrack

sidle (said´ªl) -dled, -dling •vi. to move sideways, esp. in a shy or stealthy manner •vt. to make go sideways •n. a sidling movement [back-form. < SIDELING]

Sidney (sid´ni:) 1 a masculine or feminine name: dim. Sid 2 Sir Philip 1554-86; Eng. poet, soldier, & statesman [< the surname Sidney, prob. reduced < St. Denis]

Sidon (sai´dªn) chief city of ancient Phoenicia: site of modern SAIDA Si·do´ni·an (-dou´ni: эn) •adj., n. [L < Gr Sidōn < Heb tsidon or Pheon sdn, prob. < or akin to Sem root *syd, to hunt, fish]

Sidra (sid´rэ), Gulf of inlet of the Mediterranean, on the NC coast of Libya

SIDS SUDDEN INFANT DEATH SYNDROME

siècle (sye´klª) pl. -cles (-klª) •n. a century; era [Fr]

Sieg Heil (zi:k´ hail´) hail to victory: a Nazi salute [Ger]

siege (si:j) •n. 1 the encirclement of a fortified place by an opposing armed force intending to take it, usually by blockade and bombardment 2 any persistent attempt to gain control, overcome opposition, etc. Æ 3 a long, distressing or wearying period {a siege of illness} 4 [Obs.] a seat; throne [ME sege < OFr < VL *sedicum < *sedicare, to set < L sedere, to SIT] •vt. sieged, sieg´ing BESIEGE lay siege to to subject to a siege; attempt to win, gain, overcome, etc. [ME sege < OFr siege, aphetic < *assiege < VL *absedium, for L obsidium, siege, blockade, ambush < obsidere, to besiege < ob-, against + sedere, to SIT]

siege mentality a paranoid state of mind in which one feels under attack by hostile, usually external, forces

Siege Perilous Arthurian Legend a seat at the Round Table, fatal to any occupant except the knight destined to find the Holy Grail

Siegfried (sig´fri:d, si:g´-; Ger zi:k´fři:t') Gmc. Legend a hero who wins the treasure of the Nibelungs, kills a dragon, and helps Gunther win Brunhild for a wife [Ger < Gmc *segu-, power, victory + *frith-, peace, protection]

Siegfried line a system of heavy fortifications built before World War II on the W frontier of Germany

Siemens (si:´mэnz; Ger zi:´mэns), Sir William (born Karl Wilhelm von Siemens) 1823-83; Brit. engineer & inventor, born in Germany

Siena (si: en´э; It sye´nä) commune in Tuscany, central Italy: pop. 62,000 Si'en·ese´ (-э ni:z´, -ni:s´) •adj., n.

Sienkiewicz (shen kye´vich), Hen·ryk (hen´řik) 1846-1916; Pol. novelist

sienna (si: en´э) •n. 1 an earth pigment containing iron and manganese oxides, yellowish-brown in the natural state and reddish-brown when burnt: cf. BURNT SIENNA 2 either of these colors [It terra di Siena, lit., earth of SIENA, where first obtained]

sierra (si: er´э) •n. 1 a range of hills or mountains having a saw-toothed appearance from a distance 2 any of several marine scombroid fishes (genus Scomberomorus), valued for sport and as food [Sp < L serra, a saw]

Sierra Leone (si: er´э li: oun´) country in W Africa, on the Atlantic, between Guinea & Liberia: formerly a British colony, it became independent & a member of the Commonwealth (1961): a republic since 1971: 27,925 sq. mi. (72,326 sq. km); pop. 3,354,000; cap. Freetown

Sierra Madre (si: er´э mä´drei; Sp sye´řä mä´dře) mountain system of Mexico, consisting of three ranges bordering the central plateau: highest peak, Orizaba

Sierra Nevada (si: er´э nэ væd´э, -vä´dэ) mountain range in E Calif.: highest peak, Mt. Whitney: also the Sierras [Sp, lit., snowy range]

siesta (si: es´tэ) •n. a brief nap or rest taken after the noon meal, esp. in Spain and some Latin American countries [Sp < L sexta (hora), sixth (hour), noon]

sieur (syëř) •n. SIR: archaic Fr. title of respect [OFr, inflected form of sire, SIRE]

sieve (siv) •n. a utensil having many small meshed or perforated openings, used to strain solids from liquids, to separate fine particles of loose matter from coarser ones, etc.; sifter; strainer •vt., vi. sieved, siev´ing to put or pass through a sieve; sift [ME sive < OE sife, akin to Ger sieb < IE base *seip-, to drip > SEEP]

sieve tube Bot. a longitudinal tube in the phloem of flowering plants, consisting of a connected series of individual cells (sieve cells) and serving to conduct organic food materials through the plant

sift (sift) •vt. 1 to pass through a sieve so as to separate the coarse from the fine particles, or to break up lumps, as of flour 2 to scatter (a pulverized substance) by or as by the use of a sieve 3 to inspect or examine with care, as by testing or questioning; weigh (evidence, etc.) 4 to separate; screen; distinguish {to sift fact from fable} •vi. 1 to sift something 2 to pass through or as through a sieve sift´er •n. [ME siften < OE siftan < sife, SIEVE]

siftings (-iŋz) •n.pl. 1 something sifted or having fallen as if sifted {siftings of snow} 2 something removed by sifting; residue

sig 1 signal 2 signature

sig. label it or let it be labeled [L signa or signetur]

Sig. or Sig 1 Signor 2 Signore 3 Signori

sigh (sai) •vi. 1 to take in and let out a long, deep, audible breath, esp. in expressing sorrow, relief, fatigue, longing, etc. 2 to make a sound like that of a sigh {trees sighing in the wind} 3 to feel longing or grief; yearn or lament (for) •vt. 1 to express with a sigh 2 to spend in sighing {to sigh the day away} 3 [Rare] to lament with sighing •n. the act or sound of sighing sigh´er •n. [ME sighen, back-form. < sihten, pt. of siken < OE sican, to sigh: prob. echoic]

sight (sait) •n. 1 a) something seen; view b) a remarkable or spectacular view; spectacle c) a thing worth seeing (usually used in pl.) {the sights of the city} 2 the act of seeing; perception by the eyes 3 a view; look; glimpse 4 any of various devices used to aid the eyes in lining up a gun, optical instrument, etc. on its objective 5 aim or an observation taken with mechanical aid, as on a sextant or gun 6 the faculty or power of seeing; vision; eyesight 7 mental vision or perception 8 range or field of vision 9 mental view; opinion; judgment {a hero in our sight} 10 [Colloq.] any person or thing of a strikingly unpleasant or unusual appearance 11 [Dial.] a large amount; great deal {a sight better than fighting} 12 obs. var. of INSIGHT •vt. 1 to observe or examine by taking a sight 2 to catch sight of; see Æ 3 to bring into the sights of a rifle, etc.; aim at 4 a) to furnish with sights or a sighting device b) to adjust the sights of 5 to aim (a gun, etc.) using the sights •vi. 1 to take aim or an observation with a sight 2 to look carefully in a specified direction {sight along the line} •adj. 1 read, done, understood, etc. quickly and easily as soon as seen Æ 2 due or payable when presented {a sight draft} a sight for sore eyes [Colloq.] a person or thing that is pleasant to see; welcome sight at first sight when seen or considered for the first time at (or on) sight 1 when or as soon as seen 2 Commerce upon demand or presentation by sight by appearance; by recognizing but not through being acquainted catch sight of 1 to make out by means of the eyes; discern; see 2 to see briefly; glimpse lose sight of 1 to fail to keep in sight; see no longer 2 to fail to keep in mind; forget not by a long sight 1 not nearly 2 not at all out of sight 1 not in sight 2 far off; remote 3 [Colloq.] beyond reach; unattainable; extremely high, as in standards, price, etc. 4 [Slang] excellent; wonderful out of sight of 1 not in sight 2 not close or near to; remote from sight unseen without seeing (the thing mentioned) beforehand [ME siht < OE (ge)siht < base of seon, to SEE¹]

sight gag a bit of comic business, as on the stage, whose effect depends on action rather than speech

sight reading the act or skill of performing unfamiliar written music, or of translating something written in a foreign language, readily on sight, without previous study sight´-read' •vt., vi. sight reader

sighted (-id) •adj. 1 having sight; not blind 2 having (a specified kind of) sight: used in combination {farsighted}

sighting (-iŋ) •n. an observation, often of something rare or unusual

sightless (-lis) •adj. 1 blind 2 unseen; invisible sight´less·ly •adv. sight´less·ness •n.

sightline (-lain') •n. any of the straight lines of unimpeded vision from various points in a theater to the stage

sightly (-li:) -li·er, -li·est •adj. 1 pleasant to the sight; comely 2 providing a fine view sight´li·ness •n.

sightseeing (-si:'iŋ) •n. the act of visiting places and things of interest, for pleasure, education, etc. •adj. for or engaged in seeing sights sight´seer (-si:'эr) •n.

sigil (sij´эl) •n. 1 a seal; signet 2 an image or sign supposedly having some mysterious power in magic or astrology [L sigillum, dim. of signum, a SIGN]

sigill. signet; seal [L sigillum]

Sigismund (sij´is mэnd, sig´-; Ger zi:´gis munt') 1368-1437; Holy Roman emperor (1411-37)

sigma (sig´mэ) name of the eighteenth letter of the Greek alphabet (Σ, σ, ς) •n. [Gr]

sigmate (sig´meit') •adj. shaped like a sigma or an S

sigmoid (-moid') •adj. 1 a) having a double curve like the letter S b) curved like the letter C (uncial form of sigma) 2 of the sigmoid flexure of the colon Also sig·moi´dal sig·moi´dal·ly •adv. [Gr sigmoeidēs: see SIGMA & -OID]

sigmoid flexure 1 Anat. the last curving part of the colon, ending in the rectum 2 Zool. an S-shaped curve

sigmoidoscope (sig moid´э skoup') •n. an illuminated, tubular instrument for the direct examination of the rectum, colon, and sigmoid flexure sig·moid'o·scop´ic (-skäp´ik) •adj. sig'moid·os´co·py (-äs´kэ pi:), pl. -pies, •n. [SIGMOID + -O- + -SCOPE]

