Defn: One of the classes of vertebrates.
Note: The Amphibia are distinguished by having usually no scales, by having eggs and embryos similar to those of fishes, and by undergoing a complete metamorphosis, the young having gills. There are three living orders: (1) The tailless, as the frogs (Anura); (2) The tailed (Urodela), as the salamanders, and the siren group (Sirenoidea), which retain the gills of the young state (hence called Perennibranchiata) through the adult state, among which are the siren, proteus, etc.; (3) The Coecilians, or serpentlike Amphibia (Ophiomorpha or Gymnophiona), with minute scales and without limbs. The extinct Labyrinthodonts also belonged to this class. The term is sometimes loosely applied to both reptiles and amphibians collectively.
AMPHIBIALAm*phib"i*al (-al), a. & n.
Defn: Amphibian. [R.]
AMPHIBIANAm*phib"i*an (-an), a. (Zoöl.)
Defn: Of or pertaining to the Amphibia; as, amphibian reptiles.
AMPHIBIANAm*phib"i*an, n. (Zoöl.)
Defn: One of the Amphibia.
AMPHIBIOLOGICALAm*phib`i*o*log"ic*al, a.
Defn: Pertaining to amphibiology.
AMPHIBIOLOGYAm*phib`i*ol"o*gy, n. Etym: [Gr. -logy: cf. F. amphibiologie.]
Defn: A treatise on amphibious animals; the department of natural history which treats of the Amphibia.
AMPHIBIOTICAAm*phib`i*ot"i*ca, n. pl. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. (Zoöl.)
Defn: A division of insects having aquatic larvæ.
AMPHIBIOUSAm*phib"i*ous, a. Etym: [Gr. i. e., both on land in water;
1. Having the ability to live both on land and in water, as frogs, crocodiles, beavers, and some plants.
2. Pertaining to, adapted for, or connected with, both land and water. The amphibious character of the Greeks was already determined: they were to be lords of land and sea. Hare.
3. Of a mixed nature; partaking of two natures. Not in free and common socage, but in this amphibious subordinate class of villein socage. Blackstone.
AMPHIBIOUSLYAm*phib"i*ous*ly, adv.
Defn: Like an amphibious being.
AMPHIBIUMAm*phib"i*um, n.; pl. L. Amphibia; E. Amphibiums. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr.Amphibious.]
Defn: An amphibian.
AMPHIBLASTICAm`phi*blas"tic, a. Etym: [Gr. (Biol.)
Defn: Segmenting unequally; — said of telolecithal ova with complete segmentation.
AMPHIBOLEAm"phi*bole, n. Etym: [Gr. amphibole. Haüy so named the genus fromthe great variety of color and composition assumed by the mineral.](Min.)
Defn: A common mineral embracing many varieties varying in color and in composition. It occurs in monoclinic crystals; also massive, generally with fibrous or columnar structure. The color varies from white to gray, green, brown, and black. It is a silicate of magnesium and calcium, with usually aluminium and iron. Some common varieties are tremolite, actinolite, asbestus, edenite, hornblende (the last name being also used as a general term for the whole species). Amphibole is a constituent of many crystalline rocks, as syenite, diorite, most varieties of trachyte, etc. See Hornblende.
AMPHIBOLICAm`phi*bol"ic, a.
1. Of or pertaining to amphiboly; ambiguous; equivocal.
2. Of or resembling the mineral amphibole.
AMPHIBOLOGICALAm*phib`o*log"ic*al, a.
Defn: Of doubtful meaning; ambiguous. "Amphibological expressions."Jer. Taylor.— Am*phib`o*log"ic*al*ly, adv.
AMPHIBOLOGY Am`phi*bol"o*gy, n.; pl. Amphibologies. Etym: [L. amphibologia, for amphibolia, fr. Gr. logia as if fr. Gr. amphibologie. See Amphiboly.]
Defn: A phrase, discourse, or proposition, susceptible of two interpretations; and hence, of uncertain meaning. It differs from equivocation, which arises from the twofold sense of a single term.
AMPHIBOLOUSAm*phib"o*lous, a. Etym: [L. amphibolus, Gr. Amphibole.]
1. Ambiguous; doubtful. [Obs.] Never was there such an amphibolous quarrel — both parties declaring themselves for the king. Howell.
2. (Logic)
Defn: Capable of two meanings. An amphibolous sentence is one that is capable of two meanings, not from the double sense of any of the words, but from its admitting of a double construction; e. g., "The duke yet lives that Henry shall depose." Whately.
AMPHIBOLY Am*phib"o*ly, n.; pl. Amphibolies. Etym: [L. amphibolia, Gr. amphibolie. See Amphibolous.]
Defn: Ambiguous discourse; amphibology. If it oracle contrary to our interest or humor, we will create an amphiboly, a double meaning where there is none. Whitlock.
AMPHIBRACHAm"phi*brach, n. Etym: [L. (Anc. Pros.)
Defn: A foot of three syllables, the middle one long, the first and last short (as, h. In modern prosody the accented syllable takes the place of the long and the unaccented of the short; as, pro-phet''ic.
AMPHICARPIC; AMPHICARPOUSAm`phi*car"pic, Am`phi*car"pous, a. Etym: [Gr. (Bot.)
Defn: Producing fruit of two kinds, either as to form or time of ripening.
AMPHICHROICAm`phi*chro"ic, a. Etym: [Gr. (Chem.)
Defn: Exhibiting or producing two colors, as substances which in the color test may change red litmus to blue and blue litmus to red.
AMPHICOELIAN; AMPHICOELOUSAm`phi*coe"li*an, Am`phi*coe"lous, a. Etym: [Gr. (Zoöl.)
Defn: Having both ends concave; biconcave; — said of vertebræ.
AMPHICOMEAm"phi*come, n. Etym: [Gr.
Defn: A kind of figured stone, rugged and beset with eminences, anciently used in divination. [Obs.] Encyc. Brit.
AMPHICTYONICAm*phic`ty*on"ic, a. Etym: [Gr.
Defn: Of or pertaining to the Amphictyons or their League or Council; as, an Amphictyonic town or state; the Amphictyonic body. W. Smith.
AMPHICTYONSAm*phic"ty*ons, n. pl. Etym: [L. Amphictyones, Gr. (Grecian Hist.)
Defn: Deputies from the confederated states of ancient Greece to a congress or council. They considered both political and religious matters.
AMPHICTYONYAm*phic"ty*o*ny, n.; pl. Amphictyonies. Etym: [Gr. (Grecian Hist.)
Defn: A league of states of ancient Greece; esp. the celebrated confederation known as the Amphictyonic Council. Its object was to maintain the common interests of Greece.
AMPHIDAm"phid, n. Etym: [Gr. amphide.] (Chem.)
Defn: A salt of the class formed by the combination of an acid and a base, or by the union of two oxides, two sulphides, selenides, or tellurides, as distinguished from a haloid compound. [R.] Berzelius.
