Defn: One who advocates or encourages defection.
DEFECTIOUSDe*fec"tious, a.
Defn: Having defects; imperfect. [Obs.] "Some one defectious piece."Sir P. Sidney.
DEFECTIVEDe*fect"ive, a. Etym: [L. defectivus: cf. F. défectif. See Defect.]
1. Wanting in something; incomplete; lacking a part; deficient; imperfect; faulty; — applied either to natural or moral qualities; as, a defective limb; defective timber; a defective copy or account; a defective character; defective rules.
2. (Gram.)
Defn: Lacking some of the usual forms of declension or conjugation;as, a defective noun or verb.— De*fect"ive*ly, adv.— De*fect"ive*ness, n.
DEFECTUOSITYDe*fec`tu*os"i*ty, n. Etym: [Cf. F. défectuosité.]
Defn: Great imperfection. [Obs.] W. Montagu.
DEFECTUOUSDe*fec"tu*ous, a. Etym: [Cf. F. défectueux.]
Defn: Full of defects; imperfect. [Obs.] Barrow.
DEFEDATION Def`e*da"tion, n. Etym: [L. defoedare, defoedatum, to defile; de- + foedare to foul, foedus foul.]
Defn: The act of making foul; pollution. [Obs.]
DEFENCEDe*fence", n. & v. t.
Defn: See Defense.
DEFENDDe*fend", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Defended; p. pr. & vb. n. Defending.]Etym: [F. défendre, L. defendere; de- + fendere (only in comp.) tostrike; perh. akin to Gr. dint. Cf. Dint, Defense, Fend.]
1. To ward or fend off; to drive back or away; to repel. [A Latinism & Obs.] Th' other strove for to defend The force of Vulcan with his might and main. Spenser.
2. To prohibit; to forbid. [Obs.] Chaucer. Which God defend that I should wring from him. Shak.
3. To repel danger or harm from; to protect; to secure against; attack; to maintain against force or argument; to uphold; to guard; as, to defend a town; to defend a cause; to defend character; to defend the absent; — sometimes followed by from or against; as, to defend one's self from, or against, one's enemies. The lord mayor craves aid . . . to defend the city. Shak. God defend the right! Shak. A village near it was defended by the river. Clarendon.
4. (Law.)
Defn: To deny the right of the plaintiff in regard to (the suit, or the wrong charged); to oppose or resist, as a claim at law; to contest, as a suit. Burrill.
Syn. — To Defend, Protect. To defend is literally to ward off; to protect is to cover so as to secure against approaching danger. We defend those who are attacked; we protect those who are liable to injury or invasion. A fortress is defended by its guns, and protected by its wall. As birds flying, so will the Lord of hosts defend Jerusalem; defending also he will deliver it. Is. xxxi. 5. Leave not the faithful side That gave thee being, still shades thee and protects. Milton.
DEFENDABLEDe*fend"a*ble, a. Etym: [Cf. F. défendable.]
Defn: Capable of being defended; defensible. [R.]
DEFENDANTDe*fend"ant, a. Etym: [F. défendant, p. pr. of défendre. See Defend.]
1. Serving, or suitable, for defense; defensive. [Obs.] With men of courage and with means defendant. Shak.
2. Making defense.
DEFENDANTDe*fend"ant, n.
1. One who defends; a defender. The rampiers and ditches which the defendants had cast up. Spotswood.
2. (Law)
Defn: A person required to make answer in an action or suit; — opposed to plaintiff. Abbott.
Note: The term is applied to any party of whom a demand is made in court, whether the party denies and defends the claim, or admits it, and suffers a default; also to a party charged with a criminal offense.
DEFENDEEDe`fen*dee", n.
Defn: One who is defended. [R. & Ludicrous]
DEFENDERDe*fend"er, n. Etym: [Cf. Fender.]
Defn: One who defends; one who maintains, supports, protects, orvindicates; a champion; an advocate; a vindicator.Provinces . . . left without their ancient and puissant defenders.Motley.
DEFENDRESSDe*fend"ress, n.
Defn: A female defender. [R.]Defendress of the faith. Stow.
DEFENSATIVE De*fen"sa*tive, n. Etym: [L. defensare, defensatum, to defend diligently, intens. of defendere. See Defend.]
Defn: That which serves to protect or defend.
DEFENSE; DEFENCE De*fense", De*fence", n. Etym: [F. défense, OF. defense, fem., defens, masc., fr. L. defensa (cf. Fence.]
1. The act of defending, or the state of being defended; protection, as from violence or danger. In cases of defense 't is best to weigh The enemy more mighty than he seems. Shak.
2. That which defends or protects; anything employed to oppose attack, ward off violence or danger, or maintain security; a guard; a protection. War would arise in defense of the right. Tennyson. God, the widow's champion and defense. Shak.
3. Protecting plea; vindication; justification. Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defense. Acts xxii. 1.
4. (Law)
Defn: The defendant's answer or plea; an opposing or denial of the truth or validity of the plaintiff's or prosecutor's case; the method of proceeding adopted by the defendant to protect himself against the plaintiff's action.
5. Act or skill in making defense; defensive plan or policy; practice in self defense, as in fencing, boxing, etc. A man of great defense. Spenser. By how much defense is better than no skill. Shak.
6. Prohibition; a prohibitory ordinance. [Obs.] Severe defenses . . . against wearing any linen under a certain breadth. Sir W. Temple.
DEFENSEDe*fense", v. t.
Defn: To furnish with defenses; to fortify. [Obs.] [Written alsodefence.]Better manned and more strongly defensed. Hales.
DEFENSELESSDe*fense"less, a.
Defn: Destitute of defense; unprepared to resist attack; unable tooppose; unprotected.— De*fense"less*ly, adv.— De*fense"less*ness, n.
DEFENSERDe*fens"er, n. Etym: [Cf. F. défenseur, L. defensor. Cf. Defensor.]
Defn: Defender. [Obs.] Foxe.
DEFENSIBILITYDe*fen`si*bil"i*ty, n.
Defn: Capability of being defended.
DEFENSIBLE De*fen"si*ble, a. Etym: [Cf. F. défensable, LL. defensabilis, defensibilis. See Defense, and cf. Defendable.]
1. Capable of being defended; as, a defensible city, or a defensible cause.
2. Capable of offering defense. [Obs.] Shak.
DEFENSIBLENESSDe*fen"si*ble*ness, n.
Defn: Capability of being defended; defensibility. Priestley.
DEFENSIVEDe*fen"sive, a. Etym: [Cf. F. défensif.]
1. Serving to defend or protect; proper for defense; opposed to offensive; as, defensive armor. A moat defensive to a house. Shak.
2. Carried on by resisting attack or aggression; — opposed to offensive; as, defensive war.
3. In a state or posture of defense. Milton.
DEFENSIVEDe*fen"sive, n.
