WR -abbr

  1. warehouse receipt
  2. world record

wrack ['rak] -n

  1. a wrecked ship
  2. wreckage
  3. wreck
  4. the violent destruction of a structure, machine, or vehicle
  5. marine vegetation
  6. kelp
  7. dried seaweeds
  8. ruin, destruction
  9. a remnant of something destroyed
  10. to utterly ruin : wreck
  11. rack
  12. rack
  13. rack

wrack·ful ['rak-fəl] -adj

  1. destructive

wraith ['rāth] -n, adj

  1. the exact likeness of a living person seen usu. just before death as an apparition
  2. ghost, specter
  3. an insubstantial form or semblance : shadow
  4. a barely visible gaseous or vaporous column

wran·gle ['raŋ-gəl] -vb

  1. to dispute angrily or peevishly : bicker
  2. to engage in argument or controversy
  3. to obtain by persistent arguing or maneuvering : wangle
  4. to herd and care for (livestock and esp. horses) on the range

wrangle -n

  1. an angry, noisy, or prolonged dispute or quarrel
  2. the action or process of wrangling

wran·gler [-g(ə-)lər] -n

  1. a bickering disputant
  2. a ranch hand who takes care of the saddle horses
  3. cowboy

wrap ['rap] -vb

  1. to cover esp. by winding or folding
  2. to envelop and secure for transportation or storage : bundle
  3. enfold, embrace
  4. to coil, fold, draw, or twine (as string or cloth) around something
  5. surround, envelop
  6. to suffuse or surround with an aura or state
    • the affair was wrapped in scandal
  7. to involve completely : engross usu. used with up
  8. to conceal or obscure as if by enveloping
  9. to enclose as if with a protective covering
  10. to finish filming or recording
    • wrap a movie
  11. to wind, coil, or twine so as to encircle or cover something
  12. to put on clothing : dress usu. used with up
  13. to be subject to covering, enclosing, or packaging usu. used with up
  14. to come to completion in filming or recording
  15. wrapper, wrapping
  16. material used for wrapping
    • plastic wrap
  17. an article of clothing that may be wrapped around a person
  18. an outer garment (as a coat or shawl)
  19. blanket
  20. a treatment for the care of the skin in which material (as hot wet cloth or seaweed) is wrapped around the entire body
  21. this material
  22. a single turn or convolution of something wound around an object
  23. restraint
  24. a shroud of secrecy
    • a plan kept under wrap s
  25. the completion of a schedule or session for filming or recording
  26. a thin flat piece of bread that is rolled around a filling (as of meat, fish, or vegetables)
  27. wraparound

wrap·around ['rap-ə-,rau̇nd] -adj

  1. made to be wrapped around something and esp. the body
    • a wraparound skirt
  2. shaped to follow a contour
  3. made to curve from the front around to the side
    • wraparound sunglasses
    • wraparound terraces
  4. extending laterally to the outermost limits of the field of vision
    • a wraparound movie screen

wraparound -n

  1. a garment (as a dress) made with a full-length opening and adjusted to the figure by wrapping around
  2. an object that encircles or esp. curves and laps over another

wrap·per ['ra-pər] -n

  1. : that in which something is wrapped: as
  2. a tobacco leaf used for the outside covering esp. of cigars
  3. jacket
  4. the paper cover of a book not bound in boards
  5. a paper wrapped around a newspaper or magazine in the mail
  6. one that wraps
  7. an article of clothing worn wrapped around the body

wrapping -n

  1. something used to wrap an object : wrapper

wrapup ['rap-,əp] -n

  1. a summarizing report
  2. a concluding part : finale

wrap up -vt

  1. summarize, sum up
  2. to bring to a usu. successful conclusion
  3. cinch, sew up
    • has the nomination wrapped up

wrasse ['ras] -n

  1. any of a large family (Labridae) of elongate usu. brilliantly colored marine bony fishes that usu. bury themselves in sand at night and include important food fishes as well as a number of popular aquarium fishes

wrath ['rath, chiefly Brit 'rȯth] -n

  1. strong vengeful anger or indignation
  2. retributory punishment for an offense or a crime : divine chastisement
  3. wrathful