AMPHIDISCAm"phi*disc, n. Etym: [Gr. (Zoöl.)
Defn: A peculiar small siliceous spicule having a denticulated wheel at each end; — found in freshwater sponges.
AMPHIDROMICALAm`phi*drom"ic*al, a. Etym: [Gr.
Defn: Pertaining to an Attic festival at the naming of a child; — so called because the friends of the parents carried the child around the hearth and then named it.
AMPHIGAMOUSAm*phig"a*mous, a. Etym: [Gr. (Bot.)
Defn: Having a structure entirely cellular, and no distinct sexual organs; — a term applied by De Candolle to the lowest order of plants.
AMPHIGEANAm`phi*ge"an, a. Etym: [Gr.
Defn: Extending over all the zones, from the tropics to the polar zones inclusive.
AMPHIGENAm"phi*gen, n. Etym: [Gr. -gen: cf. F. amphigène.] (Chem.)
Defn: An element that in combination produces amphid salt; — applied by Berzelius to oxygen, sulphur, selenium, and tellurium. [R.]
AMPHIGENEAm"phi*gene, n. (Min.)
Defn: Leucite.
AMPHIGENESISAm`phi*gen"e*sis, n. Etym: [Gr. (Biol.)
Defn: Sexual generation; amphigony.
AMPHIGENOUSAm*phig"e*nous, a. (Bot.)
Defn: Increasing in size by growth on all sides, as the lichens.
AMPHIGONICAm`phi*gon"ic, a.
Defn: Pertaining to amphigony; sexual; as, amphigonic propagation.[R.]
AMPHIGONOUSAm*phig"o*nous, a. Etym: [Gr.
Defn: Relating to both parents. [R.]
AMPHIGONYAm*phig"o*ny, n.
Defn: Sexual propagation. [R.]
AMPHIGORICAm`phi*gor"ic, a. Etym: [See Amphigory.]
Defn: Nonsensical; absurd; pertaining to an amphigory.
AMPHIGORY Am"phi*go*ry, n. Etym: [F. amphigouri, of uncertain derivation; perh. fr. Gr.
Defn: A nonsense verse; a rigmarole, with apparent meaning, which on further attention proves to be meaningless. [Written also amphigouri.]
AMPHILOGISM; AMPHILOGYAm*phil"o*gism, Am*phil"o*gy, n. Etym: [Gr. -logy.]
Defn: Ambiguity of speech; equivocation. [R.]
AMPHIMACERAm*phim"a*cer, n. Etym: [L. amphimacru, Gr. (Anc. Pros.)
Defn: A foot of three syllables, the middle one short and the others long, as in cast. Andrews.
AMPHINEURAAm`phi*neu"ra, n. pl. Etym: [NL., fr. (Zoöl.)
Defn: A division of Mollusca remarkable for the bilateral symmetry of the organs and the arrangement of the nerves.
AMPHIOXUSAm`phi*ox"us, n. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. (Zoöl.)
Defn: A fishlike creature (Amphioxus lanceolatus), two or three inches long, found in temperature seas; — also called the lancelet. Its body is pointed at both ends. It is the lowest and most generalized of the vertebrates, having neither brain, skull, vertebræ, nor red blood. It forms the type of the group Acrania, Leptocardia, etc.
AMPHIPNEUSTAm*phip"neust, n. Etym: [Gr. (Zoöl.)
Defn: One of a tribe of Amphibia, which have both lungs and gills at the same time, as the proteus and siren.
AMPHIPODAm"phi*pod, n. (Zoöl.)
Defn: One of the Amphipoda.
AMPHIPOD; AMPHIPODANAm"phi*pod, Am*phip"o*dan, a. (Zoöl.)
Defn: Of or pertaining to the Amphipoda.
AMPHIPODAAm*phip"o*da, n. pl. Etym: [NL., FR. Gr. (Zoöl.)
Defn: A numerous group of fourteen — footed Crustacea, inhabiting both fresh and salt water. The body is usually compressed laterally, and the anterior pairs or legs are directed downward and forward, but the posterior legs are usually turned upward and backward. The beach flea is an example. See Tetradecapoda and Arthrostraca.
AMPHIPODOUSAm*phip"o*dous, a. (Zoöl.)
Defn: Of or pertaining to the Amphipoda.
AMPHIPROSTYLEAm*phip"ro*style, a. Etym: [L. amphiprostylos, Gr. amphiprostyle. SeeProstyle.] (Arch.)
Defn: Doubly prostyle; having columns at each end, but not at the sides. — n.
Defn: An amphiprostyle temple or edifice.
AMPHIRHINAAm`phi*rhi"na, n. pl. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. (Zoöl.)
Defn: A name applied to the elasmobranch fishes, because the nasal sac is double.
AMPHISBAENAAm`phis*bæ"na, n. Etym: [L., fr. Gr.
1. A fabled serpent with a head at each end, moving either way. Milton.
2. (Zoöl.)
Defn: A genus of harmless lizards, serpentlike in form, without legs, and with both ends so much alike that they appear to have a head at each, and ability to move either way. See Illustration in Appendix.
Note: The Gordius aquaticus, or hairworm, has been called an amphisbæna; but it belongs among the worms.
AMPHISBAENOIDAm`phis*bæ"noid, a. Etym: [NL., fr. L. amphisbaena + -oid.] (Zoöl.)
Defn: Like or pertaining to the lizards of the genus Amphisbæna.
AMPHISCII; AMPHISCIANSAm*phis"ci*i, Am*phis"cians, n. pl. Etym: [Gr.
Defn: The inhabitants of the tropic, whose shadows in one part of the year are cast to the north, and in the other to the south, according as the sun is south or north of their zenith.
AMPHISTOMOUSAm*phis"to*mous, a. Etym: [Gr. (Zoöl.)
Defn: Having a sucker at each extremity, as certain entozoa, by means of which they adhere.
AMPHISTYLICAm`phi*sty"lic, a. Etym: [Gr. (Anat.)
Defn: Having the mandibular arch articulated with the hyoid arch and the cranium, as in the cestraciont sharks; — said of a skull.
AMPHITHEATER; AMPHITHEATREAm`phi*the"a*ter, Am`phi*the"a*tre,, n. Etym: [L. amphitheatrum, fr.Gr. amphithé\'83tre. See Theater.]
1. An oval or circular building with rising tiers of seats about an open space called the arena.
Note: The Romans first constructed amphitheaters for combats of gladiators and wild beasts.
2. Anything resembling an amphitheater in form; as, a level surrounded by rising slopes or hills, or a rising gallery in a theater.
AMPHITHEATRAL Am`phi*the"a*tral, a. Etym: [L. amphitheatralis: cf. F. amphithé\'83tral.]
Defn: Amphitheatrical; resembling an amphitheater.
AMPHITHEATRIC; AMPHITHEATRICAL Am`phi*the*at"ric, Am`phi*the*at"ric*al, a. Etym: [L. amphitheatricus.]
