tram³ (træm) short for TRAMMEL (sense 6) •n. •vt., vi. trammed, tram´ming to adjust, align, or measure with a TRAMMEL (n. 6)
trammel (træm´эl) •n. 1 a) a fishing net consisting of two outer layers of coarse mesh and a loosely hung middle layer of fine mesh b) a fowling net: also trammel net 2 a kind of shackle for a horse, esp. one to teach ambling 3 [usually pl.] something that confines, restrains, or shackles 4 a device with links or openings at different heights for hanging a pothook in a fireplace 5 an instrument for drawing ellipses 6 any of several devices for adjusting or aligning parts of a machine •vt. -meled or -melled, -mel·ing or -mel·ling 1 to entangle in or as in a trammel 2 to confine, restrain, or shackle tram´mel·er or tram´mel·ler •n. [ME tramaile < MFr tramail, a net < ML tremaculum, kind of fishing net < L tres, THREE + macula, a mesh]
tramontane (træ män´tein', trэ-; træ'män tein´) •adj. located beyond or coming from beyond the mountains, specif. the Alps (from an Italian viewpoint) •n. 1 orig., a tramontane person 2 a foreigner; stranger [It tramontano < L transmontanus, beyond the mountains < tra- (see TRANS-) + mons (gen. montis), MOUNT¹]
tramp (træmp) •vi. 1 a) to walk with heavy steps b) to step heavily; stamp {to tramp on someone's foot} 2 a) to travel about on foot; trudge; hike b) to travel as or like a vagabond, hobo, etc. •vt. 1 to step on firmly and heavily; trample 2 to walk or ramble through •n. 1 a person who travels about on foot, esp. one doing odd jobs or begging for a living; hobo; vagrant 2 the sound of heavy steps, as of people marching 3 the act of tramping; esp., a journey on foot; hike 4 a freight ship that has no regular schedule, arranging for cargo, passengers, and ports of call as it goes along 5 an iron plate on the sole of a shoe to protect it, to prevent slipping, etc. 6 [Slang] a woman who is sexually promiscuous SYN. VAGRANT tramp´er •n. [ME trampen < or akin to LowG trampen, to trample < nasalized form of the base in TRAP¹]
trample (træm´pэl) -pled, -pling •vi. to tread heavily; tramp •vt. to crush, destroy, hurt, violate, etc. by or as by treading heavily on •n. the sound of trampling trample under footor trample on or trample upon 1 to crush or hurt by trampling 2 to treat harshly or ruthlessly; domineer over tram´pler •n. [ME trampelen, freq. of trampen: see TRAMP]
trampoline (træm´pэ li:n', -lin; træm'pэ li:n´) •n. Æ an apparatus for performing acrobatic tumbling and jumping feats, consisting of a sheet of strong canvas attached to a frame by springs and held tautly stretched above the floor tram´po·lin'er or tram´po·lin'ist •n. [It trampolino, springboard, akin to trampoli, stilts < Ger trampeln, to trample, freq. of trampen: for IE base see TRAP¹]
tramroad (træm´roud') •n. Mining a road for trams, having tracks of wood, stone, or metal [TRAM² + ROAD]
tramway (træm´wei') •n. 1 TRAMROAD 2 [Brit., etc. (exc. Cdn.)] a streetcar line; tramline Æ 3 a system in which carriers or cars are supported by overhead cables
tran- (træn) prefix TRANS-: used before s {tranship, transonic}
trance (træns, träns) •n. 1 a state of altered consciousness, somewhat resembling sleep, during which voluntary movement is lost, as in hypnosis 2 a stunned condition; daze; stupor 3 a condition of great mental concentration or abstraction, esp. one induced by religious fervor or mysticism 4 in spiritualistic belief, a condition in which a medium passes under the control of some external force, as for the transmission of communications from the dead during a séance •vt. tranced, tranc´ing old poet. term for ENTRANCE² [ME < OFr transe, great anxiety, fear < transir, to perish < L transire, to die, lit., go across: see TRANSIT]
tranche (tränsh) •n. a portion, share, installment, etc. {the final tranche of the loan} [Fr, lit., a slice]
trank or tranq (træŋk) •n. [Slang] short for TRANQUILIZER
tranquil (træn´kwil, træŋ´-) -quil·er or -quil·ler, -quil·est or -quil·lest •adj. 1 free from disturbance or agitation; calm, serene, peaceful, placid, etc. 2 quiet or motionless; steady {tranquil waters} SYN. CALM tran´quil·ly •adv. [L tranquillus, calm, quiet, still < trans-, beyond (see TRANS-) + base akin to quies, rest, calm, QUIET]
tranquilize or tranquillize (træn´kwil aiz', træŋ´-) -ized' or -lized', -iz'ing or -liz'ing •vt., vi. to make or become tranquil; specif., to calm by the use of a tranquilizer tran'quil·i·za´tion or tran'quil·li·za´tion •n.
tranquilizer or tranquillizer (-эr) •n. a person or thing that tranquilizes; specif., any of certain drugs, as chlorpromazine, meprobamate, etc., used as a calming agent in relieving and controlling various emotional disturbances, anxiety neuroses, certain psychoses, etc.
tranquillity or tranquility (træn kwil´э ti:, træŋ-) •n. the quality or state of being tranquil; calmness; serenity
trans 1 transaction(s) 2 transitive 3 translated 4 translation 5 translator 6 transportation 7 transverse
trans- (træns, trænz) prefix 1 on the other side of, to the other side of, over, across, through {transatlantic, transpierce} 2 so as to change thoroughly {transliterate} 3 above and beyond; transcending {transonic} 4 Chem. a) designating an isomer having certain atoms or groups on opposite sides of a given plane in the molecule (in chemical names, usually printed in italic type and hyphenated and disregarded in alphabetization) {trans-butene} (see CIS-) b) designating the elements beyond (a given element) in the periodic table {transuranium} It occas. becomes TRAN- before s; in words of Latin origin, it becomes TRA- before d, j, l, m, n, or v [L trans- (contr. to tra- before d-, m-, n-, l-, v-, j-) < trans, across, over, orig., prob. prp. of *trare, to pass, seen in intrare, extrare < IE base *ter-, to go, over, beyond > THROUGH]
transact (træn zækt´, -sækt´) •vt. to carry on, perform, conduct, or complete (business, etc.) •vi. [Rare] to do business; negotiate trans·ac´tor •n. [< L transactus, pp. of transigere, to drive through, settle < trans- + agere, to drive: see TRANS- & ACT]
transaction (træn zæk´shэn, -sæk´-) •n. 1 a transacting or being transacted 2 something transacted; specif., a) a business deal or agreement b) [pl.] a record of the proceedings of a society, convention, etc., esp. a published one trans·ac´tion·al •adj. [L transactio]
transactional analysis a form of popular psychotherapy conducted on the premise that there are three states of the ego (parent, adult, child) in each individual, which must be brought into balance
transalpine (træns æl´pain', trænz-; -pin) •adj. on the other (the northern) side of the Alps: from the viewpoint of Rome [L transalpinus: see TRANS- & ALPINE]
transaminase (-æm´э neis', -neiz') •n. any of a group of enzymes that cause transamination [< fol. + -ASE]
transamination (-æm'э nei´shэn) •n. the transfer of an amino group from one molecule to another, usually by the action of a transaminase [TRANS- + AMIN(E) + -ATION]
transanimation (-æn'э mei´shэn) •n. mouth-to-mouth resuscitation [TRANS- + ANIMATION]
transatlantic (træns'æt læn´tik, trænz'-) •adj. 1 crossing or spanning the Atlantic 2 on the other side of the Atlantic
Transcaucasia (træns'kö kei´zhэ) the region directly south of the Caucasus Mountains, containing the Asian countries of Armenia, Azerbaijan, & Georgia Trans'cau·ca´sian •adj., n.
transceiver (træn si:´vэr) •n. 1 an apparatus contained in a single housing, functioning alternately as a radio transmitter and receiver 2 an electronic device that transmits and receives facsimile copies of printed material, pictures, etc. over a telephone line [TRANS(MITTER) + (RE)CEIVER]
transcend (træn send´) •vt. 1 to go beyond the limits of; overstep; exceed {a story that transcends belief} 2 to be superior to; surpass; excel 3 Philos., Theol. to be separate from or beyond (experience, the material universe, etc.) •vi. to be transcendent; excel SYN. EXCEL [ME transcenden < L transcendere, to climb over < trans-, over + scandere, to climb: see DESCEND]
transcendent (træn sen´dэnt) •adj. 1 transcending; surpassing; excelling; extraordinary 2 Philos. a) beyond the limits of possible experience b) in Kantianism, beyond human knowledge 3 Theol. existing apart from the material universe: said of God: distinguished from IMMANENT tran·scend´ence or tran·scend´en·cy •n. tran·scend´ent·ly •adv. [L transcendens, prp. of transcendere]
transcendental (træn'sen dent´ªl) •adj. 1 a) TRANSCENDENT (sense 1) b) SUPERNATURAL 2 abstract; metaphysical 3 of or having to do with transcendentalism 4 in Kantian philosophy, based on those elements of experience which derive not from sense data but from the inherent organizing function of the mind, and which are the necessary conditions of human knowledge; transcending sense experience but not knowledge 5 Math. a) not capable of being a root of any algebraic equation with rational coefficients b) of, pertaining to, or being a function, as a logarithm, trigonometric function, exponential, etc., that is not expressible algebraically in terms of the variables and constants (opposed to ALGEBRAIC, sense 2)) tran'scen·den´tal·ly •adv. [ML transcendentalis]
transcendentalism (-iz'эm) •n. 1 any of various philosophies that propose to discover the nature of reality by investigating the process of thought rather than the objects of sense experience: the philosophies of Kant, Hegel, and Fichte are examples of transcendentalism Æ 2 by extension, the philosophical ideas of Emerson and some other 19th-cent. New Englanders, based on a search for reality through spiritual intuition 3 popularly, any obscure, visionary, or idealistic thought tran'scen·den´tal·ist •n., adj. [< 18th-c. Ger transcendentalismus: see TRANSCENDENTAL & -ISM]
transconductance (træns'kэn dûkt´эns) •n. Electronics the ratio of the small change in anode current of an electron tube to a small change in grid voltage which produced the change in anode current, usually expressed in mhos
transcontinental (træns'kän tэ nent´ªl) •adj. 1 that crosses a (or the) continent 2 on the other side of a (or the) continent trans'con·ti·nen´tal·ly •adv.
transcribe (træn skraib´) -scribed´, -scrib´ing •vt. 1 to write out or type out in full (shorthand notes, a speech, etc.) 2 to represent (speech sounds) in phonetic or phonemic symbols 3 to translate or transliterate 4 to arrange or adapt (a piece of music) for an instrument, voice, or ensemble other than that for which it was originally written 5 to make a recording tran·scrib´er •n. [L transcribere: see TRANS- & SCRIBE]
transcript (træn´skript') •n. 1 something made by or based on transcribing; written, typewritten, or printed copy Æ 2 any copy or reproduction, esp. one that is official, as a copy of a student's record in school or college, listing courses, credits, grades, etc. [ME transcripte < ML transcriptum < L transcriptus, pp. of transcribere]
transcription (træn skrip´shэn) •n. 1 the act or process of transcribing 2 something transcribed; specif., a) a transcript; copy b) an arrangement of a piece of music for an instrument, voice, or ensemble other than that for which it was originally written c) a recording made for radio or television broadcasting tran·scrip´tion·al •adj. [L transcriptio < transcriptus: see TRANSCRIPT]
transducer (træns du:s´эr, trænz-; -dyu:s´-) •n. any of various devices that transmit energy from one system to another, sometimes one that converts the energy in form, as a loudspeaker that converts electrical impulses into sound [< L transducere, to lead across < trans-, over + ducere, to lead (see DUCT + -ER]
transduction (-dûk´shэn) •n. 1 the transfer of energy from one system to another 2 Genetics the transfer of DNA from one bacterium to another by a bacteriophage, which may lead to the acquisition of a new gene by the recipient: cf. LYSOGENY [< L transductus, pp. of transducere: see TRANSDUCER]
transect (træn sekt´) •vt. to cut across or divide by cutting tran·sec´tion •n. [< TRANS- + L sectus, pp. of secare, to cut: see SAW¹]
transept (træn´sept') •n. 1 the part of a cross-shaped church at right angles to the long, main section, or nave 2 either arm of this part, outside the nave [ModL transeptum < L trans-, across + septum: see SEPTUM]
transfection (træns fek´shэn) •n. the injection of naked nucleic acids into cells or bacteria so as to infect them, as in cancer research trans·fect´ •vt.
transfer (for v. træns før´, træns´fэr; for n. træns´fэr) -ferred´, -fer´ring •vt. 1 to convey, carry, remove, or send from one person, place, or position to another 2 to make over or convey (property, title to property, etc.) to another 3 to convey (a picture, design, etc.) from one surface to another by any of several processes •vi. 1 to transfer oneself or be transferred; move Æ 2 to withdraw from one school, college, course of study, etc. and be admitted to another Æ 3 to change from one bus, train, or streetcar to another, usually by presenting a transfer •n. 1 a) a transferring or being transferred b) a means of transferring 2 a thing or person that is transferred; specif., a picture or design transferred or to be transferred from one surface to another Æ 3 a ticket, provided free or at a small extra charge, entitling the bearer to change from one bus, train, or streetcar to another as specified Æ 4 a place for transferring Æ 5 a form or document effecting a transfer, as from one post or position to another Æ 6 a person who transfers or is transferred from one school, post, position, etc. to another 7 Law a) the transferring of a title, right, etc. from one person to another b) the document effecting this trans·fer´a·ble or trans·fer´ra·ble •adj. trans·fer´al or trans·fer´ral •n. trans·fer´rer or Law trans·fer´or •n. [ME transferren < L transferre < trans-, across + ferre, to BEAR¹]
transfer agent a bank or trust company charged with keeping a record of the shareholders of a corporation and issuing and canceling stock certificates as shares are bought and sold
transfer RNA any of various small, looped forms of RNA that combine temporarily with messenger RNA to bring an amino acid to the proper location during the building of a specific polypeptide chain
transferase (træns´fэr eis', -eiz') •n. any of a class of enzymes that cause the transfer of chemical groups from one molecule to another [TRANSFER + -ASE]
transferee (træns'fэr i:´) •n. 1 a person to whom something is transferred 2 a person who is transferred
transference (træns´fэr эns, træns før´-) •n. 1 a transferring or being transferred 2 Psychoanalysis a reproduction of emotions relating to repressed experiences, esp. of childhood, and the substitution of another person, esp. the psychoanalyst, for the object of the repressed impulses
transferential (træns'fэr en´shэl) •adj. of or involving a transfer or transference
transferrin (træns fer´in) •n. an iron-binding, crystalline globulin in blood plasma, that is important as an iron carrier [< TRANS- + L ferrum, iron (see FERRO-) + -IN¹]
transfiguration (træns fig'yu: rei´shэn, træns'fig-) •n. 1 a transfiguring or being transfigured 2 [T-] a church festival (Aug. 6) commemorating the Transfiguration [T-] Bible the change in the appearance of Jesus on the mountain: Matt. 17
transfigure (træns fig´yэr) -ured, -ur·ing •vt. 1 to change the figure, form, or outward appearance of; transform 2 to transform so as to exalt or glorify SYN. TRANSFORM [ME transfiguren < L transfigurare: see TRANS- & FIGURE]
transfinite (-fai´nait') •adj. 1 extending beyond or surpassing the finite 2 Math. designating or of a cardinal or ordinal number that is larger than any positive integer
transfix (træns fiks´) •vt. 1 to pierce through with or as with something pointed 2 to fasten in this manner; impale 3 to make motionless, as if impaled {transfixed with horror} trans·fix´ion (-fik´shэn) •n. [< L transfixus, pp. of transfigere, to transfix < trans-, TRANS- + figere, to FIX]
transform (for v. træns förm´; for n. træns´förm') •vt. 1 to change the form or outward appearance of 2 to change the condition, nature, or function of; convert 3 to change the personality or character of 4 Elec. to change (a voltage or current value) by use of a transformer 5 Linguis. to change by means of a syntactic transformational rule 6 Math. to change (an algebraic expression or equation) to a different form having the same value 7 Physics to change (one form of energy) into another •vi. [Rare] to be or become transformed •n. Math. the process or result of a mathematical transformation trans·form´a·ble •adj. trans·form´a·tive •adj. SYN.—transform, the broadest in scope of these terms, implies a change either in external form or in inner nature, in function, etc. [she was transformed into a happy girl]; transmute, from its earlier use in alchemy, suggests a change in basic nature that seems almost miraculous [transmuted from a shy youth into a sophisticated man about town]; convert implies a change in details so as to be suitable for a new use [to convert an attic into an apartment]; metamorphose suggests a startling change produced as if by magic [a tadpole is metamorphosed into a frog]; transfigure implies a change in outward appearance which seems to exalt or glorify [his whole being was transfigured by love] see also CHANGE [ME transformen < L transformare < trans-, TRANS- + formare, to form < forma, FORM]
transformation (træns'fэr mei´shэn, -för-) •n. 1 a transforming or being transformed 2 [Now Rare] a woman's wig Æ 3 Linguis. a) the process of changing, by the application of certain syntactic rules, an abstract underlying structure into a surface structure b) any of the rules that derive surface structures from abstract underlying structures (also transformational rule) 4 Math. the process of setting up correspondences between the elements of two sets or spaces so that every element of the first set corresponds to a unique element of the second set trans'for·ma´tion·al •adj. [LL(Ec) transformatio]
transformational (generative) grammar Linguis. a system of grammar consisting of a set of rules that generate basic structures and a set of transformational rules that operate on those structures to account for every possible sentence of a language: cf. GENERATIVE GRAMMAR
transformer (træns förm´эr) •n. 1 a person or thing that transforms 2 Elec. a device containing no moving parts and consisting essentially of two or more coils of insulated wire that transfers alternating-current energy by electromagnetic induction from one winding to another at the same frequency but usually with changed voltage and current values
transfuse (-fyu:z´) -fused´, -fus´ing •vt. 1 a) to transfer or transmit by or as by causing to flow or be diffused b) to permeate, instill, imbue, infuse, etc. 2 Med. a) to transfer or introduce (blood, blood plasma, saline solution, etc.) into a blood vessel, usually a vein b) to give a transfusion to trans·fus´i·ble •adj. trans·fu´sive (-fyu´siv) •adj. [ME transfusen < L transfusus, pp. of transfundere, to pour from one container into another < trans-, TRANS- + fundere, to pour: see FOUND³]
transfusion (-fyu:´zhэn) •n. the act or an instance of transfusing, esp. blood, blood plasma, etc.