Defn: That which defends; a safeguard. Wars preventive, upon just fears, are true defensive. Bacon. To be on the defensive, To stand on the defensive, to be or stand in a state or posture of defense or resistance, in opposition to aggression or attack.
DEFENSIVELYDe*fen"sive*ly, adv.
Defn: On the defensive.
DEFENSORDe*fen"sor, n. Etym: [L. See Defenser.]
1. A defender. Fabyan.
2. (Law)
Defn: A defender or an advocate in court; a guardian or protector.
3. (Eccl.)
Defn: The patron of a church; an officer having charge of the temporal affairs of a church.
DEFENSORYDe*fen"so*ry, a. Etym: [L. defensorius.]
Defn: Tending to defend; defensive; as, defensory preparations.
DEFERDe*fer", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Deferred; p. pr. & vb. n. Deferring.]Etym: [OE. differren, F. différer, fr. L. differre to delay, beardifferent ways; dis- + ferre to bear. See Bear to support, and cf.Differ, Defer to offer.]
Defn: To put off; to postpone to a future time; to delay theexecution of; to delay; to withhold.Defer the spoil of the city until night. Shak.God . . . will not long defer To vindicate the glory of his name.Milton.
DEFERDe*fer", v. i.
Defn: To put off; to delay to act; to wait.Pius was able to defer and temporize at leisure. J. A. Symonds.
DEFERDe*fer", v. t. Etym: [F. déférer to pay deference, to yield, to bringbefore a judge, fr. L. deferre to bring down; de- + ferre to bear.See Bear to support, and cf. Defer to delay, Delate.]
1. To render or offer. [Obs.] Worship deferred to the Virgin. Brevint.
2. To lay before; to submit in a respectful manner; to refer; — withto.Hereupon the commissioners . . . deferred the matter to the Earl ofNorthumberland. Bacon.
DEFERDe*fer", v. i.
Defn: To yield deference to the wishes of another; to submit to the opinion of another, or to authority; — with to. The house, deferring to legal right, acquiesced. Bancroft.
DEFERENCEDef"er*ence, n. Etym: [F. déférence. See 3d Defer.]
Defn: A yielding of judgment or preference from respect to the wishes or opinion of another; submission in opinion; regard; respect; complaisance. Deference to the authority of thoughtful and sagacious men. Whewell. Deference is the most complicate, the most indirect, and the most elegant of all compliments. Shenstone.
Syn. — Deference, Reverence, Respect. Deference marks an inclination to yield one's opinion, and to acquiesce in the sentiments of another in preference to one's own. Respect marks the estimation that we have for another, which makes us look to him as worthy of high confidence for the qualities of his mind and heart. Reverence denotes a mingling of fear with a high degree of respect and esteem. Age, rank, dignity, and personal merit call for deference; respect should be paid to the wise and good; reverence is due to God, to the authors of our being, and to the sanctity of the laws.
DEFERENTDef"er*ent, a. Etym: [L. deferens, p. pr. of deferre. See 3d Defer.]
Defn: Serving to carry; bearing. [R.] "Bodies deferent." Bacon.
DEFERENTDef"er*ent, n.
1. That which carries or conveys. Though air be the most favorable deferent of sounds. Bacon.
2. (Ptolemaic Astron.)
Defn: An imaginary circle surrounding the earth, in whose periphery either the heavenly body or the center of the heavenly body's epicycle was supposed to be carried round.
DEFERENTIALDef`er*en"tial, a. Etym: [See Deference.]
Defn: Expressing deference; accustomed to defer.
DEFERENTIALLYDef`er*en"tial*ly, adv.
Defn: With deference.
DEFERMENTDe*fer"ment, n. Etym: [See 1st Defer.]
Defn: The act of delaying; postponement. [R.]My grief, joined with the instant business, Begs a deferment.Suckling.
DEFERRERDe*fer"rer, n.
Defn: One who defers or puts off.
DEFERVESCENCE; DEFERVESCENCY De`fer*ves"cence, De`fer*ves"cency, n. Etym: [L. defervescere to grow cool.]
1. A subsiding from a state of ebullition; loss of heat; lukewarmness. A defervescency in holy actions. Jer. Taylor.
2. (Med.)
Defn: The subsidence of a febrile process; as, the stage of defervescence in pneumonia.
DEFEUDALIZEDe*feu"dal*ize, v. t.
Defn: To deprive of the feudal character or form.
DEFIANCE De*fi"ance, n. Etym: [OF. defiance, desfiance, challenge, fr. desfier to challenge, F. défier. See Defy.]
1. The act of defying, putting in opposition, or provoking to combat; a challenge; a provocation; a summons to combat. A war without a just defiance made. Dryden. Stood for her cause, and flung defiance down. Tennyson.
2. A state of opposition; willingness to flight; disposition to resist; contempt of opposition. He breathed defiance to my ears. Shak.
3. A casting aside; renunciation; rejection. [Obs.] "Defiance to thy kindness." Ford. To bid defiance, To set at defiance, to defy; to disregard recklessly or contemptuously. Locke.
DEFIANTDe*fi"ant, a. Etym: [Cf. F. défiant, p. pr. of défier. See Defy.]
Defn: Full of defiance; bold; insolent; as, a defiant spirit or act.In attitude stern and defiant. Longfellow.— De*fi"ant*ly, adv.— De*fi"ant*ness, n.
DEFIATORYDe*fi"a*to*ry, a. Etym: [See Defy.]
Defn: Bidding or manifesting defiance. [Obs.] Shelford.
DEFIBRINATEDe*fi"bri*nate, v. t.
Defn: To deprive of fibrin, as fresh blood or lymph by stirring with twigs.
DEFIBRINATIONDe*fi`bri*na"tion, n.
Defn: The act or process of depriving of fibrin.
DEFIBRINIZEDe*fi"bri*nize, v. t.
Defn: To defibrinate.
DEFICIENCEDe*fi"cience, n.
Defn: Same as Deficiency.Thou in thyself art perfect, and in thee Is no deficience found.Milton.
DEFICIENCYDe*fi"cien*cy, n.; pl. Deficiencies. Etym: [See Deficient.]
Defn: The state of being deficient; inadequacy; want; failure; imperfection; shortcoming; defect. "A deficiencyof blood." Arbuthnot. [Marlborough] was so miserably ignorant, that his deficiencies made him the ridicule of his contemporaries. Buckle. Deficiency of a curve (Geom.), the amount by which the number of double points on a curve is short of the maximum for curves of the same degree.
DEFICIENT De*fi"cient, a. Etym: [L. deficiens, -entis, p. pr. of deficere to be wanting. See Defect.]