Defn: Of, pertaining to, exhibited in, or resembling, an amphitheater.
AMPHITHEATRICALLYAm`phi*the*at"ric*al*ly, adv.
Defn: In the form or manner of an amphitheater.
AMPHITROCHAAm*phit"ro*cha, n. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. (Zoöl.)
Defn: A kind of annelid larva having both a dorsal and a ventral circle of special cilia.
AMPHITROPAL; AMPHITROPOUSAm*phit"ro*pal, Am*phit"ro*pous, a. Etym: [Gr. (Bot.)
Defn: Having the ovule inverted, but with the attachment near the middle of one side; half anatropous.
AMPHIUMAAm`phi*u"ma, n. (Zoöl.)
Defn: A genus of amphibians, inhabiting the Southern United States, having a serpentlike form, but with four minute limbs and two persistent gill openings; the Congo snake.
AMPHOPEPTONEAm`pho*pep"tone, n. Etym: [Gr. peptone.] (Physiol.)
Defn: A product of gastric digestion, a mixture of hemipeptone and antipeptone.
AMPHORAAm"pho*ra, n.; pl. Amophoræ. Etym: [L., fr. Gr. Ampul.]
Defn: Among the ancients, a two-handled vessel, tapering at the bottom, used for holding wine, oil, etc.
AMPHORALAm"pho*ral, a. Etym: [L. amphoralis.]
Defn: Pertaining to, or resembling, an amphora.
AMPHORICAm*phor"ic, a. (Med.)
Defn: Produced by, or indicating, a cavity in the lungs, not filled, and giving a sound like that produced by blowing into an empty decanter; as, amphoric respiration or resonance.
AMPHOTERICAm`pho*ter"ic, a. Etym: [Gr.
Defn: Partly one and partly the other; neither acid nor alkaline; neutral. [R.] Smart.
AMPLE Am"ple, a. Etym: [F. ample, L. amplus, prob. for ambiplus full on both sides, the last syllable akin to L. plenus full. See Full, and cf. Double.]
Defn: Large; great in size, extent, capacity, or bulk; spacious;roomy; widely extended.All the people in that ample house Did to that image bow their humbleknees. Spenser.
2. Fully sufficient; abundant; liberal; copious; as, an ample fortune; ample justice.
3. Not contracted of brief; not concise; extended; diffusive; as, an ample narrative. Johnson.
Syn. — Full; spacious; extensive; wide; capacious; abundant; plentiful; plenteous; copious; bountiful; rich; liberal; munificent. — Ample, Copious, Abundant, Plenteous. These words agree in representing a thing as large, but under different relations, according to the image which is used. Ample implies largeness, producing a sufficiency or fullness of supply for every want; as, ample stores or resources, ample provision. Copious carries with it the idea of flow, or of collection at a single point; as, a copious supply of materials. "Copious matter of my song." Milton. Abundant and plenteous refer to largeness of quantity; as, abundant stores; plenteous harvests.
AMPLECTANTAm*plec"tant, a. Etym: [L. amplecti to embrace.] (Bot.)
Defn: Clasping a support; as, amplectant tendrils. Gray.
AMPLENESSAm"ple*ness, n.
Defn: The state or quality of being ample; largeness; fullness; completeness.
AMPLEXATIONAm`plex*a"tion, n. Etym: [L. amplexari to embrace.]
Defn: An embrace. [Obs.]An humble amplexation of those sacred feet. Bp. Hall.
AMPLEXICAUL Am*plex"i*caul, a. Etym: [L. amplexus, p. p. of amplecti to encircle, to embrace + caulis stem: cf. F. amplexicaule.] (Bot.)
Defn: Clasping or embracing a stem, as the base of some leaves. Gray.
AMPLIATE Am"pli*ate, v. t. Etym: [L. ampliatus, p. p. of ampliare to make wider, fr. amplus. See Ample.]
Defn: To enlarge. [R.]To maintain and ampliate the external possessions of your empire.Udall.
AMPLIATEAm"pli*ate, a. (Zoöl.)
Defn: Having the outer edge prominent; said of the wings of insects.
AMPLIATIONAm`pli*a"tion, n. Etym: [L. ampliatio: cf. F. ampliation.]
1. Enlargement; amplification. [R.]
2. (Civil Law)
Defn: A postponement of the decision of a cause, for further consideration or re-argument.
AMPLIATIVEAm"pli*a*tive, a. (Logic)
Defn: Enlarging a conception by adding to that which is already known or received. "All bodies possess power of attraction" is an ampliative judgment; because we can think of bodies without thinking of attraction as one of their immediate primary attribute. Abp. W. Thomson.
AMPLIFICATEAm*plif"i*cate, v. t. Etym: [L. amplificatus, p. p. of amplificare.]
Defn: To amplify. [Obs.] Bailey.
AMPLIFICATIONAm`pli*fi*ca"tion, n. Etym: [L. amplificatio.]
1. The act of amplifying or enlarging in dimensions; enlargement; extension.
2. (Rhet.)
Defn: The enlarging of a simple statement by particularity of description, the use of epithets, etc., for rhetorical effect; diffuse narrative or description, or a dilating upon all the particulars of a subject. Exaggeration is a species of amplification. Brande & C. I shall summarily, without any amplification at all, show in what manner defects have been supplied. Sir J. Davies.
3. The matter by which a statement is amplified; as, the subject was presented without amplifications.
AMPLIFICATIVEAm*plif"i*ca*tive, a.
Defn: Amplificatory.
AMPLIFICATORYAm*plif"i*ca*to*ry, a.
Defn: Serving to amplify or enlarge; amplificative. Morell.
AMPLIFIERAm"pli*fi`er, n.
Defn: One who or that which amplifies.
AMPLIFYAm"pli*fy, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Amplified; p. pr. & vb. n.Amplifying.] Etym: [F. amplifier, L. amplificare. See Ample, -fy.]
1. To render larger, more extended, or more intense, and the like; — used especially of telescopes, microscopes, etc.
2. (Rhet.)
Defn: To enlarge by addition or discussion; to treat copiously by adding particulars, illustrations, etc.; to expand; to make much of. Troilus and Cressida was written by a Lombard author, but much amplified by our English translator. Dryden.
AMPLIFYAm"pli*fy, v. i.
1. To become larger. [Obs.] Strait was the way at first, withouten light, But further in did further amplify. Fairfax.
2. To speak largely or copiously; to be diffuse in argument or description; to dilate; to expatiate; — often with on or upon. Watts. He must often enlarge and amplify upon the subject he handles. South.
AMPLITUDEAm"pli*tude, n. Etym: [L. amplitudo, fr. amplus: cf. F. amplitude.See Ample.]
1. State of being ample; extent of surface or space; largeness of dimensions; size. The cathedral of Lincoln . . . is a magnificent structure, proportionable to the amplitude of the diocese. Fuller.