Sigmund (sig´mэnd) a masculine name [< Ger Siegmund & ON Sigmundr < Gmc *sig-, victory + *mund-, hand, protection: see MANUAL]

sign (sain) •n. 1 something that indicates a fact, quality, etc.; indication; token {black as a sign of mourning} 2 a) a gesture or motion that conveys information, gives a command, etc. {a nod as a sign of approval} b) any of the gestures used in sign language c) SIGN LANGUAGE (sense 2) 3 a mark or symbol having an accepted and specific meaning {the sign ¢ for cent(s)} 4 any linguistic unit, as a word, letter, etc., that is the symbol of an idea, function, etc. 5 a publicly displayed board, placard, etc. bearing information, advertising, a warning, etc. Æ 6 anything marking the trail of an animal, as footprints 7 any visible trace or indication {the signs of spring} 8 a) an act or happening regarded as a manifestation of divine will or power b) an omen; portent 9 SIGN OF THE ZODIAC 10 Med. an objective indication or symptom of a disease •vt. 1 to mark with a sign, esp. with the sign of the cross, as in blessing 2 to write one's name on, as in acknowledging authorship, authorizing action, etc. 3 to write (one's name) as a signature 4 to engage by written contract; sign on 5 [Now Rare] to indicate or express by a sign; signal 6 to communicate (thoughts, ideas, etc.) by using the sign language of the deaf •vi. 1 to write one's signature, as in attesting or confirming something 2 to make a sign; signal; also, specif., to use the sign language of the deaf sign away (or over) to abandon or transfer title to (something) by or as by signing a document; convey sign in (or out) to sign a register on arrival (or departure) sign off 1 to announce the end of broadcasting, as for the day, and stop transmitting 2 [Slang] to stop talking sign on to engage (oneself or others) for employment; hire or be hired, esp. by a signed agreement sign up 1 SIGN ON 2 to enlist, enroll, etc. sign´er •n. [ME signe < OFr < L signum, a mark, token, prob. < base of secare, to cut (see SAW¹): orig. sense prob. incised mark]

sign language 1 communication of thoughts or ideas by means of manual signs and gestures 2 a system of signs and gestures used as a language by the deaf

sign manual a personal signature, esp. that of a monarch on an official document

sign of the cross an outline of a CROSS (sense 5a) made symbolically by a movement of the hand or fingers

sign of the zodiac any of the twelve divisions or houses of the zodiac, each represented by a symbol See ZODIAC

signage (sai´nij) •n. the signs, collectively, displayed as in a community, often, specif., when graphically coordinated

signal (sig´nэl) •n. 1 [Now Rare] a token or indication 2 a sign or event fixed or understood as the occasion for prearranged combined action {a bugle signal to attack} 3 anything which occasions a certain action or response 4 a) a sign given by gesture, flashing light, etc. to convey a command, direction, warning, etc. b) an object or device, as a red flag, flashing light, etc., providing such a sign 5 in some card games, a bid or play designed to guide one's partner 6 in telegraphy, radio, television, etc., the electrical impulses, sound or picture elements, etc. transmitted or received •adj. 1 not average or ordinary; remarkable; notable 2 used as a signal or in signaling •vt. -naled or -nalled, -nal·ing or -nal·ling 1 to make a signal or signals to 2 to make known or communicate (information) by signals •vi. to make a signal or signals sig´nal·er or sig´nal·ler •n. [OFr < VL signale < neut. of LL signalis < L signum, a SIGN]

signal corps the part of an army in charge of communications, as by radio

signalize (-aiz') -ized', -iz'ing •vt. 1 to make remarkable or noteworthy {a career signalized by great achievement} 2 to make clearly known; draw attention to {the cheers which signalized his arrival} sig'nal·i·za´tion •n.

signally (-i:) •adv. in a signal manner; remarkably

signalman (-mэn, -mæn') pl. -men (-mэn, -men') •n. a person responsible for signaling or receiving signals

signalment (-mэnt) •n. a description giving distinguishing or identifying marks, as of someone wanted by the police [Fr signalement < signaler, to signal]

signatory (sig´nэ tör'i:) •adj. that has joined in the signing of something •n. pl. -ries any of the persons, states, etc. that have signed a document [L signatorius, of sealing, of a signer < signator, one who seals or signs < signare, to set a seal upon, sign: see SIGN]

signature (sig´nэ chэr) •n. 1 a person's name written by that person; also, a representation of this in a mark, stamp, deputy's handwriting, etc. 2 the act of signing one's name 3 an identifying characteristic or mark 4 that part of a doctor's prescription telling the patient how to use the medicine prescribed: usually marked S or Sig. 5 THEME SONG (sense 2) 6 Music a) KEY SIGNATURE b) TIME SIGNATURE 7 Printing a) a large sheet upon which are printed a number of pages in some multiple of four, and which, when folded to page size, forms one section of a book b) a letter or number at the bottom of the first page in such a sheet showing in what order that section is to be gathered for binding •adj. Æ designating or of a product, as clothing, which is distinguished by a label bearing the stylized signature of its designer [LL signatura < L signare: see SIGNATORY]

signboard (sain´börd') •n. a board bearing a sign or notice, esp. one advertising a business, product, etc.

Signed English a sign language based on English and using English syntax

signee (sai ni:´, sain´i:) •n. a signer, esp. of a petition, contract, etc.

signet (sig´nit) •n. 1 a seal, esp. one used as a signature in marking documents as official, etc. 2 a mark or impression made by or as by a signet •vt. to stamp or make official with a signet [ME < MFr, dim. of signe, a SIGN]

signet ring a finger ring containing a signet, often in the form of an initial or monogram

significance (sig nif´э kэns) •n. 1 that which is signified; meaning 2 the quality of being significant; suggestiveness; expressiveness 3 importance; consequence; moment Also sig·nif´i·can·cy SYN. IMPORTANCE [LME < L significantia < significans: see SIGNIFICANT]

significant (-kэnt) •adj. 1 a) having or expressing a meaning b) full of meaning 2 important; momentous 3 having or conveying a special or hidden meaning; suggestive 4 of or pertaining to an observed departure from a hypothesis too large to be reasonably attributed to chance {a significant statistical difference} •n. [Archaic] something that has significance; sign sig·nif´i·cant·ly •adv. [L significans, prp. of significare, to SIGNIFY]

signification (sig'nэ fi kei´shэn) •n. 1 significance; meaning 2 the act of signifying; indication [ME significacion < OFr < L significatio]

significative (sig nif´э keit'iv) •adj. SIGNIFICANT

signify (sig´nэ fai') -fied', -fy'ing •vt. 1 to be a sign or indication of; mean {the rags that signify their poverty} 2 to show or make known, as by a sign, words, etc. {to signify approval by saying aye} •vi. 1 to have meaning or importance; be significant; matter Æ 2 [Slang, Chiefly Black] to engage in verbal play involving boastful taunts, witty insults, indirect threats, etc. sig´ni·fi'a·ble •adj. [ME signifien < OFr signifier < L significare < signum, a SIGN + facere, to make, DO¹]

signior (si:n´yör') •n. Eng. sp. of SIGNOR

signor (si: nyôř´; E si:n´yör') pl. si·gno´ri (-nyô´ři:) or Eng. si´gnors' •n. 1 [S-] Mr.: Italian title of respect, used before the name 2 a gentleman; man [It, reduced form of signore: see SIGNORE]

signora (si: nyô´řä; E si:n yör´э) pl. si·gno´re (-ře) or Eng. si·gno´ras •n. 1 [S-] Mrs., Madam: Italian title of respect 2 a married woman [It, fem. of prec.]

signore (si: nyô´ře; E si:n yör´ei) pl. si·gno·ri (si: nyô´ři:; E si:n yör´i:) •n. 1 [S-] sir: Italian title of respect, used in direct address without the name 2 a gentleman; man [It < ML senior, lord < L: see SENIOR]

signorina (si:'nyô ři:´nä; E si:n'yэ ri:´nэ) pl. -ri´ne (-ne) or Eng. -ri´nas •n. 1 [S-] Miss: Italian title of respect 2 an unmarried woman or girl [It, dim. of signora]

signorino (si:'nyô ři:´nô; E si:n'yэ ri:´nou) pl. -ri´ni (-ni:) or Eng. -ri´nos •n. 1 [S-] Master: Italian title of courtesy for a young man or youth 2 a young man or youth [It, dim. of signore]

signory (si:n´yэr i:) pl. -ries alt. sp. of SEIGNIORY (senses 1, 2, & 3) •n.

signpost (sain´poust') •n. 1 a post bearing a sign; guidepost 2 a clear indication; obvious clue, symptom, etc.

Sigurd (sig´эrd) the hero of the Volsunga Saga: identified with the Germanic Siegfried

Sikh (si:k) •n. a member of a Hindu religious sect founded in northern India about 1500 and based on belief in one God and on rejection of the caste system and of idolatry •adj. of or like Sikhs Sikh´ism' •n. [Hindi, a disciple]

Sikkim (sik´im) state, formerly a protectorate, of India, in the E Himalayas: 2,818 sq. mi. (7,299 sq. km); pop. 316,000; cap. Gangtok Sik'kim·ese´ (-i:z´, -i:s´), pl. -ese´, •n., adj.

Sikorsky (si kör´ski:), I·gor (Ivanovich) (i:´gör) 1889-1972; U.S. aeronautical engineer, born in Russia

s'il vous plaît (si: vu: ple´, si:l) if you please; please [Fr, if it pleases you]

silage (sai´lij) •n. green fodder preserved in a silo; ensilage [contr. (based on SILO) < ENSILAGE]

Silas (sai´lэs) a masculine name: dim. Si [LL(Ec) < Gr(Ec) < Aram sh'îlâ, lit., asked for]

Silastic (si læs´tik) trademark for a soft, flexible, inert silicone rubber, used esp. in prosthetic medicine [SIL(ICONE RUBBER) + (EL)ASTIC]

sild (sild) pl. sild •n.or silds any of several small or young herrings canned as Norwegian sardines [Norw, herring]

silence (sai´lэns) •n. 1 the state or fact of keeping silent; a refraining from speech or from making noise 2 absence of any sound or noise; stillness 3 a withholding of knowledge or omission of mention {to note an author's silence on a point} 4 failure to communicate, write, keep in touch, etc. 5 oblivion or obscurity •vt. -lenced, -lenc·ing 1 to cause to be silent; still; quiet 2 to put down; repress 3 to put (enemy guns) out of action •interj. be silent! [OFr < L silentium < silens: see SILENT]

silencer (sai´lэn sэr) •n. 1 a person or thing that silences Æ 2 a device attached to the muzzle of a firearm to muffle the report 3 [Brit., etc. (exc. Cdn.)] MUFFLER (sense 2)

silent (sai´lэnt) •adj. 1 making no vocal sound; not speaking; speechless; mute 2 seldom speaking; saying little; not talkative 3 free from, or not making, sound or noise; quiet; still; noiseless 4 a) not spoken, uttered, or expressed {silent longing} b) included in the spelling of a word but with no part of the word's pronunciation corresponding directly to it (said of a letter or group of letters) {silent b in debt and gh in thought} 5 withholding knowledge or omitting mention; uncommunicative 6 not active {factories silent for months} 7 designating or of motion pictures without a synchronized soundtrack 8 not having noticeable symptoms {a silent heart attack} •n. [pl.] silent films: often preceded by the si´lent·ly •adv. [L silens < prp. of silere, to be silent, still, prob. < IE base *sē(i)-, *sī-, to rest > SEED, SIDE, Goth (ana)silan, to cease (of the wind)]

silent butler a dish with a hinged cover and a handle, in which to empty ashtrays, brush crumbs, etc.

silent partner a partner who shares in financing but not in managing a business, firm, etc.