Defn: Wanting, to make up completeness; wanting, as regards a requirement; not sufficient; inadequate; defective; imperfect; incomplete; lacking; as, deficient parts; deficient estate; deficient strength; deficient in judgment. The style was indeed deficient in ease and variety. Macaulay. Deficient number. (Arith.) See under Abundant. — De*fi"cient-ly, adv.
DEFICITDef"i*cit, n. Etym: [Lit., it is wanting, 3d person pres. indic. ofL. deficere, cf. F. déficit. See Defect.]
Defn: Deficiency in amount or quality; a falling short; lack; as, a deficit in taxes, revenue, etc. Addison.
DEFIERDe*fi"er, n. Etym: [See Defy.]
Defn: One who dares and defies; a contemner; as, a defier of the laws.
DEFIGURATIONDe*fig`u*ra"tion, n.
Defn: Disfiguration; mutilation. [Obs.] Bp. Hall.
DEFIGUREDe*fig"ure, v. t. Etym: [Pref. de- (intens.) + figure.]
Defn: To delineate. [Obs.]These two stones as they are here defigured. Weever.
DEFILADEDe`fi*lade", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Defiladed; p. pr. & vb. n.Defilading.] Etym: [Cf. F. défiler to defile, and défilade act ofdefiling. See 1st Defile.] (Mil.)
Defn: To raise, as a rampart, so as to shelter interior works commanded from some higher point.
DEFILADINGDe`fi*lad"ing, n. (Mil.)
Defn: The art or act of determining the directions and heights of the lines of rampart with reference to the protection of the interior from exposure to an enemy's fire from any point within range, or from any works which may be erected. Farrow.
DEFILEDe*file", v. i. [imp. & p. p. Defiled; p. pr. & vb. n. Defiling.]Etym: [F. défiler; pref. dé-, for des- (L. dis-) + file a row orline. See File a row.]
Defn: To march off in a line, file by file; to file off.
DEFILEDe*file", v. t. (Mil.)
Defn: Same as Defilade.
DEFILEDe*file", n. Etym: [Cf. F. défilé, fr. défiler to defile.]
1. Any narrow passage or gorge in which troops can march only in a file, or with a narrow front; a long, narrow pass between hills, rocks, etc.
2. (Mil.)
Defn: The act of defilading a fortress, or of raising the exterior works in order to protect the interior. See Defilade.
DEFILE De*file", v. t. Etym: [OE. defoulen, -foilen, to tread down, OF. defouler; de- + fouler to trample (see Full, v. t.), and OE. defoulen to foul (influenced in form by the older verb defoilen). See File to defile, Foul, Defoul.]
1. To make foul or impure; to make filthy; to dirty; to befoul; to pollute. They that touch pitch will be defiled. Shak.
2. To soil or sully; to tarnish, as reputation; to taint. He is . . . among the greatest prelates of this age, however his character may be defiled by . . . dirty hands. Swift.
3. To injure in purity of character; to corrupt. Defile not yourselves with the idols of Egypt. Ezek. xx. 7.
4. To corrupt the chastity of; to debauch; to violate. The husband murder'd and the wife defiled. Prior.
5. To make ceremonially unclean; to pollute. That which dieth of itself, or is torn with beasts, he shall not eat to defile therewith. Lev. xxii. 8.
DEFILEMENTDe*file"ment, n. Etym: [Cf. F. défilement. See Defile] (Mil.)
Defn: The protection of the interior walls of a fortification from an enfilading fire, as by covering them, or by a high parapet on the exposed side.
DEFILEMENTDe*file"ment, n. Etym: [From 3d Defile.]
Defn: The act of defiling, or state of being defiled, whetherphysically or morally; pollution; foulness; dirtiness; uncleanness.Defilements of the flesh. Hopkins.The chaste can not rake into such filth without danger of defilement.Addison.
DEFILERDe*fil"er, n.
Defn: One who defiles; one who corrupts or violates; that which pollutes.
DEFILIATIONDe*fil`i*a"tion, n. Etym: [L. de- + filius son.]
Defn: Abstraction of a child from its parents. Lamb.
DEFINABLEDe*fin"a*ble, a. Etym: [From Define.]
Defn: Capable of being defined, limited, or explained; determinable; describable by definition; ascertainable; as, definable limits; definable distinctions or regulations; definable words. — De*fin"a*bly, adv.
DEFINEDe*fine", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Defined; p. pr. & vb. n. Defining.]Etym: [OE. definer, usually, to end, to finish, F. définir to define,L. definire to limit, define; de- + finire to limit, end, finisboundary, limit, end. See Final, Finish.]
1. To fix the bounds of; to bring to a termination; to end. "To define controversies." Barrow.
2. To determine or clearly exhibit the boundaries of; to mark the limits of; as, to define the extent of a kingdom or country.
3. To determine with precision; to mark out with distinctness; to ascertain or exhibit clearly; as, the defining power of an optical instrument. Rings . . . very distinct and well defined. Sir I. Newton.
4. To determine the precise signification of; to fix the meaning of; to describe accurately; to explain; to expound or interpret; as, to define a word, a phrase, or a scientific term. They define virtue to be life ordered according to nature. Robynson (More's Utopia).
DEFINEDe*fine", v. i.
Defn: To determine; to decide. [Obs.]
DEFINEMENTDe*fine"ment, n.
Defn: The act of defining; definition; description. [Obs.] Shak.
DEFINERDe*fin"er, n.
Defn: One who defines or explains.
DEFINITEDef"i*nite, a. Etym: [L. definitis, p. p. of definire: cf. F. défini.See Define.]
1. Having certain or distinct; determinate in extent or greatness; limited; fixed; as, definite dimensions; a definite measure; a definite period or interval. Elements combine in definite proportions. Whewell.
2. Having certain limits in signification; determinate; certain; precise; fixed; exact; clear; as, a definite word, term, or expression.
3. Determined; resolved. [Obs.] Shak.
4. Serving to define or restrict; limiting; determining; as, the definite article. Definite article (Gram.), the article the, which is used to designate a particular person or thing, or a particular class of persons or things; — also called a definitive. See Definitive, n. — Definite inflorescence. (Bot.) See Determinate inflorescence, under Determinate. — Law of definite proportions (Chem.), the essential law of chemical combination that every definite compound always contains the same elements in the same proportions by weight; and, if two or more elements form more than one compound with each other, the relative proportions of each are fixed. Compare Law of multiple proportions, under Multiple.
DEFINITEDef"i*nite, n.
Defn: A thing defined or determined. [Obs.]
DEFINITELYDef"i*nite*ly, adv.
Defn: In a definite manner; with precision; precisely; determinately.
DEFINITENESSDef"i*nite*ness, n.
Defn: The state of being definite; determinateness; precision; certainty.
DEFINITIONDef`i*ni"tion, n. Etym: [L. definitio: cf. F. définition.]