2. Largeness, in a figurative sense; breadth; abundance; fullness. (a) Of extent of capacity or intellectual powers. "Amplitude of mind." Milton. "Amplitude of comprehension." Macaulay. (b) Of extent of means or resources. "Amplitude of reward." Bacon.
3. (Astron.) (a) The arc of the horizon between the true east or west point and the center of the sun, or a star, at its rising or setting. At the rising, the amplitude is eastern or ortive: at the setting, it is western, occiduous, or occasive. It is also northern or southern, when north or south of the equator. (b) The arc of the horizon between the true east or west point and the foot of the vertical circle passing through any star or object.
4. (Gun.)
Defn: The horizontal line which measures the distance to which a projectile is thrown; the range.
5. (Physics)
Defn: The extent of a movement measured from the starting point or position of equilibrium; — applied especially to vibratory movements.
6. (math.)
Defn: An angle upon which the value of some function depends; — a term used more especially in connection with elliptic functions. Magnetic amplitude, the angular distance of a heavenly body, when on the horizon, from the magnetic east or west point as indicated by the compass. The difference between the magnetic and the true or astronomical amplitude (see 3 above) is the "variation of the compass."
AMPLYAm"ply, adv.
Defn: In an ample manner.
AMPULAm"pul, n. Etym: [AS. ampella, ampolla, L. ampulla: cf. OF. ampolle,F. ampoule.]
Defn: Same as Ampulla, 2.
AMPULLAAm*pul"la, n.; pl. Ampullæ. Etym: [L. ]
1. (Rom. Antiq.)
Defn: A narrow-necked vessel having two handles and bellying out like a jug.
2. (Eccl.) (a) A cruet for the wine and water at Mass. (b) The vase in which the holy oil for chrism, unction, or coronation is kept. Shipley.
3. (Biol.)
Defn: Any membranous bag shaped like a leathern bottle, as the dilated end of a vessel or duct; especially the dilations of the semicircular canals of the ear.
AMPULLACEOUSAm`pul*la"ceous, a. Etym: [L. ampullaceus, fr. ampulla.]
Defn: Like a bottle or inflated bladder; bottle-shaped; swelling. Kirby. Ampullaceous sac (Zoöl.), one of the peculiar cavities in the tissues of sponges, containing the zooidal cells.
AMPULLAR; AMPULLARYAm"pul*lar, Am`pul*la*ry, a.
Defn: Resembling an ampulla.
AMPULLATE; AMPULLATEDAm"pul*late, Am"pul*la`ted a.
Defn: Having an ampulla; flask-shaped; bellied.
AMPULLIFORMAm*pul"li*form, a. Etym: [Ampulla + -form.]
Defn: Flask-shaped; dilated.
AMPUTATEAm"pu*tate, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Amputated; p. pr. & vb. n.Amputating.] Etym: [L. amputatus, p. p. of amputare: amb- + putare toprune, putus clean, akin to E. pure. See Putative.]
1. To prune or lop off, as branches or tendrils.
2. (Surg.)
Defn: To cut off (a limb or projecting part (of the body). Wiseman.
AMPUTATIONAm`pu*ta"tion, n. Etym: [L. amputatio: cf. F. amputation.]
Defn: The act amputating; esp. the operation of cutting of a limb or projecting part of the body.
AMPUTATORAm"pu*ta"tor, n.
Defn: One who amputates.
AMPYXAm"pyx, n. Etym: [Gr. (Greek Antiq.)
Defn: A woman's headband (sometimes of metal), for binding the front hair.
AMRITAAm*ri"ta, n. Etym: [Skr. amrita.] (Hind. Myth.)
Defn: Immorality; also, the nectar conferring immortality.— a. Ambrosial; immortal.
AMSEL; AMZELAm"sel, Am"zel, n. Etym: [Ger. See Ousel.] (Zoöl.)
Defn: The European ring ousel (Turdus torquatus).
AMTAmt, n.; pl. Amter (#), E. Amts (#). [Dan. & Norw., fr. G.]
Defn: An administrative territorial division in Denmark and Norway.
Each of the provinces [of Denmark] is divided into several amts, answering . . . to the English hundreds. Encyc. Brit.
AMUCKA*muck", a. & adv. Etym: [Malay amoq furious.]
Defn: In a frenzied and reckless. To run amuck, to rush out in a state of frenzy, as the Malays sometimes do under the influence of "bhang," and attack every one that comes in the way; to assail recklessly and indiscriminately. Satire's my weapon, but I'm too discreet To run amuck, and tilt at all I meet. Pope.
AMULETAm"u*let, n. Etym: [L. amuletum: cf. F. amulette.]
Defn: An ornament, gem, or scroll, or a package containing a relic, etc., worn as a charm or preservative against evils or mischief, such as diseases and witchcraft, and generally inscribed with mystic forms or characters.
Note: [Also used figuratively.]
AMULETICAm`u*let"ic, a.
Defn: Of or pertaining to an amulet; operating as a charm.
AMURCOUSA*mur"cous, a. Etym: [LL. amurcous, L. amurca the dregs of olives,Gr.
Defn: Full off dregs; foul. [R.] Knowles.
AMUSABLEA*mus"a*ble, a. Etym: [Cf. F. amusable.]
Defn: Capable of being amused.
AMUSEA*muse", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Amused; p. pr. & vb. n. Amusing.] Etym:[F. amuser to make stay, to detain, to amuse, ad) + OF. muser. SeeMuse, v.]
1. To occupy or engage the attention of; to lose in deep thought; to absorb; also, to distract; to bewilder. [Obs.] Camillus set upon the Gauls when they were amused in receiving their gold. Holland. Being amused with grief, fear, and fright, he could not find the house. Fuller.
2. To entertain or occupy in a pleasant manner; to stir with pleasing or mirthful emotions; to divert. A group children amusing themselves with pushing stones from the top [of the cliff], and watching as they plunged into the lake. Gilpin.
3. To keep in extraction; to beguile; to delude. He amused his followers with idle promises. Johnson.
Syn. — To entertain; gratify; please; divert; beguile; deceive; occupy. — To Amuse, Divert, Entertain. We are amused by that which occupies us lightly and pleasantly. We are entertained by that which brings our minds into agreeable contact with others, as conversation, or a book. We are diverted by that which turns off our thoughts to something of livelier interest, especially of a sportive nature, as a humorous story, or a laughable incident. Whatever amuses serves to kill time, to lull the faculties, and to banish reflection. Whatever entertains usually a wakens the understanding or gratifies the fancy. Whatever diverts is lively in its nature, and sometimes tumultuous in its effects. Crabb.
AMUSEA*muse", v. i.
Defn: To muse; to mediate. [Obs.]
AMUSEDA*mused", a.
1. Diverted.
2. Expressing amusement; as, an amused look.
AMUSEMENTA*muse"ment, n. Etym: [Cf. F. amusement.]