wrath·ful [-fəl] -adj, adv, n

  1. filled with wrath : irate
  2. arising from, marked by, or indicative of wrath

wrathy ['ra-thē, chiefly Brit 'rȯ-] -adj

  1. wrathful

wreak ['rēk also 'rek] -vt

  1. avenge
  2. to cause the infliction of (vengeance or punishment)
  3. to give free play or course to (malevolent feeling)
  4. bring about, cause
    • wreak havoc

wreath ['rēth] -n

  1. : something intertwined or arranged in a circular shape: as
  2. a band of intertwined flowers or leaves worn as a mark of honor or victory : garland
    • a laurel wreath
  3. a decorative arrangement of foliage or flowers on a circular base
    • a Christmas wreath
  4. something having a circular or coiling form
    • a wreath of smoke

wreathe ['rēth] -vb

  1. to shape into a wreath
  2. interweave
  3. to cause to coil about something
  4. to twist or contort so as to show folds or creases
  5. to encircle or adorn with or as if with a wreath
  6. to twist in coils : writhe
  7. to take on the shape of a wreath
  8. to move or extend in circles or spirals

wreathy ['rē-thē, -thē] -adj

  1. having the form of a wreath
  2. constituting a wreath

wreck ['rek] -n

  1. something cast up on the land by the sea esp. after a shipwreck
  2. shipwreck
  3. the action of wrecking or fact or state of being wrecked : destruction
  4. a violent and destructive crash
    • was injured in a car wreck
  5. a hulk or the ruins of a wrecked ship
  6. the broken remains of something wrecked or otherwise ruined
  7. something disabled or in a state of ruin or dilapidation
    • the house was a wreck
  8. a person or animal of broken constitution, health, or spirits
    • he's a nervous wreck
  9. to cast ashore
  10. to reduce to a ruinous state by or as if by violence
    • a country wreck ed by war
    • ambition wreck ed his marriage
  11. shipwreck
  12. to ruin, damage, or imperil by a wreck
    • wreck ed the car
  13. bring about, wreak
    • wreck havoc
  14. to become wrecked
  15. to rob, salvage, or repair wreckage or a wreck

wreck·age ['re-kij] -n

  1. the act of wrecking : the state of being wrecked
  2. something that has been wrecked
  3. broken and disordered parts or material from something wrecked

wreck·er ['re-kər] -n

  1. one that searches for or works on the wrecks of ships (as for rescue or for plunder)
  2. tow truck
  3. one that wrecks
  4. one whose work is the demolition of buildings

wrecking ball -n

  1. a heavy iron or steel ball swung or dropped by a derrick to demolish old buildings called also wrecker's ball

wrecking bar -n

  1. a small crowbar with a claw for pulling nails at one end and a slight bend for prying at the other end

wren ['ren] -n

  1. any of a family (Troglodytidae) of small typically brownish oscine singing birds
  2. a very small widely distributed bird ( Troglodytes troglodytes) that has a short erect tail and is noted for its song
  3. any of various small singing birds resembling the true wrens in size and habits

wrench ['rench] -vb, adv

  1. to move with a violent twist
  2. to undergo twisting
  3. to pull or strain at something with violent twisting
  4. to twist violently
  5. to injure or disable by a violent twisting or straining
    • wrench ed her back
  6. change
  7. distort, pervert
  8. to pull or tighten by violent twisting or with violence
  9. to snatch forcibly : wrest
  10. to cause to suffer mental anguish : rack
  11. a violent twisting or a pull with or as if with twisting
  12. a sharp twist or sudden jerk straining muscles or ligaments
  13. the resultant injury (as of a joint)
  14. a distorting or perverting alteration
  15. acute emotional distress : sudden violent mental change
  16. a hand or power tool for holding, twisting, or turning an object (as a bolt or nut)
  17. monkey wrench

wrest ['rest] -vt

  1. to pull, force, or move by violent wringing or twisting movements
  2. to gain with difficulty by or as if by force, violence, or determined labor
  3. the action of wresting : wrench
  4. a key or wrench used for turning pins in a stringed instrument (as a piano)