1. The act of defining; determination of the limits; as, the telescope accurate in definition.
2. Act of ascertaining and explaining the signification; a description of a thing by its properties; an explanation of the meaning of a word or term; as, the definition of "circle;" the definition of "wit;" an exact definition; a loose definition. Definition being nothing but making another understand by words what the term defined stands for. Locke.
3. Description; sort. [R.] "A new creature of another definition." Jer. Taylor.
4. (Logic)
Defn: An exact enunciation of the constituents which make up the logical essence.
5. (Opt.)
Defn: Distinctness or clearness, as of an image formed by an optical instrument; precision in detail.
Syn. — Definition, Explanation, Description. A definition is designed to settle a thing in its compass and extent; an explanation is intended to remove some obscurity or misunderstanding, and is therefore more extended and minute; a description enters into striking particulars with a view to interest or impress by graphic effect. It is not therefore true, though often said, that description is only an extended definition. "Logicians distinguish definitions into essential and accidental. An essential definition states what are regarded as the constituent parts of the essence of that which is to be defined; and an accidental definition lays down what are regarded as circumstances belonging to it, viz., properties or accidents, such as causes, effects, etc." Whately.
DEFINITIONALDef`i*ni"tion*al, a.
Defn: Relating to definition; of the nature of a definition; employed in defining.
DEFINITIVEDe*fin"i*tive, a. Etym: [L. definitivus: cf. F. définitif.]
1. Determinate; positive; final; conclusive; unconditional; express. A strict and definitive truth. Sir T. Browne. Some definitive . . . scheme of reconciliation. Prescott.
2. Limiting; determining; as, a definitive word.
3. Determined; resolved. [Obs.] Shak.
DEFINITIVEDe*fin"i*tive, n. (Gram.)
Defn: A word used to define or limit the extent of the signification of a common noun, such as the definite article, and some pronouns.
Note: Definitives . . . are commonly called by grammarians articles. . . . They are of two kinds, either those properly and strictly so called, or else pronominal articles, such as this, that, any, other, some, all, no, none, etc. Harris (Hermes).
DEFINITIVELYDe*fin"i*tive*ly, adv.
Defn: In a definitive manner.
DEFINITIVENESSDe*fin"i*tive*ness, n.
Defn: The quality of being definitive.
DEFINITUDEDe*fin"i*tude, n.
Defn: Definiteness. [R.]Definitude . . . is a knowledge of minute differences. Sir W.Hamilton.
DEFIX De*fix", v. t. Etym: [L. defixus, p. p. of defigere to fix; de- + figere to fix.]
Defn: To fix; to fasten; to establish. [Obs.] "To defix their princely seat . . . in that extreme province." Hakluyt.
DEFLAGRABILITYDef`la*gra*bil"i*ty, n. (Chem.)
Defn: The state or quality of being deflagrable.The ready deflagrability . . . of saltpeter. Boyle.
DEFLAGRABLEDe*fla"gra*ble, a. Etym: [See Deflagrate.] (Chem.)
Defn: Burning with a sudden and sparkling combustion, as niter; hence, slightly explosive; liable to snap and crackle when heated, as salt.
DEFLAGRATEDef"la*grate, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Deflagrated; p. pr. & vb. n.Deflagrating.] Etym: [L. deflagratus, p. p. of deflagrare to burn up;de- + flagrare to flame, burn.] (Chem.)
Defn: To burn with a sudden and sparkling combustion, as niter; also, to snap and crackle with slight explosions when heated, as salt.
DEFLAGRATEDef"la*grate, v. t. (Chem.)
Defn: To cause to burn with sudden and sparkling combustion, as by the action of intense heat; to burn or vaporize suddenly; as, to deflagrate refractory metals in the oxyhydrogen flame.
DEFLAGRATIONDef`la*gra"tion, n. Etym: [L. deflagratio: cf. F. déflagration.]
1. A burning up; conflagration. "Innumerable deluges and deflagrations." Bp. Pearson.
2. (Chem.)
Defn: The act or process of deflagrating.
DEFLAGRATORDef"la*gra`tor, n. (Chem.)
Defn: A form of the voltaic battery having large plates, used for producing rapid and powerful combustion.
DEFLATEDe*flate", v. t. Etym: [Pref. de- down + L. flare, flatus to blow.]
Defn: To reduce from an inflated condition.
DEFLECTDe*flect", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Deflected; p. pr. & vb. n.Deflecting.] Etym: [L. deflectere; de- + flectere to bend or turn.See Flexible.]
Defn: To cause to turn aside; to bend; as, rays of light are oftendeflected.Sitting with their knees deflected under them. Lord (1630).
DEFLECTDe*flect", v. i.
Defn: To turn aside; to deviate from a right or a horizontal line, or from a proper position, course or direction; to swerve. At some part of the Azores, the needle deflecteth not, but lieth in the true meridian. Sir T. Browne. To deflect from the line of truth and reason. Warburton.
DEFLECTABLEDe*flect"a*ble, a.
Defn: Capable of being deflected.
DEFLECTEDDe*flect"ed, a.
1. Turned aside; deviating from a direct line or course.
2. Bent downward; deflexed.
DEFLECTION De*flec"tion, n. Etym: [L. deflexio, fr. deflectere: cf. F. déflexion.]
1. The act of turning aside, or state of being turned aside; a turning from a right line or proper course; a bending, esp. downward; deviation. The other leads to the same point, through certain deflections. Lowth.
2. (Gunnery)
Defn: The deviation of a shot or ball from its true course.
3. (Opt.)
Defn: A deviation of the rays of light toward the surface of an opaque body; inflection; diffraction.
4. (Engin.)
Defn: The bending which a beam or girder undergoes from its own weight or by reason of a load.
DEFLECTIONIZATIONDe*flec`tion*i*za"tion, n.
Defn: The act of freeing from inflections. Earle.
DEFLECTIONIZEDe*flec"tion*ize, v. t.
Defn: To free from inflections.Deflectionized languages are said to be analytic. Earle.
DEFLECTIVEDe*flect"ive, a.
Defn: Causing deflection. Deflective forces, forces that cause a body to deviate from its course.
DEFLECTORDe*flect"or, n. (Mech.)
Defn: That which deflects, as a diaphragm in a furnace, or a come in a lamp (to deflect and mingle air and gases and help combustion).
DEFLEXEDDe*flexed", a.
Defn: Bent abruptly downward.
DEFLEXIONDe*flex"ion, n.
Defn: See Deflection.
DEFLEXUREDe*flex"ure, n. Etym: [From L. deflectere, deflexum. See Deflect.]
Defn: A bending or turning aside; deflection. Bailey.
DEFLORATEDe*flo"rate, a. Etym: [LL. defloratus, p. p. of deflorare. SeeDeflour.] (Bot.)
