Li -symbol

  1. lithium

LI -abbr

  1. Long Island

li·a·bil·i·ty [,lī-ə-'bi-lə-tē] -n

  1. the quality or state of being liable
  2. probability
  3. something for which one is liable
  4. pecuniary obligation : debt usu. used in pl.
  5. one that acts as a disadvantage : drawback

li·a·ble ['lī-ə-bəl, esp in sense 2 often 'lī-bəl] -adj

  1. obligated according to law or equity : responsible
  2. subject to appropriation or attachment
  3. being in a position to incur used with to
    • liable to a fine
  4. exposed or subject to some usu. adverse contingency or action
    • watch out or you're liable to fall

li·aise [lē-'āz] -vi

  1. to establish liaison
  2. to act as a liaison officer

li·ai·son ['lē-ə-,zän, lē-'ā-, ÷'lā-ə-] -n

  1. a binding or thickening agent used in cooking
  2. a close bond or connection : interrelationship
  3. an illicit sexual relationship : affair
  4. communication for establishing and maintaining mutual understanding and cooperation (as between parts of an armed force)
  5. one that establishes and maintains liaison
  6. the pronunciation of an otherwise absent consonant sound at the end of the first of two consecutive words the second of which begins with a vowel sound and follows without pause

li·a·na [lē-'ä-nə, -'a-] -n

  1. any of various usu. woody vines esp. of tropical rain forests that root in the ground

li·ar ['lī(-ə)r] -n

  1. a person who tells lies

Li·as ['lī-əs] -adj

  1. liassic

Li·as·sic [lī-'a-sik] -adj

  1. of, relating to, or being a subdivision of the European Jurassic

lib ['lib] -n

  1. liberation
  2. liberal
  3. librarian, library

li·ba·tion [lī-'bā-shən] -n, adj

  1. an act of pouring a liquid as a sacrifice (as to a deity)
  2. a liquid (as wine) used in a libation
  3. an act or instance of drinking often ceremoniously
  4. beverage
  5. a drink containing alcohol

lib·ber ['li-bər] -n

  1. a person who supports a liberation movement esp. for women

li·bec·cio [li-'be-chē-,ō, -'be-chō] -n

  1. a southwest wind in Italy

li·bel ['lī-bəl] -n

  1. a written statement in which a plaintiff in certain courts sets forth the cause of action or the relief sought
  2. a handbill esp. attacking or defaming someone
  3. a written or oral defamatory statement or representation that conveys an unjustly unfavorable impression
  4. a statement or representation published without just cause and tending to expose another to public contempt
  5. defamation of a person by written or representational means
  6. the publication of blasphemous, treasonable, seditious, or obscene writings or pictures
  7. the act, tort, or crime of publishing such a libel

libel [-b(ə-)liŋ] -vb, n

  1. to make libelous statements
  2. to make or publish a libel against

li·bel·ant ['lī-bə-lənt] -n

  1. one that institutes a suit by a libel

li·bel·ee [,lī-bə-'lē] -n

  1. one against whom a libel has been filed in a court

li·bel·ous ['lī-b(ə-)ləs] -adj

  1. constituting or including a libel : defamatory
    • a libelous statement

lib·er·al ['li-b(ə-)rəl] -adj, adv, n

  1. of, relating to, or based on the liberal arts
    • liberal education
  2. of or befitting a man of free birth
  3. marked by generosity : openhanded
    • a liberal giver
  4. given or provided in a generous and openhanded way
    • a liberal meal
  5. ample, full
  6. lacking moral restraint : licentious
  7. not literal or strict : loose
    • a liberal translation
  8. broad-minded
  9. not bound by authoritarianism, orthodoxy, or traditional forms
  10. of, favoring, or based upon the principles of liberalism
  11. of or constituting a political party advocating or associated with the principles of political liberalism
  12. of or constituting a political party in the United Kingdom associated with ideals of individual esp. economic freedom, greater individual participation in government, and constitutional, political, and administrative reforms designed to secure these objectives

liberal -n

  1. : a person who is liberal: as
  2. one who is open-minded or not strict in the observance of orthodox, traditional, or established forms or ways
  3. a member or supporter of a liberal political party
  4. an advocate or adherent of liberalism esp. in individual rights

liberal arts -n pl

  1. the medieval studies comprising the trivium and quadrivium
  2. college or university studies (as language, philosophy, literature, abstract science) intended to provide chiefly general knowledge and to develop general intellectual capacities (as reason and judgment) as opposed to professional or vocational skills

lib·er·al·ise ['li-b(ə-)rə-,līz] -vb, n

(variant of liberalize)

  1. to make liberal or more liberal
  2. to become liberal or more liberal

lib·er·al·ism ['li-b(ə-)rə-,li-zəm] -n, n or adj, adj

  1. the quality or state of being liberal
  2. a movement in modern Protestantism emphasizing intellectual liberty and the spiritual and ethical content of Christianity
  3. a theory in economics emphasizing individual freedom from restraint and usu. based on free competition, the self-regulating market, and the gold standard
  4. a political philosophy based on belief in progress, the essential goodness of the human race, and the autonomy of the individual and standing for the protection of political and civil liberties
  5. such a philosophy that considers government as a crucial instrument for amelioration of social inequities (as those involving race, gender, or class)
  6. the principles and policies of a Liberal party

lib·er·al·i·ty [,li-bə-'ra-lə-tē] -n

  1. the quality or state of being liberal
  2. an instance of this

lib·er·al·ize ['li-b(ə-)rə-,līz] -vb, n

  1. to make liberal or more liberal
  2. to become liberal or more liberal

lib·er·ate ['li-bə-,rāt] -vt, n, adj

  1. to set at liberty : free
  2. to free (as a country) from domination by a foreign power
  3. to free from combination
    • liberate the gas by adding acid
  4. to take or take over illegally or unjustly
    • material liberated from a nearby construction site -- Thorne Dreyer

liberated -adj

  1. freed from or opposed to traditional social and sexual attitudes or roles
    • a liberated woman
    • a liberated marriage

lib·er·a·tion [,li-bə-'rā-shən] -n

  1. the act of liberating : the state of being liberated
  2. a movement seeking equal rights and status for a group
    • women's liberation

liberation theology -n

  1. a religious movement esp. among Roman Catholic clergy in Latin America that combines political philosophy usu. of a Marxist orientation with a theology of salvation as liberation from injustice

lib·er·tar·i·an [,li-bər-'ter-ē-ən, -'te-rē-] -n, adj

  1. an advocate of the doctrine of free will
  2. a person who upholds the principles of individual liberty esp. of thought and action
  3. a member of a political party advocating libertarian principles

lib·er·tin·age ['li-bər-,tē-nij] -n

  1. libertinism

lib·er·tine ['li-bər-,tēn] -n, adj

  1. a freethinker esp. in religious matters
  2. a person who is unrestrained by convention or morality
  3. one leading a dissolute life

lib·er·tin·ism ['li-bər-,tē-,ni-zəm, -tə-] -n

  1. the quality or state of being libertine : the behavior of a libertine

lib·er·ty ['li-bər-tē] -n

  1. : the quality or state of being free:
  2. the power to do as one pleases
  3. freedom from physical restraint
  4. freedom from arbitrary or despotic control
  5. the positive enjoyment of various social, political, or economic rights and privileges
  6. the power of choice
  7. a right or immunity enjoyed by prescription or by grant : privilege
  8. permission esp. to go freely within specified limits
  9. : an action going beyond normal limits: as
  10. a breach of etiquette or propriety : familiarity
  11. risk, chance
    • took foolish liberties with his health
  12. a violation of rules or a deviation from standard practice
  13. a distortion of fact
  14. a short authorized absence from naval duty usu. for less than 48 hours

liberty cap -n

  1. a close-fitting conical cap used as a symbol of liberty by the French revolutionists and in the U.S. before 1800

liberty pole -n

  1. a tall flagstaff surmounted by a liberty cap or the flag of a republic and set up as a symbol of liberty

li·bid·i·nal [lə-'bi-də-nəl, -'bid-nᵊl] -adj, adv

  1. of or relating to the libido
    • libidinal impulses

li·bid·i·nous [-də-nəs, -'bid-nəs] -adj, adv, n

  1. having or marked by lustful desires : lascivious
  2. libidinal

li·bi·do [lə-'bē-(,)dō also 'li-bə-,dō] -n

  1. instinctual psychic energy that in psychoanalytic theory is derived from primitive biological urges (as for sexual pleasure or self-preservation) and that is expressed in conscious activity
  2. sexual drive

li·bra [for 1 & 2a 'lē-brə, sometimes 'lī-brə, for 2b 'lē-brə or 'lēv-rə] -n

  1. a southern zodiacal constellation between Virgo and Scorpio represented by a pair of scales
  2. the seventh sign of the zodiac in astrology
  3. one born under the sign of Libra
  4. an ancient Roman unit of weight equal to 327.45 grams
  5. any of various Spanish, Portuguese, Colombian, or Venezuelan units of weight

Li·bran ['lē-brən, 'lī-] -n

  1. libra

li·brar·i·an [lī-'brer-ē-ən, -'bre-rē-] -n

  1. a specialist in the care or management of a library

li·brary ['lī-,brer-ē, -,bre-rē; Brit usu & US sometimes -brər-ē; US sometimes -brē, ÷-,ber-ē, -,be-rē] -n

  1. a place in which literary, musical, artistic, or reference materials (as books, manuscripts, recordings, or films) are kept for use but not for sale
  2. a collection of such materials
  3. a collection resembling or suggesting a library
  4. morgue
  5. a series of related books issued by a publisher
  6. a collection of publications on the same subject
  7. a collection of cloned DNA fragments that are maintained in a suitable cellular environment and that usu. represent the genetic material of a particular organism or tissue

library paste -n

  1. a thick white adhesive made from starch

library science -n

  1. the study or the principles and practices of library care and administration

li·bra·tion [lī-'brā-shən] -n, adj

  1. an oscillation in the apparent aspect of a secondary body (as a planet or a satellite) as seen from the primary object around which it revolves

libration point -n

  1. any of five positions in the plane of a celestial system consisting of one massive body orbiting another at which the gravitational influences of the two bodies are approximately equal

li·bret·tist [lə-'bre-tist] -n

  1. the writer of a libretto

li·bret·to [lə-'bre-(,)tō] -n

  1. the text of a work (as an opera) for the musical theater
  2. the book containing a libretto

li·bri·form ['lī-brə-,fȯrm] -adj

  1. resembling phloem fibers

Lib·ri·um ['li-brē-əm] -trademark

  1. used for a preparation of chlordiazepoxide

Lib·y·an ['li-bē-ən] -n, adj

  1. a native or inhabitant of Libya
  2. a language of ancient No. Africa probably ancestral to Berber dialects

lic -abbr

  1. license

lice ['lau̇s] -n

(variant of louse)

  1. any of various small wingless usu. flattened insects (orders Anoplura and Mallophaga) parasitic on warm-blooded animals
  2. a small usu. sluggish arthropod (as a biting louse) that lives on other animals or on plants and sucks their blood or juices
  3. any of several small arthropods (as a book louse) that are not parasitic
  4. a contemptible person : heel
  5. to remove lice from

li·cense ['lī-sᵊn(t)s] -n, adj

  1. permission to act
  2. freedom of action
  3. a permission granted by competent authority to engage in a business or occupation or in an activity otherwise unlawful
  4. a document, plate, or tag evidencing a license granted
  5. a grant by the holder of a copyright or patent to another of any of the rights embodied in the copyright or patent short of an assignment of all rights
  6. freedom that allows or is used with irresponsibility
  7. disregard for standards of personal conduct : licentiousness
  8. deviation from fact, form, or rule by an artist or writer for the sake of the effect gained

license [-sᵊn(t)-sə-bəl] -vt, adj, n

  1. to issue a license to
  2. to permit or authorize esp. by formal license
  3. to give permission or consent to : allow

licensed practical nurse -n

  1. a person who has undergone training and obtained a license (as from a state) conferring authorization to provide routine care for the sick

licensed vocational nurse -n

  1. a licensed practical nurse authorized to practice in the states of California or Texas

li·cens·ee [,lī-sᵊn(t)-'sē] -n

  1. one that is licensed

license plate -n

  1. a plate or tag (as of metal) attesting that a license has been secured and usu. bearing a registration number

li·cen·sure ['lī-sᵊn-shər, -,shu̇r] -n

  1. the granting of licenses esp. to practice a profession
  2. the state of being licensed

licente ['sen-tē] -n

(variant of sente)

  1. see loti at

li·cen·ti·ate [lī-'sen(t)-shē-ət, esp in sense 2 li-] -n

  1. a person who has a license granted esp. by a university to practice a profession
  2. an academic degree ranking below that of doctor given by some European universities

li·cen·tious [lī-'sen(t)-shəs] -adj, adv, n

  1. lacking legal or moral restraints
  2. disregarding sexual restraints
  3. marked by disregard for strict rules of correctness

lichee ['lē-(,)chē, 'lī-] -n

(variant of lychee)

  1. the oval fruit of a Chinese tree ( Litchi chinensis) of the soapberry family having a hard scaly reddish outer covering and sweet whitish edible flesh that surrounds a single large seed called also lychee nut
  2. a tree bearing lychees

li·chen ['lī-kən, Brit also 'li-chən] -n, adj

  1. any of several skin diseases characterized by a papular eruption
  2. any of numerous complex plantlike organisms made up of an alga and a fungus growing in symbiotic association on a solid surface (as a rock)

li·chen·ol·o·gy [,lī-kə-'nä-lə-jē] -n, adj

  1. the study of lichens

licht ['līt] -n

(variant of light)

  1. something that makes vision possible
  2. the sensation aroused by stimulation of the visual receptors
  3. electromagnetic radiation of any wavelength that travels in a vacuum with a speed of about 186,281 miles (300,000 kilometers) per second
  4. such radiation that is visible to the human eye
  5. daylight
  6. dawn
  7. : a source of light: as
  8. a celestial body
  9. candle
  10. an electric light
  11. sight
  12. spiritual illumination
  13. inner light
  14. enlightenment
  15. truth
  16. public knowledge
    • facts brought to light
  17. a particular aspect or appearance presented to view
    • saw the matter in a different light
  18. a particular illumination
  19. something that enlightens or informs
    • shed some light on the problem
  20. a medium (as a window) through which light is admitted
  21. a set of principles, standards, or opinions
    • worship according to one's light s -- Adrienne Koch
  22. a noteworthy person in a particular place or field
    • a leading light among current writers
  23. a particular expression of the eye
  24. lighthouse, beacon
  25. traffic light
  26. the representation of light in art
  27. a flame for lighting something (as a cigarette)
  28. having light : bright
    • a light airy room
  29. not dark, intense, or swarthy in color or coloring : pale
  30. medium in saturation and high in lightness
    • light blue
  31. served with extra milk or cream
  32. to become light : brighten usu. used with up
    • her face lit up
  33. to take fire
  34. to ignite something (as a cigarette) often used with up
  35. to set fire to
  36. to conduct with a light : guide
  37. illuminate
    • rockets light up the sky
  38. animate, brighten
    • a smile lit up her face
  39. having little weight : not heavy
  40. designed to carry a comparatively small load
    • a light truck
  41. having relatively little weight in proportion to bulk
    • aluminum is a light metal
  42. containing less than the legal, standard, or usual weight
    • a light coin
  43. of little importance : trivial
  44. not abundant
    • light rain
    • a light lunch
  45. easily disturbed
    • a light sleeper
  46. exerting a minimum of force or pressure : gentle
    • a light touch
  47. resulting from a very slight pressure : faint
    • light print
  48. easily endurable
    • a light illness
  49. requiring little effort
    • light work
  50. capable of moving swiftly or nimbly
    • light on his feet
  51. frivolous
    • light conduct
  52. lacking in stability : changeable
    • light opinions
  53. sexually promiscuous
  54. free from care : cheerful
  55. less powerful but usu. more mobile than usual for its kind
    • light cavalry
    • a light cruiser
  56. made with a lower calorie content or with less of some ingredient (as salt, fat, or alcohol) than usual
  57. having a relatively mild flavor
  58. easily digested
    • a light soup
  59. well leavened
    • a light crust
  60. coarse and sandy or easily pulverized
    • light soil
  61. dizzy, giddy
    • felt light in the head
  62. intended chiefly to entertain
    • light verse
    • light comedy
  63. carrying little or no cargo
    • the ship returned light
  64. producing goods for direct consumption by the consumer
    • light industry
  65. not bearing a stress or accent
    • a light syllable
  66. having a clear soft quality
    • a light voice
  67. being in debt to the pot in a poker game
    • three chips light
  68. short
    • light on experience
  69. casual, occasional
    • a light smoker
  70. lightly
  71. with little baggage
    • travel light
  72. dismount
  73. settle, alight
    • a bird lit on the lawn
  74. to fall unexpectedly usu. used with on or upon
  75. to arrive by chance : happen usu. used with on or upon
    • lit upon a solution

lic·it ['li-sət] -adj, adv

  1. conforming to the requirements of the law : not forbidden by law : permissible