Silenus (sai li:´nэs) the foster father and tutor of Dionysus and leader of the satyrs, traditionally pictured as a fat, drunken, jovial old man with pointed ears •n. pl. -ni (-nai) [s-] Gr. Myth. any of a group of woodland deities resembling the satyrs [L < Gr Seilēnos]

Silesia (sai li:´shэ, si-; -zhэ) region in E Europe, on both sides of the upper Oder, mainly in what is now SW Poland Si·le´sian •adj., n. silesia (sai li:´shэ, si-; -zhэ) •n. 1 orig., a linen cloth made in Silesia 2 a strong, lightweight, twilled cotton cloth used for linings and pockets

silex (sai´leks') •n. 1 silica, esp. in the form of flint or quartz 2 heat-resistant glass made of fused quartz [L (gen. silicis), dissimulated < *scilec- < *scelic- < IE base *(s)kel-, to cut > SHELF, SHIELD]

silhouette (sil'u: et´) •n. 1 a) an outline drawing, esp. a profile portrait, filled in with a solid color: silhouettes are usually cut from black paper and fixed on a light background b) any dark shape or figure seen against a light background 2 the outline of a figure, garment, etc.; contour •vt. -et´ted, -et´ting to show or project in silhouette SYN. OUTLINE [Fr, after Étienne de Silhouette (1709-67), Fr minister of finance, in derogatory reference to his fiscal policies and to such amateur portraits by him, both regarded as inept]

silica (sil´i kэ) •n. the dioxide of silicon, SiO2, a hard, glassy mineral found in a variety of forms, as in quartz, sand, opal, etc. [ModL < L silex, flint: see SILEX]

silica gel an amorphous, highly adsorbent form of silica used as a drying agent in air-conditioning equipment, as a carrier of catalysts in chemical reactions, etc.

silica glass a very clear, strong glass produced when pure silica is fused at high temperature, used as in optical instruments

silicate (sil´i kit, -keit') •n. a salt or ester derived from silica or a silicic acid

siliceous (sэ lish´эs) •adj. 1 of, containing, or like silica 2 growing in soil that has a large proportion of silica in it Also si·li´cious [L siliceus]

silicic (sэ lis´ik) •adj. of, like, or derived from silica or silicon [SILIC(A) + -IC]

silicic acid 1 any of several jellylike masses, SiO2·nH2O, precipitated by acidifying sodium silicate solution 2 any of several hypothetical acids of which the different mineral silicates may be regarded as salts

silicide (sil´i said') •n. a binary compound of silicon and another element, usually a metal

siliciferous (sil'э sif´эr эs) •adj. containing or producing silica [< L silex (see SILEX) + -FEROUS]

silicify (sэ lis´э fai') -fied', -fy'ing •vt. to convert into or impregnate with silica; specif., PETRIFY (vt. 1) •vi. to become silicified, as wood si·lic'i·fi·ca´tion •n. [< L silex (see SILEX) + -FY]

silicium (sэ lish´i: эm, -lis´-) •n. early name for SILICON [ModL: so named (1808) by Sir Humphry DAVY < L silex, flint (see SILEX) + -IUM]

silicle (sil´i kэl) Bot. a short, broad silique Also si·lic·u·la (sэ lik´yu lэ), pl. -lae' (-li:') •n. [< Fr or L: Fr silicule < L silicula, dim. of siliqua, pod: for IE base see SILEX]

silico- (sil´i kou', -kэ) combining form silicon, silica {silicosis} Also, before a vowel, silic- [< fol.]

silicon (sil´i kän', -kэn) •n. a nonmetallic chemical element occurring in several forms, found always in combination, and more abundant in nature than any other element except oxygen, with which it combines to form silica: used in the manufacture of transistors, solar cells, rectifiers, silicones, ceramics, etc.: symbol, Si; at. wt., 28.086; at. no., 14; sp. gr., 2.33; melt. pt., 1,410°C; boil. pt., 2,355°C [ModL: altered (1817, by T. Thomson (1773-1852), Scot chemist, modeled on BORON, CARBON, because of chemical resemblances) < SILICIUM]

silicon carbide a bluish-black, crystalline substance, SiC, produced in an electric furnace See CARBORUNDUM

Silicon Valley name for a valley in California, southeast of San Francisco, a center of high-technology activities, esp. ones involving microelectronics [after the principal material used for electronic chips]

silicone (-koun') •n. any of a group of polymerized, organic silicon compounds containing a basic structure of alternate oxygen and silicon atoms, usually with various organic groups attached to the chain: characterized by relatively high resistance to heat, water, etc. and used in oils, polishes, etc. [SILIC(O)- + -ONE]

silicone rubber a rubberlike polymer prepared from certain silicones: it maintains its elasticity over a wide range of temperatures and is used in gaskets, insulation, etc.

silicosis (sil'i kou´sis) •n. a chronic disease of the lungs, characterized by diffuse fibrosis and caused by the continued inhalation of silica dust [ModL: see SILICO- & -OSIS]

siliculose (sэ lik´yu lous') •adj. 1 having silicles 2 having the form of a silicle [ModL siliculosus]

silique (si li:k´, sil´ik) •n. the pod of plants of the crucifer family, with two valves that fall away from a thin membrane bearing the seeds sil·i·quose (sil´э kwous') or sil´i·quous (-kwэs) •adj. [Fr < L siliqua: see SILICLE]

silk (silk) •n. 1 the fine, soft, shiny fiber produced by silkworms to form their cocoons 2 thread or fabric made from this fiber 3 a) a garment or other article made of this fabric b) [pl.] a distinctive silk uniform, as of a jockey c) the silk gown worn by a king's (or queen's) counsel in British law courts 4 any silklike filament or substance, as that produced by spiders, or that within a milkweed pod, on the end of an ear of corn, etc. •adj. of or like silk; silken Æ vi. to develop silk: said of Indian corn hit the silk [Slang] to parachute from an aircraft [ME silke < OE seoluc, prob. via Slav (as in OPrus silkas) < ? L sericus (or Gr sērikos), silken: see SERGE]

silk cotton KAPOK

silk hat a tall, cylindrical hat covered with silk or satin, worn by men in formal dress

silk-cotton tree (silk´kät´ªn) any of several large, tropical, trees (genera Bombax and Ceiba) of the bombax family that have capsular fruits with silky hairs around the seeds

silken (sil´kэn) •adj. 1 made of silk 2 dressed in silk 3 like silk in appearance, texture, quality, etc.; specif., a) soft, smooth, or glossy b) smooth and ingratiating {silken flattery} c) elegant; luxurious {silken ease} d) soft; gentle {a silken caress} [ME < OE seolcen: see SILK & -EN]

silk-screen print (silk´skri:n´) a print made by the silk-screen process Cf. SERIGRAPH

silk-screen process a stencil method of printing a flat color design through a piece of silk or other fine cloth on which all parts of the design not to be printed have been stopped out by an impermeable film silk´-screen´ •vt.

silk-stocking (-stäk´iŋ) •adj. 1 fashionably or richly dressed; elegant 2 wealthy, aristocratic, or upper-class •n. Æ a member of the wealthy or aristocratic class

silkweed (-wi:d') •n. MILKWEED (n. 1)

silkworm (-wørm') •n. any of certain moth caterpillars (esp. family Bombycidae) that produce cocoons of silk fiber: they feed chiefly on mulberry leaves, and some species (esp. Bombyx mori) are cultivated as the source of commercial silk

silky (sil´ki:) silk´i·er, silk´i·est •adj. 1 of or like silk; soft, smooth, lustrous, etc. 2 having fine, soft, silklike hairs, as some leaves silk´i·ly •adv. silk´i·ness •n.

silky terrier any of a breed of toy dog with a long, silky, bluish-gray and tan coat, erect ears, and general terrierlike qualities

sill (sil) •n. 1 a heavy, horizontal timber or line of masonry supporting a house wall, etc. 2 a horizontal piece forming the bottom frame of the opening into which a window or door is set: see FRAME, illus. 3 Geol. a flattened piece of igneous rock forced between beds of stratified rocks [ME sille < OE syll, akin to Dan sville, Ger schwelle < IE base *sel-, *swel-, beam, plank > Gr selma, beam]

sillabub (sil´э bûb') •n. alt. sp. of SYLLABUB

sillimanite (sil´э mэ nait') •n. a native aluminum silicate, Al2SiO5, occurring in orthorhombic crystals in certain metamorphic rocks [after B. Silliman (1779-1864), U.S. chemist and geologist + -ITE¹]

silly (sil´i:) -li·er, -li·est •adj. 1 orig., a) simple; plain; innocent b) feeble; infirm; helpless 2 [Now Rare] feebleminded; imbecile 3 having or showing little sense, judgment, or sobriety; foolish, stupid, absurd, ludicrous, irrational, etc.: often used in a weakened sense to mean unreasonably concerned {don't be silly, it's no bother} 4 frivolous or trivial 5 [Colloq.] dazed or senseless, as from a blow •n. pl. -lies a silly person sil´li·ly or sil´ly •adv. sil´li·ness •n. SYN.—silly implies ridiculous or irrational behavior that seems to demonstrate a lack of common sense, good judgment, or sobriety [it was silly of you to dress so lightly]; stupid implies a slow-wittedness or lack of normal intelligence [he is stupid to believe that]; fatuous suggests stupidity, inanity, or obtuseness coupled with a smug complacency [a fatuous smile]; asinine implies the extreme stupidity conventionally attributed to an ass [an asinine argument] see also ABSURD —ANT. wise, intelligent [ME seli, sili (with shortened vowel), good, blessed, innocent < OE sælig, happy, prosperous, blessed (akin to Ger selig, blessed) < sæl, happiness < IE base *sel-, favorable, in good spirits (> Gr hilasia, propitiation, hilaros, gay, L solari, to comfort); sense development: happy → blissful → unaware of reality → foolish]