wres·tle ['re-səl, 'ra-] -vb, n

  1. to contend by grappling with and striving to trip or throw an opponent down or off balance
  2. to combat an opposing tendency or force
    • wrestling with his conscience
  3. to engage in deep thought, consideration, or debate
  4. to engage in or as if in a violent or determined struggle
    • wrestling with cumbersome luggage
  5. to engage in (a match, bout, or fall) in wrestling
  6. to wrestle with
    • wrestle an alligator
  7. to move, maneuver, or force with difficulty

wrestle -n

  1. the action or an instance of wrestling : struggle
  2. a wrestling bout

wres·tling ['res-liŋ, 'ras-; 're-sᵊl-iŋ, 'ra-] -n

  1. a sport or contest in which two unarmed individuals struggle hand to hand with each attempting to subdue or unbalance the other

wretch ['rech] -n

  1. a miserable person : one who is profoundly unhappy or in great misfortune
  2. a base, despicable, or vile person

wretch·ed ['re-chəd] -adj, adv, n

  1. deeply afflicted, dejected, or distressed in body or mind
  2. extremely or deplorably bad or distressing
    • was in wretched health
    • a wretched accident
  3. being or appearing mean, miserable, or contemptible
    • dressed in wretched old clothes
  4. very poor in quality or ability : inferior
    • wretched workmanship

wrig·gle ['ri-gəl] -vb, adj

  1. to move the body or a bodily part to and fro with short writhing motions like a worm : squirm
  2. to move or advance by twisting and turning
  3. to extricate or insinuate oneself or reach a goal as if by wriggling
  4. to cause to move in short quick contortions
  5. to introduce, insinuate, or bring into a state or place by or as if by wriggling

wriggle -n

  1. a short or quick writhing motion or contortion
  2. a formation or marking of sinuous design

wrig·gler ['ri-g(ə-)lər] -n

  1. one that wriggles
  2. wiggler

wright ['rīt] -n

  1. a worker skilled in the manufacture esp. of wooden objects usu. used in combination
    • ship wright
    • wheel wright

wring ['riŋ] -vb, n

  1. to squeeze or twist esp. so as to make dry or to extract moisture or liquid
    • wring a towel dry
  2. to extract or obtain by or as if by twisting and compressing
    • wring water from a towel
    • wring a confession from the suspect
  3. to twist so as to strain or sprain into a distorted shape
    • I could wring your neck
  4. to twist together (clasped hands) as a sign of anguish
  5. to affect painfully as if by wringing : torment
    • a tragedy that wring s the heart
  6. squirm, writhe

wring·er ['riŋ-ər] -n

  1. : one that wrings: as
  2. a machine or device for pressing out liquid or moisture
    • a clothes wringer
  3. something that causes pain, hardship, or exertion
    • his illness put them through the wringer

wrin·kle ['riŋ-kəl] -n, adj

  1. a small ridge or furrow esp. when formed on a surface by the shrinking or contraction of a smooth substance : crease
  2. one in the skin esp. when due to age, worry, or fatigue
  3. method, technique
  4. a change in a customary procedure or method
  5. something new or different : innovation
  6. imperfection, irregularity

wrinkle [-k(ə-)liŋ] -vb

  1. to become marked with or contracted into wrinkles
  2. to contract into wrinkles : pucker

wrist ['rist] -n

  1. the joint or the region of the joint between the human hand and the arm or a corresponding part on a lower animal
  2. the part of a garment or glove covering the wrist

wrist·band ['ris(t)-,band] -n

  1. the part of a sleeve covering the wrist
  2. a band encircling the wrist

wrist·let ['ris(t)-lət] -n

  1. a band encircling the wrist
  2. a close-fitting knitted band attached to the top of a glove or the end of a sleeve

wrist·lock ['rist-,läk] -n

  1. a wrestling hold in which one contestant is thrown or made helpless by a twisting grip on the wrist

wrist pin -n

  1. a stud or pin that forms a journal (as in a crosshead) for a connecting rod

wrist shot -n

  1. a quick usu. short-range shot in ice hockey made while the puck is against the blade of the stick by snapping the blade quickly forward

wrist·watch ['rist-,wäch] -n

  1. a small watch that is attached to a bracelet or strap and is worn around the wrist