Defn: Past the flowering state; having shed its pollen. Gray.
DEFLORATIONDef`lo*ra"tion, n. Etym: [LL. defloratio: cf. F. défloration.]
1. The act of deflouring; as, the defloration if a virgin. Johnson.
2. That which is chosen as the flower or choicest part; carefulculling or selection. [R.]The laws of Normandy are, in a great measure, the defloration of theEnglish laws. Sir M. Hale.
DEFLOURDe*flour", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Defloured; p. pr. & vb. n.Deflouring.] Etym: [F. déflorer, LL. deflorare; L. de- + flos,floris, flower. See Flower, and cf. Deflorate.]
1. To deprive of flowers.
2. To take away the prime beauty and grace of; to rob of the choicest ornament. He died innocent and before the sweetness of his soul was defloured and ravished from him. Jer. Taylor.
3. To deprive of virginity, as a woman; to violate; to ravish; also, to seduce.
DEFLOURERDe*flour"er, n.
Defn: One who deflours; a ravisher.
DEFLOWDe*flow", v. i. Etym: [Pref. de- + flow: cf. L. defluere.]
Defn: To flow down. [Obs.] Sir T. Browne.
DEFLOWERDe*flow"er, v. t. Etym: [Pref. de- + flower.]
Defn: Same as Deflour.An earthquake . . . deflowering the gardens. W. Montagu.If a man had deflowered a virgin. Milton.
DEFLOWERERDe*flow"er*er, n.
Defn: See Deflourer. Milton.
DEFLUOUS Def"lu*ous, a. Etym: [L. defluus, fr. defluere to flow down; de- + fluere to flow.]
Defn: Flowing down; falling off. [Obs.] Bailey.
DEFLUXDe*flux", n. Etym: [L. defluxus, fr. defluere, defluxum.]
Defn: Downward flow. [Obs.] Bacon.
DEFLUXIONDe*flux"ion, n. Etym: [L. defluxio.] (Med.)
Defn: A discharge or flowing of humors or fluid matter, as from the nose in catarrh; — sometimes used synonymously with inflammation. Dunglison.
DEFLYDef"ly, adv.
Defn: Deftly. [Obs.] Spenser.
DEFOEDATIONDef`oe*da"tion, n.
Defn: Defedation. [Obs.]
DEFOLIATE; DEFOLIATEDDe*fo"li*ate, De*fo"li*a`ted. a.
Defn: Deprived of leaves, as by their natural fall.
DEFOLIATIONDe*fo`li*a"tion, n. Etym: [LL. defoliare, defoliatum, to shed leaves;L. de- + folium leaf: cf. F. défoliation.]
Defn: The separation of ripened leaves from a branch or stem; the falling or shedding of the leaves.
DEFORCE De*force", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Deforced; p. pr. & vb. n. Deforcing.] Etym: [OF. deforcier; de- or des- (L. de or dis-) + forcier, F. forcer. See Force, v.] (Law) (a) To keep from the rightful owner; to withhold wrongfully the possession of, as of lands or a freehold. (b) (Scots Law) To resist the execution of the law; to oppose by force, as an officer in the execution of his duty. Burrill.
DEFORCEMENT De*force"ment, n. Etym: [OF.] (Law) (a) A keeping out by force or wrong; a wrongful withholding, as of lands or tenements, to which another has a right. (b) (Scots Law) Resistance to an officer in the execution of law. Burrill.
DEFORCEORDe*force"or, n.
Defn: Same as Deforciant. [Obs.]
DEFORCIANT De*for"ciant, n. Etym: [OF. deforciant, p. pr. of deforcier. See Deforce.] (Eng. Law) (a) One who keeps out of possession the rightful owner of an estate. (b) One against whom a fictitious action of fine was brought. [Obs.] Burrill.
DEFORCIATIONDe*for`ci*a"tion, n. (Law)
Defn: Same as Deforcement, n.
DEFORESTDe*for"est, v. t.
Defn: To clear of forests; to dis U. S. Agric. Reports.
DEFORMDe*form", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Deformed; p. pr. & vb. n. Deforming.]Etym: [L. deformare; de- + formare to form, shape, fr. forma: cf. F.déformer. See Form.]
1. To spoil the form of; to mar in form; to misshape; to disfigure. Deformed, unfinished, sent before my time Into this breathing world. Shak.
2. To render displeasing; to deprive of comeliness, grace, or perfection; to dishonor. Above those passions that this world deform. Thomson.
DEFORMDe*form", a. Etym: [L. deformis; de- + forma form: cf. OF. deforme,F. difforme. Cf. Difform.]
Defn: Deformed; misshapen; shapeless; horrid. [Obs.]Sight so deform what heart of rock could long Dry-eyed behold Milton.
DEFORMATIONDef`or*ma"tion, n. Etym: [L. deformatio: cf. F. déformation.]
1. The act of deforming, or state of anything deformed. Bp. Hall.
2. Transformation; change of shape.
DEFORMEDDe*formed", a.
Defn: Unnatural or distorted in form; having a deformity; misshapen;disfigured; as, a deformed person; a deformed head.— De*form"ed*ly, adv.— De*form"ed*ness, n.
DEFORMERDe*form"er, n.
Defn: One who deforms.
DEFORMITY De*form"i*ty, n.; pl. Deformities. Etym: [L. deformitas, fr. deformis: cf. OF. deformeté, deformité, F. difformité. See Deform, v. & a., and cf. Disformity.]
1. The state of being deformed; want of proper form or symmetry; any unnatural form or shape; distortion; irregularity of shape or features; ugliness. To make an envious mountain on my back, Where sits deformity to mock my body. Shak.
2. Anything that destroys beauty, grace, or propriety; irregularity; absurdity; gross deviation from other or the established laws of propriety; as, deformity in an edifice; deformity of character. Confounded, that her Maker's eyes Should look so near upon her foul deformities. Milton.
DEFORSERDe*fors"er, n. Etym: [From Deforce.] Etym: [Written also deforsor.]
Defn: A deforciant. [Obs.] Blount.
DEFOULDe*foul", v. t. Etym: [See Defile, v. t.]
1. To tread down. [Obs.] Wyclif.
2. To make foul; to defile. [Obs.] Wyclif.
DEFRAUDDe*fraud", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Defrauded; p. pr. & vb. n.Defrauding.] Etym: [L. defraudare; de- + fraudare to cheat, fr.fraus, fraudis, fraud: cf. OF. defrauder. See Fraud.]
Defn: To deprive of some right, interest, or property, by a deceitful device; to withhold from wrongfully; to injure by embezzlement; to cheat; to overreach; as, to defraud a servant, or a creditor, or the state; — with of before the thing taken or withheld. We have defrauded no man. 2 Cor. vii. 2. Churches seem injured and defrauded of their rights. Hooker.
