f ['ef] -n

  1. the 6th letter of the English alphabet
  2. a graphic representation of this letter
  3. a speech counterpart of orthographic f
  4. the fourth tone of a C-major scale
  5. a graphic device for reproducing the letter f
  6. one designated fesp. as the sixth in order or class
  7. a grade rating a student's work as failing
  8. one graded or rated with an F
  9. something shaped like the letter F
  10. failure
  11. false
  12. family
  13. faraday
  14. feast
  15. female
  16. feminine
  17. femto-
  18. fermi
  19. fine
  20. finish
  21. fluid; fluidness
  22. focal length
  23. folio
  24. and the following one
  25. force
  26. forte
  27. fragile
  28. frequency
  29. from
  30. full

F -abbr

  1. Fahrenheit
  2. farad
  3. French
  4. Friday
  5. fluorine

fa ['fä] -n

  1. the fourth tone of the diatonic scale in solmization

FA -abbr

  1. field artillery
  2. fielding average
  3. football association

FAA -abbr

  1. Federal Aviation Administration
  2. free of all average

fab ['fab] -adj

  1. fabulous

Fa·bi·an ['fā-bē-ən] -adj, n

  1. of, relating to, or in the manner of the Roman general Quintus Fabius Maximus known for his defeat of Hannibal in the Second Punic War by the avoidance of decisive contests
  2. cautious, dilatory
  3. of, relating to, or being a society of socialists organized in England in 1884 to spread socialist principles gradually

fa·ble ['fā-bəl] -n

  1. : a fictitious narrative or statement: as
  2. a legendary story of supernatural happenings
  3. a narration intended to enforce a useful truth
  4. one in which animals speak and act like human beings
  5. falsehood, lie

fable [-b(ə-)liŋ] -vb, n

  1. to tell fables
  2. to talk or write about as if true

fabled -adj

  1. fictitious
  2. told or celebrated in fables
  3. renowned, famous
    • the team's fabled coach

fab·li·au ['fa-blē-,ō] -n

  1. a short, usu. comic, frankly coarse, and often cynical tale in verse popular esp. in the 12th and 13th centuries

fab·ric ['fa-brik] -n

  1. structure, building
  2. underlying structure : framework
    • the fabric of society
  3. an act of constructing : erection
  4. the construction and maintenance of a church building
  5. structural plan or style of construction
  6. texture, quality used chiefly of textiles
  7. the arrangement of physical components (as of soil) in relation to each other
  8. cloth
  9. a material that resembles cloth
  10. the appearance or pattern produced by the shapes and arrangement of the crystal grains in a rock

fab·ri·cant ['fa-bri-kənt] -n

  1. manufacturer

fab·ri·cate ['fa-bri-,kāt] -vt, n

  1. invent, create
  2. to make up for the purpose of deception
    • accused of fabricating evidence
  3. construct, manufacture
  4. to construct from diverse and usu. standardized parts

fab·ri·ca·tion [,fa-bri-'kā-shən] -n

  1. the act or process of fabricating
  2. a product of fabrication
  3. lie, falsehood

fabric softener -n

  1. a product used to make laundered fabrics softer and fluffier

fab·u·lar ['fa-byə-lər] -adj

  1. of, relating to, or having the form of a fable

fab·u·list ['fa-byə-list] -n, adj

  1. a creator or writer of fables
  2. liar

fab·u·lous ['fa-byə-ləs] -adj, adv, n

  1. resembling or suggesting a fable : of an incredible, astonishing, or exaggerated nature
    • fabulous wealth
  2. wonderful, marvelous
    • had a fabulous time
  3. told in or based on fable

fac -abbr

  1. facsimile
  2. faculty

FAC -abbr

  1. forward air controller

fa·cade [fə-'säd] -n

  1. the front of a building
  2. any face of a building given special architectural treatment
    • a museum's east facade
  3. a false, superficial, or artificial appearance or effect