transgress (træns gres´, trænz-) •vt. 1 to overstep or break (a law, commandment, etc.) 2 to go beyond (a limit, boundary, etc.) •vi. to break a law or commandment; sin trans·gres´sive •adj. trans·gres´sor •n. [Fr transgresser < L transgressus, pp. of transgredi, to step over, pass over < trans-, TRANS- + gradi, to step, walk: see GRADE]
transgression (-gresh´эn) •n. the act or an instance of transgressing; breach of a law, duty, etc.; sin
tranship (træn ship´) •vt., vi. alt. sp. of TRANSSHIP
transhumance (træns hyu:´mэns, trænz-) •n. seasonal and alternating movement of livestock, together with the persons who tend the herds, between two regions, as lowlands and highlands trans·hu´mant •adj. [Fr < transhumer, to practice transhumance < Sp trashumar < tras-, trans- (< L, TRANS-) + L humus, earth: see HUMUS]
transient (træn´shэnt, -si: эnt; -zhэnt, -zi: эnt) •adj. 1 a) passing away with time; not permanent; temporary; transitory b) passing quickly or soon; fleeting; ephemeral Æ 2 staying only for a short time {the transient population at resorts} •n. Æ 1 a transient person or thing {transients at a hotel} 2 Elec. a temporary component of a current, resulting from a voltage surge, a change from one steady-state condition to another, etc. tran´si·ence or tran´si·en·cy •n. tran´si·ent·ly •adv. SYN.—transient applies to that which lasts or stays but a short time [a transient guest, feeling, etc.]; transitory refers to that which by its very nature must sooner or later pass or end [life is transitory]; ephemeral literally means existing only one day and, by extension, applies to that which is markedly short-lived [ephemeral glory]; momentary implies duration for a moment or an extremely short time [a momentary lull in the conversation]; evanescent applies to that which appears momentarily and fades quickly away [evanescent mental images]; fleeting implies of a thing that it passes swiftly and cannot be held [a fleeting thought] —ANT. lasting, permanent [L transiens, prp. of transire: see TRANSIT]
transilient (træn sil´i: эnt, -sil´yэnt; -zil´-) •adj. passing abruptly or leaping from one thing, condition, etc. to another tran·sil´i·ence •n. [L transiliens, prp. of transilire, to leap across < trans-, TRANS- + salire: see SALIENT]
transilluminate (træns'i lu:´mэ neit', trænz'-) -nat'ed, -nat'ing •vt. Med. to cause light to pass through the walls of (a body cavity) for purposes of examination trans'il·lu'mi·na´tion •n. [TRANS- + ILLUMINATE]
transistor (træn zis´tэr, -sis´-) •n. 1 a solid-state, electronic device, composed of semiconductor material, as germanium, silicon, etc., that controls current flow without use of a vacuum: transistors are similar in function to electron tubes, but have the advantages of being compact, long-lived, and low in power requirements 2 popularly, a transistorized radio [TRAN(SFER) + (RE)SISTOR: it transfers a current across a resistor]
transistorize (-tэr aiz') -ized', -iz'ing •vt. to equip (a device) with transistors
transit (træns´it, trænz´it) •n. 1 a) passage through or across b) a transition; change 2 a) a carrying or being carried through or across: conveyance {goods in transit} b) a system of urban public transportation (cf. RAPID TRANSIT) 3 a surveying instrument for measuring horizontal angles, a kind of theodolite: in full transit theodolite 4 Astron. a) the apparent passage of a celestial body across a given meridian or through the field of a telescope b) the apparent passage of a smaller celestial body across the disk of a larger one, as of Mercury across the sun •vt. 1 to make a transit through or across 2 to revolve (the telescope of a transit) so as to reverse its direction •vi. to make a transit, or passage [ME transite < L transitus, pp. of transire < trans-, TRANS- + ire, to go: see YEAR]
transit instrument 1 a telescope mounted at right angles to a horizontal east-west axis so that it can be rotated only in the vertical plane of the meridian at its site: used to observe and time the transit of celestial bodies across the meridian 2 TRANSIT (sense 3)
transition (træn zish´эn; -sish´эn, -sizh´-) •n. 1 a) a passing from one condition, form, stage, activity, place, etc. to another b) the period of such passing 2 a word, phrase, sentence, or group of sentences that relates a preceding topic to a succeeding one or that smoothly connects parts of a speech or piece of writing 3 Music a) a shifting from one key to another; modulation; esp., a brief or passing modulation b) an abrupt change into a remote key c) a passage connecting two sections of a composition tran·si´tion·al or tran·si´tion·ar'y •adj. tran·si´tion·al·ly •adv. [L transitio < transitus: see TRANSIT]
transition element any element of several groups of elements formed by adding electrons to an inner shell as the atomic number increases
transitive (træn´sэ tiv, -zэ-) •adj. 1 [Rare] of, showing, or characterized by transition; transitional 2 Gram. expressing an action thought of as passing over to and having an effect on some person or thing; taking a direct object: said of certain verbs 3 Math. designating a relation having the property that, whenever a first element bears a particular relation to a second that in turn bears this same relation to a third, the first element bears this relation to the third {identity and equality are transitive relations} •n. a transitive verb tran´si·tive·ly •adv. tran´si·tive·ness or tran'si·tiv´i·ty •n. [LL transitivus < L transitus: see TRANSIT]
transitory (træn´sэ tör'i:, -zэ-) •adj. of a passing nature; not enduring or permanent; temporary, fleeting, or ephemeral; transient SYN. TRANSIENT tran´si·to'ri·ly •adv. tran´si·to'ri·ness •n. [ME transitorie < MFr transitoire < LL(Ec) transitorius < L, adapted for passing through < transitus: see TRANSIT]
Transjordan (træns jörd´ªn, trænz-) old name for JORDAN: also Trans'jor·da´ni·a
Transkei (træns kei´, -kai´) homeland of the Xhosa nation in E Cape Province, South Africa: granted independence in 1976: 16,500 sq. mi. (42,735 sq. km); pop. c. 2,500,000; cap. Umtata Trans·kei´an •adj.
transl 1 translated 2 translation 3 translator
translate (træns leit´, trænz-; træns´leit', trænz´-) -lat´ed, -lat´ing •vt. 1 to move from one place or condition to another; transfer; specif., a) Theol. to convey directly to heaven without death b) Eccles. to transfer (a bishop) from one see to another; also, to move (a saint's body or remains) from one place of interment to another 2 to put into the words of a different language 3 to change into another medium or form {to translate ideas into action} 4 to put into different words; rephrase or paraphrase in explanation 5 to transmit (a telegraphic message) again by means of an automatic relay 6 [Archaic] to enrapture; entrance 7 Mech. to impart translation to •vi. 1 to make a translation into another language 2 to be capable of being translated trans·lat´a·ble •adj. [ME translaten < ML & L: ML translatare < L translatus, transferred, used as pp. of transferre: see TRANSFER]
translation (træns lei´shэn, trænz-) •n. 1 a translating or being translated 2 the result of a translating; esp., writing or speech translated into another language 3 Mech. motion in which every point of the moving object has simultaneously the same velocity and direction of motion trans·la´tion·al •adj. SYN.—translation implies the rendering from one language into another of something written or spoken [a German translation of Shakespeare]; version is applied to a particular translation of a given work, specif. of the Bible [the King James Version]; paraphrase, in this connection, is applied to a free translation of a passage or work from another language; transliteration implies the writing of words with characters of another alphabet that represent the same sound or sounds [in this dictionary Greek words are transliterated with letters of the English alphabet] [ME translacioun < MFr translation < L translatio]
translator (træns leit´эr, trænz-; træns´læt'эr, trænz´-) •n. one that translates; specif., a) a person or machine that translates books, articles, etc. from one language into another b) a person who translates speech; interpreter [ME translatour < LL(Ec) translator < L, one who transfers]
transliterate (træns lit´эr eit', trænz-) -at'ed, -at'ing •vt. to write or spell (words, letters, etc.) in corresponding characters of another alphabet trans·lit'er·a´tion •n. [< TRANS- + L litera, littera, LETTER¹ + -ATE¹]
translocate (-lou´keit') -cat'ed, -cat'ing •vt. to cause to change location or position
translocation (træns'lou kei´shэn, trænz'-) •n. 1 an act or instance of translocating 2 Bot. the transport of organic food materials in solution through tissues from one part of a plant to another 3 Genetics the transfer of a portion of a chromosome to a new location in the chromosome or into another chromosome
translucent (træns lu:´sэnt, trænz-) •adj. 1 orig., shining through 2 [Rare] transparent 3 letting light pass but diffusing it so that objects on the other side cannot be clearly distinguished; partially transparent, as frosted glass: also trans·lu´cid (-lu:´sid) 4 easily perceived; lucid; clear SYN. CLEAR trans·lu´cence or trans·lu´cen·cy •n. trans·lu´cent·ly •adv. [L translucens, prp. of translucere, to shine through: see TRANS- & LIGHT¹]
transmarine (træns'mэ ri:n´, trænz'-) •adj. 1 crossing the sea 2 coming from or being on the other side of the sea [L transmarinus: see TRANS- & MARINE]
transmigrant (træns mai´grэnt, trænz-) •adj. that transmigrates •n. a person or thing that transmigrates; specif., an emigrant passing through a country or place on the way to the country in which he or she will be an immigrant [L transmigrans, prp. of transmigrare]
transmigrate (-mai´greit') -grat'ed, -grat'ing •vi. 1 to move from one habitation, country, etc. to another 2 to pass into another body at death: said of the soul, as in Hindu religious belief trans·mi´gra'tor •n. trans·mi´gra·to'ry (-grэ tör'i:) •adj. [ME vt. transmigraten < L transmigratus, pp. of transmigrare: see TRANS- & MIGRATE]
transmigration (træns'mai grei´shэn, trænz¿-) •n. the act or process of transmigrating [LL(Ec) transmigratio]
transmissible (træns mis´э bэl, trænz-) •adj. capable of being transmitted trans·mis'si·bil´i·ty •n. [LL transmissibilis < L transmissus: see TRANSMISSION & -IBLE]
transmission (træns mish´эn, trænz-) •n. 1 a) a transmitting or being transmitted b) something transmitted 2 the part of a motor vehicle, machine, etc. that transmits power from the engine to the driven members, as the wheels, by means of belts, fluids, gears, etc. 3 the passage of radio waves through space between the transmitting station and the receiving station trans·mis´sive •adj. [L transmissio < transmissus, pp. of transmittere]
transmit (træns mit´, trænz-) -mit´ted, -mit´ting •vt. 1 to send or cause to go from one person or place to another, esp. across intervening space or distance; transfer; dispatch; convey 2 to pass along; impart (a disease, etc.) 3 to hand down to others by heredity, inheritance, etc. 4 to communicate (news, etc.) 5 a) to cause (light, heat, sound, etc.) to pass through air or some other medium {the sun transmits heat and light} b) to allow the passage of; conduct {water transmits sound} 6 to convey (force, movement, etc.) from one mechanical part to another 7 to send out (radio or television broadcasts, etc.) by electromagnetic waves •vi. to send out radio or television signals SYN. CARRY trans·mit´tal •n. trans·mit´ta·ble •adj. [ME transmitten < L transmittere < trans-, TRANS- + mittere, to send: see MISSION]
transmittance (-mit´ªns) •n. 1 the act or process of transmitting 2 the ratio of the radiant energy transmitted by a body to the total radiant energy received by the body
transmittancy (-mit´ªn si:) •n. 1 the ratio of the transmittance of a solution to that of an equivalent thickness of the pure solvent 2 TRANSMITTANCE (sense 2)
transmitter (-mit´эr; for 2, often træns´mit'эr, trænz´-) •n. 1 a person who transmits 2 a thing that transmits; specif., a) the part of a telegraphic instrument by which messages are sent b) the part of a telephone, behind or including the mouthpiece, that converts speech sound into electric impulses for transmission c) the apparatus that generates radio waves, modulates their amplitude or frequency, and transmits them by means of an antenna
transmogrify (træns mäg´rэ fai', trænz-) -fied', -fy'ing •vt. to change completely; transform, esp. in a grotesque or strange manner trans·mog'ri·fi·ca´tion •n. [pseudo-L formation]
transmontane (træns män´tein', trænz-; træns'män tein´, trænz'-) •adj. TRAMONTANE [L transmontanus]
transmundane (træns mûn´dein', trænz-) •adj. beyond the world or worldly matters [TRANS- + MUNDANE]
transmutation (træns'myu: tei´shэn, trænz'-) •n. 1 a transmuting or being transmuted; change of one thing into another 2 [Rare] a fluctuation 3 in the Middle Ages, the supposedly possible conversion of base metals into gold and silver by alchemy 4 Chem. the conversion of atoms of a given element into atoms of a different isotope or of a different element, as in radioactive disintegration or by nuclear bombardment trans'mu·ta´tion·al •adj. trans·mut´a·tive (-myu:t´э tiv) •adj. [ME transmutacioun < LL transmutatio < pp. of L transmutare]
transmute (træns myu:t´, trænz-) -mut´ed, -mut´ing •vt., vi. to change from one form, species, condition, nature, or substance into another; transform; convert SYN. TRANSFORM trans·mut´a·ble •adj. trans·mut´a·bly •adv. [ME transmuten < L transmutare < trans-, TRANS- + mutare, to change: see MUTATE]
transnational (træns næsh´э nэl, trænz-) •adj. transcending the limits, interests, etc. of a single nation
transoceanic (træns'ou'shi: æn´ik, trænz'-) •adj. 1 crossing or spanning the ocean 2 coming from or being on the other side of the ocean
transom (træn´sэm) •n. 1 a crosspiece in a structure; specif., a) a lintel b) a horizontal crossbar across the top or middle of a window or the top of a door Æ 2 a small window or shutterlike panel directly over a door or window, usually hinged to the TRANSOM (sense 1b) 3 any crosspiece; specif., a) the horizontal beam of a gallows or cross b) any of the transverse beams attached to the sternpost of a wooden ship c) the transverse, aftermost part of a boat with a square stern over the transom by unsolicited submission, as to a publisher: said of a manuscript, etc. [LME traunsom, prob. altered < L transtrum, crossbeam, lit., that which is across < trans: see TRANS-]
transonic (træn sän´ik) •adj. designating, of, or moving at a speed within the range of change from subsonic to supersonic speed [TRAN(S)- + SONIC]
transp transportation
transpacific (træns'pэ sif´ik) •adj. 1 crossing or spanning the Pacific 2 on the other side of the Pacific
transpadane (træns´pэ dein', træns pei´dein') •adj. on the other (the northern) side of the river Po: from the viewpoint of Rome [L transpadanus < trans-, TRANS- + Padus, the Po]
transparency (træns per´эn si:, -pær´-) •n. 1 the quality or state of being transparent: also trans·par´ence 2 pl. -cies something transparent; specif., a piece of transparent or translucent material, esp. a positive film or slide, having a picture or design that is visible when light shines through it or that can be projected on a screen
transparent (træns per´эnt, -pær´-) •adj. 1 transmitting light rays so that objects on the other side may be distinctly seen; capable of being seen through; neither opaque nor translucent 2 so fine in texture or open in mesh that objects on the other side may be seen relatively clearly; sheer; gauzy; diaphanous 3 easily understood; very clear 4 easily recognized or detected; obvious 5 without guile or concealment; open; frank; candid SYN. CLEAR trans·par´ent·ly •adv. trans·par´ent·ness •n. [ME transparaunt < ML transparens, prp. of transparere, to be transparent < L trans-, TRANS- + parens, prp. of parere, to APPEAR]
transpicuous (træn spik´yu: эs) •adj. transparent; esp., easily understood tran·spic´u·ous·ly •adv. [ModL transpicuus < L transpicere, to see through < trans-, TRANS- + specere, to look at: see SPY]
transpierce (træns pirs´) -pierced´, -pierc´ing •vt. 1 to pierce through completely 2 to pierce; penetrate [Fr transpercer: see TRANS- & PIERCE]
transpiration (træn'spэ rei´shэn) •n. the act or process of transpiring; specif., the giving off of moisture, etc. through the pores of the skin or through the surface of leaves and other parts of plants [ML transpiratio]
transpire (træn spair´) -spired´, -spir´ing •vt. to cause (vapor, moisture, etc.) to pass through tissue or other permeable substances, esp. through the pores of the skin or the surface of leaves, etc. •vi. 1 to give off vapor, moisture, etc., as through the pores of the skin 2 to be given off, passed through pores, exhaled, etc. 3 to leak out; become known Æ 4 to come to pass; happen: still regarded by some as a loose usage SYN. HAPPEN [Fr transpirer < ML transpirare < L trans-, TRANS- + spirare, to breathe: see SPIRIT]
transplant (for v. træns plænt´, træns´plænt'; for n. træns´plænt') •vt. 1 to dig up (a growing plant) from one place and plant it in another 2 to remove (people, animals, etc.) from one place and resettle in another 3 Surgery to transfer (tissue or an organ) from one individual or part of the body to another; graft •vi. 1 to do transplanting 2 to be capable of enduring transplantation •n. 1 the act or an instance of transplanting 2 something transplanted, as a body organ or seedling trans·plant´a·ble •adj. trans'plan·ta´tion (-plæn tei´shэn) •n. trans·plant´er •n. [ME transplaunten < LL(Ec) transplantare: see TRANS- & PLANT]
transponder (træn spän´dэr) •n. a radio or radar transceiver that automatically transmits electrical signals when actuated by a specific signal from an interrogator [TRAN(SMITTER) + (RE)SPONDER]
transpontine (træns pän´tin, -tain') •adj. 1 on the other side of a bridge 2 south of the Thames in London [< TRANS- + L pons (gen. pontis), a bridge: see PONS]
transport (for v. træns pört´; for n. træns´pört') •vt. 1 to carry from one place to another, esp. over long distances 2 to carry away with emotion; enrapture; entrance 3 to carry off to a penal colony, etc.; banish; deport •n. 1 the act, process, or means of transporting; transportation; conveyance 2 strong emotion, esp. of delight or joy; rapture 3 a ship, airplane, train, etc. used to transport soldiers, freight, etc. 4 a convict sentenced to transportation SYN. ECSTASY, BANISH, CARRY trans·port'a·bil´i·ty •n. trans·port´a·ble •adj. trans·port´er •n. [ME transporten < MFr transporter < L transportare, to carry across < trans-, over, across + portare, to carry: see PORT³]
transportation (træns'pэr tei´shэn, -pör-) •n. 1 a transporting or being transported Æ 2 a) a means or system of conveyance b) the work or business of conveying passengers or goods Æ 3 fare or a ticket for being transported 4 banishment for crime, as to a penal colony; deportation trans'por·ta´tion·al •adj. [Fr < L transportatio]
transpose (træns pouz´) -posed´, -pos´ing •vt. 1 to transfer or shift; now, specif., to change the usual, normal, relative, or respective order or position of; interchange {inadvertently transposed the e and the i in weird} 2 to transfer (an algebraic term) from one side of an equation to the other, reversing the plus or minus value 3 to rewrite or play (a musical composition) in a different key or at another pitch level 4 [Obs.] to transform; convert •vi. to play music in a key or at a pitch level different from the one in which it is written •n. Math. a matrix obtained by interchanging the rows and columns of a given matrix trans·pos´a·ble •adj. trans·pos´er •n. [ME transposen < MFr transposer (for L transponere): see TRANS- & POSE¹]
transposition (træns'pэ zish´эn) •n. 1 a transposing or being transposed 2 the result of this; something transposed trans'po·si´tion·al •adj. [ML transpositio < L transpositus, pp. of transponere: see TRANS- & POSE¹]
transposon (træns pou´zän') •n. a segment of DNA that moves to a new location in a chromosome, or to another chromosome or cell, and alters the existing genetic instructions, sometimes producing significant changes [TRANSPOS(ABLE) + -on, as in OPERON]
transsexual (træns sek´shu: эl, træn-) •n. a person who is predisposed to identify with the opposite sex, sometimes so strongly as to undergo surgery and hormone injections to effect a change of sex trans·sex´u·al·ism' •n.