wrist wrestling -n

  1. a form of arm wrestling in which opponents interlock thumbs instead of gripping hands

wristy ['ris-tē] -adj

  1. involving or using a lot of wrist movement (as in stroking a ball)

writ ['rit] -n

  1. something written : writing
    • Sacred Writ
  2. a formal written document
  3. a legal instrument in epistolary form issued under seal in the name of the English monarch
  4. an order or mandatory process in writing issued in the name of the sovereign or of a court or judicial officer commanding the person to whom it is directed to perform or refrain from performing an act specified therein
    • writ of detinue
    • writ of entry
    • writ of execution
  5. the power and authority of the issuer of such a written order usu. used with run
    • outside the United States where...our writ does not run -- Dean Acheson

writ·able ['rī-tə-bəl] -adj

  1. capable of being put in writing
  2. being an electronic storage medium capable of having new data written on it
    • a writable DVD

write ['rīt] -vb

  1. to form (as characters or symbols) on a surface with an instrument (as a pen)
  2. to form (as words) by inscribing the characters or symbols of on a surface
  3. to spell in writing
    • words written alike but pronounced differently
  4. to cover, fill, or fill in by writing
    • wrote ten pages
    • write a check
  5. : to set down in writing: as
  6. draw up, draft
    • write a will
  7. to be the author of : compose
    • write s poems and essays
  8. to compose in musical form
    • write a string quartet
  9. to express in literary form
    • if I could write the beauty of your eyes -- Shak.
  10. to communicate by letter
    • write s that they are coming
  11. to use or exhibit (a specific script, language, or literary form or style) in writing
    • write Braille
    • write s French with ease
  12. to write contracts or orders for
  13. underwrite
    • write life insurance
  14. to make a permanent impression of
  15. to communicate with in writing
    • we'll write you when we get there
  16. ordain, fate
    • so be it, it is written -- D. C. Peattie
  17. to make evident or obvious
    • guilt written on his face
  18. to force, effect, introduce, or remove by writing
    • write oneself into fame and fortune -- Charles Lee
  19. to take part in or bring about (something worth recording)
  20. to introduce (information) into the storage device or medium of a computer
  21. to transfer (information) from the main memory of a computer to a storage or output device
  22. sell
    • write a stock option
  23. to make significant characters or inscriptions
  24. to permit or be adapted to writing
  25. to form or produce written letters, words, or sentences
  26. to compose, communicate by, or send a letter
  27. to produce a written work
  28. to compose music

writedown ['rīt-,dau̇n] -n

  1. a deliberate reduction in the book value of an asset (as to reflect the effect of obsolescence)

write down -vt

  1. to record in written form
  2. to depreciate, disparage, or injure by writing
  3. to reduce in status, rank, or value
  4. to reduce the book value of
  5. to write so as to appeal to a lower level of taste, comprehension, or intelligence

writein ['rīt-,in] -n

  1. a vote cast by writing in the name of a candidate
  2. a candidate whose name is written in

write in -vt

  1. to insert in a document or text
  2. to insert (a name not listed on a ballot or voting machine) in an appropriate space
  3. to cast (a vote) in this manner

writeoff ['rīt-,ȯf] -n

  1. an elimination of an item from the books of account
  2. a reduction in book value of an item (as by way of depreciation)
  3. a tax deduction of an amount of depreciation, expense, or loss
  4. something (as a damaged vehicle) or someone regarded or conceded as a loss

write off -vt

  1. to eliminate (an asset) from the books : enter as a loss or expense
    • write off a bad loan
  2. to regard or concede to be lost
    • most were content to write off 1979 and look optimistically ahead -- Money
  3. dismiss
    • was written off as an expatriate highbrow -- Brendan Gill

write out -vt

  1. to write esp. in a full and complete form

writ·er ['rī-tər] -n

  1. : one that writes: as
  2. author
  3. one who writes stock options

writ·er·ly ['rī-tər-lē] -adj

  1. of, relating to, or typical of a writer

writer's block -n

  1. a psychological inhibition preventing a writer from proceeding with a piece

writer's cramp -n

  1. a painful spasmodic contraction of muscles of the hand or fingers brought on by excessive writing