face ['fās] -n

  1. the front part of the head that in humans extends from the forehead to the chin and includes the mouth, nose, cheeks, and eyes
  2. the face as a means of identification : countenance
    • would know that face anywhere
  3. presence, sight
  4. facial expression
    • a friendly face
  5. a facial expression of distaste or displeasure
    • he made a face when he saw the test results
  6. makeup
  7. outward appearance
    • put a good face on it
  8. the aspect of something that is perceptible or obvious upon superficial examination
    • the theory is absurd on its face -- Kim Neely
  9. disguise, pretense
  10. assurance, confidence
    • maintaining a firm face in spite of adversity
  11. effrontery
    • how anyone could have the face to ask that question
  12. dignity, prestige
    • afraid to lose face
  13. : surface:
  14. a front, upper, or outer surface
  15. the front of something having two or four sides
  16. facade
  17. an exposed surface of rock
  18. any of the plane surfaces that bound a geometric solid
  19. : a surface specially prepared: as
  20. the principal dressed surface (as of a disk)
  21. the right side (as of cloth or leather)
  22. an inscribed, printed, or marked side
  23. a striking surface (as of a tool)
    • the face of the golf club
    • the face of an anvil
  24. the surface (as of type) that receives the ink and transfers it to the paper
  25. a style of type
  26. the end or wall of a mine tunnel, drift, or excavation at which work is progressing
  27. face value
  28. person
    • lots of new face s around here
  29. to confront impudently
  30. to line near the edge esp. with a different material
  31. to cover the front or surface of
    • faced the building with marble
  32. to meet face-to-face or in competition
  33. to stand or sit with the face toward
  34. to have the front oriented toward
    • a house facing the park
  35. to recognize and deal with straightforwardly
    • face the facts
  36. to master by confronting with determination used with down
    • faced down his critics
  37. to have as a prospect : be confronted by
    • face a grim future
  38. to be a prospect or a source of concern for
    • the problems that face us
  39. to bring face-to-face
    • he was faced with ruin
  40. to make the surface of (as a stone) flat or smooth
  41. to cause (troops) to face in a particular direction on command
  42. to have the face or front turned in a specified direction
  43. to turn the face in a specified direction

face angle -n

  1. an angle formed by two edges of a polyhedral angle

face card -n

  1. a king, queen, or jack in a deck of cards

facecen·tered ['fās-,sen-tərd] -adj

  1. relating to or being a crystal space lattice in which each cubic unit cell has an atom at the center and at the corners of each face

face·cloth ['fās-,klȯth] -n

  1. washcloth

face cord -n

  1. a unit of wood cut for fuel equal to a stack 4 8 feet with lengths of pieces from about 12 to 16 inches

face·down [,fās-'dau̇n] -adv

  1. with the face down
    • sliding facedown

facefirst [,fās-'fərst] -adv, adj

  1. with the face foremost
    • hit the wall facefirst

face fly -n

  1. a European dipteran fly ( Musca autumnalis) that is similar to the housefly, is widely established in No. America, and causes distress to livestock by clustering about the face

face·less ['fās-ləs] -adj, n

  1. lacking character or individuality : nondescript
    • the faceless masses
  2. not identified : anonymous
    • a faceless accuser
  3. lacking a face

facelift ['fās-,lift] -n, vt

  1. plastic surgery on the face and neck to remove defects and imperfections (as wrinkles or sagging skin) typical of aging
  2. an alteration, restoration, or restyling (as of a building) intended esp. to modernize

face mask -n

  1. a mask covering the face (as in football)

faceoff ['fās-,ȯf] -n

  1. a method of beginning play (as in hockey or lacrosse) in which two opponents face each other and attempt to gain control of a puck or ball dropped or placed between them
  2. confrontation

face off -vi

  1. to be in or come into opposition or competition
    • politicians facing off against each other in a televised debate

faceplant ['fās-,plant] -n

  1. a sudden face-first fall

face·plate ['fās-,plāt] -n

  1. a disk fixed with its face at right angles to the live spindle of a lathe for the attachment of the work
  2. a protective plate for a machine or device
  3. a protective cover for the human face (as of a diver)
  4. the glass front of a cathode-ray tube on which the image is seen

fac·er ['fā-sər] -n

  1. one that faces
  2. a sudden often stunning check or obstacle

facesav·er ['fā(s)-,sā-vər] -n, adj or n

  1. something (as a compromise) that saves face

fac·et ['fa-sət] -n, adj

  1. a small plane surface (as on a cut gem)
  2. any of the definable aspects that make up a subject (as of contemplation) or an object (as of consideration)
  3. the external corneal surface of an ommatidium
  4. a smooth flat circumscribed anatomical surface (as of a bone)

fa·cete [fə-'sēt] -adj

  1. facetious, witty

fa·ce·ti·ae [fə-'sē-shē-,ē, -,ī] -n pl

  1. witty or humorous writings or sayings

face time -n

  1. the amount of time one spends appearing on television
  2. time spent in a face-to-face meeting with someone
  3. time spent at one's place of employment esp. beyond normal work hours

fa·ce·tious [fə-'sē-shəs] -adj, adv, n

  1. joking or jesting often inappropriately : waggish
    • just being facetious
  2. meant to be humorous or funny : not serious
    • a facetious remark

facetoface -adv or adj

  1. within each other's sight or presence
    • met and talked facetoface
    • a facetoface consultation
  2. in or into direct contact or confrontation
    • came facetoface with the problem

face·up ['fās-'əp] -adv

  1. with the face up

face up -vi

  1. to confront or deal directly with someone or something previously avoided usu. used with to
    • faced up to my fears

face value -n

  1. the value indicated on the face (as of a postage stamp or a stock certificate)
  2. the apparent value or significance
    • if their remarks may be taken at face value

facia [1 & 3 are usu 'fā-sh(ē-)ə, 2 is usu 'fa-] -n, adj

(variant of fascia)