lick ['lik] -vb

  1. to draw the tongue over
  2. to flicker over like a tongue
  3. to take into the mouth with the tongue : lap
  4. to strike repeatedly : thrash
  5. to get the better of : overcome, defeat
  6. to lap with or as if with the tongue
  7. to dart like a tongue
  8. an act or instance of licking
  9. a small amount : bit
    • couldn't swim a lick
  10. a hasty careless effort
  11. a sharp hit : blow
  12. a directed effort : crack usu. used in pl. usu. used in the phrase get in one's licks
  13. a natural salt deposit (as a salt spring) that animals lick
  14. a block of often medicated saline preparation given to livestock to lick
  15. a musical figure
  16. an interpolated and usu. improvised figure or flourish
  17. a critical thrust : dig, barb

lick·er·ish ['li-k(ə-)rish] -adj, adv, n

  1. greedy, desirous
  2. tempting to the appetite
  3. lecherous

lick·e·tysplit [,li-kə-tē-'split] -adv

  1. at great speed

lick·ing -n

  1. a sound thrashing : drubbing
  2. defeat

lick·spit·tle ['lik-,spi-tᵊl] -n

  1. a fawning subordinate : toady

lic·o·rice ['li-k(ə-)rish, -k(ə-)rəs] -n

  1. the dried root of a European leguminous plant ( Glycyrrhiza glabra) with pinnate leaves and spikes of blue flowers
  2. an extract of this used esp. in medicine, liquors, and confectionery
  3. a candy flavored with licorice or a substitute (as anise)
  4. a plant yielding licorice
  5. a related plant

lic·tor ['lik-tər] -n

  1. an ancient Roman officer who bore the fasces as the insignia of his office and whose duties included accompanying the chief magistrates in public appearances

lid ['lid] -n

  1. a movable cover for the opening of a hollow container (as a vessel or box)
  2. eyelid
  3. the operculum in mosses
  4. hat
  5. something that confines, limits, or suppresses : check, restraint
  6. an ounce of marijuana
  7. to cover or supply with a lid

li·dar ['lī-,där] -n

  1. a device that is similar in operation to radar but emits pulsed laser light instead of microwaves

lidded -adj

  1. having or covered with a lid
    • a lidded tureen
  2. having lids esp. of a specified kind usu. used in combination
    • heavy- lidded eyes

lid·less ['lid-ləs] -adj

  1. having no lid
  2. watchful

li·do ['lē-(,)dō] -n

  1. a fashionable beach resort

li·do·caine ['lī-də-,kān] -n

  1. a crystalline compound C 14H 22N 2O that is used in the form of its hydrochloride as a local anesthetic and as an antiarrhythmic agent

lie ['lī] -vi, n

  1. to be or to stay at rest in a horizontal position : be prostrate : rest, recline
    • lie motionless
    • lie asleep
  2. to assume a horizontal position often used with down
  3. to reside temporarily : stay for the night : lodge
  4. to have sexual intercourse used with with
  5. to remain inactive (as in concealment)
    • lie in wait
  6. to be in a helpless or defenseless state
    • the town lay at the mercy of the invaders
  7. to be or remain in a flat or horizontal position upon a broad support
    • books lying on the table
  8. to have direction : extend
    • the route lay to the west
  9. to occupy a certain relative place or position
    • hills lie behind us
  10. to have a place in relation to something else
    • the real reason lie s deeper
  11. to have an effect through mere presence, weight, or relative position
    • remorse lay heavily on him
  12. to be sustainable or admissible
  13. to remain at anchor or becalmed
  14. to have place : exist
    • the choice lay between fighting or surrendering
  15. consist, belong
    • the success of the book lie s in its direct style
    • responsibility lay with the adults
  16. remain
  17. to remain unused, unsought, or uncared for
  18. lay
  19. the position or situation in which something lies
    • a golf ball in a difficult lie
  20. the haunt of an animal (as a fish) : covert
  21. an act or instance of lying or resting
  22. to make an untrue statement with intent to deceive
  23. to create a false or misleading impression
  24. to bring about by telling lies
    • lied his way out of trouble
  25. an assertion of something known or believed by the speaker to be untrue with intent to deceive
  26. an untrue or inaccurate statement that may or may not be believed true by the speaker
  27. something that misleads or deceives
  28. a charge of lying

lieb·frau·milch ['lēp-,frau̇-,milk, 'lēb-, -,milk̲, -,milsh] -n

  1. a fruity white Rhine wine

lie by -vi

  1. to remain inactive : rest

lied ['lēt] -n

  1. a German art song esp. of the 19th century

lie detector -n

  1. a polygraph for detecting physiological evidence (as change in heart rate) of the tension that accompanies lying

lie down -vi

  1. to submit meekly or abjectly to defeat, disappointment, or insult
    • won't take that criticism lying down
  2. to fail to perform or to neglect one's part deliberately
    • lying down on the job

lief ['lēf, 'lēv] -adj

  1. dear, beloved
  2. willing, glad
  3. soon, gladly
    • I'd as lief go as not

liege ['lēj] -adj

  1. having the right to feudal allegiance or service
    • his liege lord
  2. obligated to render feudal allegiance and service
  3. faithful, loyal
  4. a vassal bound to feudal service and allegiance
  5. a loyal subject
  6. a feudal superior to whom allegiance and service are due

liege man -n

  1. vassal
  2. a devoted follower

liein ['lī-,in] -n

  1. an act of lying down (as in a public place) in organized protest or as a means of forcing compliance with demands

lien ['lēn, 'lē-ən] -n

  1. a charge upon real or personal property for the satisfaction of some debt or duty ordinarily arising by operation of law
  2. the security interest created by a mortgage

lie off -vi

  1. to hold back in the early part of a race
  2. to keep a little away from the shore or another ship
  3. to cease work for a time

lie over -vi

  1. to await disposal or attention at a later time

li·erne [lē-'ərn, -'ern] -n

  1. a rib in Gothic vaulting that passes from one intersection of the principal ribs to another

lie to -vi

  1. to stay stationary with head to windward

lieu ['lü] -n

  1. place, stead

lie up -vi

  1. to go into or remain in a dock
  2. to stay in bed or at rest

lieut -abbr

  1. lieutenant

lieu·ten·an·cy [lü-'te-nən(t)-sē, Brit le(f)-] -n

  1. the office, rank, or commission of a lieutenant

lieu·ten·ant [-'te-nənt] -n

  1. an official empowered to act for a higher official
  2. an aide or representative of another in the performance of duty : assistant
  3. first lieutenant
  4. second lieutenant
  5. a commissioned officer in the navy or coast guard ranking above a lieutenant junior grade and below a lieutenant commander
  6. a fire or police department officer ranking below a captain

lieutenant colonel -n

  1. a commissioned officer in the army, air force, or marine corps ranking above a major and below a colonel

lieutenant commander -n

  1. a commissioned officer in the navy or coast guard ranking above a lieutenant and below a commander

lieutenant general -n

  1. a commissioned officer in the army, air force, or marine corps who ranks above a major general and whose insignia is three stars

lieutenant governor -n

  1. : a deputy or subordinate governor: as
  2. an elected official serving as deputy to the governor of an American state
  3. the formal head of the government of a Canadian province appointed by the federal government as the representative of the crown

lieutenant junior grade -n

  1. a commissioned officer in the navy or coast guard ranking above an ensign and below a lieutenant

life ['līf] -n

  1. the quality that distinguishes a vital and functional being from a dead body
  2. a principle or force that is considered to underlie the distinctive quality of animate beings
  3. an organismic state characterized by capacity for metabolism, growth, reaction to stimuli, and reproduction
  4. the sequence of physical and mental experiences that make up the existence of an individual
  5. one or more aspects of the process of living
    • sex life of the frog
  6. biography
  7. spiritual existence transcending physical death
  8. the period from birth to death
  9. a specific phase of earthly existence
    • adult life
  10. the period from an event until death
    • a judge appointed for life
  11. a sentence of imprisonment for the remainder of a convict's life
  12. a way or manner of living
  13. livelihood
  14. a vital or living being
  15. person
    • many lives were lost in the disaster
  16. an animating and shaping force or principle
  17. spirit, animation
    • saw no life in her dancing
  18. the form or pattern of something existing in reality
    • painted from life
  19. the period of duration, usefulness, or popularity of something
    • the expected life of the batteries
  20. the period of existence (as of a subatomic particle)
  21. a property (as resilience or elasticity) of an inanimate substance or object resembling the animate quality of a living being
  22. living beings (as of a particular kind or environment)
    • forest life
  23. human activities
  24. animate activity and movement
    • stirrings of life
  25. the activities of a given sphere, area, or time
    • the political life of the country
  26. one providing interest and vigor
    • life of the party
  27. an opportunity for continued viability
    • gave the patient a new life
  28. god
  29. something resembling animate life
    • a grant saved the project's life
  30. of or relating to animate being
  31. lifelong
    • a life member
  32. using a living model
    • a life class
  33. of, relating to, or provided by life insurance
    • a life policy

lifeanddeath -adj

  1. involving or culminating in life or death : vitally important as if involving life or death

life belt -n

  1. a life preserver in the form of a buoyant belt
  2. safety belt

life·blood ['līf-'bləd, -,bləd] -n

  1. blood regarded as the seat of vitality
  2. a vital or life-giving force or component
    • freedom of inquiry is the lifeblood of a university

life·boat [-,bōt] -n

  1. a sturdy buoyant boat (as one carried by a ship) for use in an emergency and esp. in saving lives at sea

life buoy -n

  1. a ring-shaped life preserver

lifecare ['līf-,ker] -adj

  1. of, relating to, or being a residential complex for elderly people that provides an apartment, personal and social services, and health care for life

life cycle -n

  1. the series of stages in form and functional activity through which an organism passes between successive recurrences of a specified primary stage
  2. life history
  3. a series of stages through which something (as an individual, culture, or manufactured product) passes during its lifetime

life expectancy -n

  1. the average life span of an individual

life force -n

  1. elan vital

lifeform ['līf-'fȯrm, -,fȯrm] -n

  1. the body form that characterizes a kind of organism (as a species) at maturity
  2. a kind of organism

life·ful ['līf-fəl] -adj

  1. full of or giving vitality

lifegiv·ing [-,gi-viŋ] -adj

  1. giving or having power to give life and spirit : invigorating

life·guard [-,gärd] -n, vi

  1. a usu. expert swimmer employed (as at a beach or a pool) to safeguard other swimmers

life history -n

  1. a history of the changes through which an organism passes in its development from the primary stage to its natural death
  2. the history of an individual or thing

life insurance -n

  1. insurance providing for payment of a stipulated sum to a designated beneficiary upon death of the insured

life jacket -n

  1. a life preserver in the form of a buoyant vest

life·less ['līf-ləs] -adj, adv, n

  1. : having no life:
  2. dead
  3. inanimate
  4. lacking qualities expressive of life and vigor : insipid
  5. destitute of living beings

life·like ['līf-,līk] -adj, n

  1. accurately representing or imitating real life
    • a lifelike portrait

life·line ['līf-,līn] -n

  1. : a line (as a rope) used for saving or preserving life: as
  2. a line along the outer edge of the deck of a boat or ship
  3. a line used to keep contact with a person (as a diver or astronaut) in a dangerous or potentially dangerous situation
  4. something regarded as indispensable for the maintaining or protection of life

life list -n

  1. a record kept of all birds sighted and identified by a birder

life·long ['līf-,lȯŋ] -adj

  1. lasting or continuing through life
  2. long-standing

life·man·ship ['līf-mən-,ship] -n

  1. the skill or practice of achieving superiority or an appearance of superiority over others (as in conversation) by perplexing and demoralizing them

life net -n

  1. a strong net or sheet (as of canvas) used (as by firefighters) to catch a person jumping from a burning building

life of Ri·ley [-'rī-lē]

  1. a carefree comfortable way of living

life peer -n

  1. a British peer whose title is not hereditary

life preserver -n

  1. a device (as a life jacket or life buoy) designed to save a person from drowning by providing buoyancy in water
  2. blackjack

lif·er ['lī-fər] -n

  1. a person sentenced to imprisonment for life
  2. a person who makes a career of one of the armed forces
  3. a person who has made a lifelong commitment (as to a way of life)

life raft -n

  1. a raft usu. made of wood or an inflatable material and designed for use by people forced into the water

life ring -n

  1. life buoy

life·sav·er ['līf-,sā-vər] -n

  1. one trained to save lives of drowning persons
  2. one that is at once timely and effective in time of distress or need

life·sav·ing [-viŋ] -adj

  1. designed for or used in saving lives
    • lifesaving drugs

lifesaving -n

  1. the skill or practice of saving or protecting the lives esp. of drowning persons

life science -n

  1. a branch of science (as biology, medicine, and sometimes anthropology or sociology) that deals with living organisms and life processes usu. used in pl.

lifesize ['līf-'sīz] -adj

  1. of natural size : of the size of the original
    • a lifesize statue

life span -n

  1. the average length of life of a kind of organism or of a material object esp. in a particular environment or under specified circumstances
  2. the duration of existence of an individual

life·style ['līf-'stī(-ə)l, -,stī(-ə)l] -n

  1. the typical way of life of an individual, group, or culture

lifestyle -adj

  1. associated with, reflecting, or promoting an enhanced or more desirable lifestyle
    • lifestyle magazines

lifesupport [-sə-'pȯrt] -adj

  1. providing support necessary to sustain life
  2. of or relating to a system providing such support
    • lifesupport equipment

life support -n

  1. medical life-support equipment
    • the patient was placed on life support

lifesupport system -n

  1. an artificial or natural system that provides all or some of the items (as oxygen, food, water, control of temperature and pressure, disposition of carbon dioxide and body wastes) necessary for maintaining life or health

life table -n

  1. mortality table

life·time ['līf-,tīm] -n

  1. the duration of the existence of a living being (as a person or an animal) or a thing (as a star or a subatomic particle)
  2. life
  3. an amount accumulated or experienced in a lifetime
    • a lifetime of regrets

lifetime -adj

  1. lifelong
  2. of long duration or continuance
    • lifetime legislation
  3. measured or achieved over the span of a career
    • a baseball player's lifetime batting average

life vest -n

  1. life jacket

life·way [-,wā] -n

  1. life

life·work [-'wərk] -n

  1. the entire or principal work of one's lifetime
  2. a work extending over a lifetime

life·world ['līf-,wər(-ə)ld] -n

  1. the sum total of physical surroundings and everyday experiences that make up an individual's world

life zone -n

  1. a region characterized by specific plants and animals

LIFO -abbr

  1. last in, first out

lift ['lift] -n

  1. heavens, sky
  2. to raise from a lower to a higher position : elevate
  3. to raise in rank or condition
  4. to raise in rate or amount
  5. to put an end to (a blockade or siege) by withdrawing or causing the withdrawal of investing forces
  6. revoke, rescind
    • lift an embargo
  7. steal
    • had her purse lift ed
  8. plagiarize
  9. to take out of normal setting
    • lift a word out of context
  10. to take up (as a root crop or transplants) from the ground
  11. to pay off (an obligation)
    • lift a mortgage
  12. to move from one place to another (as by aircraft) : transport
  13. to take up (a fingerprint) from a surface
  14. ascend, rise
    • the rocket lift ed off
  15. to appear elevated (as above surrounding objects)
  16. to dissipate and clear
  17. the amount that may be lifted at one time : load
  18. the action or an instance of lifting
  19. the action or an instance of rising
  20. elevated carriage (as of a body part)
  21. the lifting up (as of a dancer) usu. by a partner
  22. a device (as a handle or latch) for lifting
  23. an act of stealing : theft
  24. assistance, help
  25. a ride esp. along one's way
  26. a layer in the heel of a shoe
  27. a rise or advance in position or condition
  28. a slight rise or elevation
  29. the distance or extent to which something rises
  30. : an apparatus or machine used for hoisting: as
  31. a set of pumps used in a mine
  32. elevator
  33. an apparatus for raising an automobile (as for repair)
  34. ski lift
  35. an elevating influence
  36. an elevation of the spirit
  37. the component of the total aerodynamic force acting on an airplane or airfoil that is perpendicular to the relative wind and that for an airplane constitutes the upward force that opposes the pull of gravity
  38. an updraft that can be used to increase altitude (as of a sailplane)
  39. an organized movement of people, equipment, or supplies by some form of transportation
  40. airlift

lift·gate ['lift-,gāt] -n

  1. a rear panel (as on a station wagon) that opens upward

lift·man [-,man] -n

  1. an elevator operator

lift·off [-,ȯf] -n

  1. a vertical takeoff by an aircraft or a rocket vehicle or missile

lift truck -n

  1. a small truck for lifting and transporting loads

lig·a·ment ['li-gə-mənt] -n, adj

  1. a tough fibrous band of tissue connecting the articular extremities of bones or supporting an organ in place
  2. a connecting or unifying bond
    • the law of nations, the great ligament of mankind -- Edmund Burke

li·gand ['li-gənd, 'lī-] -n

  1. a group, ion, or molecule coordinated to a central atom or molecule in a complex

li·gase ['lī-,gās, -,gāz] -n

  1. synthetase

li·gate ['lī-,gāt, lī-'] -vt

  1. to tie with a ligature
  2. to join together (as DNA or protein chains) by a chemical process