Silly Putty trademark for a rubbery substance of silicone and methyl alcohol, used as a plaything: it stretches, snaps apart into pieces, bounces, shapes easily, etc.

silo (sai´lou) pl. -los •n. 1 an airtight pit or tower in which green fodder is preserved Æ 2 a large, underground facility for the control, storage, and launching of a long-range ballistic missile •vt. -loed, -lo·ing to store in a silo [Fr < Sp < L sirus < Gr siros, an underground granary, pit]

Siloam (si lou´эm, sai-) Bible a spring and pool outside Jerusalem: John 9:7 [LL(Ec) < Gr(Ec) Silōam < Heb shiloach, lit., sending forth < shalach, to send]

Silone (si: lô´ne; E sэ lou´ni:), Ig·na·zio (i: nyä´tsyô) (born Secondo Tranquilli) 1900-78; It. writer

siloxane (si läks´ein) •n. any of a class of compounds, varying from liquids to hard resins, whose molecules are composed of chains of alternate silicon and oxygen atoms, usually with hydrogen or hydrocarbon groups attached to the free valences of the silicon atoms [SIL(ICON) + OX(YGEN) + -ANE]

silt (silt) •n. 1 sediment suspended in stagnant water or carried by moving water, that often accumulates on the bottom of rivers, bays, etc., esp. such sediment with particles smaller than sand and larger than clay 2 soil composed of 80 percent or more silt and less than 12 percent clay •vt., vi. to fill or choke up with silt SYN. WASH sil·ta·tion (sil tei´shэn) •n. [ME cylte, prob. < Scand, as in Norw & Dan dial. sylt, salt marsh, akin to OHG sulza, brine: for IE base see SALT]

silty (sil´ti:) silt´i·er, silt´i·est •adj. of, like, or full of silt

Silures (sil´yu ri:z') ancient tribe of SE Wales, conquered (c. A.D. 80) by the Romans [L]

Silurian (si lur´i: эn, sai-) •adj. 1 of the Silures 2 designating or of the geological period after the Ordovician and before the Devonian in the Paleozoic Era, characterized in some regions by extensive coral reefs and many invertebrate marine animals [because the rocks were first found in an area in SE Wales: see SILURES] the Silurian the Silurian Period or its rocks: see GEOLOGY, chart

silurid (si lur´id, sai-) •n. any of a family (Siluridae) of freshwater catfishes found in Europe and Asia, with anal and caudal fins fused •adj. of or pertaining to this family [< ModL Siluridae < L silurus, a kind of river fish < Gr silouros]

silva (sil´vэ) •n. 1 the forest trees of a certain area 2 pl. -vas or -vae (-vi:) a book or treatise describing the trees of a certain area [ModL < L, forest, prob. < IE *(k)selwa-; akin to Gr xylon, wood]

silvan (sil´vэn) •adj., n. alt. sp. of SYLVAN

Silvanus (sil vei´nэs) Rom. Myth. a minor deity of fields and woods

silver (sil´vэr) •n. 1 a white, metallic chemical element that is extremely ductile and malleable, capable of a high polish, and the best metal conductor of heat and electricity: it is a precious metal and is used in the manufacture of coins, jewelry, alloys, etc.: symbol, Ag; at. wt., 107.868; at. no., 47; sp. gr., 10.43; melt. pt., 961.9°C; boil. pt., 2,163°C 2 a) silver coin b) money; riches; wealth 3 something, esp. tableware, made of or plated with silver; silverware 4 the lustrous, grayish-white color of silver 5 something having this color, as the material used in coating the back of a mirror 6 a salt of silver as used in photography, etc. 7 short for SILVER MEDAL •adj. 1 made of, containing, or plated with silver {silver thread} 2 of, based on, or having to do with silver {the silver standard} Æ 3 of or advocating the adoption of silver as a standard of currency 4 having the color or luster of silver; silvery 5 having a silvery tone or sound 6 eloquent {a silver tongue} 7 marking or celebrating the 25th anniversary •vt. 1 to cover or coat with silver or something like silver 2 to make silvery in color {hair silvered with age} •vi. to become silvery in color [ME selver < OE seolfer, akin to Ger silber, Goth silubr, prob. a loanword < a non-IE source]

Silver Age Gr. & Rom. Myth. the second age of the world, inferior to the earlier Golden Age [s- a-] any period of progress, prosperity, etc. of a lesser degree than that of a corresponding golden age

silver bell any of a genus (Halesia) of small trees of the storax family, with drooping, bell-shaped, white flowers, native to the E U.S. and to China: also sil·ver-bell tree (sil´ver bel')

silver birch PAPER BIRCH

silver bromide a yellow-white, crystalline compound, AgBr, which becomes dark when exposed to light: the main salt used in photographic emulsions

silver certificate [Historical] a type of U.S. paper currency redeemable in silver

silver chloride a white crystalline compound, AgCl, which becomes dark when exposed to light: used in photography and as lenses in infrared spectroscopy

silver foil silver beaten into thin sheets

silver fox 1 the North American red fox in a color phase in which the fur is black and the individual hairs are banded with white near the tips: foxes of this color phase are bred for their pelts 2 the fur

silver gilt 1 gilded silver, or an imitation of this 2 silver leaf, used for decoration

silver hake an edible hake fish (Merluccius bilinearis) of the Atlantic coast of the U.S.

silver iodide a yellow powder, AgI, which becomes dark when exposed to light: used in photography, medicine, and in seeding clouds to make rain

silver leaf very thin sheets of silver foil

silver lining some basis for hope or some comforting aspect in the midst of despair, misfortune, etc.

silver medal a medal, made of or like silver, given as an award to the person coming in second in a competition, race, etc.

silver nitrate a colorless, crystalline salt, AgNO3, prepared by dissolving silver in dilute nitric acid and used in silver-plating and photography, as an antiseptic, etc.

silver perch 1 a common drum fish (Bairdiella chrysoura) of the Atlantic coast of the U.S., with a silvery body and yellow fins 2 any of various silvery, perchlike fishes

silver plate tableware made of, or plated with, silver

silver protein any of several colloidal silver solutions containing silver and a protein, as albumin: formerly used in treating inflammation of mucous membranes

silver salmon COHO

silver screen 1 a screen on which motion pictures are projected in theaters Æ 2 motion pictures collectively

silver standard a monetary standard solely in terms of silver, in which the basic currency unit is made equal to and redeemable by a specified quantity of silver

Silver Star Medal a U.S. military decoration in the form of a bronze star with a small silver star at the center, awarded for gallantry in action

silver thaw glitter ice (see GLITTER, n. 4): also silver frost

silver wedding a 25th wedding anniversary

silverberry (-ber'i:) pl. -ries •n. a shrub (Elaeagnus commutata) of the oleaster family, with silvery leaves and fruit, native to the N U.S. and to Canada

silverfish (-fish') •n. 1 pl. (see FISH) -fish' or -fish'es any of various fishes of a silvery color, as the tarpon or silverside 2 pl. -fish' any of various families of primitive, wingless thysanuran insects with silvery scales, long feelers, and a bristly tail: they thrive in dampness and darkness and are often injurious to books and other paper products

silver-gray (-grei´) •adj., n. gray with a silvery luster

silvering (-iŋ) •n. 1 the act of covering with silver or a silvery substance 2 a coating of silver or a silvery substance 3 a silvery sheen or appearance

silverly (-li:) •adv. with a silvery appearance or sound

silvern (sil´vэrn) •adj. [Archaic] of or like silver [ME silveren < OE seolfren: see SILVER & -EN]

silver-plate (-pleit') -plat'ed, -plat'ing •vt. to coat with silver, esp. by electroplating

silverpoint (-point') •n. 1 a method of drawing on specially prepared paper with an instrument tipped with silver 2 a drawing so made

silverside (sil´vэr said') •n. any of a family (Atherinidae, order Atheriniformes) of small, mostly marine bony fishes with silver stripes along the sides: also sil´ver·sides'

silversmith (-smiθ') •n. a craftsman who makes and repairs articles of silver

silver-tongued (-tûŋd') •adj. eloquent; persuasive

silverware (sil´vэr wer') •n. 1 articles, esp. tableware, made of or plated with silver 2 any metal tableware

silverweed (sil´vэr wi:d') •n. 1 a trailing perennial cinquefoil (Potentilla anserina) with pinnately compound leaves which are silvery beneath 2 any of a genus (Argyreia) of tropical, shrubby, climbing plants of the morning-glory family, with silvery leaves

silvery (sil´vэr i:) •adj. 1 a) resembling silver, as in color or luster b) covered with or containing silver 2 soft and clear, like the sound of a silver bell sil´ver·i·ness •n.

Silvester (sil ves´tэr) a masculine name: see SYLVESTER

silvex (sil´veks) •n. a restricted, toxic herbicide, C9H7Cl3O3, used esp. for weed control

Silvia (sil´vi: э) a feminine name See SYLVIA

silvical (sil´vi kэl) •adj. of or pertaining to forests or forestry [SILVIC(S) + -AL]

silvicolous (sil vik´э lэs) •adj. living or growing in woodlands [< L silvicola, inhabiting woods (< silva, forest + colere, to cultivate, inhabit) + -OUS]

silvics (sil´viks) •n.pl. [with sing. v.] the study of forests and their ecology, including the application of soil science, botany, zoology, etc. to forestry [SILV(A) + -ICS]

silviculture (sil´vi kûl'chэr) •n. the art of cultivating a forest; forestry sil'vi·cul´tur·al •adj. sil'vi·cul´tur·ist •n. [Fr sylviculture < L silva, forest (see SILVA) + cultura, CULTURE]

sima (sai´mэ) •n. Geol. the heavy igneous rock material of the earth's inner crust, forming a continuous shell and underlying the sial and also the ocean floors [Ger < si(licium), SILICIUM + ma(gnesium), MAGNESIUM]

simar (si mär´) •n. a flowing robe or long, loose jacket formerly worn by women, orig. in the late medieval period [Fr simarre < It cimarra or Sp zamarra < Ar sammūr, sable]

Simenon (si:m nouñ´; E si:´mэ noun'), Georges (Joseph Christian) (zhôřzh) 1903-89; Fr. novelist, born in Belgium

Simeon (sim´i: эn) 1 a masculine name 2 Bible a) the second son of Jacob and Leah, or the tribe of Israel descended from him: Gen. 29:33; Num. 1:22 b) a pious man who, on seeing the infant Jesus in the Temple, spoke the words later set to the canticle Nunc Dimittis: Luke 2:25-32 [LL(Ec) Symeon < Gr(Ec) Symeōn < Heb shimon, lit., heard < shama, to hear]