transship (træns ship´, træn-) -shipped´, -ship´ping •vt., vi. to transfer from one ship, train, truck, etc. to another for reshipment trans·ship´ment •n.
transsonic (-sän´ik) •adj. alt. sp. of TRANSONIC
transubstantiate (træn'sэb stæn´shi: eit') -at'ed, -at'ing •vt. 1 to change from one substance into another; transmute; transform 2 R.C.Ch., Eastern Orthodox Ch. to cause (bread and wine) to undergo transubstantiation [< ML(Ec) transubstantiatus, pp. of transubstantiare < L trans-, TRANS- + substantia, SUBSTANCE]
transubstantiation (-stæn'shi: ei´shэn) •n. 1 the act of transubstantiating; change of one substance into another 2 R.C.Ch., Eastern Orthodox Ch. a) the doctrine that, in the Eucharist, the whole substances of the bread and of the wine are changed into the body and blood of Christ, only the accidents of bread and wine remaining b) this change [ML(Ec) transubstantiatio]
transudate (træn´su: deit', -syu:-) •n. something transuded [ModL transudatus, pp. of transudare]
transudation (træn'su: dei´shэn, -syu:-) •n. 1 the act or instance of transuding 2 TRANSUDATE [Fr transsudation]
transude (træn su:d´, -syu:d´) -sud´ed, -sud´ing •vt. to ooze or exude through pores or interstices, as blood serum through the vessel walls [ModL transudare < L trans-, TRANS- + sudare, to SWEAT]
transuranic (træns'yu: ræn´ik, trænz'-) •adj. designating or of the elements having atomic numbers higher than that of uranium and usually produced by nuclear bombardment, as plutonium Also trans'u·ra´ni·um (-rei´ni: эm)
Transvaal (træns väl´, trænz-) province of South Africa, in the NE part: 109,621 sq. mi. (283,917 sq. km); pop. 8,350,000; cap. Pretoria: see SOUTH AFRICAN REPUBLIC
transvalue (træns væl´yu:, trænz-) -val´ued, -val´u·ing •vt. to evaluate by a new principle, esp. one rejecting conventional or accepted standards trans'val·u·a´tion •n.
transversal (træns vør´sэl, trænz-) •adj. TRANSVERSE •n. a line that intersects two or more other lines trans·ver´sal·ly •adv. [ME < ML transversalis]
transverse (træns vørs´, trænz-; also, & for n., usually, træns´vørs', trænz´-) •adj. 1 lying, situated, placed, etc. across; crossing from side to side: opposed to LONGITUDINAL (sense 2) 2 Geom. designating the axis that passes through the foci of a hyperbola, or the part of that axis between the vertices •n. 1 a transverse part, beam, etc. 2 Geom. a transverse axis trans·verse´ly •adv. [L transversus, pp. of transvertere: see TRAVERSE]
transverse colon the central portion of the large intestine, crossing the abdominal cavity from right to left and lying between the ascending and descending colons: see INTESTINE, illus.
transverse process a process projecting laterally from a vertebra
transvestite (træns ves´tait', trænz-) •n. a person who derives sexual pleasure from dressing in the clothes of the opposite sex trans·ves´tism or trans·ves´ti·tism •n. [< TRANS- + L vestire, to clothe (see VEST) + -ITE¹]
Transylvania (træn'sil vei´ni: э, -vein´yэ) plateau region in central & NW Romania: c. 24,000 sq. mi. (62,159 sq. km); chief city, Cluj Tran'syl·va´ni·an •adj., n.
Transylvanian Alps range of the Carpathian Mountains, in central & SW Romania, between Transylvania & Walachia: highest peak, 8,361 ft. (2,548 m)
trap¹ (træp) •n. 1 any device for catching animals, as one that snaps shut tightly when stepped on, or a pitfall; gin, snare, etc. 2 any stratagem or ambush designed to catch or trick unsuspecting persons 3 any of various devices for preventing the escape of gas, offensive odors, etc.; specif., a U-shaped or S-shaped part of a drainpipe, in which standing water seals off sewer gas 4 an apparatus for throwing disks into the air to be shot at in trapshooting 5 a light, two-wheeled carriage with springs 6 TRAPDOOR Æ 7 [pl.] a set of percussion instruments, as drums, cymbals, blocks, bells, etc., used as in a jazz band 8 [Slang] the mouth, specif. as the organ of speech 9 Golf SAND TRAP •vt. trapped, trap´ping 1 to catch in or as in a trap; entrap 2 to hold back or seal off by a trap 3 to furnish with a trap or traps Æ 4 to catch (a batted ball in baseball or a thrown ball in football) just as it rebounds from the ground rather than just before it strikes the ground •vi. 1 to set traps for game Æ 2 to trap animals, esp. for their furs SYN.—trap, as applied to a device for capturing animals, specif. suggests a snapping device worked by a spring, pitfall, a concealed pit with a collapsible cover, and snare, a noose which jerks tight upon the release of a trigger; in extended senses, these words apply to any danger into which unsuspecting or unwary persons may fall, trap specifically suggesting a deliberate stratagem or ambush [a speed trap], pitfall, a concealed danger, source of error, etc. [the pitfalls of the law], and snare, enticement and entanglement [the snares of love] see also CATCH [ME trappe < OE træppe, akin to treppan, to step, Ger treppe, stairway < IE *dreb-, to run, step, trip (var. of base *drā-) > Pol drabina, ladder]
trap² (træp) •n. 1 any of several dark-colored, usually fine-grained, extrusive, igneous rocks; esp., such a rock, as basalt, used in road making 2 a geologic structure forming a reservoir enclosing an accumulation of oil or gas [Swed trapp < trappa, stair (akin to prec.), in reference to its appearance]
trap³ (træp) trapped, trap´ping •vt. to cover, equip, or adorn with trappings; caparison •n. 1 [Obs.] an ornamental covering for a horse 2 [pl.] [Old Colloq.] a person's clothes, personal belongings, etc. [ME trappen < trappe, trappings < OFr drap, cloth: see DRAPE]
trapdoor (træp´dör') •n. a hinged or sliding door in a roof, ceiling, or floor
trapdoor spider any of various, often large, spiders (esp. family Ctenizidae) that dig a burrow and cover the entrance with a hinged lid like a trapdoor
trapes (treips) •vi., vt., n. alt. sp. of TRAIPSE
trapeze (træ pi:z´, trэ-) •n. a short horizontal bar, hung at a height by two ropes, on or from which gymnasts or circus aerialists swing, performing various stunts tra·pez´ist •n. [Fr trapèze < ModL trapezium: see TRAPEZIUM]
trapeziform (trэ pi:´zэ förm', træ-) •adj. shaped like a trapezium
trapezium (trэ pi:´zi: эm, træ-) pl. -zi·ums or -zi·a (-э) •n. 1 a plane figure with four sides, no two of which are parallel: see QUADRILATERAL, illus. 2 Brit., etc. (exc. Cdn.) var. of TRAPEZOID (sense 1) 3 Anat. a small bone of the wrist near the base of the thumb [LL < Gr trapezion, trapezium, lit., small table, dim. of trapeza, table, lit., four-footed bench < tra-, for tetra, FOUR + peza, foot; akin to pous, FOOT]
trapezius (-zi: эs) •n. either of the large muscles on each side of the upper back [ModL < trapezium: see TRAPEZIUM]
trapezohedron (trэ pi:'zou hi:´drэn, træp'i zou'-) •n. a solid figure, esp. a crystal, all of whose faces are trapeziums [ModL: see TRAPEZIUM & -HEDRON]
trapezoid (træp´i zoid') •n. 1 a plane figure with four sides, only two of which are parallel: see QUADRILATERAL, illus. 2 Brit., etc. (exc. Cdn.) var. of TRAPEZIUM (sense 1) 3 Anat. a small bone of the wrist near the base of the index finger •adj. shaped like a trapezoid: also trap'e·zoi´dal [ModL trapezoides < Gr trapezoeides, shaped like a trapezoid: see TRAPEZIUM & -OID]
trapper (træp´эr) •n. a person who traps; esp., one who traps fur-bearing animals for their skins
trappings (træp´iŋz) •n.pl. 1 an ornamental covering for a horse; caparison 2 articles of dress, esp. of an ornamental kind; adornments 3 the things usually associated with something as an outward sign of its existence or presence {an expense account and the other trappings of success} [< ME trappe: see TRAP³]
Trappist (træp´ist) •n., adj. CISTERCIAN [Fr trappiste, after (La) Trappe, abbey near the village of Soligny-la-Trappe, in Normandy, where the rule was established (1664)]
traprock (træp´räk') •n. TRAP²
trapshooting (træp´shu:t'iŋ) •n. the sport of shooting at clay pigeons, or disks, sprung into the air from traps trap´shoot'er •n.
trapt (træpt) •vt., vi. archaic pt. & pp. of TRAP¹
trapunto (trэ pun´tou, -pu:n´-; trä-) pl. -tos •n. a kind of padded quilting with the design, in high relief, outlined with single stitches: used as for upholstery and robes [It < pp. of trapungere, to embroider < tra-, through (< L trans-, TRANS-) + pungere, to prick (< L: see POINT]
trash¹ (træsh) •n. 1 parts that have been broken off, stripped off, etc., esp. leaves, twigs, husks, and other plant trimmings 2 broken, discarded, or worthless things; rubbish; refuse 3 a) any worthless, unnecessary, or offensive matter {literary trash} b) foolish talk; nonsense 4 a person or people regarded as disreputable, insignificant, etc. 5 the refuse of sugar cane after the juice has been pressed out •vt. 1 to trim (trees or plants) of trash Æ 2 [Slang] to destroy (property) as by vandalism or arson Æ 3 [Slang] a) to criticize (a person, policy, performance, etc.) sharply or maliciously b) to insult (a person) [prob. < Scand, as in Norw dial. trask, lumber, trash, akin to ON tros, broken twigs < IE base *der-, to tear, split off > TEAR¹]
trash² (træsh) •vt. [Archaic] to restrain, as by a leash •n. [Archaic] a leash for restraining an animal [prob. < OFr trachier, var. of tracier: see TRACE¹]
trashy (træsh´i:) trash´i·er, trash´i·est •adj. containing, consisting of, or like trash; worthless, offensive, etc. trash´i·ness •n.