li·ga·tion [lī-'gā-shən] -n

  1. an act of ligating
  2. something that binds : ligature

lig·a·ture ['li-gə-,chu̇r, -chər, -,tu̇r, -,tyu̇r] -n

  1. something that is used to bind
  2. a filament (as a thread) used in surgery
  3. something that unites or connects : bond
  4. the action of binding or tying
  5. a compound note in mensural notation indicating a group of musical notes to be sung to one syllable
  6. a printed or written character (as or ) consisting of two or more letters or characters joined together

li·ger ['lī-gər] -n

  1. a hybrid between a male lion and a female tiger

light ['līt] -n

  1. something that makes vision possible
  2. the sensation aroused by stimulation of the visual receptors
  3. electromagnetic radiation of any wavelength that travels in a vacuum with a speed of about 186,281 miles (300,000 kilometers) per second
  4. such radiation that is visible to the human eye
  5. daylight
  6. dawn
  7. : a source of light: as
  8. a celestial body
  9. candle
  10. an electric light
  11. sight
  12. spiritual illumination
  13. inner light
  14. enlightenment
  15. truth
  16. public knowledge
    • facts brought to light
  17. a particular aspect or appearance presented to view
    • saw the matter in a different light
  18. a particular illumination
  19. something that enlightens or informs
    • shed some light on the problem
  20. a medium (as a window) through which light is admitted
  21. a set of principles, standards, or opinions
    • worship according to one's light s -- Adrienne Koch
  22. a noteworthy person in a particular place or field
    • a leading light among current writers
  23. a particular expression of the eye
  24. lighthouse, beacon
  25. traffic light
  26. the representation of light in art
  27. a flame for lighting something (as a cigarette)
  28. having light : bright
    • a light airy room
  29. not dark, intense, or swarthy in color or coloring : pale
  30. medium in saturation and high in lightness
    • light blue
  31. served with extra milk or cream
  32. to become light : brighten usu. used with up
    • her face lit up
  33. to take fire
  34. to ignite something (as a cigarette) often used with up
  35. to set fire to
  36. to conduct with a light : guide
  37. illuminate
    • rockets light up the sky
  38. animate, brighten
    • a smile lit up her face
  39. having little weight : not heavy
  40. designed to carry a comparatively small load
    • a light truck
  41. having relatively little weight in proportion to bulk
    • aluminum is a light metal
  42. containing less than the legal, standard, or usual weight
    • a light coin
  43. of little importance : trivial
  44. not abundant
    • light rain
    • a light lunch
  45. easily disturbed
    • a light sleeper
  46. exerting a minimum of force or pressure : gentle
    • a light touch
  47. resulting from a very slight pressure : faint
    • light print
  48. easily endurable
    • a light illness
  49. requiring little effort
    • light work
  50. capable of moving swiftly or nimbly
    • light on his feet
  51. frivolous
    • light conduct
  52. lacking in stability : changeable
    • light opinions
  53. sexually promiscuous
  54. free from care : cheerful
  55. less powerful but usu. more mobile than usual for its kind
    • light cavalry
    • a light cruiser
  56. made with a lower calorie content or with less of some ingredient (as salt, fat, or alcohol) than usual
  57. having a relatively mild flavor
  58. easily digested
    • a light soup
  59. well leavened
    • a light crust
  60. coarse and sandy or easily pulverized
    • light soil
  61. dizzy, giddy
    • felt light in the head
  62. intended chiefly to entertain
    • light verse
    • light comedy
  63. carrying little or no cargo
    • the ship returned light
  64. producing goods for direct consumption by the consumer
    • light industry
  65. not bearing a stress or accent
    • a light syllable
  66. having a clear soft quality
    • a light voice
  67. being in debt to the pot in a poker game
    • three chips light
  68. short
    • light on experience
  69. casual, occasional
    • a light smoker
  70. lightly
  71. with little baggage
    • travel light
  72. dismount
  73. settle, alight
    • a bird lit on the lawn
  74. to fall unexpectedly usu. used with on or upon
  75. to arrive by chance : happen usu. used with on or upon
    • lit upon a solution

light adaptation ['līt-ə-,dap-təd] -n, adj

  1. the process including contraction of the pupil and decrease in rhodopsin by which the eye adapts to conditions of increased illumination

light air -n

  1. wind having a speed of 1 to 3 miles (about 1 to 5 kilometers) per hour

light bread ['līt-,bred] -n

  1. bread in loaves made from white flour leavened with yeast

light breeze -n

  1. wind having a speed of 4 to 7 miles (about 6 to 11 kilometers) per hour

light·bulb ['līt-,bəlb] -n

  1. : an electric lamp: as
  2. one in which a filament gives off light when heated to incandescence by an electric current called also incandescent incandescent lamp
  3. fluorescent lamp

light chain -n

  1. either of the two smaller of the four polypeptide chains comprising antibodies

light curve -n

  1. a graph showing the variation in brightness of a celestial object (as a variable star) over a period of time

lightemitting diode -n

  1. led

light·en ['lī-tᵊn] -vb, n

  1. to make light or clear : illuminate
  2. enlighten
  3. to make (as a color) lighter
  4. to shine brightly
  5. to grow lighter : brighten
  6. to give out flashes of lightning

lighten ['līt-niŋ, 'lī-tᵊn-iŋ] -vb, n

  1. to relieve of a burden in whole or in part
    • the news lighten ed his mind
  2. to reduce in weight or quantity : lessen
  3. to make less wearisome : alleviate
    • lighten our sorrow
  4. cheer, gladden
  5. to become lighter or less burdensome
  6. to become more cheerful

lighten up -vi

  1. to take things less seriously

ligh·ter ['lī-tər] -n

  1. a large usu. flat-bottomed barge used esp. in unloading or loading ships

lighter -vt

  1. to convey by a lighter
  2. one that lights or sets a fire
  3. a device for lighting a fire
  4. a mechanical or electrical device used for lighting cigarettes, cigars, or pipes

ligh·ter·age ['lī-tə-rij] -n

  1. the loading, unloading, or transportation of goods by means of a lighter
  2. a price paid for lightering

lighterthanair -adj

  1. of less weight than the air displaced

light·face ['līt-,fās] -n, adj

  1. a typeface having comparatively light thin lines
  2. printing in lightface

light·fast [-,fast] -adj, n

  1. resistant to light and esp. to sunlight
  2. colorfast to light

lightfin·gered [-,fiŋ-gərd] -adj, n

  1. showing adroitness in stealing or a tendency to steal esp. by picking pockets or shoplifting
  2. having a light and dexterous touch : nimble

lightfoot·ed [-,fu̇-təd] -adj

  1. having a light and springy step
  2. moving gracefully and nimbly
    • lightfooted prose

light guide -n

  1. an optical fiber used esp. for telecommunication

lighthand·ed ['līt-,han-dəd] -adj, n

  1. having a light or delicate touch : facile
    • a lighthanded translation

lighthead·ed [-,he-dəd] -adj, adv, n

  1. mentally disoriented : dizzy
  2. lacking in maturity or seriousness : frivolous

light·heart·ed [-,här-təd] -adj, adv, n

  1. free from care, anxiety, or seriousness : happy-go-lucky
  2. cheerfully optimistic and hopeful : easygoing

light heavyweight -n

  1. a boxer in a weight division having a maximum limit of 175 pounds for professionals and 178 pounds for amateurs

light·house ['līt-,hau̇s] -n

  1. a structure (as a tower) with a powerful light that gives a continuous or intermittent signal to navigators
  2. beacon

light housekeeping -n

  1. domestic work restricted to the less laborious duties
  2. housekeeping in quarters with limited facilities for cooking

lighting -n

  1. illumination
  2. ignition
  3. an artificial supply of light or the apparatus providing it

light·less ['līt-ləs] -adj

  1. receiving no light : dark
  2. giving no light

light·ly ['līt-lē] -adv

  1. : in a light manner: as
  2. with little weight or force : gently
  3. with indifference or carelessness : unconcernedly
    • the problem should not be passed over lightly -- Shelly Halpern
  4. with little difficulty : easily
  5. gaily, cheerfully
  6. in an agile manner : nimbly, swiftly
    • the cat leapt lightly onto the table
  7. in a small degree or amount
    • lightly salted food

light meter -n

  1. a small and often portable device for measuring illumination
  2. exposure meter

lightmind·ed ['līt-,mīn-dəd] -adj, adv, n

  1. lacking in seriousness : frivolous

light·ness [-nəs] -n

  1. the quality or state of being illuminated : illumination
  2. the attribute of object colors by which the object appears to reflect or transmit more or less of the incident light

lightness -n

  1. the quality or state of being light esp. in weight
  2. lack of seriousness and stability of character often accompanied by casual heedlessness
  3. the quality or state of being nimble
  4. an ease and gaiety of style or manner
  5. a lack of weightiness or force : delicacy

light·ning ['līt-niŋ] -n

  1. the flashing of light produced by a discharge of atmospheric electricity
  2. the discharge itself
  3. a sudden stroke of fortune

lightning -adj

  1. having or moving with or as if with the speed and suddenness of lightning
    • a lightning assault
  2. to discharge a flash of lightning

lightning arrester -n

  1. a device for protecting an electrical apparatus from damage by lightning

lightning bug -n

  1. firefly

lightning rod -n

  1. a grounded metallic rod set up on a structure (as a building) to protect it from lightning
  2. one that serves to divert attack from another
  3. one that is a frequent target of criticism or focus of controversy
    • she has become a convenient lightning rod for voters' discontent with law-and-order issues -- Aric Press et al.

lighto'love [,līt-ə-'ləv] -n

  1. prostitute
  2. lover, paramour

light opera -n

  1. operetta

light out -vi

  1. to leave in a hurry
    • lit out for home at once
  2. set off

light pen -n

  1. a pen-shaped device for direct interaction with a computer through a cathode-ray tube display

light pipe -n

  1. an optical fiber or a solid transparent plastic rod for transmitting light lengthwise

light·plane ['līt-'plān] -n

  1. a small and comparatively lightweight airplane
  2. a privately owned passenger airplane

light pollution -n

  1. artificial skylight (as from city lights) that interferes esp. with astronomical observations

light·proof ['līt-,prüf] -adj

  1. impenetrable by light

light quantum -n

  1. photon
  2. one of luminous radiation

lightrail ['līt-,rāl] -n

  1. a means of urban railway transportation using trolley cars

light reaction -n

  1. the phase of photosynthesis that requires the presence of light and that involves photophosphorylation

lights ['līts] -n pl

  1. the lungs esp. of a slaughtered animal

light·ship ['līt-,ship] -n

  1. a ship equipped with a brilliant light and moored at a place dangerous to navigation

light show -n

  1. a kaleidoscopic display of colored lights, slides, and film loops

light·some ['līt-səm] -adj, adv, n

  1. free from care : lighthearted
  2. airy, nimble

lightsome -adj

  1. well lighted : bright
  2. giving light

lightsout ['līts-'au̇t] -n

  1. a command or signal for putting out lights
  2. a prescribed bedtime for persons living under discipline

light table -n

  1. a device that projects even light through a flat translucent surface over which films or tracings may be spread out and viewed

light therapy -n

  1. the treatment of medical or psychiatric conditions (as seasonal affective disorder) by the controlled application of light called also light treatment phototherapy

light·tight ['līt-,tīt] -adj

  1. lightproof

light trap -n

  1. a device that allows movement of a sliding part or passage of a person (as into a darkroom) but excludes light
  2. a device for collecting or destroying insects that consists of a bright light in association with a trapping or killing medium

light water -n

  1. water

light·weight ['līt-,wāt] -n

  1. one of less than average weight
  2. a boxer in a weight division having a maximum limit of 135 pounds for professionals and 132 pounds for amateurs
  3. one of little consequence or ability
    • a political lightweight

lightweight -adj

  1. lacking in earnestness, ability, or profundity : inconsequential
    • a lightweight painter
    • a lightweight TV series
  2. having less than average weight
    • lightweight fabrics
  3. of, relating to, or characteristic of a lightweight
    • the lightweight championship

light·wood ['līt-,wu̇d, 'lī-təd] -n

  1. wood used for kindling
  2. coniferous wood abounding in pitch

lightyear ['līt-,yir] -n

  1. a unit of length in astronomy equal to the distance that light travels in one year in a vacuum or about 5.88 trillion miles (9.46 trillion kilometers)
  2. an extremely large measure of comparison (as of distance, time, or quality)
    • seems like lightyear s ago
    • has lightyear s more talent
    • two minutes and yet lightyear s away from the crowded village -- Suzanne Patterson

lign- -comb form

  1. wood
    • lign in
    • ligno cellulose

lig·nan ['lig-,nan] -n

  1. any of a class of propyl phenolic dimers including many found in plants and noted for having antioxidant and estrogenic activity

lig·ne·ous ['lig-nē-əs] -adj

  1. of or resembling wood

lig·ni·fy ['lig-nə-,fī] -vb, n

  1. to convert into wood or woody tissue
  2. to become wood or woody

lig·nin ['lig-nən] -n

  1. an amorphous polymer related to cellulose that provides rigidity and together with cellulose forms the woody cell walls of plants and the cementing material between them

lig·nite ['lig-,nīt] -n, adj

  1. a usu. brownish black coal intermediate between peat and bituminous coal
  2. one in which the texture of the original wood is distinct called also brown coal

lig·no·cel·lu·lose [,lig-nō-'sel-yə-,lōs, -,lōz] -n, adj

  1. any of several closely related substances constituting the essential part of woody cell walls of plants and consisting of cellulose intimately associated with lignin

lig·no·sul·fo·nate [-'səl-fə-,nāt] -n

  1. any of various compounds produced from the spent sulfite liquor in the pulping of softwood in papermaking and used esp. for binders and dispersing agents

lig·num vi·tae [,lig-nəm-'vī-tē] -n

  1. the very hard heavy wood of any of several tropical American guaiacums
  2. a tree yielding lignum vitae

lig·u·la ['li-gyə-lə] -n

  1. ligule
  2. the distal lobed part of the labium of an insect

lig·u·late ['li-gyə-lət, -,lāt] -adj

  1. furnished with ligules, ligulae, or ligulate corollas
  2. shaped like a strap
    • ligulate corolla of a ray flower

lig·ule ['li-(,)gyül] -n

  1. : a scalelike projection esp. on a plant: as
  2. a thin appendage of a foliage leaf and esp. of the sheath of a blade of grass
  3. a ligulate corolla of a ray floret in a composite head

lig·ure ['li-,gyu̇r, -gyər] -n

  1. a traditional precious stone that is prob. the jacinth

lik·able ['lī-kə-bəl] -adj, n

  1. having qualities that bring about a favorable regard : pleasant, agreeable

like ['līk] -vb

  1. to be suitable or agreeable to
    • I like onions but they don't like me
  2. to feel attraction toward or take pleasure in : enjoy
    • like s baseball
  3. to feel toward : regard
    • how would you like a change
  4. to wish to have : want
    • would like a drink
  5. to do well in
    • this plant like s dry soil
    • my car does not like cold weather
  6. approve
  7. to feel inclined : choose, prefer
    • leave any time you like
  8. liking, preference
  9. something that one likes
  10. the same or nearly the same (as in appearance, character, or quantity)
    • suits of like design
    formerly used with as, unto, of
    • it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren -- Heb 2:17(AV)
  11. closely resembling the subject or original
    • the portrait is very like
  12. likely
    • the importance of statistics as the one discipline like to give accuracy of mind -- H. J. Laski
  13. having the characteristics of : similar to
    • his house is like a barn
    • it's like when we were kids
  14. typical of
    • was like him to do that
  15. comparable to : approximating
    • costs something like fifty cents
  16. in the manner of : similarly to
    • acts like a fool
  17. as though there would be
    • looks like rain
  18. such as
    • a subject like physics
  19. used to form intensive or ironic phrases
    • fought like hell
    • like fun he did
    • laughed like anything
  20. one that is similar : counterpart, equal
    • have...never seen the like before -- Sir Winston Churchill
  21. kind usu. used with a preceding possessive
    • put him and his like to some job -- J. R. R. Tolkien
  22. one of many that are similar to each other used chiefly in proverbial expressions
    • like breeds like
  23. equally
  24. likely, probably
    • you'll try it, some day, like enough -- Mark Twain
  25. to some extent : rather, altogether
    • saunter over nonchalantly like -- Walter Karig
  26. used interjectionally in informal speech often to emphasize a word or phrase (as in He was, like, gorgeous) or for an apologetic, vague, or unassertive effect (as in I need to, like, borrow some money)
  27. nearly: approximately
    • the actual interest is more like 18 percent
    used interjectionally in informal speech with expressions of measurement
    • it was, like, five feet long
    • goes there every day, like
  28. as if
    • middle-aged men who looked like they might be out for their one night of the year -- Norman Mailer
  29. used in intensive phrases
    • drove like mad
    • hurts like crazy
  30. in the same way that : as
    • they raven down scenery like children do sweetmeats -- John Keats
  31. in the way or manner that
    • the violin sounds like an old masterpiece should
    • did it like you told me
  32. used interjectionally in informal speech often with the verb be to introduce a quotation, paraphrase, or thought expressed by or imputed to the subject of the verb, or with it's to report a generally held opinion
    • so I'm like, Give me a break
    • it's like, Who cares what he thinks?
  33. such as
    • a bag like a doctor carries
    • when your car has trouble - like when it won't start
    used interjectionally in informal speech
    • often stays up late, until like three in the morning
  34. came near : was near
    • so loud I like to fell out of bed -- Helen Eustis

like·li·hood ['lī-klē-,hu̇d] -n

  1. probability
    • a strong likelihood that he is correct -- T. D. Anderson

like·ly ['lī-klē] -adj

  1. having a high probability of occurring or being true : very probable
    • rain is likely today
  2. apparently qualified : suitable
    • a likely place
  3. reliable, credible
    • a likely enough story
  4. promising
    • a likely candidate
  5. attractive
    • a likely child

likely -adv

  1. in all probability : probably
    • those who seek power will most likely wind up exercising it -- Halton Arp

likemind·ed ['līk-'mīn-dəd] -adj, adv, n

  1. having a like disposition or purpose : of the same mind or habit of thought

lik·en ['lī-kən] -vt

  1. compare

like·ness ['līk-nəs] -n

  1. copy, portrait
  2. appearance, semblance
  3. the quality or state of being like : resemblance

like·wise ['līk-,wīz] -adv

  1. in like manner : similarly
    • go and do likewise
  2. in addition
  3. similarly so with me
    • answered likewise to Pleased to meet you

liking -n

  1. favorable regard : fondness, taste
    • had a greater liking for law -- E. M. Coulter
    • took a liking to the newcomer

li·ku·ta [li-'kü-tə] -n

  1. a former monetary unit equal to zaire

li·lac ['lī-,läk, -,lak, -lək] -n

  1. a widely cultivated European shrub ( Syringa vulgaris) of the olive family that has cordate ovate leaves and large panicles of fragrant pinkish-purple or white flowers
  2. a tree or shrub congeneric with the lilac
  3. a variable color averaging a moderate purple

lil·ied ['li-lēd] -adj

  1. resembling a lily in fairness
  2. full of or covered with lilies

Lil·ith ['li-ləth] -n

  1. a woman who in rabbinic legend is Adam's first wife, is supplanted by Eve, and becomes an evil spirit
  2. a famous witch in medieval demonology