Simeon Stylites (stai lait´i:z'), Saint (c. A.D. 390-c. 459); Syrian monk who lived & preached on the top of a pillar near Antioch for over 30 years: his day is Jan. 5

Simferopol (sim'fe rô´pôl yª) capital of the Crimea: pop. 331,000

Simhat Torah (sim khät´ tou rä´, sim´khäs tou´rэ) a Jewish festival, celebrated on the 23d day of Tishri, that marks the end of the annual cycle of Torah readings and the beginning of the next cycle: also sp. Simchath Torah [Heb simchat-tora, lit., rejoicing in the law < simchat (< root śmh, to rejoice) + tora, TORAH]

Simi Valley (si:´mi:) city in SW Calif., northwest of Los Angeles: pop. 100,000 [prob. < a Hokan place name]

simian (sim´i: эn) •adj. of or like an ape or monkey •n. an ape or monkey [< L simia, an ape, prob. < simus, flat-nosed < Gr simos < ? IE base *swei-, to bend]

similar (sim´э lэr) •adj. 1 nearly but not exactly the same or alike; having a resemblance 2 Geom. having the same shape, but not the same size or position sim´i·lar·ly •adv. [Fr similaire < L similis: see SAME]

similarity (sim'э ler´э ti:) •n. 1 the state or quality of being similar; resemblance or likeness 2 pl. -ties a point, feature, or instance in which things are similar SYN. LIKENESS [prec. + -ITY]

simile (sim´э li:') •n. a figure of speech in which one thing is likened to another, dissimilar thing by the use of like, as, etc. (Ex.: a heart as big as a whale, her tears flowed like wine): distinguished from METAPHOR [ME < L, a likeness < neut. of similis, SIMILAR]

similitude (sэ mil´э tu:d', -tyu:d') •n. 1 a person or thing resembling another; counterpart; facsimile 2 the form or likeness (of some person or thing) 3 [Obs.] a) a simile b) a parable or allegory 4 similarity; likeness; resemblance [ME < MFr < L similitudo]

simious (sim´i: эs) •adj. SIMIAN

Simla (sim´lэ) capital of Himachal Pradesh, N India: pop. 56,000

Simmental (zim´эn täl') •n. any of a breed of beef and dairy cattle with a white face and a reddish body with white markings [after Simme Valley, Switzerland, where orig. bred]

simmer (sim´эr) •vi. 1 to remain at or just below the boiling point, usually forming tiny bubbles with a low, murmuring sound 2 to be about to break out, as in anger, revolt, etc. •vt. 1 to keep (a liquid) at or just below the boiling point 2 to cook in such a liquid •n. the state of simmering SYN. BOIL¹ simmer down 1 to condense by simmering, as a liquid Æ 2 to become calm; cool off [earlier simper < LME simperen: orig. echoic]

simnel (sim´nэl) •n. in England, a) a kind of bread or roll formerly prepared by boiling, or boiling and baking b) a rich fruitcake traditionally eaten in mid-Lent or at Easter or Christmas [ME simenel < OFr < L simila, finest wheat flour: see SEMOLINA]

simoleon (sэ mou´li: эn) •n. [Old Slang] a dollar [prob. < obs. simon, a dollar, by assoc. with NAPOLEON]

Simon (sai´mэn), Herbert Alexander 1916- ; U.S. social scientist & economist Simon (sai´mэn) 1 a masculine name: dim. Si 2 Bible a) one of the twelve Apostles, called Peter or Simon Peter (see PETER) b) one of the twelve Apostles, called Simon the Canaanite (or the Zealot): Mark 3:18: his day is Oct. 28 (also Saint Simon) c) a brother or relative of Jesus: Mark 6:3 [ME < LL(Ec) < Gr(Ec) Simōn, Seimōn < Heb shimon, lit., heard: see SIMEON]

Simon Legree (lэ gri:´) the villainous slave overseer in H. B. Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin [occas. s- l-] any cruel taskmaster

Simon Magus (mei´gэs) a Samaritan magician whose offer of money to learn how to impart the Holy Ghost to others angered Peter: Acts 8:9-24

simoniac (si mou´ni: æk') •n. a person guilty of simony si·mo·ni·a·cal (sai'mэ nai´э kэl, sim'э-) •adj. [ME symoniak < ML simoniacus]

Simonides (sai män´э di:z') c. 556-c. 468 B.C.; Gr. lyric poet: also Simonides of Keos

simon-pure (sai'mэn pyur´) •adj. genuine; real; authentic [after Simon Pure, a Quaker in Susanna Centlivre's play A Bold Stroke for a Wife (1718), who must prove his identity against an impostor's claims]

simony (sai´mэ ni:, sim´э-) •n. the buying or selling of sacred or spiritual things, as sacraments or benefices [ME simonie < OFr < ML(Ec) simonia, after SIMON MAGUS]

simoom (si mu:m´, sai-) •n. a hot, violent, sand-laden wind of the African and Asiatic deserts: also si·moon´ (-mu:n´) [Ar samūm < samma, to poison]

simp (simp) •n. [Slang] short for SIMPLETON

simpatico (sim pät´i kou, -pæt´-) •adj. that gets along well with or goes well with another or others; compatible or congenial [< It simpatico or Sp simpático, both ult. < L sympathia, SYMPATHY + -icus, -IC]

simper (sim´pэr) •vi. to smile in a silly, affected, or self-conscious way •vt. to say or express with a simper •n. a silly, affected, or self-conscious smile sim´per·er •n. sim´per·ing·ly •adv. [Early ModE, akin to Dan dial., MDu simperlijc, dainty, affected]

simple (sim´pэl) -pler, -plest •adj. 1 having or consisting of only one part, feature, substance, etc.; not compounded or complex; single 2 having few parts or features; not complicated or involved {a simple pattern} 3 easy to do, solve, or understand, as a task, question, etc. 4 without additions or qualifications; mere; bare {the simple facts} 5 a) not ornate; unembellished; unadorned {simple clothes} b) not luxurious or elegant; plain {simple tastes} 6 pure; unadulterated 7 without guile or deceit; innocent; artless 8 a) without ostentation or affectation; natural b) lacking sophistication; naive 9 of low rank or position; specif., a) humble; lowly b) common; ordinary 10 lacking significance; unimportant 11 a) having or showing little sense or reasoning ability; easily misled or deceived; stupid or foolish b) uneducated or ignorant 12 Bot. a) consisting of one piece; whole b) not branched c) developing from a single pistil or carpel {a simple fruit} 13 Chem. a) elementary b) unmixed 14 Law unconditional; absolute {in fee simple} 15 Zool. not divided into or made up of parts; not compounded {a simple eye} •n. 1 a person who is ignorant or easily misled 2 something having only one part, substance, etc. 3 [Archaic] a) a medicinal herb b) a medicine made from such a plant 4 [Archaic] a person of humble position SYN. EASY sim´ple·ness •n. [OFr < L simplus < IE *s##plos < bases *sem-, one + *-plo-, -fold: see DOUBLE]

simple equation LINEAR EQUATION

simple fraction COMMON FRACTION

simple fracture a bone fracture in which the broken ends of bone do not pierce the skin

simple interest interest computed on principal alone, and not on principal plus interest

simple machine any of the basic mechanical devices, including the lever, wheel and axle, pulley, wedge, screw, and inclined plane, one or more of which are essential to any more complex machine

simple meter Music any time signature in which the upper figure indicates two, three, or four beats per measure, as 2/8, 3/2, 4/4, etc.

simple protein a protein composed only of amino acids

simple sentence Gram. a sentence consisting of a single independent clause (Ex: The dog barked loudly)

Simple Simon a foolish character in a nursery rhyme

simple vow R.C.Ch. a vow made with canonical effects less strict than those of a SOLEMN VOW: e.g., a simple vow of chastity, broken by entering marriage while the vow is still in effect, makes the marriage illicit but not invalid

simple-hearted (-härt'id) •adj. artless or unsophisticated

simple-minded (-maind´id) •adj. 1 artless; unsophisticated; simple-hearted 2 foolish; stupid 3 mentally retarded sim´ple-mind´ed·ly •adv. sim´ple-mind´ed·ness •n.

simpleton (-tэn) •n. a person who is stupid or easily deceived; fool [< SIMPLE, after proper names ending in -ton]

simplex (sim´pleks') •adj. 1 having only one part; not complex or compounded 2 designating or of a system of telegraphy, telephony, etc. in which a signal can be transmitted in only one direction at a time •n. pl. -plex·es or -pli·ces' (-plэ si:z') Math. an element or figure contained within a Euclidean space of a specified number of dimensions and having one more boundary point than the number of dimensions (Ex.: a simplex of zero dimensions is a point, of one dimension is a line segment, of two dimensions is a triangle and its interior, of three dimensions is a tetrahedron and its interior) [L, simple < IE base *sem-, one + *plak-: see DUPLEX]

simplicity (sim plis´э ti:) pl. -ties •n. 1 a simple state or quality, as of form or composition; freedom from intricacy or complexity 2 absence of elegance, embellishment, luxury, etc.; plainness 3 freedom from affectation, subtlety, etc.; artlessness 4 lack of sense; foolishness [ME simplicite < OFr simplicité < L simplicitas]

simplify (sim´plэ fai') -fied', -fy'ing •vt. to make simpler, less complex, etc.; make easier sim'pli·fi·ca´tion •n. sim´pli·fi'er •n. [Fr simplifier < ML simplificare: see SIMPLE & -FY]

simplist (sim´plist) •n. a person given to simplistic explanations, theories, etc. •adj. SIMPLISTIC sim´plism •n.

simplistic (sim plis´tik) •adj. making complex problems unrealistically simple; oversimplifying or oversimplified sim·plis´ti·cal·ly •adv.