Trasimeno (træz'э mi:´nou, trä'zэ-) lake in central Italy: scene of a victory by Hannibal over the Romans (217 B.C.): Latin name Tra'si·me´nus (-nэs)
trass (træs) •n. a volcanic rock, powdered and used in making a hydraulic cement [Ger < Du tras < earlier terras < MFr terrace: see TERRACE]
trattoria (třät'tô ři:´ä) pl. -ri´e (-e) •n. a small, inexpensive restaurant in Italy [It < trattore, innkeeper < trattare, to manage, handle < L tractare: see TREAT]
trauma (trö´mэ; also trä´-, trau´-) pl. -mas or -ma·ta (-mэ tэ) •n. 1 Med. a bodily injury, wound, or shock 2 Psychiatry a painful emotional experience, or shock, often producing a lasting psychic effect and, sometimes, a neurosis trau·mat·ic (trö mæt´ik; also trэ-, trä-, trau-) •adj. trau·mat´i·cal·ly •adv. [ModL < Gr trauma (gen. traumatos): for IE base see THROE]
traumatism (-tiz'эm) •n. a trauma or the abnormal condition caused by it [< Gr trauma (see TRAUMA) + -ISM]
traumatize (-taiz') -tized', -tiz'ing •vt. 1 Med. to injure or wound (tissues) 2 Psychiatry to subject to a trauma
travail (trэ veil´; also træv´eil') •n. 1 very hard work; toil 2 labor pains; pains of childbirth 3 intense pain; agony •vi. [ME travaillen < OFr travaillier, to labor, toil < VL *tripaliare, to torment < *tripalium] 1 to work very hard; toil 2 to have labor pains; suffer the pains of childbirth [OFr < VL *tripalium, instrument of torture composed of three stakes < LL tripalis, of three stakes < L tri-, TRI- + palus, a stake: see PALE²]
Travancore (træv´эn kör') former native state of SW India: now part of the state of Kerala
trave (treiv) •n. [Now Rare] 1 a) a crossbeam b) a section between crossbeams, as in a ceiling 2 a wooden frame for enclosing a restive horse while it is being shod [ME < MFr < L trabs (gen. trabis), a beam: see TAVERN]
travel (træv´эl) trav´eled or -elled, -el·ing or -el·ling •vi. 1 to go from one place to another; make a journey or journeys 2 to go from place to place as a traveling salesman 3 to walk or run 4 to move, pass, or be transmitted from one point or place to another 5 to move or be capable of moving in a given path or for a given distance: said of mechanical parts, etc. 6 to advance or progress Æ 7 Basketball to move more than the prescribed distance (generally two steps) while holding the ball 8 [Colloq.] to associate or spend time (with) 9 [Colloq.] to move with speed •vt. 1 to make a journey over or through; traverse 2 [Colloq.] to cause to move or pass along •n. 1 the act or process of traveling 2 [pl.] a) the trips, journeys, tours, etc. taken by a person or persons b) an account of these 3 passage or movement of any kind 4 traffic on a route, through a place, etc. 5 a) mechanical motion, esp. reciprocating motion b) the distance of a mechanical stroke, etc. [var. of TRAVAIL]
travel agency an agency that makes travel arrangements for tourists or other travelers, as for transportation, hotels, and itineraries travel agent
traveled or travelled (træv´эld) •adj. 1 that has traveled 2 used by travelers {a heavily traveled road}
traveler or traveller (træv´эl эr; often træv´lэr) •n. 1 a person who travels 2 a traveling salesman; commercial traveler 3 a thing that travels; specif., a) any mechanical device, as a traveling crane, that moves or slides along a support b) Naut. a metal ring that slides on a rope, rod, or spar; also, the rope, rod, or spar it slides on
traveler's check a check or draft, usually one of a set, issued by a bank, etc. in any of several denominations and sold to a traveler who signs it at issuance and again in the presence of the person cashing it
traveling salesman a salesperson who travels from place to place soliciting orders for the business firm he or she represents
travelogue or travelog (træv´э lög', -läg') •n. 1 a lecture on travels, usually accompanied by the showing of pictures 2 a film, usually short, about a foreign or out-of-the-way place, esp. one that emphasizes the place's unusual or glamorous aspects [< TRAVEL + -LOGUE]
traverse (for v., trэ vørs´, træ-; træv´эrs, -ørs'; for n., adj., & adv., træv´эrs, -ørs', occas., trэ vørs´, træ-) -versed´, -vers´ing •vt. 1 a) to pass, move, or extend over, across, or through; cross b) to go back and forth over or along; cross and recross 2 to go counter to; oppose; thwart 3 to survey, inspect, or examine carefully 4 to turn (a gun, lathe, etc.) laterally; swivel 5 to make a traverse of in surveying 6 Law a) to deny or contradict formally (something alleged by the opposing party in a lawsuit) b) to join issue upon (an indictment) or upon the validity of (an inquest of office) 7 Naut. to brace (a yard) fore and aft •vi. 1 to move across; cross over 2 to move back and forth over a place, etc.; cross and recross 3 to swivel or pivot 4 to move across a mountain slope, as in skiing, in an oblique direction 5 to make a traverse in surveying 6 Fencing to move one's blade toward the opponent's hilt while pressing one's foil hard against the opponent's foil •n. trav´erse 1 something that traverses or crosses; specif., a) a line that intersects others b) a crossbar, crosspiece, crossbeam, transom, etc. c) a parapet or wall of earth, etc. across a rampart or trench d) a gallery, loft, etc. crossing a building e) a single line of survey across a plot, region, etc. f) [Obs.] a screen, curtain, etc. placed crosswise 2 [Now Rare] something that opposes or thwarts; obstacle 3 the act or an instance of traversing; specif., a) a passing across or through; crossing b) a lateral, pivoting, oblique, or zigzagging movement 4 a part, device, etc. that causes a traversing movement 5 a passage by which one may cross; way across 6 a) a zigzagging course or route taken by a vessel, as in sailing against the wind b) a single leg of such a course 7 a formal denial in a lawsuit •adj. trav´erse [ME travers < OFr < L transversus: see the vt.] 1 passing or extending across; transverse 2 designating or of drapes (and the rods and hooks for them) usually hung in pairs that can be drawn together or apart by pulling a cord at the side •adv. trav´erse [Obs.] across; crosswise tra·vers´a·ble •adj. tra·vers´al •n. tra·vers´er •n. [ME traversen < OFr traverser < VL < *transversare < L transversus, pp. of transvertere, to turn across < trans-, TRANS- + vertere, to turn: see VERSE]
traverse jury (træv´эrs) PETIT JURY
travertine (træv´эr ti:n', -tin) •n. a light-colored, usually concretionary limestone deposited around limy springs, lakes, or streams [It travertino, altered < tiburtino < L (lapis) Tiburtinus, (stone) of Tibur (now Tivoli)]
travesty (træv´is ti:) pl. -ties •n. 1 a grotesque or farcical imitation for purposes of ridicule; burlesque 2 a crude, distorted, or ridiculous representation (of something) {a trial that was a travesty of justice} •vt. -tied, -ty·ing to make a travesty of; burlesque SYN. CARICATURE [orig. an adj. < Fr travesti, pp. of travestir, to disguise, travesty < It travestire < L trans-, TRANS- + vestire, to dress, attire: see VEST]
travois (trэ voi´) pl. -vois´ (-voiz´) or -vois´es (-voi´ziz) a crude sledge of the North American Plains Indians, consisting of a net or platform dragged along the ground on the two poles that support it and serve as shafts for the horse or, orig., dog pulling it Also tra·voise´ (-voiz´) •n. [CdnFr < travail, a brake, load < Fr: see TRAVAIL]
trawl (tröl) •n. 1 a large, baglike net dragged by a boat along the bottom of a fishing bank: also trawl´net' Æ 2 a long line supported by buoys, from which many short fishing lines are hung: also trawl line •vt., vi. to fish or catch with a trawl [< ? MDu traghel, dragnet < ? L tragula: see TRAIL]
trawler (tröl´эr) •n. a boat used in trawling
tray (trei) •n. 1 a flat receptacle made of wood, metal, glass, plastic, etc., often with slightly raised edges, used for holding or carrying articles 2 a tray with its contents {a tray of food} 3 a shallow, boxlike, removable compartment of a trunk, cabinet, etc. [ME treie < OE treg, trig, wooden board, akin to treow, TREE]
treacherous (trech´эr эs) •adj. 1 characterized by treachery; traitorous; disloyal; perfidious 2 giving a false appearance of safety or reliability; untrustworthy or insecure {treacherous rocks} SYN. FAITHLESS treach´er·ous·ly •adv. treach´er·ous·ness •n. [ME trecherous < OFr trecheros]
treachery (trech´эr i:) pl. -er·ies •n. 1 betrayal of trust, faith, or allegiance; perfidy, disloyalty, or treason 2 an act of perfidy or treason [ME trecherie < OFr tricherie, trickery < trichier, to cheat: see TRICK]
treacle (tri:´kэl) •n. 1 [Obs.] a) a remedy for poison b) any effective remedy 2 [Brit., etc. (exc. Cdn.)] a) molasses b) anything very sweet or cloying trea´cly (-kli:) •adj. [ME triacle < OFr < L theriaca, antidote for poison < Gr (antidotos) thēriakaē, (remedy) for bites of venomous beasts < thērion, wild beast, dim. of thēr: see FIERCE]
tread (tred) trod or •vt. (in tread water: see phr. below) tread´ed, trod´den or trod or (in tread water) tread´ed, tread´ing 1 to walk on, in, along, across, over, etc. 2 to do or follow by walking, dancing, etc. {treading the measures briskly} 3 to press or beat with the feet so as to crush or injure; trample 4 to oppress or subdue, as if by stepping on 5 to copulate with (the female): said of a bird •vi. 1 to move on foot; step; walk 2 to set one's foot (on, across, etc.); make a step; step 3 to trample (on or upon) 4 to copulate: said of birds •n. 1 the act, manner, or sound of treading 2 something on which a person or thing treads or moves, as the part of a shoe sole, wheel, etc. that touches the ground, the endless belt over cogged wheels of a tractor or tank, the part of a rail on which a car wheel runs, or the horizontal surface of a step in a stairway: see STAIRCASE, illus. 3 a) the thick outer layer of an automotive tire, containing grooves for added traction b) the thickness of this layer, as measured by the depth of the grooves c) the pattern of the grooves 4 TRACK (n. 9) 5 [Rare] a footprint tread the boards to act in plays on the stage tread water pt. & pp. now usually tread´ed Swimming to keep the body upright and the head above water as by moving the legs in a treading motion without moving forward [ME treden < OE tredan, akin to Ger treten < IE *dreu- < base *drā, to run, step > TRAP¹]
treadle (tred´ªl) •n. a lever or pedal moved by the foot as to turn a wheel •vi. -dled, -dling to work a treadle [ME tredel < OE tredan: see TREAD]
treadmill (tred´mil') •n. 1 a kind of mill wheel turned by the weight of persons treading steps arranged around its circumference: formerly used as an instrument of prison discipline 2 a mill driven by an animal treading a sloping, endless belt 3 any monotonous round of duties, work, etc. in which one seems to get nowhere
treas 1 treasurer 2 treasury
treason (tri:´zэn) •n. 1 [Now Rare] betrayal of trust or faith; treachery 2 violation of the allegiance owed to one's sovereign or state; betrayal of one's country, specif., in the U.S. (as declared in the Constitution), consisting only in levying war against the U.S. or in giving aid and comfort to its enemies SYN. SEDITION [ME treison < OFr traïson < L traditio < pp. of tradere, to give or deliver over or up < trans-, TRANS- + dare, to give: see DATE¹]
treasonable (-э bэl) •adj. of, having the nature of, or involving treason; traitorous trea´son·a·bly •adv.
treasonous (tri:´zэ nэs) •adj. treasonable; traitorous
treasure (trezh´эr) •n. 1 accumulated or stored wealth, esp. in the form of money, precious metals, jewels, etc. 2 any person or thing considered very valuable •vt. -ured, -ur·ing 1 to store away or save up (money, valuables, etc.) as for future use; hoard 2 to value greatly; cherish SYN. APPRECIATE [ME tresoure < OFr tresor < L thesaurus: see THESAURUS]
treasure house any place where treasure is kept or where things of great value are to be found
treasure hunt a game in which players, with the aid of clues, compete in trying to find hidden articles
treasurer (trezh´эr эr) •n. a person in charge of a treasure or treasury; specif., an officer in charge of the funds or finances, as of a government, corporation, or society treas´ur·er·ship' •n. [ME tresorer < Anglo-Fr tresorer, for OFr tresorier < tresor: see TREASURE]
treasure-trove (trezh´эr trouv') •n. 1 treasure found hidden, the original owner of which is unknown 2 any valuable discovery [Anglo-Fr tresor trové < OFr tresor (see TREASURE) + trové, pp. of trover, to find: see TROVER]
treasury (trezh´эr i:) pl. -ur·ies •n. 1 a place where treasure is kept; room or building where valuable objects are preserved 2 a place where public or private funds are kept, received, disbursed, and recorded 3 the funds or revenues as of a state, corporation, or society 4 [T-] the department of government in charge of revenue, taxation, and public finances 5 a collection of treasures in art, literature, etc. {a treasury of verse} [ME tresorie < OFr]
treasury bill Æ a short-term obligation of the U.S. Treasury, maturing in one year or less, bearing no interest and sold periodically on the open market on a discount basis
treasury bond Æ any of various series of bonds issued by the U.S. Treasury, usually maturing over long periods
treasury certificate a short-term obligation of the U.S. Treasury, usually maturing in one year, paying interest periodically on a coupon basis: no longer issued publicly
treasury note Æ any of the interest-bearing obligations of the U.S. Treasury with maturity dates between one and ten years
treasury stock shares of issued stock reacquired by the issuing corporation and held by it
treat (tri:t) •vi. 1 to discuss terms (with a person or for a settlement); negotiate 2 to deal with a subject in writing or speech; speak or write (of) 3 to stand the cost of another's or others' entertainment •vt. 1 to deal with (a subject) in writing, speech, music, painting, etc., esp. in a specified manner or style 2 to act or behave toward (a person, animal, etc.) in a specified manner 3 to have a specified attitude toward and deal with accordingly {to treat a mistake as a joke} 4 a) to pay for the food, drink, entertainment, etc. of (another or others) b) to provide with something that pleases 5 to subject to some process or to some substance in processing, as in a chemical procedure 6 to give medical or surgical care to (someone) or for (some disorder) •n. 1 a meal, drink, entertainment, etc. given or paid for by someone else 2 anything that gives great or unusual pleasure; a delight 3 a) the act of treating or entertaining b) one's turn to treat treat'a·bil´i·ty •n. treat´a·ble •adj. treat´er •n. [ME treten < OFr traiter, to handle, meddle, treat < L tractare, freq. of trahere, to DRAW]
treatise (tri:t´is) •n. 1 a formal, systematic article or book on some subject, esp. a discussion of facts, evidence, or principles and the conclusions based on these 2 [Obs.] a narrative; tale [ME tretis < Anglo-Fr tretiz < OFr *treiteiz < traiter: see TREAT]
treatment (tri:t´mэnt) •n. 1 act, manner, method, etc. of treating, or dealing with, a person, thing, subject in art or literature, etc. 2 medical or surgical care, esp. a systematic course of this
treaty (tri:t´i:) pl. -ties •n. 1 [Obs.] a) negotiation b) entreaty c) any agreement or contract 2 a) a formal agreement between two or more nations, relating to peace, alliance, trade, etc. b) the document embodying such an agreement [ME trete < OFr traité < LL tractatus: see TRACTATE]
treaty port a port that must be kept open for foreign trade according to the terms of a treaty, as, formerly, any of certain ports in China, Japan, or Korea
Trebbia (treb´yэ, treb´i: э) river in NW Italy, flowing north into the Po: scene of a victory by Hannibal over the Romans (218 B.C.): ancient name Tre·bi·a (tri:´bi: э)
Trebizond (treb´i zänd') 1 Greek empire (1204-1461) on the SE coast of the Black Sea 2 seaport in NE Turkey: former capital of the empire of Trebizond: pop. 53,000: Turk. name TRABZON
treble (treb´эl) •adj. 1 threefold; triple 2 a) of or for the highest part in musical harmony b) playing or singing this part 3 high-pitched or shrill •n. 1 the highest part in musical harmony; soprano 2 a singer or instrument that takes this part 3 a high-pitched voice or sound 4 the higher part of the audio-frequency band in sound reproduction •vt., vi. -bled, -bling to make or become threefold tre´bly •adv. [OFr < L triplus, TRIPLE]
treble clef Music 1 a sign on a staff, indicating the position of G above middle C on the second line 2 the range of notes on a staff so marked
trebuchet (treb´yu: shet') •n. a medieval engine of war for hurling large stones and other missiles Also tre·buck·et (tri:´bûk'it) [ME < OFr < trebucher, to stumble < tre- (< L trans-, TRANS-) + buc, trunk, body < Frank *buk, trunk, akin to Ger bauch, belly < PGmc *bhug- < IE *bhū-, var. of base *bheu-, to grow, swell > BE]
trecento (tre chen´tou) •n. the 14th cent. as a period in Italian art and literature [It, lit., three hundred, short for mil trecento, one thousand three hundred]
tree (tri:) •n. 1 a woody perennial plant with one main stem or trunk which develops many branches, usually at some height above the ground 2 a treelike bush or shrub {a rose tree} 3 a wooden beam, bar, pole, post, stake, etc. 4 anything resembling a tree in form, as in having a stem and branches; specif., a) FAMILY TREE b) Chem. a treelike formation of crystals 5 [Archaic] a) the cross on which Jesus was crucified b) a gallows •vt. treed, tree´ing Æ 1 to chase up a tree 2 to place or stretch on a boot or shoe tree Æ 3 [Colloq.] to corner, as if chased up a tree; place in a difficult position Æ up a tree [Colloq.] in a situation without escape; cornered tree´less •adj. tree´like' •adj. [ME < OE trēow, akin to Goth triu, ON trē < IE base *deru-, tree, prob. orig. oak tree > Gr drys, oak, (den)dron, tree]
tree fern any of various tropical, treelike ferns (esp. genera Cyathea, Alsophila, and Hemitelia) with an elongated, woody trunk bearing fronds at the top
tree frog any of several families of frogs (esp. Hylidae) that live in trees, which they climb with the aid of adhesive discs on the toes: many are called tree toads
tree heath BRIER² (sense 1)
tree lawn in some cities, the strip of lawn between a street and its parallel sidewalk, often planted with grass and trees Also tree´lawn' •n.