1. Deep thought; muse. [Obs.] Here I . . . fell into a strong and deep amusement, revolving in my mind, with great perplexity, the amazing change of our affairs. Fleetwood.
2. The state of being amused; pleasurable excitement; that which amuses; diversion. His favorite amusements were architecture and gardening. Macaulay.
Syn.— Diversion; entertainment; recreation; relaxation; pastime; sport.
AMUSERA*mus"er, n.
Defn: One who amuses.
AMUSETTEAm`u*sette", n. Etym: [F.]
Defn: A light field cannon, or stocked gun mounted on a swivel.
AMUSINGA*mus"ing, a.
Defn: Giving amusement; diverting; as, an amusing story.— A*mus"ing*ly, adv.
AMUSIVEA*mu"sive, a.
Defn: Having power to amuse or entertain the mind; fitted to excite mirth. [R.] — A*mu"sive*ly, adv. — A*mu"sive*ness, n.
AMVISAm"vis, n. [Ammonium (nitrate) + L. vis strength, force.]
Defn: An explosive consisting of ammonium nitrate, a derivative of nitrobenzene, chlorated napthalene, and wood meal.
AMYA*my", n. Etym: [F. ami, fr. L. amicus.]
Defn: A friend. [Obs.] Chaucer.
AMYELOUSA*my"e*lous, a. Etym: [Gr. (Med.)
Defn: Wanting the spinal cord.
AMYGDALA A*myg"da*la (a*mig"da*la), n.; pl. -læ (-le). [L., an almond, fr. Gr. 'amygda`lh. See Almond.]
1. An almond.
2. (Anat.)(a) One of the tonsils of the pharynx.(b) One of the rounded prominences of the lower surface of thelateral hemispheres of the cerebellum, each side of the vallecula.
AMYGDALACEOUSA*myg`da*la"ceous, a. (Bot.)
Defn: Akin to, or derived from, the almond.
AMYGDALATEA*myg"da*late, a. Etym: [L. amygdala, amygdalum, almond, Gr. Almond.]
Defn: Pertaining to, resembling, or made of, almonds.
AMYGDALATEA*myg"da*late, n.
1. (Med.)
Defn: An emulsion made of almonds; milk of almonds. Bailey. Coxe.
2. (Chem.)
Defn: A salt amygdalic acid.
AMYGDALICAm`yg*dal"ic, a. (Chem.)
Defn: Of or pertaining to almonds; derived from amygdalin; as, amygdalic acid.
AMYGDALIFEROUSA*myg`da*lif"er*ous, a. Etym: [L. amygdalum almond + -ferous.]
Defn: Almond-bearing.
AMYGDALINA*myg"da*lin, n. (Chem.)
Defn: A glucoside extracted from bitter almonds as a white, crystalline substance.
AMYGDALINEA*myg"da*line, a. Etym: [L. amygdalinus.]
Defn: Of, pertaining to, or resembling, almonds.
AMYGDALOIDA*myg"da*loid, n. Etym: [Gr. -oid: cf. F. amygdaloïde.] (Min.)
Defn: A variety of trap or basaltic rock, containing small cavities, occupied, wholly or in part, by nodules or geodes of different minerals, esp. agates, quartz, calcite, and the zeolites. When the imbedded minerals are detached or removed by decomposition, it is porous, like lava.
AMYGDALOID; AMYGDALOIDALA*myg"da*loid, A*myg`da*loid"al, a.
1. Almond-shaped.
2. Pertaining to, or having the nature of, the rock amygdaloid.
AMYLAm"yl, n. Etym: [L. amylum starch + -yl. Cf. Amidin.] (Chem.)
Defn: A hydrocarbon radical, C5H11, of the paraffine series found in amyl alcohol or fusel oil, etc.
AMYLACEOUSAm`y*la"ceous, a. Etym: [L. amylum starch, Gr. Amidin.]
Defn: Pertaining to starch; of the nature of starch; starchy.
AMYL ALCOHOLAm"yl al"co*hol. (Org. Chem.)
Defn: Any of eight isomeric liquid compounds, C5H11OH; ordinarily, a mixture of two of these forming a colorless liquid with a peculiar cough-exciting odor and burning taste, the chief constituent of fusel oil. It is used as a source of amyl compounds, such as amyl acetate, amyl nitrite, etc.
AMYLATEAm"y*late, n. (Chem.)
Defn: A compound of the radical amyl with oxygen and a positive atom or radical.
AMYLENEAm"y*lene, n. (Chem.)
Defn: One of a group of metameric hydrocarbons, C5H10, of the ethylene series. The colorless, volatile, mobile liquid commonly called amylene is a mixture of different members of the group.
AMYLICA*myl"ic, a. (Chem.)
Defn: Pertaining to, or derived from, amyl; as, amylic ether. Amylic alcohol (Chem.), one of the series of alcohols, a transparent, colorless liquid, having a peculiar odor. It is the hydroxide of amyl. — Amylic fermentation (Chem.), a process of fermentation in starch or sugar in which amylic alcohol is produced. Gregory.
AMYL NITRITEAmyl nitrite.
Defn: A yellowish oily volatile liquid, C5H11NO2, used in medicine as a heart stimulant and a vasodilator. The inhalation of its vapor instantly produces flushing of the face.
AMYLOBACTERAm`y*lo*bac"ter, n. Etym: [L. amylum starch + NL. bacterium. SeeBacterium.] (Biol.)
Defn: A microörganism (Bacillus amylobacter) which develops in vegetable tissue during putrefaction. Sternberg.
AMYLOGENA*myl"o*gen, n. [Amylum + -gen.] (Chem.)
Defn: That part of the starch granule or granulose which is soluble in water.
AMYLOGENESISAm`y*lo*gen"e*sis, n. [Amylum + genesis.]
Defn: The formation of starch.
AMYLOGENICAm`y*lo*gen"ic, a.
1. Of or pert. to amylogen.
2. Forming starch; — applied specif. to leucoplasts.
AMYLOIDAm"y*loid, n.
1. A non-nitrogenous starchy food; a starchlike substance.
2. (Med.)
Defn: The substance deposited in the organs in amyloid degeneration.
AMYLOID; AMYLOIDALAm"y*loid, Am`y*loid"al, a. Etym: [L. amylum starch + -oid.]
Defn: Resembling or containing amyl; starchlike. Amyloid degeneration (Med.), a diseased condition of various organs of the body, produced by the deposit of an albuminous substance, giving a blue color with iodine and sulphuric acid; — called also waxy or lardaceous degeneration.
AMYLOLYSISAm`y*lol"y*sis, n. [Amylum + Gr. a loosing.] (Chem.)
Defn: The conversion of starch into soluble products, as dextrins and sugar, esp. by the action of enzymes. — Am`y*lo*lyt"ic (#), a.
AMYLOLYTICAm`y*lo*ly"tic, a. Etym: [Gr. (Physiol.)
