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30 entries found for word. To select an entry, click on it. (Click 'Go' if nothing happens.) Main Entry: 1word  Pronunciation: 'w&rd Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German wort word, Latin verbum, Greek eirein to say, speak, Hittite weriya- to call, name Date: before 12th century 1 a : something that is said b plural (1) : TALK, DISCOURSE <putting one's feelings into words> (2) : the text of a vocal musical composition c : a brief remark or conversation <would like to have a word with you> 2 a (1) : a speech sound or series of speech sounds that symbolizes and communicates a meaning usually without being divisible into smaller units capable of independent use (2) : the entire set of linguistic forms produced by combining a single base with various inflectional elements without change in the part of speech elements b (1) : a written or printed character or combination of characters representing a spoken word <the number of words to a line> -- sometimes used with the first letter of a real or pretended taboo word prefixed as an often humorous euphemism <the first man to utter the f word on British TV -- Time> <we were not afraid to use the d word and talk about death -- Erma Bombeck> (2) : any segment of written or printed discourse ordinarily appearing between spaces or between a space and a punctuation mark c : a number of bytes processed as a unit and conveying a quantum of information in communication and computer work 3 : ORDER, COMMAND <don't move till I give the word> 4 often capitalized a : LOGOS b : GOSPEL 1a c : the expressed or manifested mind and will of God 5 a : NEWS, INFORMATION <sent word that he would be late> b : RUMOR 6 : the act of speaking or of making verbal communication 7 : SAYING, PROVERB 8 : PROMISE, DECLARATION <kept her word> 9 : a quarrelsome utterance or conversation -- usually used in plural <they had words and parted> 10 : a verbal signal : PASSWORD 11 slang -- used interjectionally to express agreement - good word 1 : a favorable statement <put in a good word for me> 2 : good news <what's the good word> - in a word : in short - in so many words 1 : in exactly those terms <implied that such actions were criminal but did not say so in so many words> 2 : in plain forthright language <in so many words, she wasn't fit to be seen -- Jean Stafford> - of few words : not inclined to say more than is necessary : LACONIC <a man of few words> - of one's word : that can be relied on to keep a promise -- used only after man or woman <a man of his word> - upon my word : with my assurance : INDEED, ASSUREDLY <upon my word, I've never heard of such a thing> |