tree line TIMBERLINE
tree of heaven a fast-growing ailanthus (Ailanthus altissima), native to China but widely cultivated in the U.S. as a shade tree
tree of knowledge Bible the tree whose fruit Adam and Eve tasted in disobedience of God: Gen. 2, 3 In full tree of knowledge of good and evil
tree of life Bible 1 a tree in the Garden of Eden bearing fruit which, if eaten, gave everlasting life: Gen. 2:9; 3:22 2 a tree in the heavenly Jerusalem whose leaves are for healing the nations: Rev. 22:2
tree ring ANNUAL RING
tree shrew any of a family (Tupaiidae) of small, omnivorous shrews of SE Asia
tree squirrel any of various squirrels that live in trees; esp., any of a genus (Sciurus) including the gray squirrel
tree surgery treatment of damaged or diseased trees as by filling cavities, removing parts, treating fresh wounds, etc. tree surgeon
tree toad any of various tree frogs
treed (tri:d) •adj. provided or planted with trees
treehopper (tri:´häp'эr) •n. any of various families (esp. Membracidae) of hopping homopteran insects that feed on plant sap and are characterized by the backward prolongation over the abdomen of the prothorax, which is often extended
treehouse (-haus') •n. a houselike structure built in the branches of a tree, as for children to play in
treen (tri:n) •n. decorative objects, esp. antiques, made of wood Also treen´ware' •n. [< obs. pl., trees or obs. adj., wooden < OE trēow, TREE]
treenail (tri:´neil'; also tren´эl, trûn´-) •n. a very dry wooden peg used to join timbers, esp. in building wooden ships: it swells from moisture and ensures a tight joint [ME trenayle < tre, TREE (in early sense wood) + nayle, NAIL]
treetop (tri:´täp') •n. the topmost part of a tree
tref (treif) •adj. Judaism not clean or fit to eat according to the dietary laws; not kosher [Yidd treif < Heb terēfāh, animal torn by predatory beast]
trefoil (tri:´foil') •n. 1 a) any of a number of plants with leaves divided into three leaflets, as the clover, tick trefoil, and certain species of lotus b) a flower or leaf with three lobes 2 any ornamental figure resembling a threefold leaf [ME treyfoyle < Anglo-Fr trifoil < L trifolium, three-leaved plant < tri-, TRI- + folium, a leaf: see FOIL²]
trehalose (tri:´hэ lous', tri häl´ous') •n. a disaccharide extracted from yeast, mushrooms, and other fungi [< ModL trehala, substance of cocoon of a certain beetle, the orig. source of the sugar (prob. < Pers tīghāl) + -OSE¹]
treillage (treil´ij) •n. a lattice for vines; trellis [Fr < OFr treille, bower, trellis < L trichila, bower]
trek (trek) trekked, trek´king •vi. 1 in South Africa, to travel by ox wagon 2 to travel slowly or laboriously 3 [Colloq.] to go, esp. on foot •vt. in South Africa, to draw (a wagon): said of an ox •n. 1 in South Africa, a journey made by ox wagon, or one leg of such a journey 2 any journey or leg of a journey 3 a migration 4 [Colloq.] a short trip, esp. on foot trek´ker •n. [Afrik < Du trekken, to draw; akin to MHG trecken]
trellis (trel´is) •n. 1 a structure of thin strips, esp. of wood, crossing each other in an open pattern of squares, diamonds, etc., on which vines or other creeping plants are trained; lattice 2 a bower, archway, etc. of this •vt. 1 to furnish with, or train on, a trellis 2 to cross or interweave like a trellis [ME trelis < OFr treliz < VL *trilicius, coarse cloth < L trilix, triple-twilled (see DRILL³): infl. by OFr treille, arbor: see TREILLAGE]
trelliswork (trel´is wørk') •n. open network of strips, usually of wood; latticework
trematode (trem´э toud', tri:´mэ-) •n. any of a large class (Trematoda) of parasitic flatworms with one or more external, muscular suckers; fluke •adj. of a trematode [< ModL Trematoda < Gr trēmatōdēs, perforated < trēma (gen. trēmatos), a hole (< IE base *ter-, to rub, bore > THROW) + eidos, -OID]
tremble (trem´bэl) -bled, -bling •vi. 1 to shake involuntarily from cold, fear, excitement, fatigue, etc.; shiver 2 to feel great fear or anxiety 3 to quiver, quake, totter, vibrate, etc. 4 to quaver {her voice trembled} •n. 1 a) the act or condition of trembling b) [sometimes pl.] a fit or state of trembling Æ 2 [pl.] a disease of cattle and sheep caused by a poisonous, oily alcohol contained in certain plants, as white snakeroot, and characterized by muscular tremors and a stumbling gait: communicated to humans as milk sickness trem´bler •n. trem´bling·ly •adv. trem´bly •adj. [ME tremblen < OFr trembler < VL *tremulare < L tremulus, trembling < tremere, to tremble < IE *trem- (< base *ter-) > Gr tremein, to tremble]
tremendous (tri men´dэs) •adj. 1 such as to make one tremble; terrifying; dreadful 2 a) very large; great; enormous b) [Colloq.] wonderful, amazing, extraordinary, etc. SYN. ENORMOUS tre·men´dous·ly •adv. tre·men´dous·ness •n. [L tremendus < tremere, to TREMBLE]
tremolite (trem´ou lait', trem´э-) •n. a white or gray variety of amphibole, a hydrated silicate of calcium and magnesium, occurring as distinct crystals or fibrous aggregates [after the Tremola valley, in Switzerland, where it was found + -ITE¹]
tremolo (trem´э lou') pl. -los' •n. Music 1 a tremulous effect produced by the rapid reiteration of the same tone, as by the rapid up-and-down movement of the bow or plectrum: in singing, sometimes, VIBRATO 2 a device, as in an organ, for producing such a tone [It < L tremulus: see TREMULOUS]
tremor (trem´эr; occas. tri:´mэr) •n. 1 a trembling, shaking, or shivering 2 a vibratory or quivering motion 3 a nervous thrill; trembling sensation 4 a trembling sound 5 a state of tremulous excitement {in a tremor of delight} trem´or·ous •adj. [ME < OFr tremour < L tremor < tremere, to TREMBLE]
tremulous (trem´yu: lэs) •adj. 1 trembling; quivering; palpitating 2 fearful; timid; timorous 3 marked by or showing trembling or quivering {tremulous excitement, tremulous handwriting} trem´u·lous·ly •adv. trem´u·lous·ness •n. [L tremulus < tremere, to TREMBLE]
trenail (tri:´neil') •n. alt. sp. of TREENAIL
trench (trench) •vt. 1 to cut, cut into, cut off, etc.; slice, gash, etc. 2 a) to cut a deep furrow or furrows in b) to dig a ditch or ditches in 3 to surround or fortify with trenches; entrench •vi. 1 to dig a ditch or ditches, as for fortification 2 to infringe (on or upon another's land, rights, time, etc.) 3 to verge or border (on); come close •n. [ME < OFr trenche (Fr tranche, a slice) < trencher] 1 a deep furrow in the ground, ocean floor, etc. 2 a long, narrow ditch dug by soldiers for cover and concealment, with the removed earth heaped up in front [LME trenchen < OFr trenchier (Fr trancher), to cut, hack, prob. < L truncare, to cut off: see TRUNCATE]
trench coat a belted raincoat in a military style, usually with shoulder straps
trench fever an infectious disease caused by a rickettsia (Rochalimaea quintana) transmitted by body lice, characterized by a remittent fever, muscular pains, etc. [from its prevalence among soldiers in the trenches in World War I]
trench foot a diseased condition of the feet resulting from prolonged exposure to wet and cold and the circulatory disorders caused by inaction, as of soldiers in trenches
trench knife a double-edged military knife or dagger, for hand-to-hand combat
trench mortar any of various portable mortars for shooting projectiles at a high trajectory and short range
trench mouth an infectious disease characterized by ulceration of the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat and caused by a bacterium (Fusobacterium nucleatum) often in conjunction with a spirochete (Treponema vincentii) [from its prevalence among soldiers in trenches]
trenchant (trench´эnt) •adj. 1 orig., cutting; sharp 2 keen; penetrating; incisive {trenchant words} 3 forceful; vigorous; effective {a trenchant argument} 4 clear-cut; distinct {a trenchant pattern} SYN. INCISIVE trench´an·cy •n. trench´ant·ly •adv. [ME < OFr, prp. of trenchier: see TRENCH]
trencher¹ (trench´эr) •n. 1 a wooden board or platter on which to carve or serve meat 2 a) food served on a trencher b) a supply of food [ME < OFr trencheor < trenchier: see TRENCH]
trencher² (trench´эr) •n. a person who digs trenches
trencherman (trench´эr mэn) pl. -men •n. 1 an eater; esp., a person who eats much and heartily 2 [Archaic] a person who frequents a patron's table; parasite; hanger-on
trend (trend) •vi. 1 to extend, turn, incline, bend, etc. in a specific direction; tend; run {the river trends northward} 2 to have a general tendency: said of events, conditions, opinions, etc. •n. 1 the general direction of a coast, river, road, etc. 2 a general or prevailing tendency or course, as of events, a discussion, etc.; drift 3 a vogue, or current style, as in fashions SYN. TENDENCY [ME trenden, to roll < OE trendan, to turn, roll, akin to trinde, round lump < IE base *der-, to split off (> TEAR¹): prob. basic sense split-off piece of a tree trunk, as a disk or wheel]
trendsetter (trend´set'эr) •n. a person, magazine, company, etc. that creates, espouses, or popularizes a trend or trends, as in fashions or ideas
trendy (tren´di:) trend´i·er, trend´i·est •adj. [Colloq.] of or in the latest style, or trend; very fashionable; faddish •n. pl. trend´ies [Colloq.] a trendy person trend´i·ly •adv. trend´i·ness •n.
Trengganu (treŋ gä´nu:') state of Malaysia, on the E coast of Peninsular Malaysia: 5,027 sq. mi. (12,955 sq. km); pop. 543,000
Trent (trent) 1 commune in N Italy, on the Adige River: pop. 100,000 2 river in central England, flowing from Staffordshire northeast to the Humber: 170 mi. (273 km) Council of Trent the council of the Roman Catholic Church held intermittently at Trent, Italy, 1545-63: it condemned the Reformation, undertook Catholic reform, and defined, confirmed, or clarified Catholic doctrine
trente et quarante (třäñ tei kå řäñt´) ROUGE ET NOIR [Fr, lit., thirty and forty]
Trentino-Alto Adige (tren ti:´nou äl´tou ä´di: jei') region of N Italy: the N part (Alto Adige) is in the S Tirol: 5,256 sq. mi. (13,612 sq. km); pop. 873,000; cap. Trent
Trento (tren´tô) It. name of TRENT
Trenton (trent´ªn, tren´tэn) capital of N.J., on the Delaware River: pop. 89,000: see PHILADELPHIA [after Wm. Trent (1655-1724), colonist]
trepan¹ (tri: pæn´, tri-) •n. 1 an early form of the trephine 2 a heavy boring tool for sinking shafts, quarrying, etc. •vt. -panned´, -pan´ning 1 TREPHINE 2 to cut a disk out of (a metal plate, ingot, etc.) trep'a·na´tion •n. [ME trepane < ML trepanum < Gr trypanon, carpenters' tool, auger, trepan < trypan, to bore < IE *treup- < base *ter-, to bore, rub > THROW]
trepan² (tri: pæn´) •n. [Archaic] 1 a person or thing that tricks, traps, or ensnares 2 a trick; stratagem; trap •vt. -panned´, -pan´ning [Archaic] to trick, trap, or lure [older trapan, prob. < TRAP¹, but infl. by fig. use of prec.]
trepang (tri: pæŋ´) •n. the eviscerated, boiled, smoked, and dried body of any of several species of sea cucumbers, used, esp. in the Orient, for making soup [Malay teripang: also name of sea cucumber itself]
trephine (tri: fain´, -fi:n´) •n. a type of small crown saw used in surgery to remove a circular section, as of bone from the skull •vi. -phined´, -phin´ing to operate on with a trephine treph·i·na·tion (tref'э nei´shэn) •n. [earlier trafine, form based on TREPAN¹ < L tres, THREE + fines, ends]
trepidation (trep'э dei´shэn) •n. 1 tremulous or trembling movement; quaking; tremor 2 fearful uncertainty, anxiety, etc.; apprehension [L trepidatio < trepidatus, pp. of trepidare, to tremble < trepidus, disturbed, alarmed < IE *trep-, to trip, tramp (< base *ter-, to tremble) > OE thrafian, to press]
treponema (trep'ou ni:´mэ, trep'э-) pl. -mas or -ma·ta (-mэ tэ) •n. any of a genus (Treponema) of slender spirochetes parasitic in mammals and birds, including some that are pathogenic to humans, as the organisms causing syphilis and yaws trep'o·ne´mal or trep'o·ne´ma·tous (-mэ tэs) •adj. [ModL < Gr trepein, to turn (see TROPE) + nēma, a thread < IE base *(s)nē- > NEEDLE]
trespass (tres´pэs; also, esp. for v., -pæs') •vi. 1 to go beyond the limits of what is considered right or moral; do wrong; transgress 2 to go on another's land or property without permission or right 3 to intrude or encroach {to trespass on one's time} 4 Law to commit a trespass •n. the act or an instance of trespassing; [ME trespas < OFr < the v.] specif., a) a moral offense; transgression b) an encroachment or intrusion c) Law an illegal act done forcefully against another's person, rights, or property; also, legal action for damages resulting from thistres´pass·er •n. SYN.—trespass implies an unlawful or unwarranted entrance upon the property, rights, etc. of another [to trespass on a private beach]; to encroach is to make such inroads by stealth or gradual advances [squatters encroaching on our lands]; infringe implies an encroachment that breaks a law or agreement or violates the rights of others [to infringe on a patent]; intrude implies a thrusting oneself into company, situations, etc. without being asked or wanted [to intrude on one's privacy]; invade implies a forcible or hostile entrance into the territory or rights of others [to invade a neighboring state] [ME trespassen < OFr trespasser < VL *transpassare, to pass across < L trans-, TRANS- + VL *passare, to pass < L passus: see PACE]
tress (tres) •n. 1 orig., a braid or plait of hair 2 a lock of human hair 3 [pl.] a woman's or girl's hair, esp. when long and falling loosely [ME tresse < OFr, akin to It treccia < ? VL *trichea, a plait]
-tress (tris) suffix female: see -ESS
tressed (trest) •adj. 1 having tresses of a specified kind {black-tressed} 2 arranged in tresses; braided
tressure (tresh´эr) •n. Heraldry a narrow band following the contour, and somewhat inside the edge, of a shield, often ornamented with fleurs-de-lis: cf. ORLE [ME tressour < MFr tresseor < OFr tresce: see TRESS]
trestle (tres´эl) •n. 1 a frame consisting of a horizontal beam fastened to two pairs of spreading legs, used to support planks to form a table, platform, etc. 2 a) a framework of vertical or slanting uprights and crosspieces, supporting a bridge, etc. b) a bridge with such a framework [ME trestel < OFr < VL *transtellum, dim. of L transtrum, a beam: see TRANSOM]
trestletree (-tri:') •n. either of two horizontal fore-and-aft beams, one on each side of a mast, that support the crosstrees, top, and fid of the mast above
trestlework (-wørk') •n. 1 a system of trestles for supporting a bridge, etc. 2 a structure made of trestles
tret (tret) •n. a fixed allowance by weight, after the deduction of tare, formerly made to buyers of certain commodities to compensate for waste and deterioration during transit [Anglo-Fr (Fr trait), a pull < OFr traire (< L trahere, to DRAW)]
Trevelyan (tri vil´yэn) 1 George Macaulay 1876-1962; Eng. historian 2 Sir George Otto 1838-1928; Eng. historian & politician: father of George Macaulay
trews (tru:z) •n.pl. [Scot.] trousers, esp. tartan trousers [Gael triubhas]
trey (trei) •n. 1 a playing card with three spots 2 the side of a die bearing three spots, or a throw of the dice totaling three [ME < OFr trei, treis < L tres, THREE]
tri- (trai) prefix 1 having, combining, or involving three {triangle, trichromatic} 2 triply, in three ways or directions {triphibian} 3 three times, into three {trisect} 4 every three, every third {triennial, triweekly} 5 Chem. having three atoms, groups, or equivalents of (the thing specified) {tribasic, tribromide} [< Fr, L, or Gr: Fr tri- < L (< tres, THREE) or Gr (< treis, THREE, tris, THRICE)]
triable (trai´э bэl) •adj. 1 that can be tried or tested 2 subject to trial in a law court tri´a·ble·ness •n.