writeup ['rīt-,əp] -n

  1. a written account
  2. a flattering article
  3. a deliberate increase in the book value of an asset (as to reflect the effect of inflation)

write up -vt

  1. to make a write-up of
  2. to report (a person) esp. for some violation of law or rules

writhe ['rīth] -vb, n

  1. to twist into coils or folds
  2. to twist so as to distort : wrench
  3. to twist (the body or a bodily part) in pain
  4. intertwine
  5. to move or proceed with twists and turns
    • writhed to the music
  6. to twist from or as if from pain or struggling
  7. to suffer keenly

writh·en ['ri-thən] -adj

  1. being twisted or contorted
    • writhen trees
    • a writhen smile

writing -n

  1. : the act or process of one who writes: as
  2. the act or art of forming visible letters or characters
  3. handwriting
  4. the act or practice of literary or musical composition
  5. : something written: as
  6. letters or characters that serve as visible signs of ideas, words, or symbols
  7. a letter, note, or notice used to communicate or record
  8. a written composition
  9. inscription
  10. a style or form of composition
  11. the occupation of a writer
  12. the profession of authorship

writing desk -n

  1. a desk that often has a sloping top for writing on
  2. a portable case that contains writing materials and has a surface for writing

writing paper -n

  1. paper that is usu. finished with a smooth surface and sized and that can be written on with ink

Writ·ings ['rī-tiŋz] -n pl

  1. the third part of the Jewish scriptures

writ of assistance

  1. a writ issued to a law officer (as a sheriff or marshal) for the enforcement of a court order or decree
  2. one used to enforce an order for the possession of lands
  3. a writ used esp. in colonial America authorizing a law officer to search in unspecified locations for unspecified illegal goods

writ of certiorari

  1. certiorari

writ of error

  1. a common law writ directing an inferior court to remit the record of a legal action to the reviewing court in order that an error of law may be corrected if it exists

writ of extent

  1. a writ formerly used to recover debts of record to the British crown and under which the lands, goods, and person of the debtor might all be seized to secure payment

writ of habeas corpus

  1. habeas corpus

writ of mandamus

  1. mandamus

writ of prohibition

  1. a writ issued by a superior court to prevent an inferior court from acting beyond its jurisdiction

writ of right

  1. a common law writ for restoring to its owner property held by another
  2. a writ granted as a matter of right

writ of summons

  1. a writ issued on behalf of the British monarch summoning a lord spiritual or a lord temporal to attend parliament

wrnt -abbr

  1. warrant

wrong ['rȯŋ] -n

  1. an injurious, unfair, or unjust act : action or conduct inflicting harm without due provocation or just cause
  2. a violation or invasion of the legal rights of another
  3. tort
  4. something wrong, immoral, or unethical
  5. principles, practices, or conduct contrary to justice, goodness, equity, or law
  6. : the state, position, or fact of being or doing wrong: as
  7. the state of being mistaken or incorrect
  8. the state of being guilty
  9. not according to the moral standard : sinful, immoral
    • thought that war was wrong
  10. not right or proper according to a code, standard, or convention : improper
    • it was wrong not to thank your host
  11. not according to truth or facts : incorrect
    • gave a wrong date
  12. not satisfactory (as in condition, results, health, or temper)
  13. not in accordance with one's needs, intent, or expectations
    • took the wrong bus
  14. of, relating to, or constituting the side of something that is usu. held to be opposite to the principal one, that is the one naturally or by design turned down, inward, or away, or that is the least finished or polished
  15. without accuracy : incorrectly
    • guessed wrong
  16. without regard for what is proper or just
    • was reprimanded for what he had done wrong
  17. in a wrong direction
    • turned wrong at the junction
  18. in an unsuccessful or unfortunate way
    • something went wrong
  19. out of working order or condition
  20. in a false light
    • don't get me wrong
  21. to do wrong to : injure, harm
  22. to treat disrespectfully or dishonorably : violate
  23. defraud usu. used with of
    • wrong ed them of their land
  24. discredit, malign

wrong·do·er ['rȯŋ-,dü-ər] -n

  1. one that does wrong
  2. one who transgresses moral laws

wrong·do·ing [-,dü-iŋ] -n

  1. evil or improper behavior or action
    • cleared of any wrongdoing
  2. an instance of doing wrong