  1. : a flat usu. horizontal member of a building having the form of a flat band or broad fillet: as
  2. a flat piece used as a molding
  3. a horizontal piece (as a board) covering the joint between the top of a wall and the projecting eaves called also fascia board
  4. a nameplate over the front of a shop
  5. a sheet of connective tissue covering or binding together body structures (as muscles)
  6. tissue of this character
  7. the dashboard of an automobile

fa·cial ['fā-shəl] -adj, adv

  1. of or relating to the face
    • facial expressions
  2. concerned with or used in improving the appearance of the face

facial -n

  1. a facial treatment

facial index -n

  1. the ratio of the breadth of the face to its length multiplied by 100

facial nerve -n

  1. either of the seventh pair of cranial nerves that supply motor fibers esp. to the muscles of the face and jaw and sensory and parasympathetic fibers to the tongue, palate, and fauces

fa·cies ['fā-sh(ē-,)ēz] -n

  1. general appearance
    • a plant species with a particularly distinct facies
  2. an appearance and expression of the face characteristic of a particular condition esp. when abnormal
    • adenoid facies
  3. a part of a rock or group of rocks that differs from the whole formation (as in composition, age, or fossil content)

fac·ile ['fa-səl] -adj, adv, n

  1. easily accomplished or attained
    • a facile victory
  2. shallow, simplistic
    • I am not concerned...with offering any facile solution for so complex a problem -- T. S. Eliot
  3. used or comprehended with ease
  4. readily manifested and often lacking sincerity or depth
    • facile tears
  5. mild or pleasing in manner or disposition
  6. ready, fluent
    • facile prose
  7. poised, assured

fa·cil·i·tate [fə-'si-lə-,tāt] -vt, adj

  1. to make easier : help bring about
    • facilitate growth

fa·cil·i·ta·tion [fə-,si-lə-'tā-shən] -n

  1. the act of facilitating : the state of being facilitated
  2. the lowering of the threshold for reflex conduction along a particular neural pathway esp. from repeated use of that pathway
  3. the increasing of the ease or intensity of a response by repeated stimulation

fa·cil·i·ta·tor [fə-'si-lə-,tā-tər] -n

  1. one that facilitates
  2. one that helps to bring about an outcome (as learning, productivity, or communication) by providing indirect or unobtrusive assistance, guidance, or supervision
    • the workshop's facilitator kept discussion flowing smoothly

fa·cil·i·ta·to·ry [fə-'si-lə-tə-,tȯr-ē] -adj

  1. inducing or involved in facilitation esp. of a reflex action

fa·cil·i·ty [fə-'si-lə-tē] -n

  1. the quality of being easily performed
  2. ease in performance : aptitude
  3. readiness of compliance
  4. something that makes an action, operation, or course of conduct easier usu. used in pl.
    • facilities for study
  5. lavatory often used in pl.
  6. something (as a hospital) that is built, installed, or established to serve a particular purpose

fac·ing ['fā-siŋ] -n

  1. a lining at the edge esp. of a garment
  2. the collar, cuffs, and trimmings of a uniform coat
  3. an ornamental or protective layer
  4. material for facing

fac·sim·i·le [fak-'si-mə-lē] -n

  1. an exact copy
  2. a system of transmitting and reproducing graphic matter (as printing or still pictures) by means of signals sent over telephone lines

fact ['fakt] -n

  1. : a thing done: as
  2. feat
  3. crime
    • accessory after the fact
  4. action
  5. performance, doing
  6. the quality of being actual : actuality
    • a question of fact hinges on evidence
  7. something that has actual existence
    • space exploration is now a fact
  8. an actual occurrence
    • prove the fact of damage
  9. a piece of information presented as having objective reality

factcheck ['fak(t)-,chek] -vt, n

  1. to verify the factual accuracy of
    • factcheck the article before publication