triac (trai´æk') •n. Electronics a device used to control power [tri(ode) a(lternating-)c(urrent switch)]
triacetate (trai æs´э teit') •n. a compound containing three acetate radicals in the molecule
triacid (trai æs´id) •adj. 1 capable of reacting with three molecules of a monobasic acid: said of a base 2 containing three replaceable hydrogen atoms: said esp. of an acid
triad (trai´æd') •n. 1 a group of three persons, things, ideas, etc.; trinity 2 a musical chord of three tones, esp. one consisting of a root tone and its third and fifth: a triad with a major third and perfect fifth is called a major triad; a triad with a minor third and perfect fifth is called a minor triad tri·ad´ic •adj. [< LL trias (gen. triadis) < Gr trias (gen. triados) < treis, THREE]
triage (tri: äzh´) •n. 1 a system of assigning priorities of medical treatment based on urgency, chance for survival, etc. and used on battlefields and in hospital emergency wards 2 any system of establishing the order in which acts of assistance are to be carried out in an emergency [Fr, a sifting < trier, to sift: see TRY & -AGE]
trial (trai´эl) •n. 1 a) the act or process of trying, testing, or putting to the proof; test b) a testing of qualifications, attainments, or progress; probation c) experimental treatment or operation; experiment 2 a) the fact or state of being tried by suffering, temptation, etc. b) a hardship, suffering, etc. that tries one's endurance c) a person or thing that is a source of annoyance or irritation 3 a formal examination of the facts of a case by a court of law to decide the validity of a charge or claim 4 an attempt; endeavor; effort •adj. 1 of a trial or trials 2 made, done, or used for the purpose of trying, testing, etc. on trial in the process of being tried SYN.—trial implies the trying of a person or thing in order to establish worth in actual performance [hired on trial]; experiment implies a showing by trial whether a thing will be effective [the honor system was instituted as an experiment] and, in addition, is used of any action or process undertaken to discover something not yet known or to demonstrate something known [experiments in nuclear physics]; test implies a putting of a thing to decisive proof by thorough examination or trial under controlled conditions and with fixed standards in mind [a test of a new jet plane] see also AFFLICTION [Anglo-Fr < trier: see TRY]
trial and error the process of making repeated trials or tests, improving the methods used in the light of errors made, until the right result is found tri´al-and-er´ror •adj.
trial balance a statement of the debit and credit balances of all open accounts in a double-entry bookkeeping ledger to test their equality
trial balloon 1 PILOT BALLOON 2 any action, statement, etc. intended to test public opinion on an issue
trial jury PETIT JURY
trialogue (trai´э lög', -läg') •n. an interchange and discussion of ideas among three groups having different origins, philosophies, principles, etc. [< TRI- + -LOGUE]
triangle (trai´æŋ'gэl) •n. 1 a geometrical figure having three angles and three sides 2 any three-sided or three-cornered figure, area, object, part, etc. 3 a right-angled, flat, triangular instrument used in drawing geometrical figures 4 a situation involving three persons, esp. when one person is having love affairs with two others 5 a musical percussion instrument consisting of a steel rod bent in a triangle with one angle open; it produces a high-pitched, tinkling sound [ME < MFr < L triangulum: see TRI- & ANGLE¹]
triangular (trai æŋ´gyu: lэr, -gyэ-) •adj. 1 of or shaped like a triangle; three-cornered 2 of or involving three persons, factions, units, or parts 3 having bases that are triangles, as a prism tri·an'gu·lar´i·ty (-ler´э ti:) •n. tri·an´gu·lar·ly •adv. [LL triangularis]
triangulate (for v., trai æŋ´gyu: leit', -gyэ-; for adj., -lit, -leit') -lat'ed, -lat'ing •vt. 1 to divide into triangles 2 to survey or map (a region) by triangulation 3 to make triangular •adj. 1 of triangles; triangular 2 marked with triangles [< ML triangulatus, pp. of *triangulare < L triangulum: see TRIANGLE]
triangulation (trai æŋ'gyu: lei´shэn, -gyэ-) •n. 1 Surveying, Navigation the process of determining the distance between points on the earth's surface, or the relative positions of points, by dividing up a large area into a series of connected triangles, measuring a base line between two points, and then locating a third point by computing both the size of the angles made by lines from this point to each end of the base line and the lengths of these lines 2 the triangles thus marked out [ML triangulatio]
Triangulum (trai æŋ´gyu: lэm) a N constellation between Aries and Andromeda
Triangulum Australe (ös trei´li:) a S constellation between Apus and Norma
triarchy (trai´är ki:, -är'-) pl. -chies •n. 1 a) government by three rulers; triumvirate b) a country governed by three rulers 2 a country with three districts, each governed by its own ruler [Gr triarchia: see TRI- & -ARCHY]
Triassic (trai æs´ik) •adj. designating or of the first period of the Mesozoic Era, following the Permian Period of the Paleozoic Era and characterized by the appearance of many reptiles, including the dinosaurs, and the dominance of cycads and ferns the Triassic the Triassic Period or its rocks: see GEOLOGY, chart: also the Tri´as (-эs) [< Ger triassisch (< LL Trias (see TRIAD: because divisible into three groups) + -isch, -IC]
triathlete (trai æθ´li:t') •n. one who takes part in a triathlon
triathlon (trai æθ´län', -lэn) •n. an endurance race combining three consecutive events (swimming, bicycling, and running) [TRI- + Gr athlon, a contest]
triatic stay (trai æt´ik) Naut. 1 a rope or stay secured to the heads of the foremast and mainmast, to which hoisting tackles can be attached 2 a wire running from the foremast to the mainmast [< ?]
triatomic (trai'э täm´ik) •adj. 1 designating or of a molecule consisting of three atoms 2 designating or of a molecule containing three replaceable atoms or groups
triaxial (trai æks´i: эl) •adj. having three axes, as some crystals tri·ax´i·al·ly •adv.
triazine (trai´э zi:n', -zin; trai æz´i:n', -in) •n. 1 any of three isomeric heterocyclic compounds having the formula C3H3N3 2 any derivative of these [TRI- + AZINE]
triazole (trai´э zoul', trai æz´oul') •n. 1 any of four isomeric heterocyclic azoles, C2H3N3, having three nitrogen atoms in the ring 2 any derivative of these [TRI- + AZOLE]
tribadism (trib´эd iz'эm) •n. homosexuality between women; lesbianism [< Fr tribade, lesbian (< L tribas, gen. tribadis < Gr tribas < tribein, to rub < IE *trib- < base *ter- > THROW) + -ISM]
tribal (trai´bэl) •adj. of, relating to, or characteristic of a tribe or tribes trib´al·ly •adv.
tribalism (trai´bэl iz'эm) •n. 1 tribal organization, culture, loyalty, etc. 2 a strong sense of identifying with and being loyal to one's tribe, group, etc. trib´al·ist •adj., n. trib'al·is´tic •adj.
tribasic (trai beis´ik) •adj. 1 containing in its molecule three atoms of hydrogen that are replaceable by basic atoms or radicals: said of an acid 2 producing three hydrogen ions per molecule in solution 3 containing three monovalent basic atoms or groups [TRI- + BASIC]
tribe (traib) •n. 1 esp. among preliterate peoples, a group of persons, families, or clans believed to be descended from a common ancestor and forming a close community under a leader, or chief 2 a group of this kind having recognized ancestry; specif., a) any of the three divisions of the ancient Romans, traditionally of Latin, Sabine, and Etruscan origin b) any of the later political and territorial divisions of the ancient Romans c) any of the phylae of ancient Greece d) any of the twelve divisions of the ancient Israelites 3 any group of people having the same occupation, habits, ideas, etc.: often in a somewhat derogatory sense {the tribe of drama critics} 4 a taxonomic category that is a subdivision of a subfamily of plants or animals and consists of several closely related genera 5 a natural group of plants or animals classified together without regard for their taxonomic relations 6 in stock breeding, the animals descended from the same female through the female line 7 [Colloq.] a family, esp. a large one [ME trybe < L tribus, one of the three groups into which Romans were orig. divided, tribe < tri- (see TRI-) + IE *bhū- < base *bheu-, to grow, flourish > BE]
TriBeCa (trai bek´э) in Manhattan, the area between Broadway and the Hudson River south of Greenwich Village: noted as a center for artists, art galleries, etc.: also Tri·be·ca [triangle below Canal (street in Manhattan)]
tribesman (traibz´mэn) pl. -men •n. a member of a tribe
tribo- (trai´bou, -bэ) combining form friction {triboelectricity} [< Gr tribein, to rub: see TRIBADISM]
triboelectricity (trai'bou i:'lek tris´э ti:) •n. electric charge developed upon the surface of a material by friction, as by rubbing silk upon glass tri'bo·e·lec´tric (-trik) •adj. [prec. + ELECTRICITY]
tribology (trai bäl´э ji:) •n. the study of friction between interacting parts, such as gears, and ways of reducing it tri'bo·log´i·cal •adj. tri·bol´o·gist •n. [TRIB(O)- + -LOGY]
triboluminescence (-lu:'mэ nes´эns) •n. luminescence resulting from friction, observed at the surface of certain crystalline materials tri'bo·lu'mi·nes´cent •adj. [TRIBO- + LUMINESCENCE]
tribrach (trai´bræk', trib´ræk') •n. Gr. & Latin Prosody a metrical foot consisting of three short syllables tri·brach´ic •adj. [L tribrachys < Gr: see TRI- & BRACHY-]
tribromide (trai brou´maid') •n. a compound containing three bromine atoms in the molecule [TRI- + BROMIDE]
tribromoethanol (trai brou'mou eθ´э nöl', -noul') •n. a colorless, crystalline bromine derivative of ethyl alcohol, CBr3CH2OH, used as a basal anesthetic [< TRI- + BROMO- + ETHANOL]
tribulation (trib'yu: lei´shэn, -yэ-) •n. 1 great misery or distress, as from oppression; deep sorrow 2 something that causes suffering or distress; affliction; trial SYN. AFFLICTION [ME tribulacion < OFr < LL(Ec) tribulatio < tribulare, to afflict, oppress < L, to press < tribulum, threshing platform with sharp studs, akin to terere, to rub: for IE base see THROW]
tribunal (trai byu:´nэl, tri-) •n. 1 a seat or bench upon which a judge or judges sit in a court 2 a court of justice 3 any seat of judgment {the tribunal of popular sentiment} [L < tribunus: see TRIBUNE¹]
tribunate (trib´yu: nit, -neit') •n. the rank, office, or authority of a tribune [Fr tribunat < L tribunatus]
tribune¹ (trib´yu:n'; in names of newspapers, often tri byu:n´) •n. 1 in ancient Rome, a) any of several magistrates, esp. one appointed to protect the interests and rights of plebeians against violation by patricians b) any of the six officers who rotated command over a legion for a period of a year 2 a champion of the people: often used in newspaper names trib´une·ship' (-ship') •n. [L tribunus, tribune, magistrate, lit., chief of a tribe < tribus, Roman tribal division: see TRIBE]
tribune² (trib´yu:n') •n. a raised platform or dais for speakers [Fr < It tribuna < L tribunal: see TRIBUNAL (sense 1)]
tributary (trib´yu: ter'i:, -yэ-) •adj. 1 paying tribute 2 under another's control; subject {a tributary nation} 3 in the nature of tribute; owed or paid as tribute 4 a) making additions or furnishing supplies; contributory b) flowing into a larger one {a tributary stream} •n. pl. -tar'ies 1 a tributary nation or ruler 2 a tributary stream or river trib´u·tar'i·ly •adv. [ME tributarie < L tributarius]
tribute (trib´yu:t) •n. 1 a) a regular payment of money, etc., made by one ruler or nation to another as acknowledgment of subjugation, for protection from invasion, etc. b) a tax levied for this 2 under feudalism, a) a tax paid by a vassal to an overlord b) the obligation to make such a payment 3 any forced payment or contribution, as through bribery, or the need to make this 4 something given, done, or said, as a gift, testimonial, etc., that shows gratitude, respect, honor, or praise SYN.—tribute, the broadest in scope of these words, is used of praise manifested by any act, situation, etc. as well as that expressed in speech or writing [their success was a tribute to your leadership]; encomium suggests an enthusiastic, sometimes high-flown expression of praise [encomiums lavished on party leaders at a convention]; eulogy generally applies to a formal speech or writing in exalting praise, especially of a person who has just died; panegyric suggests superlative or elaborate praise expressed in poetic or lofty language [Cicero's panegyric upon Cato] [ME tribut < MFr < L tributum, neut. of tributus, pp. of tribuere, to assign, allot, pay < tribus, Roman tribal division: see TRIBE]
tricameral (trai kæm´эr эl) •n. made up of or having three legislative chambers {the tricameral Parliament of South Africa}
tricarboxylic (trai kär'bäks il´ik) •adj. containing three carboxyl groups in the molecule
tricarpellary (trai kär´pэ ler'i:) •adj. Bot. having a compound ovary consisting of three united carpels
trice (trais) triced, tric´ing •vt. to haul up (a sail, etc.) and secure with a small line: usually with up •n. a very short time; instant; moment: now only in in a trice [< at a trice, with one pull] [ME trisen < MDu, to pull, hoist < trise, windlass, roller]
tricentennial (trai'sen ten´i: эl) •adj. 1 happening once in a period of 300 years 2 lasting 300 years Æ n. a 300th anniversary or its commemoration
triceps (trai´seps') pl. -ceps'es •n.or -ceps' a muscle having three heads, or points of origin; esp., the large muscle at the back of the upper arm that extends the forearm when contracted [ModL < L, triple-headed < tri-, TRI- + caput, a HEAD]
triceratops (trai ser´э täps') •n. any of a genus (Triceratops, order Ornithischia) of massive, four-legged, plant-eating Cretaceous dinosaurs having a large, bony crest over the neck, a long horn above each eye, and a short horn on the nose [ModL < tri- (see TRI-) + cerat- (see CERATO-) + Gr ōps, EYE]
trichiasis (tri kai´э sis) •n. an abnormal condition in which hairs, esp. the eyelashes, grow inward [LL < Gr: see TRICHINA & -IASIS]
trichina (tri kai´nэ) pl. -nae (-ni:) •n. a very small nematode worm (Trichinella spiralis) that causes trichinosis tri·chi´nal •adj. [ModL < Gr trichinos, hairy < thrix (gen. trichos), hair]
trichinize (trik´i naiz') -nized', -niz'ing •vt. to infest with trichinae
trichinosis (trik'i nou´sis) •n. a disease caused by the presence of trichinae in the intestines and muscle tissues and usually acquired by eating insufficiently cooked pork from an infested hog: it is characterized by fever, nausea, diarrhea, and muscular pains [ModL: see TRICHINA & -OSIS]
trichinous (trik´i nэs, tri kai´nэs) •adj. 1 infested with trichinae 2 of or having trichinosis
trichite (trik´ait') •n. a hairlike crystallite occurring in volcanic rocks in irregular or radiating groups [< Gr thrix (gen. trichos), hair + -ITE¹]
trichloride (trai klör´aid') •n. a chloride having three chlorine atoms to the molecule
trichloroacetic acid (trai klör'ou э si:t´ik) a colorless, corrosive, deliquescent, crystalline substance, CCl3COOH, with a sharp, pungent odor: it is used as an antiseptic and astringent [TRI- + CHLORO- + ACETIC]
trichloroethylene (-eθ´эl i:n) •n. a toxic, nonflammable liquid, CHCl:CCl2, used as a solvent for fats, oils, and waxes, and in dry cleaning, etc. [TRI- + CHLORO- + ETHYLENE]
trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (-fi: näks'i: э si:t´ik, -fi-) a trichloride derivative of phenoxy acetic acid, Cl3C6H2OCH2·COOH, used as a weed killer; 2,4,5-T [TRI- + CHLORO- + PHENOXY + ACETIC]
tricho- (trik´ou, -э) combining form hair, hairlike {trichosis} Also, before a vowel, trich- [Gr < thrix (gen. trichos), hair]
trichocyst (trik´ou sist') •n. any of the many tiny, rodlike, stinging and attachment organelles embedded in the ectoplasm of many ciliate protozoans trich'o·cyst´ic (-sis´tik) •adj. [prec. + -CYST]
trichogyne (trik´ou jain', -jin) •n. the long, hairlike part of a procarp in red algae, certain fungi, and lichens, acting as a receptor for the male fertilizing bodies trich'o·gyn´i·al (-jin´i: эl) or trich'o·gyn´ic •adj. [TRICHO- + Gr gynē, woman, female]
trichoid (trik´oid') •adj. resembling a hair; hairlike
trichology (tri käl´э ji:) •n. the science dealing with the hair and its diseases tri·chol´o·gist •n. [TRICHO- + -LOGY]
trichome (trai´koum', trik´oum') •n. 1 any hairlike outgrowth from an epidermal cell of a plant, as a bristle, prickle, root hair, etc. 2 any of the threadlike structures, or filaments, of certain algae tri·chom´ic (-käm´ik, -kou´mik) •adj. [Ger trichom < Gr trichōma, growth of hair < trichoun, to cover with hair < thrix (gen. trichos), hair]
trichomonad (trik'ou mou´næd', -män´æd') •n. any of a genus (Trichomonas) of parasitic or commensal zooflagellates [< ModL Trichomonas (gen. Trichomonadis): see TRICHO- & MONAD]
trichomoniasis (-mou nai´э sis) •n. infestation with trichomonads; esp., a) a vaginitis in women caused by a trichomonad (Trichomonas vaginalis) and characterized by a heavy discharge b) a disease of cows caused by a trichomonad (Trichomonas foetus) and producing temporary infertility and sometimes abortion [ModL < Trichomonas (see TRICHOMONAD) + -IASIS]
trichopteran (trai käp´tэr эn) •n. CADDIS FLY tri·chop´ter·ous •adj. [< ModL Trichoptera (see TRICHO- & PTERO-) + -AN]
trichosis (tri kou´sis) •n. any disease of the hair [ModL: see TRICHO- & -OSIS]
trichotomy (trai kät´э mi:) •n. division into three parts, elements, groups, etc. tri·chot´o·mize' (-maiz'), -mized', -miz'ing, •vt. tri·chot´o·mous •adj. tri·chot´o·mous·ly •adv. [Gr tricha, threefold (< treis, THREE), after DICHOTOMY]
trichroism (trai´krou iz'эm) •n. the property that some crystals have of transmitting light of three different colors when looked at from three different directions tri·chro´ic •adj. [< Gr trichroos, of three colors < tri-, TRI- + chroia, color: for IE base see CHROMA]
trichromat (trai´krou mæt') •n. a person having trichromatic vision [back-form. < fol.]