wronged -adj

  1. being injured unjustly : suffering a wrong

wrongfoot ['rȯŋ-,fu̇t] -vt

  1. to cause (as an opponent in soccer or tennis) to lean into or step with the wrong foot
  2. to disrupt the equilibrium of
    • a speed and flexibility that repeatedly wrongfoot ed his enemies -- Anthony Lloyd

wrong·ful ['rȯŋ-fəl] -adj, adv, n

  1. wrong, unjust
  2. having no legal sanction : unlawful
  3. having no legal claim
    • a wrongful heir

wrongful birth -n

  1. a malpractice claim brought by the parents of a child born with a birth defect against a physician or health-care provider whose alleged negligence (as in diagnosis) effectively deprived the parents of the opportunity to make an informed decision whether to avoid or terminate the pregnancy
  2. the birth or injury at issue in such a claim

wrongful death -n

  1. a death caused by the negligent, willful, or wrongful act, neglect, omission, or default of another

wrong·head·ed ['rȯŋ-'he-dəd] -adj, adv, n

  1. stubborn in adherence to wrong opinion or principles
    • wrongheaded in his opinions
  2. marked by perversity : contrary to sound judgment
    • wrongheaded advice

wrote ['rīt] -vb

(variant of write)

  1. to form (as characters or symbols) on a surface with an instrument (as a pen)
  2. to form (as words) by inscribing the characters or symbols of on a surface
  3. to spell in writing
    • words written alike but pronounced differently
  4. to cover, fill, or fill in by writing
    • wrote ten pages
    • write a check
  5. : to set down in writing: as
  6. draw up, draft
    • write a will
  7. to be the author of : compose
    • write s poems and essays
  8. to compose in musical form
    • write a string quartet
  9. to express in literary form
    • if I could write the beauty of your eyes -- Shak.
  10. to communicate by letter
    • write s that they are coming
  11. to use or exhibit (a specific script, language, or literary form or style) in writing
    • write Braille
    • write s French with ease
  12. to write contracts or orders for
  13. underwrite
    • write life insurance
  14. to make a permanent impression of
  15. to communicate with in writing
    • we'll write you when we get there
  16. ordain, fate
    • so be it, it is written -- D. C. Peattie
  17. to make evident or obvious
    • guilt written on his face
  18. to force, effect, introduce, or remove by writing
    • write oneself into fame and fortune -- Charles Lee
  19. to take part in or bring about (something worth recording)
  20. to introduce (information) into the storage device or medium of a computer
  21. to transfer (information) from the main memory of a computer to a storage or output device
  22. sell
    • write a stock option
  23. to make significant characters or inscriptions
  24. to permit or be adapted to writing
  25. to form or produce written letters, words, or sentences
  26. to compose, communicate by, or send a letter
  27. to produce a written work
  28. to compose music

wroth ['rȯth also 'rōth] -adj

  1. intensely angry : highly incensed : wrathful

wrought ['wərk] -n

(variant of work)