Lil·li·put ['li-li-(,)pət] -n

  1. an island in Swift's Gulliver's Travelswhere the inhabitants are six inches tall

Lil·li·pu·tian [,li-lə-'pyü-shən] -adj

  1. of, relating to, or characteristic of the Lilliputians or the island of Lilliput
  2. small, miniature
    • a Lilliputian camera
  3. petty

Lilliputian -n

  1. an inhabitant of Lilliput
  2. one resembling a Lilliputian
  3. an undersized individual

lilt ['lilt] -n

  1. a spirited and usu. cheerful song or tune
  2. a rhythmical swing, flow, or cadence
  3. a springy buoyant movement
  4. to sing or play in a lively cheerful manner
  5. to sing or speak rhythmically and with fluctuating pitch
  6. to move in a lively springy manner

lilt·ing ['lil-tiŋ] -adj, adv, n

  1. characterized by a rhythmical swing or cadence
    • a lilting stride
  2. cheerful, buoyant
    • a lilting comedy

lily ['li-lē] -n

  1. any of a genus ( Liliumof the family Liliaceae, the lily family) of erect perennial leafy-stemmed bulbous herbs that are native to the temperate northern hemisphere and are widely cultivated for their showy flowers
  2. any of various plants of the lily family or of the related amaryllis or iris families
  3. : any of various plants with showy flowers: as
  4. a scarlet anemone ( Anemone coronaria) of the Mediterranean region
  5. water lily
  6. calla lily
  7. fleur-de-lis
  8. resembling a lily in fairness, purity, or fragility
    • my lady's lily hand -- John Keats

lilyliv·ered ['li-lē-'li-vərd] -adj

  1. lacking courage : cowardly

lily of the valley

  1. a low perennial herb ( Convallaria majalis) of the lily family that has usu. two large oblong lanceolate leaves and a raceme of fragrant nodding bell-shaped white flowers

lily pad -n

  1. a floating leaf of a water lily

lilywhite ['li-lē-'hwīt, -'wīt] -adj

  1. white as a lily
  2. characterized by or favoring the exclusion of blacks esp. from politics
  3. irreproachable, pure
  4. a member of a lily-white political organization

Li·ma ['lē-mə]

  1. a communications code word for the letter l

li·ma bean ['lī-mə-] -n

  1. a bushy or tall-growing tropical American bean ( Phaseolus limensis) that is widely cultivated for its flat edible usu. pale green or whitish seeds
  2. sieva bean
  3. the seed of a lima bean

li·ma·on [,lē-mə-'sōⁿ] -n

  1. a plane curve whose equation in polar coordinates has one of the forms = acos bor = asin band which reduces to a cardioid when a= b

limb ['lim] -n, adj

  1. one of the projecting paired appendages (as wings) of an animal body used esp. for movement and grasping but sometimes modified into sensory or sexual organs
  2. a leg or arm of a human being
  3. a large primary branch of a tree
  4. an active member or agent
  5. extension, branch
  6. a mischievous child
  7. dismember
  8. to cut off the limbs of (a felled tree)
  9. the outer edge of the apparent disk of a celestial body
  10. the expanded portion of an organ or structure
  11. the upper spreading portion of a corolla (as of the phlox) whose lower part consists of a tube of fused petals

lim·ba ['lim-bə] -n

  1. a tall whitish-trunked West African tree ( Terminalia superba) with straight-grained wood
  2. the wood of a limba

lim·beck ['lim-,bek] -n

  1. alembic

limbed ['limd] -adj

  1. having limbs esp. of a specified kind or number usu. used in combination
    • strong- limbed

lim·ber ['lim-bər] -n

  1. a two-wheeled vehicle to which a gun or caisson may be attached

limber -adj, adv, n

  1. capable of being shaped : flexible
  2. having a supple and resilient quality (as of mind or body) : agile, nimble
  3. to cause to become limber
    • limber up his fingers
  4. to become limber
    • limber up by running

limber pine -n

  1. a pine ( Pinus flexilis) of the western U.S. and Canada that has flexible branches and needles in bundles of five

lim·bic ['lim-bik] -adj

  1. of, relating to, or being the limbic system of the brain

limbic system -n

  1. a group of subcortical structures (as the hypothalamus, the hippocampus, and the amygdala) of the brain that are concerned esp. with emotion and motivation

lim·bo ['lim-(,)bō] -n

  1. an abode of souls that are according to Roman Catholic theology barred from heaven because of not having received Christian baptism
  2. a place or state of restraint or confinement
  3. a place or state of neglect or oblivion
    • proposals kept in limbo
  4. an intermediate or transitional place or state
  5. a state of uncertainty

limbo -n

  1. a dance or contest that involves bending over backwards and passing under a horizontal pole lowered slightly for each successive pass

Lim·burg·er ['lim-,bər-gər] -n

  1. a pungent semisoft surface-ripened cheese

lim·bus ['lim-bəs] -n

  1. the marginal region of the cornea of the eye by which it is continuous with the sclera

lime ['līm] -n

  1. birdlime
  2. a caustic highly infusible solid that consists of calcium oxide often together with magnesium oxide, that is obtained by calcining forms of calcium carbonate (as shells or limestone), and that is used in building (as in mortar and plaster) and in agriculture called also quicklime
  3. a dry white powder consisting essentially of calcium hydroxide that is made by treating quicklime with water
  4. calcium
    • carbonate of lime
  5. to smear with a sticky substance (as birdlime)
  6. to entangle with or as if with birdlime
  7. to treat or cover with lime
    • lime the lawn in the spring
  8. of, relating to, or containing lime or limestone
  9. a linden tree
  10. linden
  11. the small globose yellowish green fruit of a widely cultivated spiny tropical Asian citrus tree ( Citrus aurantifolia) with a usu. acid juicy pulp used as a flavoring agent and as a source of vitamin C
  12. a tree that bears limes

lime·ade [,līm-'ād, 'lī-,mād] -n

  1. a beverage of sweetened lime juice mixed with plain or carbonated water

lime glass -n

  1. glass containing a substantial proportion of lime

limejuic·er ['līm-,jü-sər] -n

  1. englishman
  2. a British ship
  3. a British sailor

lime·kiln [-,kil, -,kiln] -n

  1. a kiln or furnace for reducing limestone or shells to lime by burning

lime·light [-,līt] -n

  1. a stage lighting instrument producing illumination by means of an oxyhydrogen flame directed on a cylinder of lime and usu. equipped with a lens to concentrate the light in a beam
  2. the white light produced by such an instrument
  3. spotlight
  4. the center of public attention

limelight -vt

  1. to center attention on : spotlight

li·men ['lī-mən] -n

  1. threshold

lim·er·ick ['li-mə-rik, 'lim-rik] -n

  1. a light or humorous verse form of five chiefly anapestic verses of which lines 1, 2, and 5 are of three feet and lines 3 and 4 are of two feet with a rhyme scheme of aabba

lime·stone ['līm-,stōn] -n

  1. a rock that is formed chiefly by accumulation of organic remains (as shells or coral), consists mainly of calcium carbonate, is extensively used in building, and yields lime when burned

limetwig ['līm-,twig] -n

  1. a twig covered with birdlime to catch birds
  2. snare

lime·wa·ter [-,wȯ-tər, -,wä-] -n

  1. an alkaline water solution of calcium hydroxide used as an antacid

lim·ey ['lī-mē] -n

  1. a British sailor
  2. englishman

limey ['lī-mē] -adj

(variant of limy)

  1. smeared with or consisting of lime : viscous
  2. containing lime or limestone
  3. resembling or having the qualities of lime

lim·i·nal ['li-mə-nᵊl] -adj

  1. of or relating to a sensory threshold
  2. barely perceptible
  3. of, relating to, or being an intermediate state, phase, or condition : in-between, transitional
    • in the liminal state between life and death -- Deborah Jowitt

lim·it ['li-mət] -n, adj, adv

  1. something that bounds, restrains, or confines
  2. the utmost extent
  3. a geographic or political boundary
  4. the place enclosed within a boundary : bounds
  5. limitation
  6. a determining feature or differentia in logic
  7. : a prescribed maximum or minimum amount, quantity, or number: as
  8. the maximum quantity of game or fish that may be taken legally in a specified period
  9. a maximum established for a gambling bet, raise, or payoff
  10. a number whose numerical difference from a mathematical function is arbitrarily small for all values of the independent variables that are sufficiently close to but not equal to given prescribed numbers or that are sufficiently large positively or negatively
  11. a number that for an infinite sequence of numbers is such that ultimately each of the remaining terms of the sequence differs from this number by less than any given positive amount
  12. something that is exasperating or intolerable

limit [-mə-tə-bəl] -vt, adj, n

  1. to assign certain limits to : prescribe
    • reserved the right to limit use of the land
  2. to restrict the bounds or limits of
    • the specialist can no longer limit himself to his specialty
  3. to curtail or reduce in quantity or extent
    • we must limit the power of aggressors

lim·i·tary ['li-mə-,ter-ē] -adj

  1. subject to limits
  2. of or relating to a boundary
  3. limiting, enclosing

lim·i·ta·tion [,li-mə-'tā-shən] -n, adj

  1. an act or instance of limiting
  2. the quality or state of being limited
  3. something that limits : restraint
  4. a certain period limited by statute after which actions, suits, or prosecutions cannot be brought in the courts

lim·i·ta·tive ['li-mə-,tā-tiv] -adj

  1. limiting, restrictive

lim·it·ed ['li-mə-təd] -adj, adv, n

  1. confined within limits : restricted
    • limited success
  2. offering faster service esp. by making a limited number of stops
  3. characterized by enforceable limitations prescribed (as by a constitution) upon the scope or exercise of powers
    • a limited monarchy
  4. lacking breadth and originality
    • a bit limited; a bit thick in the head -- Virginia Woolf

limitedaccess -adj

  1. having access restricted to a relatively small number of points

limited edition -n

  1. an issue of something collectible (as books, prints, or medals) that is advertised to be limited to a relatively small number of copies

limited liability -n

  1. liability (as of a stockholder or shipowner) limited by statute or treaty

limited liability partnership -n

  1. a partnership in which the partnership is liable as an entity for debts and obligations and the partners are not liable personally

limited partner -n

  1. a partner in a venture who has no management authority and whose liability is restricted to the amount of his or her investment

limited partnership -n

  1. a partnership having one or more general partners and one or more limited partners

limited war -n

  1. a war whose objective is less than the total defeat of the enemy

lim·it·ing ['li-mə-tiŋ] -adj, adv

  1. functioning as a limit : restrictive
    • limiting value
  2. being an environmental factor (as a nutrient) that limits the population size of an organism
  3. serving to specify the application of the modified noun
    • this in this book is a limiting word

limit point -n

  1. a point that is related to a set of points in such a way that every neighborhood of the point no matter how small contains another point belonging to the set called also point of accumulation

lim·i·trophe ['li-mə-,trōf, -,trȯf] -adj

  1. situated on a border or frontier : adjacent
    • the area limitrophe to the river

lim·mer ['li-mər] -n

  1. scoundrel
  2. prostitute

limn ['lim] -vt, n

  1. to draw or paint on a surface
  2. to outline in clear sharp detail : delineate
  3. describe
    • the novel limn s the frontier life of the settlers

lim·net·ic [lim-'ne-tik] -adj

  1. of, relating to, or inhabiting the open water of a body of freshwater
    • limnetic environment

lim·nol·o·gy [lim-'nä-lə-jē] -n, adj

  1. the scientific study of bodies of freshwater (as lakes)

limo ['li-(,)mō] -n

  1. limousine

Li·moges [li-'mōzh] -n

  1. enamelware or porcelain made at Limoges

lim·o·nene ['li-mə-,nēn] -n

  1. a widely distributed terpene hydrocarbon C 10H 16that occurs in essential oils (as of oranges or lemons) and has a lemon odor

li·mo·nite ['lī-mə-,nīt] -n, adj

  1. a native hydrous ferric oxide of variable composition that is an ore of iron

Lim·ou·sin [li-'mü-sin, 'li-mə-,zēn, lē-mü-'zaⁿ] -n

  1. any of a French breed of medium-sized yellowish-red cattle bred esp. for meat

lim·ou·sine ['li-mə-,zēn, ,li-mə-'] -n

  1. a large luxurious often chauffeur-driven sedan that usu. has a glass partition separating the driver's seat from the passenger compartment
  2. a large vehicle for transporting passengers to and from an airport

limousine liberal -n

  1. a wealthy political liberal

limp ['limp] -vi, n

  1. to walk lamely
  2. to walk favoring one leg
  3. to go unsteadily : falter
  4. to proceed slowly or with difficulty
    • the ship limp ed back to port
  5. a limping movement or gait
  6. lacking firm texture, substance, or structure
    • limp curtains
    • her hair hung limp about her shoulders
  7. not stiff or rigid
    • a book in a limp binding
  8. weary, exhausted
    • limp with fatigue
  9. lacking in strength, vigor, or firmness : spiritless

lim·pa ['lim-pə] -n

  1. rye bread made with molasses or brown sugar

lim·pet ['lim-pət] -n

  1. a marine gastropod mollusk (esp. families Acmaeidae and Patellidae) that has a low conical shell broadly open beneath, browses over rocks or timbers in the littoral area, and clings very tightly when disturbed
  2. one that clings tenaciously to someone or something
  3. an explosive device designed to cling magnetically to a metallic surface (as the hull of a ship)

lim·pid ['lim-pəd] -adj, n, adv

  1. marked by transparency : pellucid
    • limpid streams
  2. clear and simple in style
    • limpid prose
  3. absolutely serene and untroubled

limp·kin ['lim(p)-kən] -n

  1. a large brown wading bird ( Aramus guarauna) of southern Georgia, Florida, and Central and So. America that resembles a bittern but has a longer slightly curved bill, longer neck and legs, and white stripes on head and neck

limpwrist·ed ['limp-,ris-təd] -adj

  1. effeminate
  2. weak

lim·u·lus ['lim-yə-ləs] -n

  1. horseshoe crab

limy ['lī-mē] -adj

  1. smeared with or consisting of lime : viscous
  2. containing lime or limestone
  3. resembling or having the qualities of lime

lin -abbr

  1. lineal; linear

lin·ac ['li-,nak] -n

  1. linear accelerator

lin·age ['lī-nij] -n

  1. the number of lines of printed or written matter

lin·al·o·ol [lə-'na-lə-,wȯl, lī-, -,wōl] -n

  1. a fragrant liquid alcohol C 10H 18O that occurs both free and in the form of esters in many essential oils and is used in perfumes, soaps, and flavoring materials

linch·pin ['linch-,pin] -n

  1. a locking pin inserted crosswise (as through the end of an axle or shaft)
  2. one that serves to hold together parts or elements that exist or function as a unit
    • the linchpin in the defense's case