trichromatic (trai'krou mæt´ik) •adj. 1 of, having, or using three colors, as in the three-color process in printing and photography 2 of, pertaining to, or having normal vision, in which the three primary colors are fully distinguished Also tri·chro´mic tri·chro´ma·tism' (-krou´mэ tiz'эm) •n. [TRI- + CHROMATIC]
trick (trik) •n. 1 an action or device designed to deceive, cheat, outwit, etc.; artifice; dodge; ruse; stratagem 2 a) a mischievous or playful act; prank, practical joke, etc. b) a deception or illusion {the light played a trick on my eyes} 3 a freakish, foolish, mean, or stupid act 4 a clever or difficult act intended to amuse; specif., a) an act of jugglery or sleight of hand; also, an illusion of the kind created by legerdemain b) an action, feat, or routine performed by an animal as a result of training 5 any feat requiring skill 6 the art or knack of doing something easily, skillfully, quickly, etc. {the trick of making good pastry} 7 an expedient or convention of an art, craft, or trade {to learn the tricks of the trade} 8 a personal habit or mannerism {a trick of tugging at the ear} 9 a turn or round of duty or work; shift Æ 10 [Colloq.] a child or girl, esp. one viewed as cute or pretty 11 [Slang] a) the act or an instance of performing sexual intercourse as a prostitute with a customer b) such a customer 12 Card Games the cards played and won in a single round •vt. to deceive or swindle •adj. 1 having to do with or used for a trick or tricks 2 that tricks 3 apt to malfunction; of uncertain reliability {a trick knee} do (or turn) the trick [Colloq.] to bring about the desired result not miss a trick [Colloq.] to be very alert trick out (or up) to dress up; deck; array trick´er •n. SYN.—trick is the common word for an action or device in which ingenuity and cunning are used to outwit others and implies deception either for fraudulent purposes or as a prank; ruse applies to that which is contrived as a blind for one's real intentions or for the truth [her apparent illness was merely a ruse]; a stratagem is a more or less complicated ruse, by means of which one attempts to outwit or entrap an enemy or antagonist [military stratagems]; maneuver, specifically applicable to military tactics, in general use suggests the shrewd manipulation of persons or situations to suit one's purposes [a political maneuver]; artifice stresses inventiveness or ingenuity in the contrivance of an expedient, trick, etc. [artifices employed to circumvent the tax laws]; wile implies the use of allurements or beguilement to ensnare [womanly wiles] see also CHEAT [ME trik < NormFr trique < trikier < OFr trichier, to trick, cheat, prob. < VL *triccare, altered < ? LL tricare, to deceive, for L tricari, to make trouble < tricae, vexations, tricks < IE *treik- < base *ter-, to turn, rub > THROW]
trick cyclist [Brit. Slang] a psychiatrist
trick or treat! give me a treat or I will play a trick on you!: traditional greeting used by children going from door to door in costume on Halloween asking for treats
trickery (trik´эr i:) pl. -er·ies •n. the act or practice of tricking; use of tricks; deception; fraud SYN. DECEPTION
trickish (trik´ish) •adj. 1 given to trickery; deceitful 2 characterized by or full of tricks trick´ish·ness •n.
trickle (trik´эl) -led, -ling •vi. 1 to flow slowly in a thin stream or fall in drops 2 to move, come, go, etc. little by little {the crowd trickled away} •vt. to cause to trickle •n. 1 the act of trickling 2 a slow, small flow [ME triklen < ?]
trickledown (-daun') •adj. designating or of an economic theory which holds that government aid to big business, such as loans and tax abatement, will ultimately benefit the economically depressed
trickster (trik´stэr) •n. a person who tricks; cheat [TRICK + -STER]
tricksy (trik´si:) -si·er, -si·est •adj. 1 [Archaic] tricked out; spruce; smart 2 full of tricks; playful; mischievous 3 TRICKY trick´si·ness •n.
tricky (trik´i:) trick´i·er, trick´i·est •adj. 1 given to or characterized by trickery; deceitful 2 like a trick in deceptiveness or intricacy 3 requiring great skill or care SYN. SLY trick´i·ly •adv. trick´i·ness •n.
triclinic (trai klin´ik) •adj. designating or of a system of crystallization having three unequal axes intersecting at oblique angles [< TRI- + Gr klinein, to incline (see LEAN¹) + -IC]
triclinium (trai klin´i: эm) pl. -i·a (-э) •n. 1 a couch extending around three sides of an ancient Roman dining table, for reclining at meals 2 an ancient Roman dining room, esp. one with such a couch [L < Gr triklinion, dim. of triklinos < tri-, TRI- + klinē, a couch < klinein: see LEAN¹]
tricolor (trai´kûl'эr) •n. a flag having three colors in large areas; esp., the flag of France, with three broad, vertical stripes of blue, white, and red •adj. having three colors [Fr tricolore, orig., three-colored < LL tricolor: see TRI- & COLOR]
tricorn (trai´körn') •adj. having three horns or corners, as a hat with the brim folded up against the crown to form three sides •n. a tricorn hat; cocked hat Also sp. tri´corne [Fr tricorne < L tricornis < tri-, TRI- + cornu, HORN]
tricostate (trai käs´teit') •adj. Biol. having three ribs or riblike parts [TRI- + COSTATE]
tricot (tri:´kou) •n. 1 a thin fabric of polyester, nylon, etc., used esp. for underwear 2 a type of ribbed cloth for dresses [Fr < tricoter, to knit < MFr, to move, dance < tricot, dim. of trique, a stick, cane < estriquier, to strike < MDu striken; akin to STRIKE]
tricotine (trik'э ti:n´) •n. a twilled woolen cloth resembling gabardine [Fr: see TRICOT & -INE³]
tricrotic (trai krät´ik) •adj. Physiol. designating or of a pulse having three separate rhythmic waves to each beat tri·cro·tism (trai´krэ tiz'эm) •n. [< Gr trikrotos, (rowed) with triple stroke < tri-, TRI- + krotein, to beat (< IE *kret-, to strike > OE hrindan, to push) + -IC]
trictrac (trik´træk') •n. backgammon, specif. an old variety using pegs [Fr, echoic of the sound made by the pegs]
tricuspid (trai kûs´pid) •adj. 1 having three cusps, or points {a tricuspid tooth}: also tri·cus´pi·date' (-pэ deit') 2 designating or of a valve with three flaps, between the right auricle and right ventricle of the heart •n. 1 a tricuspid tooth 2 the tricuspid valve [L tricuspis (gen. tricuspidis): see TRI- & CUSP]
tricycle (trai´sik'эl, -si kэl) •n. a light, three-wheeled vehicle, with one wheel in front and two in back, esp. one for children that is operated by pedals [Fr: see TRI- & CYCLE]
tricyclic (trai saik´lik) •adj. containing three fused rings of atoms in the molecule
trident (traid´ªnt) •n. 1 a three-pronged spear used by the retiarius in ancient Roman gladiatorial combats 2 a three-pronged fish spear 3 Gr. & Rom. Myth. a three-pronged spear borne as a scepter by the sea god Poseidon, or Neptune •adj. three-pronged [L tridens (gen. tridentis) < tri-, TRI- + dens, TOOTH]
tridentate (trai den´teit') •adj. having three teeth, prongs, or points [ModL tridentatus: see TRI- & DENTATE]
Tridentine (trai den´tin, -tain', -ti:n') •adj. 1 of Trent, Italy 2 of the Council of Trent, or in accord with its decrees [ML Tridentinus, after Tridentum, Trent]
tridimensional (trai'dэ men´shэ nэl) •adj. of or having three dimensions; having depth as well as length and width
tried (traid) •vt., vi. pt. & pp. of TRY •adj. 1 tested; proved 2 trustworthy; faithful 3 having endured trials and troubles
triennial (trai en´i: эl) •adj. 1 happening every three years 2 lasting three years •n. a triennial event or occurrence tri·en´ni·al·ly •adv. [< L triennium, three years < tri-, TRI- + annus, year: see ANNUAL]
triennium (trai en´i: эm) pl. -ni·ums or -ni·a (-э) •n. a period of three years [L, see TRIENNIAL]
Trier (trir) city in W Germany, on the Moselle River, in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate: pop. 94,000 trier (trai´эr) •n. a person or thing that tries
trierarch (trai´эr ärk') •n. in ancient Greece, a) the commander of a trireme b) at Athens, a person who built, outfitted, and maintained a trireme for the service of the state [L trierarchus < Gr triērarchos < triērēs, a trireme (< tri-, TRI- + -ērēs < IE base *erē-, to row, oar > ROW², RUDDER) + archos, leader, chief: see -ARCH]
trierarchy (trai´эr är'ki:) pl. -chies •n. 1 the rank, authority, or duties of a trierarch 2 trierarchs collectively 3 the system by which trierarchs built, outfitted, and maintained triremes for the state [Gr triērarchia]
Trieste (tri: est´; It tři: es´te) 1 seaport in NE Italy, on an inlet (Gulf of Trieste) of the Adriatic: pop. 243,000 2 Free Territory of former region surrounding this city, administered by the United Nations and divided between Italy & Yugoslavia in 1954: 285 sq. mi. (738 sq. km)
triethyl (trai eθ´эl) •adj. containing three ethyl groups in the molecule [TRI- + ETHYL]
trifacial (trai fei´shэl) •adj., n. TRIGEMINAL
trifecta (trai fek´tэ) •n. a bet or betting procedure in which one wins if one correctly picks the first, second, and third place finishers in a race [TRI- + (PER)FECTA]
trifid (trai´fid) •adj. divided into three lobes or parts by deep clefts, as some leaves [L trifidus < tri-, three + -FID]
trifle (trai´fэl) •n. 1 something of little value or importance; trivial thing, idea, etc.; paltry matter 2 a small amount of money 3 a small amount or degree; bit 4 esp. in England, a dessert consisting of spongecake soaked in wine, spread with jam, and covered with custard, whipped cream, etc. 5 a) a kind of pewter of medium hardness b) [pl.] utensils made of this •vi. -fled, -fling 1 to talk or act jokingly, mockingly, etc.; deal lightly {not a person to trifle with} 2 to play or toy (with something) 3 to play fast and loose (with a person's affections); dally •vt. to spend idly; waste {to trifle the hours away} tri´fler •n. SYN.—trifle is the general term meaning to treat without earnestness, full attention, definite purpose, etc. [to trifle with a person, an idea, etc.]; flirt implies a light, transient interest or attention that quickly moves on to another person or thing [she's always flirting with men]; dally implies a playing with a subject or thing that one has little or no intention of taking seriously [to dally with painting]; coquet suggests the behavior of a flirtatious woman who seeks attention or admiration without serious intent; toy implies a trifling or dallying with no purpose beyond that of amusement or idling away time [to toy with an idea] [ME < OFr trufle, mockery, dim. of truffe, deception]
trifling (trai´fliŋ) •adj. 1 that trifles; frivolous; shallow; fickle 2 having little value or importance; trivial tri´fling·ly •adv.
trifocal (trai fou´kэl; also, esp. for the n., trai´fou'kэl) •adj. adjusted to three different focal lengths •n. a lens like a bifocal but with an additional narrow area ground to adjust the intermediate focus for objects at c. 76 cm (c. 30 in.)
trifocals (-kэlz) •n.pl. eyeglasses with trifocal lenses
trifoliate (trai fou´li: it, -eit') •adj. 1 having three leaves 2 nontechnical term for TRIFOLIOLATE Also tri·fo´li·at'ed (-eit'id) [TRI- + FOLIATE]
trifoliolate (trai fou´li: э leit') •adj. divided into three leaflets, as the leaf of a clover [< TRI- + ModL foliolum, dim. of L folium, a leaf (see FOIL²) + -ATE¹]
trifolium (-fou´li: эm) •n. CLOVER (sense 1) [L, TREFOIL]
triforium (-för´i: эm) pl. -ri·a (-э) •n. a gallery or arcade in the wall above the arches of the nave, choir, or transept of a church [ML < L tri-, TRI- + foris, DOOR]
triform (trai´förm') •adj. having three parts, forms, etc.: also tri´formed' [L triformis: see TRI- & -FORM]
trifurcate (trai´fэr keit', -kit; trai før´-) •adj. having three forks or branches: also tri´fur·cat'ed tri'fur·ca´tion •n. [< L trifurcus < tri-, TRI- + furca, a fork + -ATE¹]
trig abbrev. trigonometric(al)
trig¹ (trig) •adj. [Brit. Archaic] 1 trim; neat; spruce 2 in good condition; strong; sound 3 prim; precise •vt. trigged, trig´ging [Brit. Dial.] to make trig: often with out or up [ME trigg < ON tryggr, trusty, firm: for IE base see TRUE]
trig² (trig) trigged, trig´ging •vt. [Dial.] 1 to prevent (a wheel, cask, etc.) from rolling by placing a wedge, stone, etc. under it 2 to prop or support •n. [Dial.] a stone, wedge, etc. used in trigging [< ? Scand, as in Dan trykke, to press]
trig³ (trig) •n. short for TRIGONOMETRY
trigeminal (trai jem´э nэl) •adj. designating or of either of the fifth pair of cranial nerves, each of which divides into three branches supplying the head and face •n. a trigeminal nerve [< ModL trigeminus < L, born three together (< tri-, TRI- + geminus, twin) + -AL]
trigeminal neuralgia a disorder of unknown cause, characterized by severely painful paroxysms along one or more branches of a trigeminal nerve
trigger (trig´эr) •n. 1 a small lever or part which when pulled or pressed releases a catch, spring, etc. 2 in firearms, a small lever pressed back by the finger to activate the firing mechanism 3 an act, impulse, etc. that initiates an action, series of events, etc. •vt. 1 to fire or activate by pulling or pressing a trigger 2 to initiate (an action); set off {the fight that triggered the riot} Æ quick on the trigger [Colloq.] 1 quick to fire a gun 2 quick to act, understand, retort, etc.; alert [earlier tricker < Du trekker < trekken, to draw, pull: see TREK]
trigger finger the finger used to press the trigger of a firearm; specif., the forefinger
triggerfish (trig´эr fish') pl. (see FISH) -fish' •n.or -fish'es any of various brightly colored tropical fishes (family Balistidae) of the same order (Tetraodontiformes) as puffers, having a prominent first dorsal fin with two or three spines [because depression of the second spine of the fin causes the first to snap down]
trigger-happy (-hæp'i:) •adj. 1 inclined to resort to force rashly or irresponsibly 2 ready to start a war at the slightest provocation; bellicose [see HAPPY, adj. 4]
triglyceride (trai glis´эr aid') •n. any of a group of esters, CH2(OOCR1)CH(OOCR2)CH2(OOCR3), derived from glycerol and three fatty acid radicals: the chief component of fats and oils [TRI- + GLYCERIDE]
triglyph (trai´glif') •n. in a Doric frieze, a slightly projecting, rectangular block occurring at regular intervals and having two vertical grooves (glyphs) and two chamfers or half grooves at the sides tri·glyph´ic •adj. [L triglyphus < Gr triglyphos: see TRI- & GLYPH]
trigon (trai´gän') •n. 1 [Archaic] a triangle 2 Astrol. TRIPLICITY (sense 3) [L trigonum < Gr trigōnon, triangle, lyre < trigōnos, triangular: see TRI- & -GON]
trigonal (trig´э nэl) •adj. 1 of a triangle; triangular 2 of a trigon 3 designating or of a system of crystallization having three equal axes, equally inclined [L trigonalis]
trigonometric function any of the basic functions (as sine, cosine, tangent, etc.) of an angle or arc, usually expressed as the ratio of pairs of sides of a right triangle: see SINE, illus.
trigonometry (trig'э näm´э tri:) pl. -tries •n. the branch of mathematics that deals with the ratios between the sides of a right triangle with reference to either acute angle (trigonometric functions), the relations between these ratios, and the application of these facts in finding the unknown sides or angles of any triangle, as in surveying, navigation, engineering, etc. trig'o·no·met´ric (-nэ me´trik) or trig'o·no·met´ri·cal •adj. trig'o·no·met´ri·cal·ly •adv. [ModL trigonometria < Gr trigōnon, triangle (see TRIGON) + -metria, measurement (see -METRY)]
trigonous (trig´э nэs) •adj. having three angles or corners [L trigonus < Gr trigōnos: see TRIGON]
trigraph (trai´græf') •n. a group of three letters representing one sound (Ex.: pph in Sappho) [TRI- + -GRAPH]
trihedral (trai hi:´drэl) •adj. having three sides or faces {a trihedral angle} •n. a figure formed by three lines, each in a different plane, that intersect at a point [TRI- + -HEDRAL]
trihydrate (trai hai´dreit') •n. a chemical compound containing three molecules of water tri·hy´drat·ed •adj. [TRI- + HYDRATE]
trihydroxy (trai'hai dräks´i:) •adj. containing three hydroxyl groups
triiodothyronine (trai ai'ou dou'θai´rou ni:n') •n. a crystalline hormone, C15H12I3NO4, secreted by the thyroid gland, that influences the rate of general metabolic activity: used medically, esp. to treat hypothyroidism [TRI- + IODO- + THYR(O)- + -INE³]
trijet (trai´jet') •n. an airplane having three jet engines
trijugate (trai´ju: geit'; trai ju:´git, -geit') Bot. having three pairs of leaflets Also tri´ju·gous (-gэs) •adj. [< L trijugus, threefold < tri-, TRI- + jugum, YOKE + -ATE¹]
trike (traik) •n. [Colloq.] TRICYCLE
trilateral (trai læt´эr эl) •adj. three-sided tri·lat´er·al·ly •adv. [< L trilaterus, three-sided: see TRI- & LATERAL]
trilby (tril´bi:) •n. [Chiefly Brit., etc.] a man's soft felt hat with a narrow brim and the crown deeply dented front to back [orig. worn in a stage version (1895) of the novel Trilby, by DU MAURIER]
trilinear (trai lin´i: эr) •adj. of, enclosed by, or involving three lines [TRI- + LINEAR]
trilingual (trai liŋ´gwэl) •adj. 1 of or in three languages 2 using or capable of using three languages, esp. with equal or nearly equal facility tri·lin´gual·ly •adv. [< L trilinguis (< tri-, TRI- + lingua, tongue: see LANGUAGE) + -AL]
triliteral (trai lit´эr эl) •adj. consisting of three letters; specif., consisting of three consonants {most roots of Semitic languages are triliteral} tri·lit´er·al·ism' •n. [< TRI- + L littera, a letter + -AL]
trill (tril) •n. 1 a rapid alternation of a given musical tone with the tone a diatonic second above it; VIBRATO 2 the warbling sound made by some birds 3 Phonet. a) a rapid vibration of the tongue or uvula, as in pronouncing the sounds represented by r in some languages b) a sound so produced •vt., vi. to sound, speak, or play with a trill [It trillare] trill´er •n. [It trillo < trillare, to trill, of echoic orig.]