Defn: Effecting the conversion of starch into soluble dextrin and sugar; as, an amylolytic ferment. Foster.
AMYLOMETERAm`y*lom"e*ter, n. [Amylum + -meter.]
Defn: Instrument for determining the amount of starch in a substance.
AMYLOPLASTICAm`y*lo*plas"tic, a. [Amylum + -plastic.]
Defn: Starch-forming; amylogenic.
AMYLOPSINAm`y*lop"sin, n. [Amylum + Gr. appearance.] (Physiol. Chem.)
Defn: The diastase of the pancreatic juice.
AMYLOSEAm`y*lose", n. (Chem.)
Defn: One of the starch group (C6H10O5)n of the carbohydrates; as, starch, arabin, dextrin, cellulose, etc.
AMYOUSAm"y*ous, a. Etym: [Gr. (Med.)
Defn: Wanting in muscle; without flesh.
AMYSSAm"yss, n.
Defn: Same as Amice, a hood or cape.
ANAn. Etym: [AS. an one, the same word as the numeral. See One, and cf.A.]
Defn: This word is properly an adjective, but is commonly called the indefinite article. It is used before nouns of the singular number only, and signifies one, or any, but somewhat less emphatically. In such expressions as "twice an hour," "once an age," a shilling an ounce (see 2d A, 2), it has a distributive force, and is equivalent to each, every.
Note: An is used before a word beginning with a vowel sound; as, an enemy, an hour. It in also often used before h sounded, when the accent of the word falls on the second syllable; as, an historian, an hyena, an heroic deed. Many writers use a before h in such positions. Anciently an was used before consonants as well as vowels.
AN An, conj. Etym: [Shortened fr. and, OE. an., and, sometimes and if, in introducing conditional clauses, like Icel. enda if, the same word as and. Prob. and was originally pleonastic before the conditional clause.]
Defn: If; — a word used by old English authors. Shak.Nay, an thou dalliest, then I am thy foe. B. Jonson.An if, and if; if.
ANA-An"a-. Etym: [/Gr. in comp., on, up, upwards.]
Defn: A prefix in words from the Greek, denoting up, upward, throughout, backward, back, again, anew.
ANAA"na, adv. Etym: [Gr. (Med.)
Defn: Of each; an equal quantity; as, wine and honey, ana (or, contracted, aa), ., that is, of wine and honey, each, two ounces. An apothecary with a . . . long bill of anas. Dryden.
ANA *a"na. Etym: [The neut. pl. ending of Latin adjectives in -anus.]
Defn: A suffix to names of persons or places, used to denote a collection of notable sayings, literary gossip, anecdotes, etc. Thus, Scaligerana is a book containing the sayings of Scaliger, Johnsoniana of Johnson, etc.
Note: Used also as a substantive; as, the French anas. It has been said that the table-talk of Selden is worth all the ana of the Continent. Hallam.
-ANA -a"na. [The neut. pl. ending of Latin adjectives in -anus.]
Defn: A suffix to names of persons or places, used to denote a collection of notable sayings, literary gossip, anecdotes, etc. Thus, Scaligerana is a book containing the sayings of Scaliger, Johnsoniana of Johnson, etc.
Used also as a substantive; as, the French anas.
It has been said that the table-talk of Selden is worth all the anaof the Continent.Hallam.
ANABAPTISMAn`a*bap"tism, n. Etym: [L. anabaptismus, Gr. anabaptisme. SeeAnabaptize.]
Defn: The doctrine of the Anabaptists.
ANABAPTIST An`a*bap"tist, n. Etym: [LL. anabaptista, fr. Gr. as if : cf. F. anabaptiste.]
Defn: A name sometimes applied to a member of any sect holding that rebaptism is necessary for those baptized in infancy.
Note: In church history, the name Anabaptists usually designates a sect of fanatics who greatly disturbed the peace of Germany, the Netherlands, etc., in the Reformation period. In more modern times the name has been applied to those who do not regard infant baptism as real and valid baptism.
ANABAPTISTIC; ANABAPTISTICALAn`a*bap*tis"tic, An`a*bap*tis"tic*al, a.
Defn: Relating or attributed to the Anabaptists, or their doctrines.Milton. Bp. Bull.
ANABAPTISTRYAn`a*bap"tist*ry, n.
Defn: The doctrine, system, or practice, of Anabaptists. [R.]Thus died this imaginary king; and Anabaptistry was suppressed inMunster. Pagitt.
ANABAPTIZEAn`a*bap*tize", v. t. Etym: [Gr. Baptize.]
Defn: To rebaptize; to rechristen; also, to rename. [R.] Whitlock.
ANABASAn"a*bas, n. Etym: [Gr. (Zoöl.)
Defn: A genus of fishes, remarkable for their power of living long out of water, and of making their way on land for considerable distances, and for climbing trees; the climbing fishes.
ANABASISA*nab"a*sis, n. Etym: [Gr.
1. A journey or expedition up from the coast, like that of the younger Cyrus into Central Asia, described by Xenophon in his work called "The Anabasis." The anabasis of Napoleon. De Quincey.
2. (Med.)
Defn: The first period, or increase, of a disease; augmentation.[Obs.]
ANABATICAn`a*bat"ic, a. Etym: [Gr.
Defn: Pertaining to anabasis; as, an anabatic fever. [Obs.]
ANABOLICAn`a*bol"ic, a. Etym: [Gr. (Physiol.)
Defn: Pertaining to anabolism; an anabolic changes, or processes, more or less constructive in their nature.
ANABOLISMA*nab"o*lism, n. (Physiol.)
Defn: The constructive metabolism of the body, as distinguished from katabolism.
ANABRANCHAn"a*branch, n. [Anastomosing + branch.]
Defn: A branch of a river that reënters, or anastomoses with, the main stream; also, less properly, a branch which loses itself in sandy soil. [Australia]
Such branches of a river as after separation reunite, I would term anastomosing branches; or, if a word might be coined, anabranches, and the islands they form branch islands. Col. Jackson.
ANACAMPTICAn`a*camp"tic, a. Etym: [Gr.
Defn: Reflecting of reflected; as, an anacamptic sound (and echo).
Note: The word was formerly applied to that part of optics which treats of reflection; the same as what is now called catoptric. See Catoptrics.
ANACAMPTICALLYAn`a*camp"tic*al*ly, adv.
Defn: By reflection; as, echoes are sound produced anacamptically.Hutton.
ANACAMPTICSAn`a*camp"tics, n.
1. The science of reflected light, now called catoptrics.
2. The science of reflected sounds.
ANACANTHINI; ANACANTHSAn`a*can"thi*ni, An"a*canths, n. pl. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. (Zoöl.)
Defn: A group of teleostean fishes destitute of spiny fin-rays, as the cod.
ANACANTHOUSAn`a*can"thous, a.
Defn: Spineless, as certain fishes.