Lin·coln ['liŋ-kən] -n

  1. any of an English breed of long-wooled mutton-type sheep

Lin·coln·i·a·na [(,)liŋ-,kō-nē-'ä-nə, -'a-nə, -'ā-nə] -n pl

  1. materials relating to Abraham Lincoln

Lincoln's Birthday ['liŋ-kənz-] -n

  1. February 12 observed as a legal holiday in many states of the U.S.
  2. the first Monday in February observed as a legal holiday by some states of the U.S.

lin·co·my·cin [,liŋ-kə-'mī-sᵊn] -n

  1. an antibiotic C 18H 34N 2O 6S obtained from an actinomycete ( Streptomyces lincolnensis)and effective esp. against gram-positive bacteria

Lincs -abbr

  1. Lincolnshire

lin·dane ['lin-,dān] -n

  1. a persistent organochlorine insecticide that consists chiefly of the gamma isomer of BHC

lin·den ['lin-dən] -n

  1. : any of a genus ( Tiliaof the family Tiliaceae, the linden family) of deciduous trees of temperate regions that have cordate leaves and a winglike bract attached to the peduncle of the flower and fruit and that are often planted as ornamental and shade trees: as
  2. a commonly cultivated European tree ( T. europaeasyn. T. vulgaris) much used for ornamental planting
  3. a tree ( T. americana) chiefly of the central and eastern U.S. called also basswood
  4. the light fine-grained white wood of a linden
  5. basswood

Lin·dy ['lin-dē] -n

  1. a jitterbug dance originating in Harlem and later developing many local variants called also Lindy Hop

line ['līn] -n, adj

  1. : a length of cord or cord-like material: as
  2. a comparatively strong slender cord
  3. clothesline
  4. a rope used on shipboard
  5. a device for catching fish consisting of a cord with hooks and other fishing gear
  6. scope for activity : rope
  7. a length of material used in measuring and leveling
  8. piping for conveying a fluid (as steam)
  9. a narrow short synthetic tube that is inserted approximately one inch into a vein (as of the arm) to provide temporary intravenous access for the administration of fluid, medication, or nutrients
  10. a wire or pair of wires connecting one telegraph or telephone station with another or a whole system of such wires
  11. any circuit in an electronic communication system
  12. a telephone connection
    • tried to get a line
  13. an individual telephone extension
    • a call on line 2
  14. the principal circuits of an electric power system
  15. a horizontal row of written or printed characters
  16. a blank row in lieu of such characters
  17. a unit in the rhythmic structure of verse formed by the grouping of a number of the smallest units of the rhythm (as metrical feet)
  18. a distinct segment of a computer program containing a single command or a small number of commands
  19. a short letter : note
  20. a certificate of marriage
  21. the words making up a part in a drama usu. used in pl.
  22. any of the successive horizontal rows of picture elements on the screen of a cathode-ray tube (as a television screen)
  23. something (as a ridge or seam) that is distinct, elongated, and narrow
  24. a narrow crease (as on the face) : wrinkle
  25. the course or direction of something in motion : route
  26. a state of agreement or conformity : accordance
  27. a state of order, control, or obedience
    • wouldn't let them get out of line
  28. a boundary of an area
    • the state line
  29. distinction2
    • the fine line between love and hate
  30. the track and roadbed of a railway
  31. an amount of cocaine that is arranged in a line to be inhaled through the nose
  32. a course of conduct, action, or thought
  33. an official or public position
    • the party line
  34. a field of activity or interest
  35. a glib often persuasive way of talking
  36. limit, restraint
  37. position in life : lot
  38. family, lineage
  39. a strain produced and maintained esp. by selective breeding or biological culture
  40. a chronological series
  41. dispositions made to cover extended military positions and presenting a front to the enemy usu. used in pl.
  42. a military formation in which the different elements are abreast of each other
  43. naval ships arranged in a regular order
  44. the combatant forces of an army distinguished from the staff corps and supply services
  45. the force of a regular navy
  46. officers of the navy eligible for command at sea distinguished from officers of the staff
  47. officers of the army belonging to a combatant branch
  48. an arrangement or placement of persons or objects of one kind in an orderly series
    • a line of trees
    • stand on line
    • waiting in line
  49. the persons or objects so positioned
    • the line moved slowly at the bank
  50. a group of public conveyances plying regularly under one management over a route
  51. a system of transportation together with its equipment, routes, and appurtenances
  52. the company owning or operating it
  53. a succession of musical notes esp. considered in melodic phrases
  54. an arrangement of operations in manufacturing permitting sequential occurrence on various stages of production
  55. the personnel of an organization that are responsible for its stated objective
  56. the seven players including center, two guards, two tackles, and two ends who in offensive football play line up on or within one foot of the line of scrimmage
  57. the players who in defensive play line up within one yard of the line of scrimmage
  58. a group of three players including a left winger, center, and right winger who play together as a unit in hockey
  59. : a narrow elongated mark drawn or projected: as
  60. a circle of latitude or longitude on a map
  61. equator
  62. a mark (as on a map) recording a boundary, division, or contour
  63. any of the horizontal parallel strokes on a music staff on or between which notes are placed
  64. a mark (as by pencil) that forms part of the formal design of a picture distinguished from the shading or color
  65. a division on a bridge score dividing the score for bonuses from that for tricks
  66. a demarcation of a limit with reference to which the playing of some game or sport is regulated usu. used in combination
  67. a marked or imaginary line across a playing area (as a football field) parallel to the end line
  68. line of scrimmage
  69. a straight or curved geometric element that is generated by a moving point and that has extension only along the path of the point : curve
  70. a defining outline : contour
  71. a general plan : model usu. used in pl.
  72. pica used to indicate the size of large type
  73. the unit of fineness of halftones expressed as the number of screen lines to the linear inch
  74. merchandise or services of the same general class for sale or regularly available
  75. a source of information : insight
  76. betting odds offered by a bookmaker esp. on a sporting event
  77. a complete game of 10 frames in bowling called also string
  78. line drive
  79. to mark or cover with a line or lines
    • lined paper
  80. to depict with lines : draw
  81. to place or form a line along
    • pedestrians line the walks
  82. to form into a line or lines : align
    • line up troops
  83. to hit (as a baseball) hard and in a usu. straight line
  84. to hit a line drive in baseball
  85. to come into the correct relative position : align
  86. to cover the inner surface of
    • line a cloak with silk
  87. to put something in the inside of : fill
  88. to serve as the lining of
    • tapestries lined the walls
  89. fortify

lin·e·age ['li-nē-ij also 'li-nij] -n

  1. descent in a line from a common progenitor
  2. derivation
  3. a group of individuals tracing descent from a common ancestor
  4. such a group of persons whose common ancestor is regarded as its founder

lineage ['lī-nij] -n

(variant of linage)

  1. the number of lines of printed or written matter

lin·e·al ['li-nē-əl] -adj, n, adv

  1. linear
  2. composed of or arranged in lines
  3. consisting of or being in a direct male or female line of ancestry
  4. relating to or derived from ancestors : hereditary
  5. descended in a direct line
  6. belonging to one lineage
    • lineal relatives
  7. of, relating to, or dealing with a lineage

lin·e·a·ment ['li-nē-ə-mənt] -n, adj

  1. an outline, feature, or contour of a body or figure and esp. of a face usu. used in pl.
  2. a linear topographic feature (as of the earth) that reveals a characteristic (as a fault or the subsurface structure)
  3. a distinguishing or characteristic feature usu. used in pl.

lin·e·ar ['li-nē-ər] -adj, n, adv

  1. of, relating to, resembling, or having a graph that is a line and esp. a straight line : straight
  2. involving a single dimension
  3. of the first degree with respect to one or more variables
  4. of, relating to, based on, or being linear equations, linear differential equations, linear functions, linear transformations, or linear algebra
  5. characterized by an emphasis on line
    • linear art
  6. composed of simply drawn lines with little attempt at pictorial representation
    • linear script
  7. consisting of a straight chain of atoms
  8. elongated with nearly parallel sides
    • linear leaf
  9. having or being a response or output that is directly proportional to the input
  10. of, relating to, or based or depending on sequential development
    • linear thinking
    • a linear narrative

Linear A [-'ā] -n

  1. a linear form of writing used in Crete from the 18th to the 15th centuries b.c.

linear accelerator -n

  1. a device in which charged particles are accelerated in a straight line by successive impulses from a series of electric fields

linear algebra -n

  1. a branch of mathematics that is concerned with mathematical structures closed under the operations of addition and scalar multiplication and that includes the theory of systems of linear equations, matrices, determinants, vector spaces, and linear transformations

Linear B [-'bē] -n

  1. a linear form of writing employing syllabic characters and used at Knossos on Crete and on the Greek mainland from the 15th to the 12th centuries b.c.for documents in Mycenaean Greek

linear combination -n

  1. a mathematical entity (as 4 x 5 y 6 z) which is composed of sums and differences of elements (as variables, matrices, or functions) esp. when the coefficients are not all zero

linear dependence -n, adj

  1. the property of one set (as of matrices or vectors) having at least one linear combination of its elements equal to zero when the coefficients are taken from another given set and at least one of its coefficients is not equal to zero

linear equation -n

  1. an equation of the first degree in any number of variables

linear function -n

  1. a mathematical function in which the variables appear only in the first degree, are multiplied by constants, and are combined only by addition and subtraction
  2. linear transformation

linear independence -n, adj

  1. the property of a set (as of matrices or vectors) having no linear combination of all its elements equal to zero when coefficients are taken from a given set unless the coefficient of each element is zero

linear interpolation -n

  1. estimation of a function (as a logarithm) by assuming that it is a straight line between known values

lin·e·ar·ise ['li-nē-ə-,rīz] -vt, n

(variant of linearize)

  1. to give a linear form to
  2. to project in linear form

lin·e·ar·ize ['li-nē-ə-,rīz] -vt, n

  1. to give a linear form to
  2. to project in linear form

linear measure -n

  1. a measure of length
  2. a system of measures of length

linear motor -n

  1. a motor that produces thrust in a straight line by direct induction rather than with the use of gears called also linear induction motor

linear perspective -n

  1. perspective

linear programming -n

  1. a mathematical method of solving practical problems (as the allocation of resources) by means of linear functions where the variables involved are subject to constraints

linear regression -n

  1. the process of finding a straight line (as by least squares) that best approximates a set of points on a graph

linear space -n

  1. vector space

linear transformation -n

  1. a transformation in which the new variables are linear functions of the old variables
  2. a function that maps the vectors of one vector space onto the vectors of the same or another vector space with the same field of scalars in such a way that the image of the sum of two vectors equals the sum of their images and the image of the product of a scalar and a vector equals the product of the scalar and the image of the vector

lin·e·a·tion [,li-nē-'ā-shən] -n

  1. the action of marking with lines : delineation
  2. outline
  3. an arrangement of lines

line·back·er ['līn-,ba-kər] -n

  1. a defensive football player who lines up immediately behind the line of scrimmage to make tackles on running plays through the line or defend against short passes

line·back·ing [-,ba-kiŋ] -n

  1. the action or art of playing linebacker

line·breed·ing [-,brē-diŋ] -n, adj

  1. the interbreeding of individuals within a particular line of descent usu. to perpetuate desirable characters

line·cast·er [-,kas-tər] -n

  1. a machine that casts metal type in lines

line·cut ['līn-,kət] -n

  1. a photoengraving of a line drawing

line dance -n

  1. contredanse
  2. a dance performed by a group usu. in single file
  3. a dance in which the dancers stand in ranks while performing a particular set of steps in unison

line drawing -n

  1. a drawing made in solid lines

line drive -n

  1. a batted baseball hit in a nearly straight line usu. not far above the ground

line engraving -n

  1. an engraving cut by hand directly in the plate

line graph -n

  1. a graph in which points representing values of a variable for suitable values of an independent variable are connected by a broken line

linehaul ['līn-,hȯl] -n

  1. the transporting of items or persons between terminals

line item ['līn-'ī-təm] -n, adj

  1. an appropriation that is itemized on a separate line in a budget

lineitem veto -n

  1. the power of a government executive to veto specific items in an appropriations bill without vetoing the bill altogether

line judge -n

  1. a football linesman whose duties include keeping track of the official time for the game

line·man ['līn-mən] -n

  1. one who sets up or repairs electric wire communication or power lines called also linesman
  2. a player in the forward line of a team
  3. a football player in the line

lin·en ['li-nən] -adj

  1. made of flax
  2. made of or resembling linen

linen -n

  1. cloth made of flax and noted for its strength, coolness, and luster
  2. thread or yarn spun from flax
  3. clothing or household articles made of linen cloth or similar fabric
  4. paper made from linen fibers or with a linen finish

line of credit

  1. the maximum credit allowed a buyer or borrower
  2. an agreement providing credit up to a certain amount

line of duty

  1. all that is authorized, required, or normally associated with some field of responsibility

line officer -n

  1. a commissioned officer assigned to the line of the army or navy

line of force

  1. a line in a field of force (as a magnetic or electric field) whose tangent at any point gives the direction of the field at that point

line of scrimmage

  1. an imaginary line in football that is parallel to the goal lines and tangent to the nose of the ball laid on the ground and marks the position of the ball at the start of each down

line of sight

  1. a line from an observer's eye to a distant point
  2. the line between two points
  3. the straight path between a transmitting antenna (as for radio or television signals) and a receiving antenna when unobstructed by the horizon

line out -vt

  1. to indicate with or as if with lines : outline
    • line out a route
  2. to arrange in an extended line
  3. belt
    • line out a song
  4. to move rapidly
    • lined out for home
  5. to make an out by hitting a baseball in a line drive that is caught

line printer -n

  1. a high-speed printing device (as for a computer) that prints each line as a unit rather than character by character

lin·er ['lī-nər] -n

  1. one that makes, draws, or uses lines
  2. a ship belonging to a regular line
  3. an airplane belonging to an airline
  4. line drive
  5. something with which lines are made

liner [-ləs] -n, adj

  1. one that lines or is used to line or back something
  2. jacket

li·ner·board ['lī-nər-,bȯrd] -n

  1. a thin cardboard used for the flat facings of corrugated containerboard

liner notes -n pl

  1. comments or explanatory notes about a recording printed on the jacket or an insert

line score -n

  1. a score of a baseball game giving the runs, hits, and errors made by each team

lines·man ['līnz-mən] -n

  1. lineman
  2. an official who assists a referee (as in football or hockey) esp. in determining if a ball, puck, or player is out-of-bounds or offside

line squall -n

  1. a squall or thunderstorm occurring along a cold front

line storm -n

  1. an equinoctial storm

line·up ['lī-,nəp] -n

  1. a list of players taking part in a game (as of baseball)
  2. the players on such a list
  3. an alignment (as in entertainment or politics) of persons or things having a common purpose, distinction, or bond
    • the show's star-studded lineup
  4. line
  5. a television programming schedule
  6. a line of persons arranged esp. for inspection or for identification by police

line up -vi

  1. to assume an orderly linear arrangement
    • line up for inspection
  2. to align oneself
    • he lined up with the liberals against the bill
  3. to put into alignment
  4. to arrange for
    • line up support for a candidate

ling ['liŋ] -n

  1. any of various fishes (as a hake or burbot) of the cod family
  2. lingcod
  3. a heath plant
  4. a common Old World heather ( Calluna vulgaris)

Lin·ga·la [liŋ-'gä-lə] -n

  1. a Bantu language widely used in trade and public affairs in the Congo River area

lin·gam ['liŋ-gəm] -n

  1. a stylized phallic symbol that is worshipped in Hinduism as a sign of generative power and that represents the god Shiva

Lin·ga·yat [liŋ-'gä-yət] -n

  1. a member of a Saiva sect of southern India marked by wearing of the lingam and characterized by denial of caste distinctions

ling·cod ['liŋ-,käd] -n

  1. a large often greenish-fleshed fish ( Ophiodon elongatus) of the Pacific coast of No. America that is an important food and sport fish and belongs to the same family as the greenlings

lin·ger ['liŋ-gər] -vb, n, adv

  1. to be slow in parting or in quitting something : tarry
    • fans linger ed outside the door
  2. to remain alive although gradually dying
  3. to remain existent although often waning in strength, importance, or influence
    • linger ing doubts
    • linger ing odors
  4. to be slow to act : procrastinate
  5. to move slowly : saunter
  6. delay
  7. to pass (as a period of time) slowly

lin·ge·rie [,län-jə-'rā, ,läⁿ-zhə-, -'rē; 'laⁿ-zhə-(,)rē, 'län-jə-, 'läⁿ-zhə-, -,rā] -n, adj