DEFRAUDATIONDe`frau*da"tion, n. Etym: [L. defraudatio: cf. F. défraudation.]
Defn: The act of defrauding; a taking by fraud. [R.] Sir T. Browne.
DEFRAUDERDe*fraud"er, n.
Defn: One who defrauds; a cheat; an embezzler; a peculator.
DEFRAUDMENTDe*fraud"ment, n. Etym: [Cf. OF. defraudement.]
Defn: Privation by fraud; defrauding. [Obs.] Milton.
DEFRAY De*fray", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Defrayed; p. pr. & vb. n. Defraying.] Etym: [F. défrayer; pref. dé- (L. de or dis-) + frais expense, fr. LL. fredum, fridum, expense, fine by which an offender obtained peace from his sovereign, or more likely, atoned for an offense against the public peace, fr. OHG. fridu peace, G. friede. See Affray.]
1. To pay or discharge; to serve in payment of; to provide for, as a charge, debt, expenses, costs, etc. For the discharge of his expenses, and defraying his cost, he allowed him . . . four times as much. Usher.
2. To avert or appease, as by paying off; to satisfy; as, to defray wrath. [Obs.] Spenser.
DEFRAYALDe*fray"al, n.
Defn: The act of defraying; payment; as, the defrayal of necessary costs.
DEFRAYERDe*fray"er, n.
Defn: One who pays off expenses.
DEFRAYMENTDe*fray"ment, n.
Defn: Payment of charges.
DEFTDeft, a. Etym: [OE. daft, deft, becoming, mild, gentle, stupid (cf.OE. daffe, deffe, fool, coward), AS. dæft (in derivatives only) mild,gentle, fitting, seasonable; akin to dafen, gedafen, becoming, fit,Goth. gadaban to be fit. Cf. Daft, Daff, Dapper.]
Defn: Apt; fit; dexterous; clever; handy; spruce; neat. [Archaic orPoetic] "The deftest way." Shak. "Deftest feats." Gay.The limping god, do deft at his new ministry. Dryden.Let me be deft and debonair. Byron.
DEFTLYDeft"ly, adv. Etym: [Cf. Defly.]
Defn: Aptly; fitly; dexterously; neatly. "Deftly dancing." Drayton.Thyself and office deftly show. Shak.
DEFTNESSDeft"ness, n.
Defn: The quality of being deft. Drayton.
DEFUNCT De*funct". a. Etym: [L. defunctus, p. p. of defungi to acquit one's self of, to perform, finish, depart, die; de + fungi to perform, discharge: cf. F. défunt. See Function.]
Defn: Having finished the course of life; dead; deceased. "Defunctorgans." Shak.The boar, defunct, lay tripped up, near. Byron.
DEFUNCTDe*funct", n.
Defn: A dead person; one deceased.
DEFUNCTIONDe*func"tion, n. Etym: [L. defunctio performance, death.]
Defn: Death. [Obs.]After defunction of King Pharamond. Shak.
DEFUNCTIVEDe*func"tive, a.
Defn: Funereal. [Obs.] "Defunctive music." Shak.
DEFUSEDe*fuse", v. t. Etym: [Cf. Diffuse.]
Defn: To disorder; to make shapeless. [Obs.] Shak.
DEFY De*fy", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Defied; p. pr. & vb. n. Defying.] Etym: [F. défier, OF. deffier, desfier, LL. disfidare to disown faith or fidelity, to dissolve the bond of allegiance, as between the vassal and his lord; hence, to challenge, defy; fr. L. dis- + fides faith. See Faith, and cf. Diffident, Affiance.]
1. To renounce or dissolve all bonds of affiance, faith, or obligation with; to reject, refuse, or renounce. [Obs.] I defy the surety and the bond. Chaucer. For thee I have defied my constant mistress. Beau. & Fl.
2. To provoke to combat or strife; to call out to combat; to challenge; to dare; to brave; to set at defiance; to treat with contempt; as, to defy an enemy; to defy the power of a magistrate; to defy the arguments of an opponent; to defy public opinion. I once again Defy thee to the trial of mortal fight. Milton. I defy the enemies of our constitution to show the contrary. Burke.
DEFYDe*fy", n.
Defn: A challenge. [Obs.] Dryden.
DEGAGE Dé`ga`gé", a. [F., p. p. of dégager to disengage. See De-, lst Gage, and cf. Disgage.]
Defn: Unconstrained; easy; free. Vanbrugh.
A graceful and dégagé manner.Poe.
DEGARNISHDe*gar"nish, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Degarnished; p. pr. & vb. n.Degarnishing.] Etym: [F. dégarnir; pref. dé-, des- (L. dis-) + garnirto furnish. See Garnish, and cf. Disgarnish.]
1. To strip or deprive of entirely, as of furniture, ornaments, etc.; to disgarnish; as, to degarnish a house, etc. [R.]
2. To deprive of a garrison, or of troops necessary for defense; as, to degarnish a city or fort. [R.] Washington.
DEGARNISHMENTDe*gar"nish*ment, n.
Defn: The act of depriving, as of furniture, apparatus, or a garrison. [R.]
DEGENDER; DEGENERDe*gen"der, De*gen"er, v. i. Etym: [See Degenerate.]
Defn: To degenerate. [Obs.] "Degendering to hate." Spenser.He degenereth into beastliness. Joye.
DEGENERACYDe*gen"er*a*cy, n. Etym: [From Degenerate, a.]
1. The act of becoming degenerate; a growing worse. Willful degeneracy from goodness. Tillotson.
2. The state of having become degenerate; decline in good qualities;deterioration; meanness.Degeneracy of spirit in a state of slavery. Addison.To recover mankind out of their universal corruption and degeneracy.S. Clarke.
DEGENERATE De*gen"er*ate, a. Etym: [L. degeneratus, p. p. of degenerare to degenerate, cause to degenerate, fr. degener base, degenerate, that departs from its race or kind; de- + genus race, kind. See Kin relationship.]
Defn: Having become worse than one's kind, or one's former state; having declined in worth; having lost in goodness; deteriorated; degraded; unworthy; base; low. Faint-hearted and degenerate king. Shak. A degenerate and degraded state. Milton. Degenerate from their ancient blood. Swift. These degenerate days. Pope. I had planted thee a noble vine . . . : how then art thou turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto me Jer. ii. 21.
DEGENERATEDe*gen"er*ate, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Degenerated; p. pr. & vb. n.Degenerating.]
1. To be or grow worse than one's kind, or than one was originally; hence, to be inferior; to grow poorer, meaner, or more vicious; to decline in good qualities; to deteriorate. When wit transgresseth decency, it degenerates into insolence and impiety. Tillotson.