Simplon (sim´plän'; Fr sæñ plouñ´) 1 mountain pass in the Alps of S Switzerland: 6,589 ft. (2,008 m) 2 railway tunnel near this pass: 12.4 mi. (19.9 km) long

simply (sim´pli:) •adv. 1 in a simple manner; with simplicity 2 merely; only; just {simply trying to help} 3 absolutely; completely {I was simply furious}

simulacrum (sim'yu: lei´krэm) pl. -cra (-krэ) •n. 1 an image; likeness 2 a vague representation; semblance 3 a mere pretense; sham [L < simulare: see SIMULATE]

simulant (sim´yu: lэnt) •adj. that simulates; simulating •n. one that simulates; simulator [L simulans, prp.: see SIMULATE]

simular (sim´yu: lэr) •adj., n. archaic var. of SIMULANT

simulate (sim´yu: leit', -yэ-) -lat'ed, -lat'ing •vt. 1 to give a false indication or appearance of; pretend; feign {to simulate an interest} 2 to have or take on the external appearance of; look or act like {an insect simulating a twig} •adj. [Archaic] pretended; mock SYN. ASSUME [< L simulatus, pp. of simulare, to feign < simul, together with, at the same time: see SAME]

simulation (sim'yu: lei´shэn, -yэ-) •n. 1 the act of simulating; pretense; feigning 2 a) a simulated resemblance b) an imitation or counterfeit 3 the use of a computer to calculate, by means of extrapolation, the effect of a given physical process sim´u·la'tive •adj. [ME simulacion < MFr < L simulatio]

simulator (sim´yu: leit'эr, -yэ-) •n. 1 one that simulates; specif., a training device that duplicates artificially the conditions likely to be encountered in some operation, as in a spacecraft {a flight simulator} 2 a computer that performs simulation

simulcast (sai´mэl kæst', -käst') -cast' or -cast'ed, -cast'ing •vt. to broadcast (a program, event, etc.) simultaneously by radio and television •n. a program, etc. so broadcast [< fol. + (BROAD)CAST]

simultaneous (sai'mэl tei´ni: эs, -tein´yэs; chiefly Brit & Cdn, sim'эl-) •adj. occurring, done, existing, etc. together or at the same time SYN. CONTEMPORARY si'mul·ta·ne´i·ty (-tэ ni:´э ti:) or si'mul·ta´ne·ous·ness •n. si'mul·ta´ne·ous·ly •adv. [ML simultaneus < simultas, simultaneity < L, competition, rivalry < simul: see SAME]

simultaneous equations two or more equations used together in the same problem and having common solutions

sin abbrev. sine

sin¹ (si:n) name of the twenty-first letter of the Hebrew alphabet (שׂ) •n. [Heb]

sin² (sin) •n. 1 a) an offense against God, religion, or good morals b) the condition of being guilty of continued offense against God, religion, or good morals 2 an offense against any law, standard, code, etc. {a sin against good taste} •vi. sinned, sin´ning to commit a sin [ME (East Midland) sinne < OE synne (for *sunjo), akin to Ger sünde, prob. < early Gmc borrowing < L sous (gen. sontis), guilty, technical legal term, orig. part. form of esse, to be (see IS), in sense (he) being (the one)]

Sinai (sai´nai', -nei ai'), Mount the mountain (probably in the S Sinai Peninsula but not identified) where Moses received the law from God: Ex. 19

Sinai Peninsula broad peninsula in NE Egypt, between the Gulf of Suez & the Gulf of Aqaba

Sinaitic (sai'nei it´ik) •adj. of or from Mount Sinai or the Sinai Peninsula Also Si·na·ic (sai nei´ik)

Sinaloa (si:'nä lô´ä) state of NW Mexico, on the Gulf of California: 22,582 sq. mi. (58,487 sq. km); pop. 1,849,000; cap. Culiacán

Sinanthropus (si næn´θrэ pэs, sai-) •n. old name for PEKING MAN [ModL: see SINO- & ANTHROPO-]

sinapism (sin´э piz'эm) •n. MUSTARD PLASTER [L sinapismus < Gr sinapismos < sinapi, mustard]

Sinatra (si nä´trэ), Frank (born Francis Albert Sinatra) 1915- ; U.S. popular singer & film actor

Sinbad the Sailor (sin´bæd') a merchant in The Arabian Nights who makes seven adventurous voyages

since (sins) •adv. 1 from then until now {she arrived Tuesday and has been here ever since} 2 at some or any time between then and now; subsequently {he was ill last week but has since recovered} 3 before the present time; before now; ago {they are long since gone} •prep. 1 continuously from (the time given) until now {out walking since one o'clock} 2 during the period between (the time given) and now; subsequently to {many achievements since his election} conj. 1 after the time that {two years since she died} 2 continuously from the time when {lonely since he left} 3 inasmuch as; because {since you are finished, let's go} [ME syns, contr. < sithens, adv. gen. of sithen < OE siththan, for earlier *siththon < sith, after, since (for IE base see SIDE) + thon, instrumental form of thæt, THAT]

sincere (sin sir´) -cer´er, -cer´est •adj. 1 without deceit, pretense, or hypocrisy; truthful; straightforward; honest {sincere in his desire to help} 2 being the same in actual character as in outward appearance; genuine; real {sincere grief} 3 [Archaic] not adulterated {sincere wine} 4 [Obs.] uninjured; whole sin·cere´ly •adv. sin·cere´ness •n. [MFr sincére < L sincerus, clean, pure, sincere]

sincerity (sin ser´э ti:) pl. -ties •n. the quality or state of being sincere; honesty, genuineness, good faith, etc. [MFr sincérité < L sinceritas]

sinciput (sin´si pût') •n. the upper part of the skull or head; esp., the forehead sin·cip´i·tal (-sip´эt ªl) •adj. [L, half a head < semi, half (see SEMI-) + caput, HEAD]

Sinclair (sin kler´), Up·ton (Beall, Jr.) (ûp´tэn) 1878-1968; U.S. novelist & socialist

Sind (sind) province of Pakistan, in the lower Indus River valley: chief city, Karachi

Sindbad (sin´bæd, sind´-) SINBAD THE SAILOR

Sindhi (sin´di:) •n. the Indic language of the Sind [Ar Sindī, after Sind, Sind < Hindi < Sans sindhu, river]

sine (sai´ni:) •prep. without [L] sine (sain) Trigonometry the reciprocal of the cosecant; specif., a) the ratio of the opposite side of a given acute angle in a right triangle to the hypotenuse b) an equivalent, positive or negative ratio for certain related angles (Ex.: the sine of 57° or 123° is .8387, of 237° or 303° is -.8387) or real numbers representing radians (Ex.: the sine of .9948 radians (57°) is .8387) •n. [ML sinus (< L, a bend, curve, hanging fold of a toga), used as transl. of Ar jaib, sine, bosom of a garment]

sine curve a graphic representation of the sine function; specif., the graph of y = sin x, with x denoting radian measure of an angle periodically changing from 0° to 360°

sine die (sai´ni: dai´i:) without (a) day (being set for meeting again); for an indefinite period {to adjourn an assembly sine die} [LL]

sine prole (sai´ni: prou´li:) Law without offspring; childless [L]

sine qua non (sai´ni: kwei nän´, sin´ei kwä noun´) an essential condition, qualification, etc.; indispensable thing; absolute prerequisite [L, without which not]

sine wave a wave form described by the sine function: complex wave forms can be regarded as a combination of several sine waves that differ in wavelength

sinecure (sai´nэ kyur', sin´э-) •n. 1 orig., a church benefice not involving the care of souls 2 any office or position providing an income or other advantage but requiring little or no work [< ML(Ec) (beneficium) sine cura, (benefice) without a cure < L sine, without + cura, care: see CURE]

sinew (sin´yu:) •n. 1 a tendon 2 muscular power; strength; force 3 [often pl.] any source of power or strength; means of supplying strength •vt. to strengthen as with sinews [ME < OE seonwe, oblique form < nom. seonu, akin to OHG senawa, ON sin < IE base *sēi-, to bind, a band > L saeta, bristle, Sans sinati, (he) ties]

sinewy (sin´yu: i:) •adj. 1 of or like sinew; tough; strong 2 having many or large sinews, as a cut of meat 3 having good muscular development {sinewy shoulders} 4 vigorous; powerful; robust {a sinewy style of writing}

sinfonia (sin'fэ ni:´э) •n. any of various early Italian instrumental works; esp., a type of overture, as to an opera [It < L symphonia, SYMPHONY]

sinfonietta (sin'fэn yet´э) •n. a brief symphony, usually for a small orchestra [It, dim. of sinfonia: see SINFONIA]

sinful (sin´fэl) •adj. full of or characterized by sin; wicked; immoral sin´ful·ly •adv. sin´ful·ness •n.

sing abbrev. singular sing (siŋ) sang, sung, sing´ing •vi. 1 a) to produce musical sounds or notes with the voice, esp. in a connected series, as in giving voice to a song b) to perform musical selections vocally, esp. as a professional 2 to use song or verse in description, praise, etc. {of thee I sing} 3 a) to make musical sounds like those made by the human voice, as a violin or songbird b) to make a sound of whistling, buzzing, humming, etc., as a steaming teakettle, a bee, a strong wind, etc. 4 to have a sensation of ringing, humming, buzzing, etc., as the ears 5 to admit of being sung 6 to be exultant; rejoice {a sight to make one's heart sing} 7 [Slang] to confess to a crime, esp. so as to implicate others •vt. 1 to render or deliver (a song, musical role, etc.) by singing; utter with musical inflections 2 to chant or intone (part of a church service, etc.) 3 to describe, proclaim, extol, celebrate, etc. in or as in song or verse {to sing someone's praises} 4 to bring to a given state or place by or with singing {to sing a baby to sleep} •n. 1 [Colloq.] singing by a group gathered for the purpose 2 such a gathering of people sing out [Colloq.] to speak or call out loudly; shout sing´a·ble •adj. [ME singen < OE singan, akin to Ger singen < IE base *sengwh- > Gr omphē, a voice, oracle]

Sing Sing (siŋ´ siŋ') a N.Y. State penitentiary at Ossining [< Du Sintsing < Ossinsing, earlier form of the village name, apparently < a Delaware word meaning at the small stones]

sing-along (siŋ´э löŋ') •n. [Colloq.] an informal gathering of people to join in the singing of songs

Singapore (siŋ´э pör', siŋ´gэ-) 1 island off the S tip of the Malay Peninsula 2 country comprising this island & nearby islets: a former British colony, it became a state of Malaysia (1963-65) & an independent republic & member of the Commonwealth (1965): 238 sq. mi. (616 sq. km); pop. 2,558,000 3 its capital, a seaport on the S coast: pop. c. 2,000,000 4 Strait of channel between Singapore & a group of Indonesian islands to the south: 65 mi. (104 km) long: also Singapore Strait

singe (sinj) singed, singe´ing •vt. 1 to burn superficially or slightly 2 to expose (the carcass of an animal or fowl) to flame in removing bristles or feathers 3 to burn the nap from (cloth) as a process of manufacture 4 to burn the tips of (hair), as after a haircut •n. 1 the act of singeing 2 a superficial burn SYN. BURN¹ [ME sengen < OE sengan, akin to Ger sengen < IE base *senk-, to burn, dry out > OSlav isočiti, to dry, socilo, oven]