  1. linen articles or garments
  2. women's intimate apparel

lin·go ['liŋ-(,)gō] -n

  1. : strange or incomprehensible language or speech: as
  2. a foreign language
  3. the special vocabulary of a particular field of interest
  4. language characteristic of an individual

ling·on·ber·ry ['liŋ-ən-,ber-ē] -n

  1. the fruit of the mountain cranberry
  2. mountain cranberry

lin·gua ['liŋ-gwə] -n

  1. a tongue or an organ resembling a tongue

lin·gua fran·ca ['liŋ-gwə-'fraŋ-kə] -n

  1. a common language consisting of Italian mixed with French, Spanish, Greek, and Arabic that was formerly spoken in Mediterranean ports
  2. any of various languages used as common or commercial tongues among peoples of diverse speech
  3. something resembling a common language
    • movies are the lingua franca of the twentieth century -- Gore Vidal

lin·gual ['liŋ-gwəl also 'liŋ-gyə-wəl] -adj, adv

  1. of, relating to, or resembling the tongue
  2. lying near or next to the tongue
  3. relating to or being the surface of tooth next to the tongue
  4. produced by the tongue
  5. linguistic

lin·gui·ca [liŋ-'gwē-sə] -n

  1. a spicy Portuguese sausage

lin·gui·ne [liŋ-'gwē-nē] -n

  1. narrow flat pasta

lin·guist ['liŋ-gwist] -n

  1. a person accomplished in languages
  2. one who speaks several languages
  3. a person who specializes in linguistics

lin·guis·tic [liŋ-'gwis-tik] -adj, adv

  1. of or relating to language or linguistics

linguistic atlas -n

  1. a publication containing a set of maps on which speech variations are recorded called also dialect atlas

linguistic form -n

  1. a meaningful unit of speech (as a morpheme, word, or sentence) called also speech form

linguistic geography -n

  1. local or regional variations of a language or dialect studied as a field of knowledge called also dialect geography

lin·guis·ti·cian [,liŋ-gwə-'sti-shən] -n

  1. linguist

lin·guis·tics [liŋ-'gwis-tiks] -n pl but sing in constr

  1. the study of human speech including the units, nature, structure, and modification of language

lin·i·ment ['li-nə-mənt] -n

  1. a liquid or semiliquid preparation that is applied to the skin as an anodyne or a counterirritant

lin·ing ['lī-niŋ] -n

  1. material that lines or that is used to line esp. the inner surface of something (as a garment)
  2. the act or process of providing something with a lining

link ['liŋk] -n

  1. : a connecting structure: as
  2. a single ring or division of a chain
  3. one of the standardized divisions of a surveyor's chain that is 7.92 inches (20.1 centimeters) long and serves as a measure of length
  4. cuff link
  5. bond
  6. an intermediate rod or piece for transmitting force or motion
  7. a short connecting rod with a hole or pin at each end
  8. the fusible member of an electrical fuse
  9. : something analogous to a link of chain: as
  10. a segment of sausage in a chain
  11. a connecting element or factor
    • found a link between smoking and cancer
  12. a unit in a communication system
  13. an identifier attached to an element (as an index term) in a system in order to indicate or permit connection with other similarly identified elements
  14. one (as a hyperlink) in a computer file
  15. to couple or connect by or as if by a link
  16. to become connected by or as if by a link often used with up
    • the band link ed up with a new record label
  17. a torch formerly used to light a person's way through the streets
  18. to skip smartly along

link·age ['liŋ-kij] -n

  1. : the manner or style of being united: as
  2. the manner in which atoms or radicals are linked in a molecule
  3. bond
  4. the quality or state of being linked
  5. the relationship between genes on the same chromosome that causes them to be inherited together
  6. a system of links
  7. a system of links or bars which are jointed together and more or less constrained by having a link or links fixed and by means of which straight or nearly straight lines or other point paths may be traced
  8. link
  9. the tactic in diplomatic negotiations of linking often unrelated issues so that progress in one area is dependent on agreement in another

linkage group -n

  1. a set of linked genes at different loci on the same chromosome

link·boy ['liŋk-,bȯi] -n

  1. an attendant formerly employed to bear a light for a person on the streets at night

linked ['liŋ(k)t] -adj

  1. marked by linkage and esp. genetic linkage
    • linked genes
  2. having or provided with links
    • a linked list

linking verb -n

  1. a word or expression (as a form of be, become, feel,or seem) that links a subject with its predicate

link·man ['liŋk-mən] -n

  1. linkboy
  2. a broadcasting moderator or anchorman

links ['liŋ(k)s] -n pl

  1. sand hills esp. along the seashore
  2. golf course
  3. a golf course on linksland

links·land ['liŋ(k)s-,land] -n

  1. seaside terrain that is characterized by rolling hills of sand and is often used as the site of golf courses

links·man ['liŋ(k)s-mən] -n

  1. one who plays golf

link·up ['liŋ-,kəp] -n

  1. establishment of contact : meeting
    • the linkup of two spacecraft
  2. something that serves as a linking device or factor
  3. a functional whole resulting from the linking up of separate elements
    • an instructional TV linkup

linn ['lin] -n

  1. waterfall
  2. precipice

Lin·nae·an [lə-'nē-ən, -'nā-; 'li-nē-] -adj

  1. of, relating to, or following the systematic methods of the Swedish botanist Linnaeus who established the system of binomial nomenclature

lin·net ['li-nət] -n

  1. a common small brownish Old World finch ( Acanthis cannabina) of which the male has red on the breast and crown during breeding season

li·no ['lī-(,)nō] -n

  1. linoleum

li·no·cut ['lī-nō-,kət] -n

  1. a print made from a design cut into a mounted piece of linoleum

li·no·le·ate [lə-'nō-lē-,āt] -n

  1. a salt or ester of linoleic acid

lin·o·le·ic acid [,li-nə-'lē-ik-, -'lā-] -n

  1. a liquid unsaturated fatty acid C 18H 32O 2found esp. in semidrying oils (as corn oil) and essential for the nutrition of some animals

lin·o·le·nic acid [-'lē-nik-, -'lā-] -n

  1. a liquid unsaturated fatty acid C 18H 30O 2found esp. in drying oils (as linseed oil) and essential for the nutrition of some animals

li·no·leum [lə-'nō-lē-əm, -'nōl-yəm] -n

  1. a floor covering made by laying on a burlap or canvas backing a mixture of solidified linseed oil with gums, cork dust or wood flour or both, and usu. pigments
  2. a material similar to linoleum

Li·no·type ['lī-nə-,tīp] -trademark

  1. used for a typesetting machine that produces each line of type in the form of a solid metal slug

lin·sang ['lin-,saŋ] -n

  1. either of two small nocturnal chiefly forest-dwelling viverrid Asian mammals ( Prionodon pardicolorand P. linsang) having an elongated slender muzzle and long tail
  2. a related mammal ( Poiana richardsoni) of Africa

lin·seed ['lin-,sēd] -n

  1. flaxseed

linseed oil -n

  1. a yellowish drying oil obtained from flaxseed and used esp. in paint, varnish, printing ink, and linoleum

lin·seywool·sey [,lin-zē-'wu̇l-zē] -n

  1. a coarse sturdy fabric of wool and linen or cotton

lin·stock ['lin-,stäk] -n

  1. a staff having a pointed foot (as for sticking into the ground) and a forked tip and formerly used to hold a lighted match for firing cannon

lint ['lint] -n, adj

  1. a soft fleecy material made from linen usu. by scraping
  2. fuzz consisting esp. of fine ravelings and short fibers of yarn and fabric
  3. a fibrous coat of thick convoluted hairs borne by cotton seeds that yields the cotton staple

lin·tel ['lin-tᵊl] -n

  1. a horizontal architectural member spanning and usu. carrying the load above an opening

lint·er ['lin-tər] -n

  1. a machine for removing linters
  2. the fuzz of short fibers that adheres to cottonseed after ginning

lint·white ['lint-,hwīt, -,wīt] -n

  1. linnet

linz·er torte ['lin(t)-sər-, 'lin-zər-] -n

  1. a baked buttery torte made with chopped almonds, sugar, and spices and filled with jam or preserves

li·on ['lī-ən] -n, adj

  1. a large heavily built social cat ( Panthera leo) of open or rocky areas chiefly of sub-Saharan Africa though once widely distributed throughout Africa and southern Asia that has a tawny body with a tufted tail and a shaggy blackish or dark brown mane in the male
  2. any of several large wildcats
  3. cougar
  4. leo
  5. a person felt to resemble a lion (as in courage or ferocity)
  6. a person of outstanding interest or importance
    • a literary lion
  7. a member of a major national and international service club

li·on·ess ['lī-ə-nəs] -n

  1. a female lion

li·on·fish ['lī-ən-,fish] -n

  1. any of several scorpaenid fishes (genus Pterois) of the Indian Ocean and the tropical Pacific that are brilliantly striped and barred with elongated fins and venomous dorsal spines

li·on·heart·ed ['lī-ən-,här-təd] -adj

  1. courageous, brave

li·on·ise ['lī-ə-,nīz] -vt, n

(variant of lionize)

  1. to treat as an object of great interest or importance
  2. to show the sights of a place to

li·on·ize ['lī-ə-,nīz] -vt, n

  1. to treat as an object of great interest or importance
  2. to show the sights of a place to

lion's den -n

  1. a place or state of extreme disadvantage, antagonism, or hostility
    • a young reporter thrown into the lion's den

lion's share -n

  1. the largest portion
    • received the lion's share of the research money

lip ['lip] -n, adj

  1. either of two fleshy folds that surround the mouth in humans and many other vertebrates and are organs of human speech essential to certain articulations
  2. the red or pinkish margin of the human lip
  3. back talk
  4. a fleshy edge or margin (as of a wound)
  5. labium
  6. labellum
  7. a limb of a labiate corolla
  8. the edge of a hollow vessel or cavity
  9. : a projecting edge: as
  10. the beveled upper edge of the mouth of an organ flue pipe
  11. the sharp cutting edge on the end of a tool (as an auger)
  12. a short spout (as on a pitcher)
  13. edge
  14. embouchure
  15. insincere
    • lip praise
  16. produced with the participation of the lips : labial
    • lip consonants
  17. to touch with the lips
  18. kiss
  19. utter
  20. to lap against : lick
  21. to hit (a putt) so that the ball hits the edge of the cup but fails to drop in usu. used with out
  22. to hit the edge of the cup without dropping in used with out
    • the putt lipped out

lip- -comb form

  1. fat : fatty tissue : fatty
    • lip oid
    • lipo protein

li·pa ['lē-,pä, -pə] -n

  1. see kuna at

li·pase ['lī-,pās, -,pāz] -n

  1. an enzyme that hydrolyzes glycerides

lip·id ['li-pəd] -n, adj

  1. any of various substances that are soluble in nonpolar organic solvents (as chloroform and ether), that are usu. insoluble in water, that with proteins and carbohydrates constitute the principal structural components of living cells, and that include fats, waxes, phosphatides, cerebrosides, and related and derived compounds

Lip·i·tor ['li-pə-tȯr] -trademark

  1. used for a preparation of atorvastatin

Lip·iz·zan [,li-pət-'sän] -n

  1. any of a breed of spirited horses developed from Spanish, Italian, Danish, and Arab stock that are usu. born with a dark coat that lightens to white with age

liplock ['lip-, läk] -n

  1. a long amorous kiss

li·po·gen·e·sis [,lī-pə-'je-nə-səs] -n

  1. the formation of fat
  2. the formation of fatty acids from acetyl coenzyme A in the living body and esp. in adipose tissue and the liver

li·po·ic acid [lī-'pō-ik-, li-] -n

  1. any of several microbial growth factors
  2. a fatty acid C 8H 14O 2S 2that is essential for the oxidation of alpha-keto acids (as pyruvic acid) in metabolism

li·poid ['lī-,pȯid, 'li-] -adj

  1. resembling fat

lipoid -n

  1. lipid

li·pol·y·sis [lī-'pä-lə-səs, li-] -n, adj

  1. the hydrolysis of fat

li·po·ma [lī-'pō-mə, li-] -n, adj

  1. a tumor of fatty tissue

li·po·phil·ic [,lī-pə-'fi-lik, ,li-] -adj

  1. having an affinity for lipids (as fats)
    • a lipophilic metabolite

li·po·poly·sac·cha·ride [,lī-pō-,pä-li-'sa-kə-,rīd, ,li-] -n

  1. a large molecule consisting of lipids and sugars joined by chemical bonds

li·po·pro·tein [-'prō-,tēn, -'prō-tē-ən] -n

  1. a conjugated protein that is a complex of protein and lipid

li·po·some ['lī-pə-,sōm, 'li-] -n, adj

  1. an artificial vesicle composed of one or more concentric phospholipid bilayers and used esp. to deliver microscopic substances (as drugs or DNA) to body cells

li·po·suc·tion ['li-pə-,sək-shən, 'lī-] -n

  1. surgical removal of local fat deposits (as in the thighs) esp. for cosmetic purposes

li·po·tro·pic [,lī-pō-'trō-pik, ,li-, -'trä-] -adj

  1. promoting the physiological utilization of fat
    • lipotropic dietary factors

li·po·tro·pin [-'trō-pən] -n

  1. either of two protein hormones of the pituitary gland that function in the mobilization of fat reserves

lipped ['lipt] -adj

  1. having a lip or lips esp. of a specified kind or number often used in combination
    • tight- lipped

lip·pen ['li-pən] -vb

  1. trust, rely
  2. entrust

Lippes loop ['li-pəs-, -pēz-] -n

  1. an S-shaped plastic intrauterine device

lipping -n

  1. outgrowth of bone in liplike form at a joint margin
  2. a piece of wood set in an archer's bow where a flaw has been cut out
  3. embouchure

lip·py ['li-pē] -adj

  1. given to back talk

lipread ['lip-,rēd] -vb, n

  1. to understand by lipreading
  2. to use lipreading

lipreading -n

  1. the interpreting of speech by watching the speaker's lip and facial movements without hearing the voice

lip service -n

  1. an avowal of advocacy, adherence, or allegiance expressed in words but not backed by deeds usu. used with pay

lip·stick ['lip-,stik] -n, adj

  1. a waxy solid usu. colored cosmetic in stick form for the lips
  2. a stick of such cosmetic with its case

lipsynch ['lip-,siŋk] -vt, n

  1. to pretend to sing or say in synchronization with recorded sound
  2. to lip-synch something

liq -abbr

  1. liquid
  2. liquor

li·quate ['lī-,kwāt] -vt, n

  1. to cause (a more fusible substance) to separate out of a combination or mixture by the application of heat
    • liquate lead from its ore

liq·ue·fac·tion [,li-kwə-'fak-shən] -n

  1. the process of making or becoming liquid
  2. the state of being liquid
  3. conversion of soil into a fluidlike mass during an earthquake or other seismic event

liquefied petroleum gas -n

  1. a compressed gas that consists of flammable hydrocarbons (as propane and butane) and is used esp. as fuel or as raw material for chemical synthesis

liq·ue·fy ['li-kwə-,fī] -vb, n

  1. to reduce to a liquid state
  2. to become liquid

li·ques·cent [li-'kwe-sᵊnt] -adj

  1. being or tending to become liquid : melting

li·queur [li-'kər, -'ku̇r, -'kyu̇r] -n

  1. a usu. sweetened alcoholic liquor (as brandy) flavored with fruit, spices, nuts, herbs, or seeds

liq·uid ['li-kwəd] -adj, n, adv

  1. flowing freely like water
  2. having the properties of a liquid : being neither solid nor gaseous
  3. shining and clear
    • large liquid eyes
  4. being musical and free of harshness in sound
  5. smooth and unconstrained in movement
  6. articulated without friction and capable of being prolonged like a vowel
    • a liquid consonant
  7. consisting of or capable of ready conversion into cash
    • liquid assets
  8. capable of covering current liabilities quickly with current assets

liquid -n

  1. a liquid consonant
  2. a fluid (as water) that has no independent shape but has a definite volume and does not expand indefinitely and that is only slightly compressible

liq·uid·am·bar [,li-kwə-'dam-bər] -n

  1. storax
  2. any of a genus ( Liquidambar) of deciduous No. American and Asian trees (as the sweet gum) of the witch-hazel family with monoecious flowers and a spiny globose fruit composed of many woody capsules each having two carpels

liq·ui·date ['li-kwə-,dāt] -vb, n

  1. to determine by agreement or by litigation the precise amount of (indebtedness, damages, or accounts)
  2. to determine the liabilities and apportion assets toward discharging the indebtedness of
  3. to settle (a debt) by payment or other settlement
  4. to make clear
  5. to do away with
  6. to convert (assets) into cash
  7. to liquidate debts, damages, or accounts
  8. to determine liabilities and apportion assets toward discharging indebtedness

liq·ui·da·tor ['li-kwə-,dā-tər] -n

  1. one that liquidates
  2. an individual appointed by law to liquidate assets

liquid crystal -n

  1. an organic liquid whose physical properties resemble those of a crystal in the formation of loosely ordered molecular arrays similar to a regular crystalline lattice and the anisotropic refraction of light

liquid crystal display -n

  1. lcd

liq·uid·ize ['li-kwə-,dīz] -vt

  1. to cause to be liquid

liquid measure -n

  1. a unit or series of units for measuring liquid capacity

li·quor ['li-kər] -n

  1. : a liquid substance: as
  2. a usu. distilled rather than fermented alcoholic beverage
  3. a watery solution of a drug
  4. bath

liquor ['li-k(ə-)riŋ] -vb

  1. to dress (as leather) with oil or grease
  2. to make drunk with alcoholic liquor usu. used with up
  3. to drink alcoholic liquor esp. to excess usu. used with up

li·quo·rice ['li-k(ə-)rish, -k(ə-)rəs] -n

(variant of licorice)