2. (Biol.)
Defn: To fall off from the normal quality or the healthy structure of its kind; to become of a lower type.
DEGENERATELYDe*gen"er*ate*ly, adv.
Defn: In a degenerate manner; unworthily.
DEGENERATENESSDe*gen"er*ate*ness, n.
Defn: Degeneracy.
DEGENERATIONDe*gen`er*a"tion, n. Etym: [Cf. F. dégénération.]
1. The act or state of growing worse, or the state of having become worse; decline; degradation; debasement; degeneracy; deterioration. Our degeneration and apostasy. Bates.
2. (Physiol.)
Defn: That condition of a tissue or an organ in which its vitality has become either diminished or perverted; a substitution of a lower for a higher form of structure; as, fatty degeneration of the liver.
3. (Biol.)
Defn: A gradual deterioration, from natural causes, of any class of animals or plants or any particular or organs; hereditary degradation of type.
4. The thing degenerated. [R.]Cockle, aracus, . . . and other degenerations. Sir T. Browne.Amyloid degeneration, Caseous degeneration, etc. See under Amyloid,Caseous, etc.
DEGENERATIONISTDe*gen`er*a"tion*ist, n. (Biol.)
Defn: A believer in the theory of degeneration, or hereditary degradation of type; as, the degenerationists hold that savagery is the result of degeneration from a superior state.
DEGENERATIVEDe*gen"er*a*tive, a.
Defn: Undergoing or producing degeneration; tending to degenerate.
DEGENEROUSDe*gen"er*ous, a. Etym: [L. degener. See Degenerate.]
Defn: Degenerate; base. [Obs.] "Degenerous passions." Dryden."Degenerous practices." South.
DEGENEROUSLYDe*gen"er*ous*ly, adv.
Defn: Basely. [Obs.]
DEGERMDe*germ", v. t. (Milling)
Defn: To extract the germs from, as from wheat grains.
DEGERMINATORDe*ger"mi*na`tor, n. (Milling)
Defn: A machine for breaking open the kernels of wheat or other grain and removing the germs.
DEGLAZEDe*glaze", v. t.
Defn: To remove the glaze from, as pottery or porcelain, so as to give a dull finish.
DEGLAZINGDe*glaz"ing, n.
Defn: The process of giving a dull or ground surface to glass by acid or by mechanical means. Knight.
DEGLORIEDDe*glo"ried, a.
Defn: Deprived of glory; dishonored. [Obs.] "With thorns degloried."G. Fletcher.
DEGLUTINATEDe*glu"ti*nate, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Deglutinated; p. pr. & vb. n.Deglutinating.] Etym: [L. deglutinatus, p. p. of deglutinare todeglutinate; de- + glutinare to glue, gluten glue.]
Defn: To loosen or separate by dissolving the glue which unties; to unglue.
DEGLUTINATIONDe*glu`ti*na"tion, n.
Defn: The act of ungluing.
DEGLUTITION Deg`lu*ti"tion, n. Etym: [L. deglutire to swallow down; de- + glutire to swallow: cf. F. déglutition. See Glut.]
Defn: The act or process of swallowing food; the power of swallowing.The muscles employed in the act of deglutition. Paley.
DEGLUTITIOUSDeg`lu*ti"tious, a.
Defn: Pertaining to deglutition. [R.]
DEGLUTITORYDe*glu"ti*to*ry, a.
Defn: Serving for, or aiding in, deglutition.
DEGRADATION Deg`ra*da"tion, n. Etym: [LL. degradatio, from degradare: cf. F. dégradation. See Degrade.]
1. The act of reducing in rank, character, or reputation, or of abasing; a lowering from one's standing or rank in office or society; diminution; as, the degradation of a peer, a knight, a general, or a bishop. He saw many removes and degradations in all the other offices of which he had been possessed. Clarendon.
2. The state of being reduced in rank, character, or reputation; baseness; moral, physical, or intellectual degeneracy; disgrace; abasement; debasement. The . . . degradation of a needy man of letters. Macaulay. Deplorable is the degradation of our nature. South. Moments there frequently must be, when a sidegradation of his state. Blair.
3. Diminution or reduction of strength, efficacy, or value; degeneration; deterioration. The development and degradation of the alphabetic forms can be traced. I. Taylor (The Alphabet).
4. (Geol.)
Defn: A gradual wearing down or wasting, as of rocks and banks, by the action of water, fro
5. (Biol.)
Defn: The state or condition of a species or group which exhibits degraded forms; degeneration. The degradation of the species man is observed in some of its varieties. Dana.
6. (Physiol.)
Defn: Arrest of development, or degeneration of any organ, or of the body as a whole. Degradation of energy, or Dissipation of energy (Physics), the transformation of energy into some form in which it is less available for doing work.
Syn.— Abasement; debasement; reduction; decline.
DEGRADEDe*grade", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Degraded; p. pr. & vb. n. Degrading.]Etym: [F. dégrader, LL. degradare, fr. L. de- + gradus step, degree.See Grade, and cf. Degree.]
1. To reduce from a higher to a lower rank or degree; to lower in rank' to deprive of office or dignity; to strip of honors; as, to degrade a nobleman, or a general officer. Prynne was sentenced by the Star Chamber Court to be degraded from the bar. Palfrey.
2. To reduce in estimation, character, or reputation; to lessen the value of; to lower the physical, moral, or intellectual character of; to debase; to bring shame or contempt upon; to disgrace; as, vice degrades a man. O miserable mankind, to what fall Degraded, to what wretched state reserved! Milton. He pride . . . struggled hard against this degrading passion. Macaulay.
3. (Geol.)
Defn: To reduce in altitude or magnitude, as hills and mountains; to wear down.
Syn.— To abase; demean; lower; reduce. See Abase.
DEGRADEDe*grade", v. i. (Biol.)
Defn: To degenerate; to pass from a higher to a lower type of structure; as, a family of plants or animals degrades through this or that genus or group of genera.
DEGRADEDDe*grad"ed, a.
1. Reduced in rank, character, or reputation; debased; sunken; low; base. The Netherlands . . . were reduced practically to a very degraded condition. Motley.
2. (Biol.)
Defn: Having the typical characters or organs in a partially developed condition, or lacking certain parts. Some families of plants are degraded dicotyledons. Dana.
3. Etym: [Cf. F. degré step.] (Her.)
Defn: Having steps; — said of a cross each of whose extremities finishes in steps growing larger as they leave the center; — termed also on degrees.
DEGRADEMENTDe*grade"ment, n.
Defn: Deprivation of rank or office; degradation. [R.] Milton.
DEGRADINGLYDe*grad"ing*ly, adv.
Defn: In a degrading manner.
DEGRAS; DEGRASDé`gras", Deg"ras, n. [F.; cf. F. gras, a. & n., fat.]