Singer (siŋ´эr) 1 Isaac Ba·shev·is (bä shev´is) 1904-91; U.S. writer in Yiddish, born in Poland 2 Isaac Mer·ritt (mer´it) 1811-75; U.S. inventor: improved the sewing machine

singer¹ (siŋ´эr) •n. 1 a person who sings, esp. professionally 2 a bird that sings 3 [Old Poet.] a poet

singer² (sin´jэr) •n. a person or thing that singes

Singhalese (siŋ'gэ li:z´, -li:s´) pl. -lese´ •adj., n. var. of SINHALESE

single (siŋ´gэl) •adj. 1 a) one only; one and no more; individual b) separate and distinct from others of the same kind {every single time} 2 without another or others; alone; solitary 3 of or for one person, as a bed or room, or one family, as a house 4 between two persons only; with only one on each side {single combat} 5 a) unmarried b) of or characteristic of the unmarried state 6 having only one part; not double, compound, multiple, etc. 7 the same for all; uniform {a single scale of pay} 8 being a whole, or unbroken {forming a single front} 9 having only one row or set of petals: said of flowers 10 honest; sincere 11 seeing justly {to judge with a single eye} 12 [Rare] unique; singular 13 [Archaic] weak; inferior: said of beer, ale, etc. •vt. -gled, -gling 1 to select or distinguish from others: now usually with out Æ 2 Baseball to advance (a runner) by hitting a single •vi. Æ Baseball to hit a single •n. 1 a single person or thing, as, a) a hotel room, travel space, etc. for one person b) [pl.] unmarried people collectively Æ c) [Colloq.] a one-dollar bill d) [Colloq.] a phonograph record, usually recorded at 45 rpm, with one short performance on each side Æ 2 Baseball a hit on which the batter reaches first base 3 Cricket a hit by which one run is scored 4 Golf a match between two players 5 [pl.] Racket Sports a match with only one player on each side sin´gle·ness •n. [ME < OFr sengle < L singulus, single: for IE base see SIMPLE]

single bond Chem. the sharing of two electrons between two atoms, represented in formulas as C:C or C-C

single entry a system of bookkeeping in which the only account kept is a single one consisting usually of a record of cash and of debts owed to and by the concern in question sin´gle-en´try •adj.

single file 1 a single line of people or things placed or moving one directly behind another 2 in such a line {to walk single file}

single standard 1 a moral code with the same standard of behavior for men and women, esp. in matters of sex 2 MONOMETALLISM

single tax 1 a system of taxation in which all revenue is to be derived from a tax on a single thing, specif. on the value of land 2 such a tax sin´gle-tax´ •adj.

single-acting (-æk´tiŋ) •adj. acting in or impelled from one direction only, as an engine; not reciprocating

single-action (-æk´shэn) •adj. Æ designating a firearm whose hammer must be cocked by hand before each shot

single-breasted (-bres'tid) •adj. overlapping the front of the body just enough to fasten with a single row of buttons or a single button, as a coat

single-foot (-fut') •n. the gait of a horse in which the legs move in lateral pairs, each foot falling separately •vi. to move with this gait

single-handed (-hæn´did) •adj. 1 having only one hand 2 using or requiring the use of only one hand {a single-handed sword} 3 without help; done or working alone; unaided •adv. 1 by means of only one hand 2 without help sin´gle-hand´ed·ly •adv. sin´gle-hand´ed·ness •n.

single-hearted (-härt´id) •adj. honest; faithful; sincere sin´gle-heart´ed·ly •adv. sin´gle-heart´ed·ness •n.

single-minded (-main´did) •adj. 1 SINGLE-HEARTED 2 with only one aim or purpose sin´gle-mind´ed·ly •adv. sin´gle-mind´ed·ness •n.

single-phase (-feiz´) •adj. designating or of a circuit or device energized by a single alternating voltage, either in phase or 180° out of phase

singles bar a bar which serves as a meeting place for unmarried people, esp. young ones in search of social, often specif. sexual, relationships

single-sideband (-said´bænd') •adj. of or pertaining to a system of radio transmission in which one of the two sidebands produced during modulation is suppressed

single-space (-speis') -spaced', -spac'ing •vt., vi. to type (copy) so as to leave no blank space between lines

singlestick (-stik') •n. 1 a swordlike stick fitted with a guard and formerly used for fencing 2 the sport of fencing with such sticks

single-sticker (-stik'эr) •n. [Old Colloq.] a sailboat, esp. a sloop, having only one mast

singlet (siŋ´glit) •n. 1 [Brit.] a man's undershirt esp. a sleeveless one 2 [Austral. & N.Z.] a short-sleeved or sleeveless knit top, as a T-shirt or tank top [< SINGLE, modeled on DOUBLET]

singleton (siŋ´gэl tэn) •n. 1 a playing card that is the only one of its suit in a hand dealt to a player 2 something occurring or existing singly and not as one of a pair or of a group [< SINGLE, after proper names ending in -ton]

single-track (-træk´) •adj. ONE-TRACK

singletree (-tri:') •n. a wooden bar swung at the center from a hitch on a plow, wagon, etc. and hooked at either end to the traces of a horse's harness [altered (as if < SINGLE) < swingletree < ME swingle, rod, whip + tre, TREE]

singly (siŋ´gli:) •adv. 1 as a single, separate person or thing; alone 2 individually and in sequence; one by one 3 single-handed; unaided

singsong (siŋ´söŋ', -säŋ') •n. 1 a) a monotonous rise and fall of tone, as in speaking b) speech, tones, etc. marked by this 2 a) monotonous, stereotyped rhyme or rhythm in verse b) verse marked by this 3 [Brit., etc.] SING •adj. in or like a singsong

singspiel (ziŋ´shpi:l') pl. -spiel'en (-эn) •n. an 18th-cent. German musical play of a popular type [Ger, lit., sing-play]

singular (siŋ´gyэ lэr) •adj. 1 being the only one of its kind; single; unique {a singular specimen} 2 exceptional; extraordinary; remarkable {singular beauty} 3 peculiar; strange; odd {what a singular remark!} 4 [Archaic] existing apart from others; separate; individual 5 Gram. designating or of the category of number that refers to only one person or thing 6 Logic of an individual or particular thing considered by itself •n. 1 Gram. a) the singular number b) the singular form of a word c) a word in singular form 2 Logic a thing considered apart from all others sin´gu·lar·ly •adv. [ME singuler < OFr < L singularis < singulus, SINGLE]

singularity (siŋ'gyэ ler´э ti:) pl. -ties •n. 1 the condition or quality of being singular 2 a unique, distinct, or peculiar feature or thing [ME singularite < OFr < LL singularitas]

singularize (siŋ´gyэ lэr aiz') -ized', -iz'ing •vt. to make singular

Sinhalese (sin'hэ li:z´, sin'э-; -li:s´) •adj. designating or of Sri Lanka, its principal people, or their language or culture •n. 1 pl. -lese´ a member of the Sinhalese people 2 their Indic language [< Sans Sinhala, Sri Lanka + -ESE]

Sinicism (sin´i siz'эm, sai´ni-) •n. a custom, language trait, etc. peculiar to the Chinese [< ML Sinicus, Chinese (< LL Sinae, an Oriental people < Gr Sinai) + -ISM]

Sining (shi:´niŋ´) old form of XINING

sinister (sin´is tэr) •adj. 1 a) orig., on, to, or toward the left-hand side; left b) Heraldry on the left side of a shield (the right as seen by the viewer) (opposed to DEXTER) 2 threatening harm, evil, or misfortune; ominous; portentous {sinister storm clouds} 3 wicked, evil, or dishonest, esp. in some dark, mysterious way {a sinister plot} 4 most unfavorable or unfortunate; disastrous {met a sinister fate} sin´is·ter·ly •adv. sin´is·ter·ness •n. SYN.—sinister, in this connection, applies to that which can be interpreted as presaging imminent danger or evil [a sinister smile]; baleful refers to that which is inevitably deadly, destructive, pernicious, etc. [a baleful influence]; malign is applied to that which is regarded as having an inherent tendency toward evil or destruction [a malign doctrine] [ME sinistre < L sinister, left-hand, or unlucky (side), orig. lucky (side) < IE base *sene-, to prepare, achieve > Sans sánīyān, more favorable: early Roman augurs faced south, with the east (lucky side) to the left, but the Greeks (followed by later Romans) faced north]

sinistral (sin´is trэl) •adj. 1 on the left-hand side; left 2 left-handed 3 having whorls that rise to the apex in clockwise spirals from the opening at the lower left: said of the shells of some gastropods Opposed to DEXTRAL sin'is·tral´i·ty (-is træl´э ti:) •n. sin´is·tral·ly •adv. [OFr < L sinistra, left hand: see SINISTER]

sinistro- (sin´is trou, -trэ) combining form of, at, or toward the left {sinistrodextral} Also, before a vowel, sin´is·tr- [< L sinister: see SINISTER]

sinistrodextral (sin'is trou deks´trэl) •adj. going or directed from left to right [prec. + DEXTRAL]

sinistrorse (sin´is trörs') •adj. Bot. twining upward while constantly turning to the left, as the stems of some vines Opposed to DEXTRORSE sin´is·trorse'ly •adv. [ModL sinistrorsus < L, contr. of sinistrovorsus < sinister, to the left (see SINISTER) + versus, vorsus (see VERSE)]

sinistrous (sin´is trэs) •adj. SINISTER

Sinitic (sai nit´ik, si-) •n. a branch of the Sino-Tibetan family of languages, including the Chinese languages •adj. of China, the Chinese, their language, culture, etc. [see SINO-, -ITE¹, & -IC]