ANACARDIACEOUSAn`a*car"di*a"ceous, a. (Bot.)
Defn: Belonging to, or resembling, a family, or order, of plants of which the cashew tree is the type, and the species of sumac are well known examples.
ANACARDICAn`a*car"dic, a.
Defn: Pertaining to, or derived from, the cashew nut; as, anacardic acid.
ANACARDIUMAn`a*car"di*um, n. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. (Bot.)
Defn: A genus of plants including the cashew tree. See Cashew.
ANACATHARTICAn`a*ca*thar"tic, a. Etym: [Gr. i. e., by vomiting; Cathartic.](Med.)
Defn: Producing vomiting or expectoration.— n.
Defn: An anacatharic medicine; an expectorant or an emetic.
ANACHARISAn*ach"a*ris, n. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. (Bot.)
Defn: A fresh-water weed of the frog's-bit family (Hydrocharidaceæ), native to America. Transferred to England it became an obstruction to navigation. Called also waterweed and water thyme.
ANACHORET; ANACHORETICALAn*ach"o*ret, n. An*ach`o*ret"ic*al, a.
Defn: See Anchoret, Anchoretic. [Obs.]
ANACHORISMAn*ach"o*rism, n. Etym: [Gr.
Defn: An error in regard to the place of an event or a thing; a referring something to a wrong place. [R.]
ANACHRONIC; ANACHRONICALAn`a*chron"ic, An`a*chron"ic*al, a.
Defn: Characterized by, or involving, anachronism; anachronistic.
ANACHRONISMAn*ach"ro*nism, n. Etym: [Gr. anachronisme.]
Defn: A misplacing or error in the order of time; an error in chronology by which events are misplaced in regard to each other, esp. one by which an event is placed too early; falsification of chronological relation.
ANACHRONISTICAn*ach`ro*nis"tic, a.
Defn: Erroneous in date; containing an anachronism. T. Warton.
ANACHRONIZEAn*ach"ro*nize, v. t. Etym: [Gr.
Defn: To refer to, or put into, a wrong time. [R.] Lowell.
ANACHRONOUSAn*ach"ro*nous, a.
Defn: Containing an anachronism; anachronistic.— An*ach"ro*nous*ly, adv.
ANACLASTICAn`a*clas"tic, a. Etym: [Gr.
1. (Opt.)
Defn: Produced by the refraction of light, as seen through water; as, anaclastic curves.
2. Springing back, as the bottom of an anaclastic glass. Anaclastic glass, a glass or phial, shaped like an inverted funnel, and with a very thin convex bottom. By sucking out a little air, the bottom springs into a concave form with a smart crack; and by breathing or blowing gently into the orifice, the bottom, with a like noise, springs into its former convex form.
ANACLASTICSAn`a*clas"tics, n. (Opt.)
Defn: That part of optics which treats of the refraction of light; — commonly called dioptrics. Encyc. Brit.
ANACOENOSISAn`a*coe*no"sis, n. Etym: [Gr. (Rhet.)
Defn: A figure by which a speaker appeals to his hearers or opponents for their opinion on the point in debate. Walker.
ANACOLUTHICAn`a*co*lu"thic, a.
Defn: Lacking grammatical sequence.— An`a*co*lu"thic*al*ly, adv.
ANACOLUTHONAn`a*co*lu"thon, n. Etym: [Gr. (Gram.)
Defn: A want of grammatical sequence or coherence in a sentence; an instance of a change of construction in a sentence so that the latter part does not syntactically correspond with the first part.
ANACONDAAn`a*con"da, n. Etym: [Of Ceylonese origin] (Zoöl.)
Defn: A large South American snake of the Boa family (Eunectes murinus), which lives near rivers, and preys on birds and small mammals. The name is also applied to a similar large serpent (Python tigris) of Ceylon.
ANACREONTICA*nac`re*on"tic, a. Etym: [L. Anacreonticus.]
Defn: Pertaining to, after the manner of, or in the meter of, theGreek poet Anacreon; amatory and convivial. De Quincey.
ANACREONTICA*nac`re*on"tic, n.
Defn: A poem after the manner of Anacreon; a sprightly little poem in praise of love and wine.
ANACROTICAn`a*crot"ic, a. (Physiol.)
Defn: Pertaining to anachronism.
ANACROTISMA*nac"ro*tism, n. Etym: [Gr. (Physiol.)
Defn: A secondary notch in the pulse curve, obtained in a sphygmographic tracing.
ANACRUSISAn`a*cru"sis, n. Etym: [Gr. (Pros.)
Defn: A prefix of one or two unaccented syllables to a verse properly beginning with an accented syllable.
ANADEMAn"a*dem, n. Etym: [L. anadema, Gr.
Defn: A garland or fillet; a chaplet or wreath. Drayton. Tennyson.
ANADIPLOSISAn`a*di*plo"sis, n. Etym: [L., fr. Gr. (Rhet.)
Defn: A repetition of the last word or any prominent word in a sentence or clause, at the beginning of the next, with an adjunct idea; as, "He retained his virtues amidst all his misfortunes — misfortunes which no prudence could foresee or prevent."
ANADROMAn"a*drom, n. Etym: [Cf. F. anadrome.] (Zoöl.)
Defn: A fish that leaves the sea and ascends rivers.
ANADROMOUSA*nad"ro*mous, a. Etym: [Gr.
1. (Zoöl.)
Defn: Ascending rivers from the sea, at certain seasons, for breeding, as the salmon, shad, etc.
2. (Bot.)
Defn: Tending upwards; — said of terns in which the lowest secondary segments are on the upper side of the branch of the central stem. D. C. Eaton.
ANAEMIAA*næ"mi*a, a. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. (Med.)
Defn: A morbid condition in which the blood is deficient in quality or in quantity.
ANAEMICA*næm"ic, a.
Defn: Of or pertaining to anæmia.
ANAEROBIA; ANAEROBESAn*a`ër*o"bi*a, An*a"ër*obes, n. pl. [NL. anaerobia; an-not + aëro- +Gr. life.] (Bacteriol.)
Defn: Anaërobic bacteria. They are called facultative anaërobia when able to live either in the presence or absence of free oxygen; obligate, or obligatory, anaërobia when they thrive only in its absence.
ANAEROBICAn*a`ë*rob"ic, a. (Biol.)
Defn: Relating to, or like, anaërobies; araërobiotic.
ANAEROBIESAn*a"ër*o*bies, n. pl. Etym: [Gr. (Biol.)
Defn: Microörganisms which do not require oxygen, but are killed by it. Sternberg.
ANAEROBIOTICAn*a`ër*o*bi*ot"ic, a. (Anat.)
Defn: Related to, or of the nature of, anaërobies.
ANAESTHESIAAn`æs*the"si*a, n. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. anesthésie. See Æsthetics.](Med.)
Defn: Entire or partial loss or absence of feeling or sensation; a state of general or local insensibility produced by disease or by the inhalation or application of an anæsthetic.