Trilling (tril´iŋ), Lionel 1905-75; U.S. critic & author
trillion (tril´yen) •n. 1 the number represented by 1 followed by 12 zeros 2 [Brit.] the number represented by 1 followed by 18 zeros 3 an indefinite but very large number: a hyperbolic use •adj. amounting to one trillion in number [Fr < tri-, TRI- + (mi)llion]
trillionth (tril´yэnθ) •adj. 1 coming last in a series of a trillion 2 designating any of the trillion equal parts of something •n. 1 the last in a series of a trillion 2 any of the trillion equal parts of something
trillium (tril´i: эm) •n. any of a genus (Trillium) of perennial plants of the lily family, having an erect stem that bears a whorl of three leaves and a single flower with three green sepals and three petals that change color as they mature [ModL < L tri-, three]
trilobate (trai lou´beit') •adj. having three lobes, as some leaves Also tri·lo´bat'ed or tri´lobed' (-loubd')
trilobite (trai´lou bait') •n. any of a large class (Trilobita) of extinct marine arthropods having the body divided by two furrows into three parts, found as fossils in Paleozoic rocks tri'lo·bit´ic (-bit´ik) •adj. [< ModL Trilobites, Trilobita: see TRI-, LOBE, -ITE¹]
trilocular (trai läk´yu: lэr) •adj. having three chambers, cells, or cavities [TRI- + LOCULAR]
trilogy (tril´э ji:) pl. -gies •n. a set of three related plays, novels, etc. which together form an extended, unified work, though each has its own unity [Gr trilogia: see TRI- & -LOGY]
trim (trim) trimmed, trim´ming •vt. 1 orig., to prepare; fit out; dress 2 to put in proper order; make neat or tidy, esp. by clipping, lopping, etc. {to trim one's mustache} 3 to clip, lop, cut, etc.: often with off {to trim dead branches off a tree} 4 to cut (something) down to the required size or shape Æ 5 a) to decorate or embellish as by adding ornaments, contrasting materials, etc. {to trim a Christmas tree} b) to arrange an attractive display of merchandise in or on {to trim a store window} 6 a) to balance (a ship) by ballasting, shifting cargo, etc. b) to put (sails or yards) in order for sailing 7 to balance (a flying aircraft) by adjusting stabilizers, tabs, etc. 8 to modify according to expediency; adjust; adapt 9 [Colloq.] a) to scold; chide; rebuke b) to beat, punish, thrash, etc. c) to defeat decisively d) to cheat •vi. 1 a) to change one's opinions or viewpoint so as to satisfy opposing factions, etc.; keep a middle-of-the-road policy; compromise b) to change one's opinions or viewpoint opportunistically 2 a) to keep in balance (said of a ship) b) to keep a ship in balance, as by adjusting the sails or yards •n. 1 order; arrangement; condition {in proper trim} 2 good condition or order {to keep in trim for sports} 3 equipment; gear; dress 4 a trimming by clipping, cutting, etc. 5 Æ a) WINDOW DRESSING Æ b) decorative molding or borders, esp. around windows and doors Æ c) the interior furnishings or the exterior ornamental metalwork of an automobile d) any ornamental trimming {a dress with lace trim} 6 a) the condition of being ready to sail (said of a ship) b) the position of a ship in the water in relation to the horizontal, esp. a fore-and-aft horizontal axis c) correct position in the water: a ship is in trim if stable and floating on an even keel, out of trim if not d) the difference between the draft of a ship forward and the draft aft e) the adjustment of the sails or yards in managing a ship f) the degree of buoyancy of a submarine 7 the position of an airplane in relation to a fore-and-aft horizontal axis 8 something that is trimmed, as a section of FILM (n. 5a) cut out in editing 9 [Obs.] character (of a person) •adj. trim´mer, trim´mest 1 orderly; neat; tidy 2 well-proportioned; smartly designed 3 in good condition •adv. in a trim manner trim one's sails to adjust one's opinions, actions, expenditures, etc. to meet changing conditions trim´ly •adv. trim´ness •n. [via ME dial. < OE trymman, to make firm, set in order, array < trum, strong, firm: for IE base see TREE]
trimaran (trai´mэ ræn') •n. a boat similar to a catamaran, but with three parallel hulls [TRI- + (CATA)MARAN]
trimer (trai´mэr) •n. Chem. 1 a molecule composed of three identical, simpler molecules 2 a substance composed of such molecules {C6H6 is a trimer of C2H2} tri·mer´ic (-mer´ik) •adj. [TRI- + Gr meros, a part: see MERIT]
trimerous (trim´эr эs) •adj. 1 having the parts in sets of three: said of a flower: also written 3-merous 2 having tarsi that are divided into three parts: said of some insects [TRI- + -MEROUS]
trimester (trai mes´tэr, trai´mes'-) •n. 1 a period or term of three months 2 in some colleges and universities, any of the three periods into which the academic year is divided [Fr trimestre < L trimestris, of three months < tri-, three + mensis, month: see MOON]
trimeter (trim´эt эr) •n. 1 a line of verse containing three metrical feet 2 verse consisting of trimeters •adj. having three metrical feet [L trimetrus < Gr trimetros: see TRI- & METER¹]
trimethadione (trai meθ'э dai´oun') •n. a white, crystalline material, C6H9NO3, used in treating epilepsy [trimeth(yl) (< TRI- + METHYL) + -a- + DI-¹ + -ONE]
trimetric (trai me´trik) •adj. 1 having three metrical feet 2 ORTHORHOMBIC Also tri·met´ri·cal
trimetric projection in mechanical drawing, a type of display by projection in which the three axes are inclined at arbitrary angles and are often scaled differently as well
trimetrogon (trai me´trэ gän') •n. a system of aerial photography in which three wide-angle cameras are used side by side to take photographs of the earth from horizon to horizon [< TRI- + Gr metron, MEASURE + -GON]
trimmer (trim´эr) •n. 1 a person, thing, machine, etc. that trims 2 a beam in a floor frame that receives the ends of headers, as around a stair well
trimming (trim´iŋ) •n. 1 the action of a person who trims 2 [Colloq.] a) a beating; thrashing b) a decisive defeat c) a cheating or fleecing 3 something used to trim; specif., a) decoration; ornament b) [pl.] the side dishes of a meal {turkey with all the trimmings} 4 [pl.] parts trimmed off
trimolecular (trai'mou lek´yu: lэr; -mэ-; -yэ-) •adj. of or formed from three molecules
trimonthly (trai mûnθ´li:) •adj., adv. once every three months
trimorph (trai´mörf') •n. 1 a substance that crystallizes in three distinct forms 2 any of these forms [TRI- + -MORPH]
trimorphism (trai mör´fiz'эm) •n. 1 Crystallography the property of crystallizing in three distinct forms 2 Bot. the existence of three distinct forms of flowers, leaves, or other organs on the same plant or on different plants of the same species 3 Zool. the existence of three distinct forms of organs in the same species tri·mor´phic or tri·mor´phous •adj. [< Gr trimorphos, of three forms < tri-, three + morphē, form + -ISM]
Trimurti (tri mur´ti:) the trinity of Hindu gods (Brahma, Vishnu, and Siva) [Sans trimūrti, lit., of three forms < tri, THREE + mūrti, body, shape]
Trin Trinidad and Tobago
Trinacria (trai nei´kri: э; tri:-, trэ-) ancient Rom. name of SICILY Tri·na´cri·an •adj.
trinal (trai´nэl) •adj. having three parts; threefold; triple [LL trinalis < L trinus: see TRINE]
trinary (trai´nэ ri:) •adj. threefold; ternary [LL(Ec) trinarius, of three kinds: see TRINE & -ARY]
trine (train) •adj. 1 threefold; triple 2 Astrol. in trine; hence, favorable •n. 1 a group of three; triad 2 Astrol. the aspect of two planets 120 degrees apart, considered favorable [T-] the Trinity [ME < MFr < L trinus, triple < tres, THREE]
Trinidad (trin´i dæd') island in the West Indies, off the NE coast of Venezuela: 1,864 sq. mi. (4,827 sq. km): see TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO Trin'i·dad´i·an •adj., n.
Trinidad and Tobago country in the West Indies, comprising the islands of Trinidad & Tobago: formerly a British colony, it became independent & a member of the Commonwealth (1962): 1,980 sq. mi. (5,128 sq. km); pop. 1,055,000; cap. Port-of-Spain
Trinitarian (trin'i ter´i: эn) •adj. 1 a) of the Trinity or the doctrine of the Trinity b) believing in the doctrine of the Trinity 2 [t-] forming a trinity; threefold •n. a believer in the doctrine of the Trinity Trin'i·tar´i·an·ism' •n. [ModL trinitarius < LL(Ec) trinitas]
trinitrocresol (trai nai'trou kri:´söl', -soul') •n. a yellow, crystalline chemical compound, C7H5N3O7, used as an antiseptic and in explosives [TRI- + NITRO- + CRESOL]
trinitroglycerin (-glis´эr in) •n. NITROGLYCERIN
trinitrotoluene (-täl´yu: i:n') •n. a high explosive, any of several isomeric derivatives, CH3C6H2(NO2)3, of toluene, used for blasting, in artillery shells, etc.: abbrev. TNT Also tri·ni'tro·tol´u·ol' (-öl', -oul') [TRI- + NITRO- + TOLUENE]
trinity (trin´i ti:) pl. -ties •n. 1 the condition of being three or threefold 2 a set of three persons or things that form a unit 3 [T-] Christian Theol. TRINITY SUNDAY the Trinity Christian Theol. the union of the three divine persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) in one Godhead [ME trinite < OFr trinité < L trinitas, triad, in LL(Ec), the Trinity (infl. by Gr trias) < trinus: see TRINE & -ITY]
Trinity Sunday the Sunday after Pentecost, dedicated to the Trinity
trinket (triŋ´kit) •n. 1 a small, inexpensive ornament, piece of jewelry, etc. 2 a trifle or toy [ME trenket, shoemakers' knife, ladies' toy knife, ornament < NormFr trenquet < OFr trenchet < trenchier, to cut: see TRENCH]
trinomial (trai nou´mi: эl) •n. 1 a mathematical expression consisting of three terms connected by plus or minus signs 2 the scientific name of a plant or animal taxon, consisting of three words designating in order the genus, species, and subspecies or variety •adj. 1 composed of three terms 2 of trinomials tri·no´mi·al·ly •adv. [TRI- + (BI)NOMIAL]
trio (tri:´ou) pl. tri´os •n. 1 any group of three persons or things 2 Music a) a composition for three voices or three instruments b) the three performers of such a composition c) the middle section of a minuet, scherzo, etc., orig. written in three voices, or parts [Fr < It < tri-, TRI-, as in duo, DUO]
triode (trai´oud') •n. a vacuum tube containing three electrodes (an anode, cathode, and control grid) [TRI- + (ELECTR)ODE]
trioecious (trai i:´shэs) •adj. having male, female, and bisexual flowers on separate plants [< TRI- + LL oecus, a room (< Gr oikos, a house: see ECO-) + -OUS]
triol (trai´öl', -oul') •n. a compound with three hydroxyl groups in the molecule [TRI- + -OL¹]
triolet (trai´э let', -lit) •n. a verse form of eight lines and two rhymes, the first line being repeated as the fourth and seventh, and the second as the eighth; the rhyme scheme is abaaabab [Fr, ? fig. use of triolet, clover, prob. dim. of OFr *triol, *triueil < L trifolium, TREFOIL]
triose (trai´ous') •n. a monosaccharide, C3H6O3, with three carbon atoms [TRI- + -OSE¹]
trioxide (trai äks´aid') •n. an oxide having three oxygen atoms to the molecule
TRIP (trip) •adj. designating or of any of several high-strength, highly ductile steel alloys containing chromium, molybdenum, nickel, and carbon [tr(ansformation-)i(nduced) p(lasticity)] trip (trip) tripped, trip´ping •vi. 1 to walk, run, or dance with light, rapid steps; skip; caper 2 to stumble, esp. by catching the foot 3 to make a false step, inaccuracy, or mistake; err 4 to falter in speaking 5 to run past the pallet of the escapement without catching: said of a tooth of the escapement wheel of a watch 6 [Rare] to take a trip; journey Æ 7 [Slang] to experience a TRIP (n. 6) •vt. 1 to make stumble, esp. by catching the foot (sometimes with up) 2 a) to cause to make a false step or mistake b) to cause to fail or stop; obstruct 3 to catch (a person) in a lie, error, etc.: often with up 4 a) to release (a spring, wheel, or other mechanical part), as by the action of a detent b) to start or operate (a mechanism) by this 5 [Now Rare] to perform (a dance) lightly and nimbly 6 Naut. a) to raise (an anchor) clear of the bottom b) to tilt (a yard) into position for lowering c) to raise (an upper mast) so that the fid may be removed before lowering •n. 1 a light, quick tread 2 a) a traveling from one place to another; journey, esp. a short one; excursion, jaunt, etc. b) a going to a place and returning {made three trips to the kitchen} 3 a) a stumble b) a maneuver for causing someone to stumble or fall, as by catching the foot 4 a mistake; blunder 5 a) any mechanical contrivance for tripping a part, as a pawl b) its action Æ 6 [Slang] a) an experience or period of euphoria, hallucinations, etc. induced by a psychedelic drug, esp. LSD b) an experience that is pleasing, exciting, unusual, etc. c) any activity, mode of conduct, state of mind, etc. {a spiritual trip} trip the light fantastic to dance SYN.—trip strictly implies a relatively short course of travel, although it is also commonly used as an equivalent for journey [a vacation trip]; journey, a more formal word, generally implies travel of some length, usually over land [the journey was filled with hardships]; voyage, in current use, implies a relatively long journey by water [a voyage across the Atlantic]; jaunt is applied to a short, casual trip taken for pleasure or recreation [a jaunt to the city]; expedition is applied to a journey, march, etc. taken by an organized group for some definite purpose [a military expedition, a zoological expedition to Africa] [ME trippen < OFr treper < Gmc *trippon (> OE treppan, to step): see TRAP¹]
tripartite (trai pär´tait') •adj. 1 divided into three parts; threefold 2 having three corresponding parts or copies 3 made or existing between three parties, as an agreement [ME < L tripartitus < tri-, three + partitus, PARTITE]
tripartition (trai'pär tish´эn) •n. division into three parts or among three parties [LL(Ec) tripartitio]
tripe (traip) •n. 1 part of the stomach of an ox or other ruminant, when used as food 2 [Slang] anything worthless, offensive, etc.; nonsense [ME < MFr < It trippa, prob. ult. < Ar tharb, thin layer of fat lining the intestines]
triphammer (trip´hæm'эr) •n. a heavy, power-driven hammer, alternately raised and allowed to fall by a tripping device Also trip hammer