sink (siŋk) sank or sunk, sunk, sink´ing •vi. 1 to go beneath the surface of water, deep snow, soft ground, etc. so as to be partly or completely covered 2 to go down slowly; fall or descend gradually 3 to appear to fall or descend {the sun sinking in the west} 4 a) to become lower in level; diminish in height or depth {a lake that has sunk three inches} b) to slope downward (from, to, etc.) 5 to diminish or decrease in degree, volume, or strength; subside, as wind, flames, a sound, spirits, etc. 6 to become lower in value or amount; lessen, as prices, funds, etc. 7 to seem or become hollow or shrunken; recede, as the cheeks or eyes 8 to pass gradually (into sleep, despair, lethargy, etc.) 9 to become increasingly and dangerously ill; approach death; fail 10 a) to lose position, wealth, prestige, dignity, etc. b) to lose or abandon one's moral values and stoop (to some unworthy action) 11 to become absorbed; penetrate •vt. 1 to cause to submerge or go beneath the surface {to sink a boat, to sink a spade into the ground} 2 to cause or allow to fall or go down; lower 3 to make (a well, mine, engraved design, etc.) by digging, drilling, or cutting 4 to cause to penetrate or become absorbed 5 to reduce in volume, amount, degree, or intensity 6 a) to invest (money, capital, etc.) b) to lose by investing 7 to hold back, suppress, or conceal (evidence, identity, personal interests, etc.) 8 to pay up (a debt) 9 a) to cause to lose courage, strength, etc. or position, dignity, etc. b) to debase (character, dignity, etc.) 10 to defeat; undo; ruin Æ 11 Sports to put (a basketball, golf ball, etc.) through the net, into the cup, etc. so as to score •n. [ME sinke < the v.] 1 a cesspool or sewer 2 any place or thing considered morally filthy or corrupted 3 any of various basins, as in a kitchen or laundry, connected with a drainpipe and, usually, a water supply Æ 4 Geol. a) an area of slightly sunken land, esp. one in which water collects, often forming a salt lake, or disappears by evaporation or percolation into the ground b) SINKHOLE (sense 2) sink in [Colloq.] to be grasped by the mind, esp. with difficulty; be recognized or understood in full sink´a·ble •adj. [ME sinken < OE sincan, akin to Ger sinken < IE base *sengw-, to fall, sink > Gr heaphthē, (he) sank]

sinkage (siŋk´ij) •n. 1 the act of sinking 2 the degree to which something has sunk or been sunk 3 an area or part sunk below the surrounding level; depression

sinker (-эr) •n. 1 a person or thing that sinks 2 a lead weight used in fishing Æ 3 [Colloq.] a doughnut Æ 4 Baseball a pitched ball that curves downward sharply as it reaches home plate

sinkhole (siŋk´houl') •n. 1 CESSPOOL Æ 2 a saucer-shaped surface depression produced when underlying material, such as limestone or salt, dissolves or when caves, mines, etc. collapse

Sinkiang (sin´kyæŋ´; Chin shin´jyäŋ´) old form of XINJIANG

sinking fund a fund made up of sums of money set aside at intervals, usually invested at interest, in order to meet a specified future obligation, as the retirement of bonds at maturity

sinless (sin´lis) •adj. without sin; innocent sin´less·ly •adv. sin´less·ness •n.

Sinn Fein (shin´ fein´) an early 20th-cent. Irish revolutionary movement working to establish political and economic independence and revive Irish culture Sinn´ Fein´er [Ir, we ourselves]

sinner (-эr) •n. a person who sins; wrongdoer

Sino- (sai´nou, sin´ou) combining form Chinese, Chinese and {Sinology} [Fr < LL Sinae < Gr Sinai, an Oriental people]

Sino-Japanese (sai'nou jæp'э ni:z´) •n. Japanese vocabulary derived from Chinese

Sinologist (sai näl´э jist, si-) •n. a student of or specialist in Sinology Also Si·no·logue (sai´nэ lög', sin´э-)

Sinology (-ji:) •n. the study of Chinese language, literature, art, customs, etc. Si·no·log·i·cal (sai'nэ läj´i kªl) •adj. [SINO- + -LOGY]

Sino-Tibetan (sai'nou ti bet´ªn) •n. a family of languages spoken in central and SE Asia, including the Sinitic and Tibeto-Burman languages

sinsemilla (sin'sэ mil´э) •n. a potent form of marijuana produced by preventing the female plant from being pollinated

sinter (sin´tэr) •n. 1 Geol. a concretionary sediment of silica or calcium carbonate deposited near the mouth of a mineral spring, geyser, etc. 2 Metallurgy a bonded mass of metal particles shaped and partially fused by pressure and heating below the melting point •vi., vt. to become or make into a SINTER (n. 2) [Ger: see CINDER]

Sintra (si:n´trэ, sin´-) city in W Portugal, northwest of Lisbon: pop. 225,000

sinuate (sin´yu: it, -eit'; for v., -eit') •adj. 1 SINUOUS 2 Bot. having an indented, wavy margin, as some leaves •vi. -at'ed, -at'ing to bend or wind in and out; be sinuous or wavy sin´u·ate·ly •adv. sin'u·a´tion •n. [L sinuatus, pp. of sinuare, to bend < sinus, a bend]

sinuosity (sin'yu: äs´э ti:) •n. 1 the state or quality of being sinuous 2 pl. -ties a sinuous turn or movement; undulation [Fr sinuosité]

sinuous (sin´yu: эs) •adj. 1 bending, winding, or curving in and out; wavy; serpentine 2 not straightforward; devious; crooked 3 SINUATE (adj. 2) sin´u·ous·ly •adv. [L sinuosus < sinus, a bend]

sinus (sain´эs) •n. 1 a bend or curve 2 any cavity or hollow formed by a bending or curving 3 Anat., Zool. any of various cavities, hollows, or passages; esp., a) any of the air cavities in the skull opening into the nasal cavities b) a large channel for venous blood c) a dilated part in a blood vessel, etc. 4 Bot. a rounded depression between two consecutive lobes, as of a leaf 5 Med. a channel leading from a pus-filled cavity [L, a bend, curve, fold]

sinusitis (sain'эs ait´is) •n. inflammation of a sinus or sinuses, esp. of the skull [ModL: see SINUS & -ITIS]

sinusoid (sai´nэs oid') •n. SINE CURVE si'nus·oi´dal •adj.

sinusoidal projection an equal-area map projection showing the entire surface of the earth with all lines of latitude as straight lines and all lines of longitude as curved lines

Sion (sai´эn) var. of ZION

Siouan (su:´эn) •n. a family of North American Indian languages formerly spoken in the WC U.S., central Canada, and parts of Virginia and the Carolinas: it includes Iowa, Mandan, Dakota, Crow, Omaha, Hidatsa, Osage, etc.

Sioux (su:) pl. Sioux (su:, su:z) DAKOTA (n. 1 & 2) •n. •adj. DAKOTA (adj. 1) [Fr, contr. < Nadouessioux, pl. < Ottawa dialect of nadowe-is-iw, naadoweesiwag, an ethnic name, lit., adder: applied in variant forms in different Algonquian languages to a number of non-Algonquian groups]

Sioux City city in W Iowa, on the Missouri River: pop. 81,000

Sioux Falls city in SE S.Dak.: pop. 101,000

sip (sip) sipped, sip´ping •vt., vi. to drink a little at a time •n. 1 the act of sipping 2 a quantity sipped sip´per •n. [ME sippen, akin to LowG sippen: for IE base see SUP¹]

siphon (sai´fэn) •n. 1 a bent tube used for carrying liquid from a reservoir over the top edge of its container to a point below the surface of the reservoir: the tube must be filled, as by suction, before flow will start 2 SIPHON BOTTLE 3 a tubelike organ in some animals, as cuttlefishes, used for drawing in or ejecting liquids •vt. to draw off or carry through or as through a siphon •vi. to pass through a siphon si´phon·al (-эl) or si·phon·ic (sai fän´ik) •adj. [Fr < L sipho (gen. siphonis) < Gr siphōn, tube, siphon]

siphon bottle a heavy, sealed bottle with a tube on the inside connected at the top with a nozzle and valve which, when opened, allows the flow of pressurized, carbonated water contained within

siphonage (-ij) •n. the act of siphoning

siphonophore (sai´fэ nэ för', sai fän´э-) •n. any of an order (Siphonophora) of small, transparent, often colored, swimming or floating sea hydrozoans composed of several kinds of polyps and including the Portuguese man-of-war [< Gr siphōn, tube + -PHORE]

siphonostele (-sti:l', -sti:'li:) •n. Bot. a type of vascular system consisting of a ring of vascular bundles surrounding a central pith si'pho·no·ste´lic (-sti:´lik) •adj. [< Gr siphōn, tube + STELE]

sippet (sip´it) •n. 1 a small piece of toasted or fried bread used as a garnish, dipped in gravy, etc. 2 any small piece; fragment [prob. dim. of SOP]

Siqueiros (si: ke´řôs), (José) Da·vid Al·fa·ro (dä vi:d´ äl fä´řô) 1896-1974; Mex. painter, esp. of murals

sir (sør) •n. 1 orig., a man of rank; lord 2 [sometimes S-] a respectful term of address used to a man: not followed by the given name or surname and often used in the salutation of a letter {Dear Sir} 3 [S-] the title used before the given name or full name of a knight or baronet {Sir Walter Raleigh} 4 [Archaic] a term of address used with the title of a man's office, rank, or profession {sir priest, sir judge, sir knight} [ME < sire: see SIRE] Sir Bible Sirach

Sirach (sai´ræk) a book of proverbs in the Old Testament Apocrypha: in some versions called Ecclesiasticus: abbrev. Sir

Siracusa (si:'řä ku:´zä) It. name of SYRACUSE (the seaport in Sicily)

sirdar (sэr där´) •n. 1 in India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, a) a chief or noble b) a high military officer 2 in India, a person, esp. a Sikh, holding an important position 3 any Sikh man [Urdu < Pers, leader < sar, the head + dār, holding]

sire (sair) •n. 1 a) orig., a person of authority; man of high rank b) [S-] a title of respect used in addressing a king, equivalent to your majesty 2 [Old Poet.] a father or forefather 3 the male parent of an animal, esp. of a four-legged mammal •vt. sired, sir´ing to beget: said esp. of animals [ME < OFr, a master < L senior: see SENIOR]

siren (sai´rэn) •n. 1 Gr. & Rom. Myth. any of several sea nymphs, represented as part bird and part woman, who lure sailors to their death on rocky coasts by seductive singing 2 a woman who uses her sexual attractiveness to entice or allure men; a woman who is considered seductive 3 a) an acoustical device in which steam or air is driven against a rotating, perforated disk so as to produce sound; specif., such a device producing a loud, often wailing sound, used esp. as a warning signal b) an electronic device that produces a similar sound 4 any of a family (Sirenidae) of slender, eel-shaped salamanders without hind legs; esp., the mud eel •adj. of or like a siren; dangerously seductive {siren songs} [ME syrene < OFr < LL Sirena, for L Siren < Gr Seirēn < ? seira, cord, rope (hence, orig. ? one who snares, entangles) < IE base *twer-, to grasp]

sirenian (sai ri:´ni: эn) •n. SEA COW [< ModL Sirenia < L Siren (see SIREN) + -AN]

Siret (si ret´) river in SE Europe, flowing from the Carpathian mountains southeast into the Danube: 280 mi. (450 km)