  1. the dried root of a European leguminous plant ( Glycyrrhiza glabra) with pinnate leaves and spikes of blue flowers
  2. an extract of this used esp. in medicine, liquors, and confectionery
  3. a candy flavored with licorice or a substitute (as anise)
  4. a plant yielding licorice
  5. a related plant

li·ra ['lir-ə, 'lē-rə] -n

  1. the basic monetary unit of Italy until 2002
  2. the former Israeli pound
  3. the basic monetary unit of Malta until 2008

li·ri·ope [lə-'rī-ə-(,)pē] -n

  1. any of a genus ( Liriope) of stemless Asian herbs of the lily family that are widely cultivated as ground cover for their grasslike leaves and small white, blue, or violet flowers

lir·i·pipe ['lir-ə-,pīp] -n

  1. a pendent part of a tippet
  2. tippet, scarf

lisente ['sen-tē] -n

(variant of sente)

  1. see loti at

lisle ['lī(-ə)l] -n

  1. a smooth tightly twisted thread usu. made of long-staple cotton

lisp ['lisp] -vb, n

  1. to pronounce the sibilants s and z imperfectly esp. by turning them into th and
  2. to speak falteringly, childishly, or with a lisp
  3. to utter falteringly or with a lisp
  4. a speech defect or affectation characterized by lisping
  5. a sound resembling a lisp

LISP ['lisp] -n

  1. a computer programming language that is designed for easy manipulation of data strings and is used extensively for work in artificial intelligence

lis·some ['li-səm] -adj, adv, n

  1. easily flexed
  2. lithe
  3. nimble

list ['list] -vb

  1. please, suit
  2. wish, choose
  3. inclination, craving
  4. listen
  5. to listen to : hear
  6. : a band or strip of material: as
  7. listel
  8. selvage
  9. a narrow strip of wood cut from the edge of a board
  10. an arena for combat (as jousting)
  11. a field of competition or controversy
  12. limit, boundary
  13. stripe
  14. to cut away a narrow strip from the edge of
  15. to prepare or plant (land) in ridges and furrows with a lister
  16. a deviation from the vertical : tilt
  17. the extent of such a deviation
  18. to tilt to one side
  19. to tilt to one side in a state of equilibrium (as from an unbalanced load)
  20. to cause to list
  21. a simple series of words or numerals (as the names of persons or objects)
    • a guest list
  22. an official roster : roll
  23. catalog, checklist
  24. the total number to be considered or included
  25. to make a list of : enumerate
  26. to include on a list : register
  27. to place (oneself) in a specified category
    • list s himself as a political liberal
  28. recruit
  29. enlist
  30. to become entered in a catalog with a selling price
    • a car that list s for 12,000

lis·tel ['lis-tᵊl, lis-'tel] -n

  1. a narrow band in architecture : fillet

lis·ten ['li-sᵊn] -vb, n

  1. to give ear to : hear
  2. to pay attention to sound
    • listen to music
  3. to hear something with thoughtful attention : give consideration
    • listen to a plea
  4. to be alert to catch an expected sound
    • listen for his step

listen -n

  1. an act of listening

lis·ten·able ['lis-nə-bəl, 'li-sᵊn-ə-] -adj

  1. agreeable to listen to

lis·ten·er·ship ['lis-nər-,ship, 'li-sᵊn-ər-] -n

  1. the audience for a radio program or recording
  2. the number or kind of that audience

listen in [,lis-nər-'in, ,li-sᵊn-ər-] -vi, n

  1. to tune in to or monitor a broadcast
  2. to listen to a conversation without participating in it
  3. eavesdrop

listening post -n

  1. a center for monitoring electronic communications (as of an enemy)

list·er ['lis-tər] -n

  1. one that lists or catalogs

lister -n

  1. a double-moldboard plow often equipped with a subsoiling attachment and used mainly where rainfall is limited

lis·te·ri·o·sis [lis-,tir-ē-'ō-səs] -n

  1. a serious encephalitic disease of a wide variety of animals that is caused by a bacterium ( Listeria monocytogenes) and that in animals is often fatal but in humans is usu. not fatal

list·ing ['lis-tiŋ] -n

  1. an act or instance of making or including in a list
  2. something that is listed

list·less ['list-ləs] -adj, adv, n

  1. characterized by lack of interest, energy, or spirit
    • a listless melancholy attitude

list price -n

  1. the basic price of an item as published in a catalog, price list, or advertisement before any discounts are taken

LIST·SERV ['list-,sərv] -trademark

  1. used for software for managing e-mail transmissions to and from a list of subscribers

lit ['līt] -n

(variant of light)

  1. something that makes vision possible
  2. the sensation aroused by stimulation of the visual receptors
  3. electromagnetic radiation of any wavelength that travels in a vacuum with a speed of about 186,281 miles (300,000 kilometers) per second
  4. such radiation that is visible to the human eye
  5. daylight
  6. dawn
  7. : a source of light: as
  8. a celestial body
  9. candle
  10. an electric light
  11. sight
  12. spiritual illumination
  13. inner light
  14. enlightenment
  15. truth
  16. public knowledge
    • facts brought to light
  17. a particular aspect or appearance presented to view
    • saw the matter in a different light
  18. a particular illumination
  19. something that enlightens or informs
    • shed some light on the problem
  20. a medium (as a window) through which light is admitted
  21. a set of principles, standards, or opinions
    • worship according to one's light s -- Adrienne Koch
  22. a noteworthy person in a particular place or field
    • a leading light among current writers
  23. a particular expression of the eye
  24. lighthouse, beacon
  25. traffic light
  26. the representation of light in art
  27. a flame for lighting something (as a cigarette)
  28. having light : bright
    • a light airy room
  29. not dark, intense, or swarthy in color or coloring : pale
  30. medium in saturation and high in lightness
    • light blue
  31. served with extra milk or cream
  32. to become light : brighten usu. used with up
    • her face lit up
  33. to take fire
  34. to ignite something (as a cigarette) often used with up
  35. to set fire to
  36. to conduct with a light : guide
  37. illuminate
    • rockets light up the sky
  38. animate, brighten
    • a smile lit up her face
  39. having little weight : not heavy
  40. designed to carry a comparatively small load
    • a light truck
  41. having relatively little weight in proportion to bulk
    • aluminum is a light metal
  42. containing less than the legal, standard, or usual weight
    • a light coin
  43. of little importance : trivial
  44. not abundant
    • light rain
    • a light lunch
  45. easily disturbed
    • a light sleeper
  46. exerting a minimum of force or pressure : gentle
    • a light touch
  47. resulting from a very slight pressure : faint
    • light print
  48. easily endurable
    • a light illness
  49. requiring little effort
    • light work
  50. capable of moving swiftly or nimbly
    • light on his feet
  51. frivolous
    • light conduct
  52. lacking in stability : changeable
    • light opinions
  53. sexually promiscuous
  54. free from care : cheerful
  55. less powerful but usu. more mobile than usual for its kind
    • light cavalry
    • a light cruiser
  56. made with a lower calorie content or with less of some ingredient (as salt, fat, or alcohol) than usual
  57. having a relatively mild flavor
  58. easily digested
    • a light soup
  59. well leavened
    • a light crust
  60. coarse and sandy or easily pulverized
    • light soil
  61. dizzy, giddy
    • felt light in the head
  62. intended chiefly to entertain
    • light verse
    • light comedy
  63. carrying little or no cargo
    • the ship returned light
  64. producing goods for direct consumption by the consumer
    • light industry
  65. not bearing a stress or accent
    • a light syllable
  66. having a clear soft quality
    • a light voice
  67. being in debt to the pot in a poker game
    • three chips light
  68. short
    • light on experience
  69. casual, occasional
    • a light smoker
  70. lightly
  71. with little baggage
    • travel light
  72. dismount
  73. settle, alight
    • a bird lit on the lawn
  74. to fall unexpectedly usu. used with on or upon
  75. to arrive by chance : happen usu. used with on or upon
    • lit upon a solution

lit·a·ny ['li-tə-nē, 'lit-nē] -n

  1. a prayer consisting of a series of invocations and supplications by the leader with alternate responses by the congregation
  2. a resonant or repetitive chant
    • a litany of cheering phrases -- Herman Wouk
  3. a usu. lengthy recitation or enumeration
    • a familiar litany of complaints
  4. a sizable series or set
    • a litany of problems

litchi ['lē-(,)chē, 'lī-] -n

(variant of lychee)

  1. the oval fruit of a Chinese tree ( Litchi chinensis) of the soapberry family having a hard scaly reddish outer covering and sweet whitish edible flesh that surrounds a single large seed called also lychee nut
  2. a tree bearing lychees

lit crit ['lit-,krit] -n

  1. literary criticism

lite ['līt] -adj

  1. light
  2. diminished or lacking in substance or seriousness
    • lite news
  3. being an innocuous or unthreatening version often used postpositively
    • it is film noir lite -- James Greenberg

li·ter ['lē-tər] -n

  1. a metric unit of capacity equal to one cubic decimeter

lit·er·a·cy ['li-t(ə-)rə-sē] -n

  1. the quality or state of being literate

lit·er·al ['li-t(ə-)rəl] -adj, n

  1. according with the letter of the scriptures
  2. adhering to fact or to the ordinary construction or primary meaning of a term or expression : actual
    • liberty in the literal sense is impossible -- B. N. Cardozo
  3. free from exaggeration or embellishment
    • the literal truth
  4. characterized by a concern mainly with facts
    • a very literal man
  5. of, relating to, or expressed in letters
  6. reproduced word for word : exact, verbatim
    • a literal translation

literal -n

  1. a small error usu. of a single letter (as in writing)

lit·er·al·ism ['li-t(ə-)rə-,li-zəm] -n, adj

  1. adherence to the explicit substance of an idea or expression
    • biblical literalism
  2. fidelity to observable fact : realism

lit·er·al·ize ['li-t(ə-)rə-,līz] -vt, n

  1. to make literal

lit·er·al·ly ['li-tə-rə-lē, 'li-trə-lē, 'li-tər-lē] -adv

  1. in a literal sense or manner : actually
    • took the remark literally
    • was literally insane
  2. in effect : virtually
    • will literally turn the world upside down to combat cruelty or injustice -- Norman Cousins

lit·er·ary ['li-tə-,rer-ē] -adj, adv, n

  1. of, relating to, or having the characteristics of humane learning or literature
  2. bookish
  3. of or relating to books
  4. well-read
  5. of or relating to authors or scholars or to their professions

literary executor -n

  1. a person entrusted with the management of the papers and unpublished works of a deceased author

lit·er·ate ['li-tə-rət also 'li-trət] -adj, adv, n

  1. educated, cultured
  2. able to read and write
  3. versed in literature or creative writing : literary
  4. lucid, polished
    • a literate essay
  5. having knowledge or competence
    • computer- literate
    • politically literate

literate -n

  1. an educated person
  2. a person who can read and write

li·te·ra·ti [,li-tə-'rä-(,)tē] -n pl

  1. the educated class
  2. intelligentsia
  3. persons interested in literature or the arts

lit·er·a·tim [,li-tə-'rā-təm, -'rä-] -adv or adj

  1. letter for letter
    • printed literatim from the manuscript -- I. A. Gordon

lit·er·a·tion [,li-tə-'rā-shən] -n

  1. the representation of sound or words by letters

lit·er·a·tor ['li-tə-,rā-tər, ,li-tə-'rä-,tȯr] -n

  1. litterateur

lit·er·a·ture ['li-tə-rə-,chu̇r, 'li-trə-,chu̇r, 'li-tə(r)-,chu̇r, -chər, -,tyu̇r, -,tu̇r] -n

  1. literary culture
  2. the production of literary work esp. as an occupation
  3. writings in prose or verse
  4. writings having excellence of form or expression and expressing ideas of permanent or universal interest
  5. an example of such writings
    • what came out, though rarely literature, was always a roaring good story -- People
  6. the body of written works produced in a particular language, country, or age
  7. the body of writings on a particular subject
    • scientific literature
  8. printed matter (as leaflets or circulars)
    • campaign literature
  9. the aggregate of a usu. specified type of musical compositions

lit·er·a·tus [,li-tə-'rä-təs] -n

  1. a member of the literati

lith -abbr

  1. lithographic; lithography

lith- -comb form

  1. stone
    • litho logy

li·tharge ['li-,thärj, li-'] -n

  1. a fused lead monoxide
  2. lead monoxide

lithe ['līth, 'līth] -adj, adv, n

  1. easily bent or flexed
    • lithe steel
    • a lithe vine
  2. characterized by easy flexibility and grace
    • a lithe dancer
    • treading with a lithe silent step
  3. athletically slim
    • the most lithe and graspable of waists -- R. P. Warren

lithe·some ['līth-səm, 'līth-] -adj

  1. lissome

li·thi·a·sis [li-'thī-ə-səs] -n

  1. the formation of stony concretions in the body (as in the gallbladder)

lith·ic ['li-thik] -adj

  1. stony
  2. of, relating to, or being a stone tool

lith·i·fy ['li-thə-,fī] -vb, n

  1. to change to stone : petrify
  2. to convert (unconsolidated sediment) into solid rock
  3. to become changed into stone

lith·i·um ['li-thē-əm] -n

  1. a soft silver-white element of the alkali metal group that is the lightest metal known and that is used esp. in alloys and glass, in chemical synthesis, and in storage batteries
  2. a salt of lithium (as lithium carbonate) used in psychiatric medicine

lithium carbonate -n

  1. a crystalline salt Li 2CO 3used in the glass and ceramic industries and in medicine esp. in the treatment of bipolar disorder

lithium fluoride -n

  1. a crystalline salt LiF used esp. in making prisms and ceramics and as a flux

lithium ni·o·bate [-'nī-ə-,bāt] -n

  1. a crystalline material LiNbO 3whose physical properties change in response to pressure or the presence of an electric field and which is used in fiber optics and as a synthetic gemstone

litho ['lī-(,)thō] -n

  1. lithograph
  2. lithography

lith·o·graph ['li-thə-,graf] -vt, n

  1. to produce, copy, or portray by lithography

lithograph [,li-thə-'gra-fik] -n, adj, adv

  1. a print made by lithography

li·thog·ra·phy [li-'thä-grə-fē] -n

  1. the process of printing from a plane surface (as a smooth stone or metal plate) on which the image to be printed is ink-receptive and the blank area ink-repellent
  2. the process of producing patterns on semiconductor crystals for use as integrated circuits

li·thol·o·gy [li-'thä-lə-jē] -n, adj, adv

  1. the study of rocks
  2. the character of a rock formation
  3. a rock formation having a particular set of characteristics

lith·o·phane ['li-thə-,fān] -n

  1. porcelain impressed with figures that are made distinct by transmitted light
  2. an object of this material

lith·o·phyte ['li-thə-,fīt] -n

  1. a plant that grows on rock

lith·o·pone ['li-thə-,pōn] -n

  1. a white pigment consisting essentially of zinc sulfide and barium sulfate

lith·o·sol ['li-thə-,säl, -,sȯl] -n

  1. any of a group of shallow azonal soils consisting of imperfectly weathered rock fragments

lith·o·sphere ['li-thə-,sfir] -n, adj

  1. the solid part of a celestial body (as the earth)
  2. the outer part of the solid earth composed of rock essentially like that exposed at the surface, consisting of the crust and outermost layer of the mantle, and usu. considered to be about 60 miles (100 kilometers) in thickness

li·thot·o·my [li-'thä-tə-mē] -n

  1. surgical incision of the urinary bladder for removal of a stone

lith·o·trip·sy ['li-thə-,trip-sē] -n

  1. the breaking (as by shock waves or crushing with a surgical instrument) of a calculus in the urinary system into pieces small enough to be voided or washed out

lith·o·trip·ter ['li-thə-,trip-tər] -n

  1. a device for performing lithotripsy
  2. a noninvasive device that pulverizes stones by focusing shock waves on a patient immersed in a water bath

Lith·u·a·nian [,li-thə-'wā-nē-ən, -nyən, chiefly Brit ,lith-yü-] -n, adj

  1. a native or inhabitant of Lithuania
  2. the Baltic language of the Lithuanian people

lit·i·gant ['li-ti-gənt] -n, adj

  1. one engaged in a lawsuit

lit·i·gate ['li-tə-,gāt] -vb, adj, n

  1. to carry on a legal contest by judicial process
  2. dispute
  3. to contest at law
    • litigate a claim

li·ti·gious [lə-'ti-jəs, li-] -adj, adv, n

  1. disputatious, contentious
  2. prone to engage in lawsuits
  3. subject to litigation
  4. of, relating to, or marked by litigation

lit·mus ['lit-məs] -n

  1. a coloring matter from lichens that turns red in acid solutions and blue in alkaline solutions and is used as an acid-base indicator
  2. the critical factor in a litmus test
  3. litmus test

litmus paper -n

  1. unsized paper colored with litmus and used as an indicator

litmus test -n

  1. a test in which a single factor (as an attitude, event, or fact) is decisive

li·to·tes ['lī-tə-,tēz, 'li-, lī-'tō-,tēz] -n

  1. understatement in which an affirmative is expressed by the negative of the contrary (as in not a bad singer or not unhappy)

litre ['lē-tər] -n

(variant of liter)