ANAESTHESISAn`æs*the"sis, n.
Defn: See Anæsthesia.
ANAESTHETIC An`æs*thet"ic, a. (Med.) (a) Capable of rendering insensible; as, anæsthetic agents. (b) Characterized by, or connected with, insensibility; as, an anæsthetic effect or operation.
ANAESTHETICAn`æs*thet"ic, n. (Med.)
Defn: That which produces insensibility to pain, as chloroform, ether, etc.
ANAESTHETIZATIONAn*æs`the*ti*za"tion, n.
Defn: The process of anæsthetizing; also, the condition of the nervous system induced by anæsthetics.
ANAESTHETIZEAn*æs"the*tize, v. t. (Med.)
Defn: To render insensible by an anæsthetic. Encyc. Brit.
ANAGLYPHAn"a*glyph, n. Etym: [Gr.
Defn: Any sculptured, chased, or embossed ornament worked in low relief, as a cameo.
ANAGLYPHICAn`a*glyph"ic, n.
Defn: Work chased or embossed relief.
ANAGLYPHIC; ANAGLYPHICALAn`a*glyph"ic, An`a*glyph"ic*al, a.
Defn: Pertaining to the art of chasing or embossing in relief; anaglyptic; — opposed to diaglyptic or sunk work.
ANAGLYPTICAn`a*glyp"tic, a. Etym: [L. anaglypticus, Gr. Anaglyph.]
Defn: Relating to the art of carving, enchasing, or embossing in low relief.
ANAGLYPTICSAn`a*glyp"tics, n.
Defn: The art of carving in low relief, embossing, etc.
ANAGLYPTOGRAPHAn`a*glyp"to*graph, n. Etym: [Gr. -graph.]
Defn: An instrument by which a correct engraving of any embossed object, such as a medal or cameo, can be executed. Brande & C.
ANAGLYPTOGRAPHICAn`a*glyp`to*graph"ic, a.
Defn: Of or pertaining to anaglyptography; as, analyptographic engraving.
ANAGLYPTOGRAPHYAn`a*glyp*tog"ra*phy, n. Etym: [Gr. -graphy.]
Defn: The art of copying works in relief, or of engraving as to give the subject an embossed or raised appearance; — used in representing coins, bas-reliefs, etc.
ANAGNORISISAn`ag*nor"i*sis, n. Etym: [Latinized fr. Gr.
Defn: The unfolding or dénouement. [R.] De Quincey.
ANAGOGEAn`a*go"ge, n. Etym: [Gr.
1. An elevation of mind to things celestial.
2. The spiritual meaning or application; esp. the application of the types and allegories of the Old Testament to subjects of the New.
ANAGOGIC; ANAGOGICALAn`a*gog"ic, An`a*gog"ic*al, a.
Defn: Mystical; having a secondary spiritual meaning; as, the rest of the Sabbath, in an anagogical sense, signifies the repose of the saints in heaven; an anagogical explication. — An`a*gog"ic*al*ly, adv.
ANAGOGICSAn`a*gog"ics, n. pl.
Defn: Mystical interpretations or studies, esp. of the Scriptures. L.Addison.
ANAGOGYAn"a*go`gy, n.
Defn: Same as Anagoge.
ANAGRAMAn"a*gram, n. Etym: [F. anagramme, LL. anagramma, fr. Gr. Graphic.]
Defn: Literally, the letters of a word read backwards, but in its usual wider sense, the change or one word or phrase into another by the transposition of its letters. Thus Galenus becomes angelus; William Noy (attorney-general to Charles I., and a laborious man) may be turned into I moyl in law.
ANAGRAMAn"a*gram, v. t.
Defn: To anagrammatize.Some of these anagramed his name, Benlowes, into Benevolus.Warburton.
ANAGRAMMATIC; ANAGRAMMATICAL An`a*gram*mat"ic, An`a*gram*mat"ic*al, a. Etym: [Cf. F. anagramtique.]
Defn: Pertaining to, containing, or making, anagram.— An`a*gram*mat"ic*al*ly, adv.
ANAGRAMMATISMAn`a*gram"ma*tism, n. Etym: [Gr. anagrammatisme.]
Defn: The act or practice of making anagrams. Camden.
ANAGRAMMATISTAn`a*gram"ma*tist, n. Etym: [Cf. F. anagrammatiste.]
Defn: A maker anagrams.
ANAGRAMMATIZEAn`a*gram"ma*tize, v. t. Etym: [Gr. anagrammatiser.]
Defn: To transpose, as the letters of a word, so as to form an anagram. Cudworth.
ANAGRAPHAn"a*graph, n. Etym: [Gr.
Defn: An inventory; a record. [Obs.] Knowles.
ANAKIM; ANAKSAn"a*kim, A"naks, n. pl. Etym: [Heb.] (Bibl.)
Defn: A race of giants living in Palestine.
ANALA"nal, a. Etym: [From Anus.] (Anat.)
Defn: Pertaining to, or situated near, the anus; as, the anal fin or glands.
ANALCIMEA*nal"cime, n. Etym: [Gr. analcime.] (Min.)
Defn: A white or flesh-red mineral, of the zeolite, occurring in isometric crystals. By friction, it acquires a weak electricity; hence its name.
ANALCITEA*nal"cite, n. Etym: [Gr.
Defn: Analcime.
ANALECTICAn`a*lec"tic, a.
Defn: Relating to analects; made up of selections; as, an analectic magazine.
ANALECTS; ANALECTAAn"a*lects, An`a*lec"ta, n. pl. Etym: [Gr.
Defn: A collection of literary fragments.
ANALEMMA An`a*lem"ma, n. Etym: [L. analemma a sun dial on a pedestal, showing the latitude and meridian of a place, Gr.
1. (Chem.)
Defn: An orthographic projection of the sphere on the plane of the meridian, the eye being supposed at an infinite distance, and in the east or west point of the horizon.
2. An instrument of wood or brass, on which this projection of the sphere is made, having a movable horizon or cursor; — formerly much used in solving some common astronomical problems.
3. A scale of the sun's declination for each day of the year, drawn across the torrid zone on an artificial terrestrial globe.
ANALEPSIS; ANALEPSY An"a*lep"sis, An"a*lep"sy, Etym: [Gr. Analemma.] (Med.) (a) Recovery of strength after sickness. (b) A species of epileptic attack, originating from gastric disorder.
ANALEPTICAn"a*lep"tic, a. Etym: [Gr. analeptique. See Analepsis.] (Med.)
Defn: Restorative; giving strength after disease.— n.
Defn: A restorative.
ANALGEN; ANALGENEAn*al"gen, An*al"gene, n. [Gr. painless.]
Defn: A crystalline compound used as an antipyretic and analgesic, employed chiefly in rheumatism and neuralgia. It is a complex derivative of quinoline.
ANALGESIAAn`al*ge"si*a, n. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. (Med.)