  1. : activity in which one exerts strength or faculties to do or perform something:
  2. sustained physical or mental effort to overcome obstacles and achieve an objective or result
  3. the labor, task, or duty that is one's accustomed means of livelihood
  4. a specific task, duty, function, or assignment often being a part or phase of some larger activity
  5. energy expended by natural phenomena
  6. the result of such energy
    • sand dunes are the work of sea and wind
  7. the transference of energy that is produced by the motion of the point of application of a force and is measured by multiplying the force and the displacement of its point of application in the line of action
  8. something that results from a particular manner or method of working, operating, or devising
    • careful police work
    • clever camera work
  9. something that results from the use or fashioning of a particular material
    • porcelain work
  10. a fortified structure (as a fort, earthen barricade, or trench)
  11. structures in engineering (as docks, bridges, or embankments) or mining (as shafts or tunnels)
  12. a place where industrial labor is carried on : plant, factory
  13. the working or moving parts of a mechanism
    • the work s of a clock
  14. something produced or accomplished by effort, exertion, or exercise of skill
    • this book is the work of many hands
  15. something produced by the exercise of creative talent or expenditure of creative effort : artistic production
    • an early work by a major writer
  16. performance of moral or religious acts
    • salvation by work s
  17. effective operation : effect, result
    • wait for time to do its healing work
  18. manner of working : workmanship, execution
  19. the material or piece of material that is operated upon at any stage in the process of manufacture
  20. everything possessed, available, or belonging
    • the whole work s, rod, reel, tackle box, went overboard
    • ordered pizza with the work s
  21. subjection to drastic treatment : all possible abuse usu. used with get
    • get the work s
    or give
    • gave them the work s
  22. used for work
    • a work elephant
  23. suitable or styled for wear while working
    • work clothes
  24. involving or engaged in work
    • a work gang
    • work hours
  25. to bring to pass : effect
    • work miracles
  26. to fashion or create a useful or desired product by expending labor or exertion on : forge, shape
    • work flint into tools
  27. to make or decorate with needlework
  28. embroider
  29. to prepare for use by stirring or kneading
  30. to bring into a desired form by a gradual process of cutting, hammering, scraping, pressing, or stretching
    • work cold steel
  31. to set or keep in motion, operation, or activity : cause to operate or produce
    • a pump work ed by hand
    • work farmland
  32. to solve (a problem) by reasoning or calculation often used with out
  33. to cause to toil or labor
    • work ed their horses nearly to death
  34. to make use of : exploit
  35. to control or guide the operation of
    • switches are work ed from a central tower
  36. to carry on an operation or perform a job through, at, in, or along
    • the peddler work ed the corner
    • a sportscaster hired to work the game
  37. to greet and talk with in a friendly way in order to ingratiate oneself or achieve a purpose
    • politicians work ing the crowd
    • work ed the room
  38. to pay for or achieve with labor or service
    • work ed my way through college
    • work ed my way up in the company
  39. to get (oneself or an object) into or out of a condition or position by gradual stages
  40. contrive, arrange
    • we can work it so that you can take your vacation
  41. to practice trickery or cajolery on for some end
    • work ed the management for a free ticket
  42. excite, provoke
    • work ed myself into a rage
  43. to exert oneself physically or mentally esp. in sustained effort for a purpose or under compulsion or necessity
  44. to perform or carry through a task requiring sustained effort or continuous repeated operations
    • work ed all day over a hot stove
  45. to perform work or fulfill duties regularly for wages or salary
    • work s in publishing
  46. to function or operate according to plan or design
    • hinges work better with oil
  47. to exert an influence or tendency
  48. to produce a desired effect or result : succeed
    • a plan that will work
  49. to make way slowly and with difficulty : move or progress laboriously
    • work ed up to the presidency
  50. to sail to windward
  51. to permit of being worked : react in a specified way to being worked
    • this wood work s easily
  52. to be in agitation or restless motion
  53. ferment
  54. to move slightly in relation to another part
  55. to get into a specified condition by slow or imperceptible movements
    • the knot work ed loose

wrought iron -n

  1. a commercial form of iron that is tough, malleable, and relatively soft, contains less than 0.3 percent and usu. less than 0.1 percent carbon, and carries 1 or 2 percent of slag mechanically mixed with it

wrung ['riŋ] -vb, n

(variant of wring)

  1. to squeeze or twist esp. so as to make dry or to extract moisture or liquid
    • wring a towel dry
  2. to extract or obtain by or as if by twisting and compressing
    • wring water from a towel
    • wring a confession from the suspect
  3. to twist so as to strain or sprain into a distorted shape
    • I could wring your neck
  4. to twist together (clasped hands) as a sign of anguish
  5. to affect painfully as if by wringing : torment
    • a tragedy that wring s the heart
  6. squirm, writhe

wry ['rī] -vb

  1. twist, writhe
  2. to pull out of or as if out of proper shape : make awry
  3. having a bent or twisted shape or condition
    • a wry smile
  4. turned abnormally to one side
    • a wry neck
  5. wrongheaded
  6. cleverly and often ironically or grimly humorous

wry·neck ['rī-,nek] -n

  1. either of two Old World woodpeckers ( Jynx torquillaor J. ruficollis) that differ from the typical woodpeckers in having soft tail feathers and a peculiar manner of writhing the neck
  2. torticollis