  1. a metric unit of capacity equal to one cubic decimeter

Litt B -abbr

  1. bachelor of letters; bachelor of literature

Litt D -abbr

  1. doctor of letters; doctor of literature

lit·ten ['li-tᵊn] -adj

  1. being lighted

lit·ter ['li-tər] -n, adj

  1. a covered and curtained couch provided with shafts and used for carrying a single passenger
  2. a device (as a stretcher) for carrying a sick or injured person
  3. material used as bedding for animals
  4. material used to absorb the urine and feces of animals
  5. the uppermost slightly decayed layer of organic matter on the forest floor
  6. the offspring at one birth of a multiparous animal
    • a litter of puppies
  7. trash, wastepaper, or garbage lying scattered about
    • trying to clean up the roadside litter
  8. an untidy accumulation of objects
    • a shabby writing-desk covered with a litter of yellowish dusty documents -- Joseph Conrad

litter -vt

  1. bed
  2. to give birth to a litter of (young)
  3. to strew with scattered articles
  4. to scatter about in disorder
  5. to lie about in disorder
    • their upside-down hats litter ed the top of the bar -- Michael Chabon
  6. to mark with objects scattered at random
    • a book litter ed with misprints
  7. to give birth to a litter
  8. to strew litter

lit·te·rae hu·ma·ni·o·res ['li-tə-,rī-hü-,mä-nē-'ȯr-,ās] -n pl

  1. humanities

lit·ter·a·teur [,li-tə-rə-'tər, ,li-trə-, -'tu̇r] -n

  1. a literary person
  2. a professional writer

lit·ter·bag ['li-tər-,bag] -n

  1. a bag used (as in an automobile) for temporary refuse disposal

lit·ter·bug [-,bəg] -n

  1. one who litters a public area

lit·ter·er ['li-tər-ər] -n

  1. litterbug

lit·ter·mate ['li-tər-,māt] -n

  1. one of the offspring in a litter in relation to the others

lit·tle ['li-tᵊl] -adj, n

  1. : not big: as
  2. small in size or extent : tiny
    • has little feet
  3. young
    • was too little to remember
  4. small in comparison with related forms used in vernacular names
  5. having few members or inhabitants
    • a little group
    • little towns
  6. small in condition, distinction, or scope
    • big business trampling on the little fellow
  7. narrow, mean
    • the pettiness of little minds
  8. pleasingly small
    • a cute little thing
  9. used as an intensive
    • why, you little devil
  10. : not much: as
  11. existing only in a small amount or to a slight degree
    • has little money
  12. short in duration : brief
  13. existing to an appreciable though not extensive degree or amount used with a
    • had a little money in the bank
  14. small in importance or interest : trivial

little ['les] -adv

  1. in only a small quantity or degree : slightly
    • facts that were little known at the time
  2. not at all
    • cared little for their neighbors
  3. rarely, infrequently
  4. a small amount, quantity, or degree
  5. practically nothing
    • little has changed
  6. a short time
  7. a short distance

Little Bear -n

  1. ursa minor

little bitty -adj

  1. small, tiny

little bluestem -n

  1. a forage grass ( Schizachyrium scopariumsyn. Andropogon scoparius) of eastern and central No. America

little brown bat -n

  1. a small widely distributed insectivorous No. American bat ( Myotis lucifugus) with brown fur

little by little -adv

  1. by small degrees or amounts : gradually

Little Dipper -n

  1. the seven principal stars in Ursa Minor

little finger -n

  1. the fourth and smallest finger of the hand counting the index finger as the first

little guy -n

  1. little man

Little Hours -n pl

  1. the offices of prime, terce, sext, and none forming part of the canonical hours

Little Ice Age -n

  1. an episode of glacial expansion whose maximum extension occurred in the 17th and 18th centuries

little leaf -n

  1. : any of various plant disorders characterized by small and often chlorotic and distorted foliage

Little League -n

  1. a commercially sponsored baseball league for boys and girls from 8 to 12 years old

little magazine -n

  1. a literary usu. noncommercial magazine that features works esp. of writers who are not well-known

little man -n

  1. the ordinary individual

lit·tle·neck ['li-tᵊl-,nek] -n

  1. a young quahog suitable to be eaten raw called also littleneck clam

Little Office -n

  1. an office in honor of the Virgin Mary like but shorter than the Divine Office

little people -n pl

  1. tiny imaginary beings (as fairies, elves, and leprechauns) of folklore
  2. children
  3. people of unusually small size
  4. common people

little slam -n

  1. the winning of all tricks except one in bridge

little theater -n

  1. a small theater for low-cost dramatic productions designed for a relatively limited audience

little toe -n

  1. the outermost and smallest digit of the foot

little woman -n

  1. wife

lit·to·ral ['li-tə-rəl; ,li-tə-'ral, -'räl] -adj

  1. of, relating to, or situated or growing on or near a shore esp. of the sea

littoral -n

  1. a coastal region
  2. the shore zone between high tide and low tide points

lit up -adj

  1. drunk

li·tur·gi·cal [lə-'tər-ji-kəl, li-] -adj, adv

  1. of, relating to, or having the characteristics of liturgy
  2. using or favoring the use of liturgy
    • liturgical churches

li·tur·gics [-jiks] -n pl but sing or pl in constr

  1. the practice or study of formal public worship

li·tur·gi·ol·o·gist [-,tər-jē-'ä-lə-jist] -n

  1. liturgist

li·tur·gi·ol·o·gy [-jē] -n

  1. liturgics

lit·ur·gist ['li-tər-jist] -n

  1. one who adheres to, compiles, or leads a liturgy
  2. a specialist in liturgics

lit·ur·gy ['li-tər-jē] -n

  1. a eucharistic rite
  2. a rite or body of rites prescribed for public worship
  3. a customary repertoire of ideas, phrases, or observances

liv·abil·i·ty [,li-və-'bi-lə-tē] -n

  1. survival expectancy : viability used esp. of poultry and livestock
  2. suitability for human living

liv·able ['li-və-bəl] -adj, n

  1. suitable for living in, on, or with
    • a livable house
    • livable wages
  2. endurable

live ['liv] -vb

  1. to be alive : have the life of an animal or plant
  2. to continue alive
  3. to maintain oneself : subsist
    • lived on rice and peas
  4. to occupy a home : dwell
    • living in a shabby room
    • they had always lived in the country
  5. to be located or stored
    • the silverware live s here
  6. to attain eternal life
    • though he die, yet shall he live -- Jn 11:25(RSV)
  7. to conduct or pass one's life
    • lived only for his work
  8. to remain in human memory or record
    • the past live s in us all -- W. R. Inge
  9. to have a life rich in experience
  10. cohabit
  11. to pass through or spend the duration of
    • lived their lives alone
  12. act out, practice often used with out
    • to live out their fantasies
  13. to exhibit vigor, gusto, or enthusiasm in
    • lived life to the fullest
  14. to experience firsthand
    • living a dream
  15. to be thoroughly absorbed by or involved with
    • she live s her work
  16. having life : living
    • a live lobster
  17. existing in fact or reality : actual
    • spoke to a real live celebrity
  18. : exerting force or containing energy: as
  19. afire, glowing
    • live coals
  20. connected to electric power
  21. charged with explosives and containing shot or a bullet
    • live ammunition
  22. armed but not exploded
    • a live bomb
  23. imparting or driven by power
    • a live axle
  24. being in operation
    • a live microphone
  25. abounding with life : vivid
  26. being in a pure native state
  27. of bright vivid color
  28. of continuing or current interest
    • live issues
  29. not yet printed from or plated
    • live type
  30. not yet typeset
    • live copy
  31. of or involving a presentation (as a play or concert) in which both the performers and an audience are physically present
    • a live record album
    • a nightclub with live entertainment
  32. broadcast directly at the time of production
    • a live radio program
  33. being in play
    • a live ball
  34. at the actual time of occurrence : during, from, or at a live production
    • the program was broadcast live

liveac·tion ['līv-'ak-shən] -adj

  1. of, relating to, or featuring cinematography that is not produced by animation
    • a liveaction film

livebear·er ['līv-,ber-ər] -n

  1. a fish that brings forth living young rather than eggs
  2. any of a family (Poeciliidae) of numerous small surface-feeding fishes (as a molly or swordtail)

livebox [-,bäks] -n

  1. a box or pen suspended in water to keep aquatic animals alive

livedin ['livd-,in] -adj

  1. of or suggesting long-term human habitation or use
    • a comfortable livedin room
  2. showing the effects of age or experience
    • a livedin voice

live down -vt

  1. to live so as to wipe out the memory or effects of
    • made a mistake and couldn't live it down

livefor·ev·er ['liv-fə-,re-vər] -n

  1. sedum

livein ['liv-,in] -adj, n

  1. living in one's place of employment
    • a livein maid
  2. involving or involved with cohabitation
    • a livein relationship
    • a livein partner

live in -vi

  1. to live in one's place of employment : live in another's home

live·li·hood ['līv-lē-,hu̇d] -n

  1. means of support or subsistence
  2. the quality or state of being lively

live load -n

  1. the load to which a structure is subjected in addition to its own weight

live·long ['liv-,lȯŋ] -adj

  1. whole, entire
    • the livelong day

live·ly ['līv-lē] -adj, adv, n

  1. living
  2. briskly alert and energetic : vigorous, animated
    • a lively discussion
    • lively children racing for home
  3. active, intense
    • takes a lively interest in politics
  4. brilliant, fresh
    • a lively wit
  5. imparting spirit or vivacity : stimulating
    • many a peer of England brews livelier liquor than the Muse -- A. E. Housman
  6. quick to rebound : resilient
  7. responding readily to the helm
    • a lively boat
  8. full of life, movement, or incident
    • lively streets at carnival time

liv·en ['lī-vən] -vb

  1. enliven often used with up
    • he...liven ed up the editorial page -- Current Biog.
  2. to become lively

live oak ['līv-] -n

  1. : any of several American evergreen oaks: as
  2. a medium-sized oak ( Quercus virginiana) of southeastern No. America often cultivated as a shelter and shade tree and noted for its extremely hard tough durable wood
  3. any of several oaks of the western U.S. with evergreen foliage and hard durable wood

liv·er ['li-vər] -n

  1. a large very vascular glandular organ of vertebrates that secretes bile and causes important changes in many of the substances contained in the blood (as by converting sugars into glycogen which it stores up until required and by forming urea)
  2. any of various large compound glands associated with the digestive tract of invertebrate animals and prob. concerned with the secretion of digestive enzymes
  3. a determinant of the quality or temper of a man
  4. the liver of an animal (as a calf or chicken) eaten as food
  5. a grayish reddish brown called also liver brown liver maroon
  6. one that lives esp. in a specified way
    • a fast liver
  7. resident

liver fluke -n

  1. any of various trematode worms (as Fasciola hepatica) that invade the mammalian liver

liv·er·ied ['li-və-rēd, 'liv-rēd] -adj

  1. wearing a livery
    • a liveried chauffeur

liv·er·ish ['li-və-rish, 'liv-rish] -adj, n

  1. resembling liver esp. in color
  2. suffering from liver disorder : bilious
  3. peevish, irascible

liver sausage -n

  1. a sausage containing cooked ground liver and pork trimmings called also liver pudding

liver spots -n pl

  1. age spots

liv·er·wort ['li-vər-,wərt, -,wȯrt] -n

  1. any of a class (Hepaticae) of bryophytic plants characterized by a thalloid gametophyte or sometimes an upright leafy gametophyte that resembles a moss
  2. hepatica

liv·er·wurst ['li-və(r)-,wərst also -,vu̇(r)st; sometimes -,vu̇sht] -n

  1. liver sausage

liv·ery ['li-və-rē, 'liv-rē] -n

  1. the apportioning of provisions esp. to servants : allowance
  2. the distinctive clothing or badge formerly worn by the retainers of a person of rank
  3. a servant's uniform
  4. distinctive dress : garb
  5. an identifying design (as on a vehicle) that designates ownership
  6. one's retainers or retinue
  7. the members of a British livery company
  8. the act of delivering legal possession of property
  9. the feeding, stabling, and care of horses for pay
  10. livery stable
  11. a concern offering vehicles (as boats) for rent

livery -adj

  1. resembling liver
  2. suggesting liver disorder

livery company -n

  1. any of various London craft or trade associations that are descended from medieval guilds

liv·ery·man ['li-və-rē-mən, 'liv-rē-] -n

  1. a freeman of the City of London entitled to wear the livery of the company to which he belongs
  2. a liveried retainer
  3. the keeper of a vehicle-rental service

livery stable -n

  1. a stable where horses and vehicles are kept for hire and where stabling is provided called also livery barn

lives ['līf] -n

(variant of life)

  1. the quality that distinguishes a vital and functional being from a dead body
  2. a principle or force that is considered to underlie the distinctive quality of animate beings
  3. an organismic state characterized by capacity for metabolism, growth, reaction to stimuli, and reproduction
  4. the sequence of physical and mental experiences that make up the existence of an individual
  5. one or more aspects of the process of living
    • sex life of the frog
  6. biography
  7. spiritual existence transcending physical death
  8. the period from birth to death
  9. a specific phase of earthly existence
    • adult life
  10. the period from an event until death
    • a judge appointed for life
  11. a sentence of imprisonment for the remainder of a convict's life
  12. a way or manner of living
  13. livelihood
  14. a vital or living being
  15. person
    • many lives were lost in the disaster
  16. an animating and shaping force or principle
  17. spirit, animation
    • saw no life in her dancing
  18. the form or pattern of something existing in reality
    • painted from life
  19. the period of duration, usefulness, or popularity of something
    • the expected life of the batteries
  20. the period of existence (as of a subatomic particle)
  21. a property (as resilience or elasticity) of an inanimate substance or object resembling the animate quality of a living being
  22. living beings (as of a particular kind or environment)
    • forest life
  23. human activities
  24. animate activity and movement
    • stirrings of life
  25. the activities of a given sphere, area, or time
    • the political life of the country
  26. one providing interest and vigor
    • life of the party
  27. an opportunity for continued viability
    • gave the patient a new life
  28. god
  29. something resembling animate life
    • a grant saved the project's life
  30. of or relating to animate being
  31. lifelong
    • a life member
  32. using a living model
    • a life class
  33. of, relating to, or provided by life insurance
    • a life policy

live steam -n

  1. steam direct from a boiler and under full pressure

live·stock ['līv-,stäk] -n

  1. animals kept or raised for use or pleasure
  2. farm animals kept for use and profit

live·trap [-,trap] -vt

  1. to capture (an animal) in a live trap

live trap -n

  1. a trap for catching an animal alive and uninjured

live wire -n, adj

  1. an alert, active, or aggressive person

liv·id ['li-vəd] -adj, n

  1. discolored by bruising : black-and-blue
    • the livid traces of the sharp scourges -- Abraham Cowley
  2. ashen, pallid
    • this cross, thy livid face, thy pierced hands and feet -- Walt Whitman
  3. reddish
    • a fan of gladiolas blushed livid under the electric letters -- Truman Capote
  4. very angry : enraged
    • was livid at his son's disobedience

living -adj, n

  1. having life
  2. active, functioning
    • living languages
  3. exhibiting the life or motion of nature : natural
    • the wilderness is a living museum...of natural history -- NEA Jour.
  4. live
  5. full of life or vigor
  6. true to life : vivid
    • televised in living color
  7. suited for living
    • the living area
  8. involving living persons
  9. very used as an intensive
    • scared the living daylights out of me
  10. the condition of being alive
  11. means of subsistence : livelihood
    • earning a living
  12. estate, property
  13. benefice
  14. conduct or manner of life
    • the collegiate way of living -- J. B. Conant

living death -n

  1. life emptied of joys and satisfactions

living fossil -n

  1. an organism (as a horseshoe crab or a ginkgo tree) that has remained essentially unchanged from earlier geologic times and whose close relatives are usu. extinct

liv·ing·ly ['li-viŋ-lē] -adv

  1. in a vital manner : realistically

living room -n

  1. a room in a residence used for the common social activities of the occupants
  2. lebensraum called also living space

living standard -n

  1. standard of living

living trust -n

  1. a trust that becomes effective during the lifetime of the settlor called also inter vivos trust

living unit -n

  1. an apartment or house for use by one family

living wage -n

  1. a subsistence wage
  2. a wage sufficient to provide the necessities and comforts essential to an acceptable standard of living

living will -n

  1. a document in which the signer requests to be allowed to die rather than be kept alive by artificial means if disabled beyond a reasonable expectation of recovery

livre ['lēvrᵊ] -n

  1. an old French monetary unit equal to 20 sols
  2. a coin representing one livre
  3. the pound of Lebanon

lix·iv·i·ate [lik-'si-vē-,āt] -vt, n

  1. to extract a soluble constituent from (a solid mixture) by washing or percolation

liz·ard ['li-zərd] -n

  1. any of a suborder (Lacertilia) of reptiles distinguished from the snakes by a fused inseparable lower jaw, a single temporal opening, two pairs of well differentiated functional limbs which may be lacking in burrowing forms, external ears, and eyes with movable lids
  2. any relatively long-bodied reptile (as a crocodile or dinosaur) with legs and tapering tail
  3. leather made from lizard skin

lizard's tail -n

  1. a perennial herb ( Saururus cernuusof the family Saururaceae) of eastern No. American wetlands having spikes of tiny white flowers