Defn: A semisolid emulsion produced by the treatment of certain skins with oxidized fish oil, which extracts their soluble albuminoids. It was formerly solely a by-product of chamois leather manufacture, but is now made for its own sake, being valuable as a dressing for hides.
DEGRAVATIONDeg`ra*va"tion, n. Etym: [L. degravare, degravatum, to make heavy.See Grave, a.]
Defn: The act of making heavy. [Obs.] Bailey.
DEGREASEDe*grease", v. t.
Defn: To remove grease or fatty matter from, as wool or silk.
DEGREEDe*gree", n. Etym: [F. degré, OF. degret, fr. LL. degradare. SeeDegrade.]
1. A step, stair, or staircase. [Obs.] By ladders, or else by degree. Rom. of R.
2. One of a series of progressive steps upward or downward, in quality, rank, acquirement, and the like; a stage in progression; grade; gradation; as, degrees of vice and virtue; to advance by slow degrees; degree of comparison.
3. The point or step of progression to which a person has arrived; rank or station in life; position. "A dame of high degree." Dryden. "A knight is your degree." Shak. "Lord or lady of high degree." Lowell.
4. Measure of advancement; quality; extent; as, tastes differ in kind as well as in degree. The degree of excellence which proclaims genius, is different in different times and different places. Sir. J. Reynolds.
5. Grade or rank to which scholars are admitted by a college or university, in recognition of their attainments; as, the degree of bachelor of arts, master, doctor, etc.
Note: In the United States diplomas are usually given as the evidence of a degree conferred. In the humanities the first degree is that of bachelor of arts (B. A. or A. B.); the second that of master of arts (M. A. or A. M.). The degree of bachelor (of arts, science, divinity, law, etc.) is conferred upon those who complete a prescribed course of undergraduate study. The first degree in medicine is that of doctor of medicine (M. D.). The degrees of master and doctor are sometimes conferred, in course, upon those who have completed certain prescribed postgraduate studies, as doctor of philosophy (Ph. D.); but more frequently the degree of doctor is conferred as a complimentary recognition of eminent services in science or letters, or for public services or distinction (as doctor of laws (LL. D.) or doctor of divinity (D. D.), when they are called honorary degrees. The youth attained his bachelor's degree, and left the university. Macaulay.
5. (Genealogy)
Defn: A certain distance or remove in the line of descent, determining the proximity of blood; one remove in the chain of relationship; as, a relation in the third or fourth degree. In the 11th century an opinion began to gain ground in Italy, that third cousins might marry, being in the seventh degree according to the civil law. Hallam.
7. (Arith.)
Defn: Three figures taken together in numeration; thus, 140 is one degree, 222,140 two degrees.
8. (Algebra)
Defn: State as indicated by sum of exponents; more particularly, the degree of a term is indicated by the sum of the exponents of its literal factors; thus, a2b2c is a term of the sixth degree. The degree of a power, or radical, is denoted by its index, that of an equation by the greatest sum of the exponents of the unknown quantities in any term; thus, ax4 + bx2 = c, and mx2y2 + nyx = p, are both equations of the fourth degree.
9. (Trig.)
Defn: A 360th part of the circumference of a circle, which part is taken as the principal unit of measure for arcs and angles. The degree is divided into 60 minutes and the minute into 60 seconds.
10. A division, space, or interval, marked on a mathematical or other instrument, as on a thermometer.
11. (Mus.)
Defn: A line or space of the staff.
Note: The short lines and their spaces are added degrees. Accumulation of degrees. (Eng. Univ.) See under Accumulation. — By degrees, step by step; by little and little; by moderate advances. "I 'll leave by degrees." Shak. — Degree of a curve or surface (Geom.), the number which expresses the degree of the equation of the curve or surface in rectilinear coördinates. A straight line will, in general, meet the curve or surface in a number of points equal to the degree of the curve or surface and no more. — Degree of latitude (Geog.), on the earth, the distance on a meridian between two parallels of latitude whose latitudes differ from each other by one degree. This distance is not the same on different parts of a meridian, on account of the flattened figure of the earth, being 68.702 statute miles at the equator, and 69.396 at the poles. — Degree of longitude, the distance on a parallel of latitude between two meridians that make an angle of one degree with each other at the poles — a distance which varies as the cosine of the latitude, being at the equator 69.16 statute miles. — To a degree, to an extreme; exceedingly; as, mendacious to a degree. It has been said that Scotsmen . . . are . . . grave to a degree on occasions when races more favored by nature are gladsome to excess. Prof. Wilson.
DEGUDe"gu, n. Etym: [Native name.] (Zoöl.)
Defn: A small South American rodent (Octodon Cumingii), of the familyOctodontidæ.
DEGUMDe*gum", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Degummed; p. pr. & vb. n. Degumming.]
Defn: To deprive of, or free from, gum; as, to degum ramie.
DEGUST De*gust", v. t. Etym: [L. degustare: cf. F. déguster. See Gust to taste.]
Defn: To taste. [Obs.] Cockeram.
DEGUSTATIONDeg`us*ta"tion, n. Etym: [L. degustatio: cf. F. dégustation.](Physiol.)
Defn: Tasting; the appreciation of sapid qualities by the taste organs. Bp. Hall.
DEHISCEDe*hisce", v. i. Etym: [L. dehiscere; de- + hiscere to gape.]
Defn: To gape; to open by dehiscence.
DEHISCENCEDe*his"cence, n. Etym: [Cf. F. déhiscence.]
1. The act of gaping.
2. (Biol.)
Defn: A gaping or bursting open along a definite line of attachment or suture, without tearing, as in the opening of pods, or the bursting of capsules at maturity so as to emit seeds, etc.; also, the bursting open of follicles, as in the ovaries of animals, for the expulsion of their contents.
DEHISCENT De*his"cent, a. Etym: [L. dehiscens, -entis, p. pr. Cf. F. déhiscent.]
Defn: Characterized by dehiscence; opening in some definite way, as the capsule of a plant.
DEHONESTATEDe`ho*nes"tate, v. t. Etym: [L. dehonestatus, p. p. of dehonestare todishonor; de- + honestare to make honorable. Cf. Dishonest, and seeHonest.]
Defn: To disparage. [Obs.]
DEHONESTATIONDe*hon`es*ta"tion, n. Etym: [L. dehonestatio.]
Defn: A dishonoring; disgracing. [Obs.] Gauden.
DEHORNDe*horn", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Dehorned; p. pr. & vb. n. Dehorning.]
Defn: To deprive of horns; to prevent the growth or the horns of (cattle) by burning their ends soon after they start. See Dishorn. "Dehorning cattle." Farm Journal (1886).
DEHORSDe*hors", prep. Etym: [F., outside.] (Law)