fact finder -n, n or adj

  1. one that tries to determine the realities of a case, situation, or relationship
  2. an impartial examiner designated by a government agency to appraise the facts underlying a particular matter (as a labor dispute)

fac·tic·i·ty [fak-'ti-sə-tē] -n

  1. the quality or state of being a fact

fac·tion ['fak-shən] -n, adj, adv

  1. a party or group (as within a government) that is often contentious or self-seeking : clique
  2. party spirit esp. when marked by dissension

fac·tious ['fak-shəs] -adj, adv, n

  1. : of or relating to faction: as
  2. caused by faction
    • factious disputes
  3. inclined to faction or the formation of factions
  4. seditious

fac·ti·tious [fak-'ti-shəs] -adj, adv, n

  1. produced by humans rather than by natural forces
  2. formed by or adapted to an artificial or conventional standard
  3. produced by special effort : sham
    • created a factitious demand by spreading rumors of shortage

fac·ti·tive ['fak-tə-tiv] -adj, adv

  1. of, relating to, or being a transitive verb that in some constructions requires an objective complement as well as an object

fact of life

  1. something that exists and must be taken into consideration
  2. the fundamental physiological processes and behavior involved in sex and reproduction

fac·toid ['fak-,tȯid] -n

  1. an invented fact believed to be true because of its appearance in print
  2. a briefly stated and usu. trivial fact

fac·tor ['fak-tər] -n

  1. : one who acts or transacts business for another: as
  2. broker
  3. one that lends money to producers and dealers (as on the security of accounts receivable)
  4. one that actively contributes to the production of a result : ingredient
    • price wasn't a factor in the decision
  5. a substance that functions in or promotes the function of a particular physiological process or bodily system
  6. a good or service used in the process of production
  7. gene
  8. any of the numbers or symbols in mathematics that when multiplied together form a product
  9. a number or symbol that divides another number or symbol
  10. a quantity by which a given quantity is multiplied or divided in order to indicate a difference in measurement
    • costs increased by a factor of 10

factor [-t(ə-)riŋ] -vb, adj

  1. to work as a factor
  2. to resolve into factors
  3. to include or admit as a factor used with in or into
    • factor inflation into our calculations
  4. to exclude as a factor used with out

fac·tor·age [-t(ə-)rij] -n

  1. the charges made by a factor for services
  2. the business of a factor

factor analysis -n, adj

  1. the analytical process of transforming statistical data (as measurements) into linear combinations of usu. independent variables

factor VIII [-'āt] -n

  1. a glycoprotein clotting factor of blood plasma that is essential for blood clotting and is absent or inactive in hemophilia called also antihemophilic factor

factor group -n

  1. quotient group

fac·to·ri·al [fak-'tȯr-ē-əl] -adj

  1. of, relating to, or being a factor or a factorial

factorial -n

  1. the product of all the positive integers from 1 to n symbol n
  2. the quantity 0arbitrarily defined as equal to 1

fac·tor·i·za·tion [,fak-tə-rə-'zā-shən] -n, vt

  1. the operation of resolving a quantity into factors
  2. a product obtained by factorization

fac·to·ry ['fak-t(ə-)rē] -n, adj

  1. a station where factors reside and trade
    • a colonial factory
  2. a building or set of buildings with facilities for manufacturing
  3. the seat of some kind of production
    • the vice factories of the slums

factory ship -n

  1. a ship equipped to process a whale or fish catch at sea

fac·to·tum [fak-'tō-təm] -n

  1. a person having many diverse activities or responsibilities
  2. a general servant

fac·tu·al ['fak-chə-wəl, -chəl, -chü-əl, 'faksh-wəl] -adj, n, adv

  1. of or relating to facts
    • a factual error
  2. restricted to or based on fact
    • a factual statement

fac·tu·al·ism ['fak-chə-wə-,li-zəm, -chə-,li-, -chü-ə-,li-, 'faksh-wə-] -n

  1. adherence or dedication to facts

fac·ture ['fak-chər] -n

  1. the manner in which something (as an artistic work) is made : execution

fac·u·la ['fa-kyə-lə] -n

  1. any of the bright regions of the sun's photosphere seen most easily near the sun's edge

fac·ul·ta·tive ['fa-kəl-,tā-tiv, Brit -tə-tiv] -adj, adv

  1. of or relating to the grant of permission, authority, or privilege
    • facultative legislation
  2. optional
  3. of or relating to a mental faculty
  4. taking place under some conditions but not under others
    • facultative diapause
  5. exhibiting an indicated lifestyle under some environmental conditions but not under others
    • facultative anaerobes

fac·ul·ty ['fa-kəl-tē] -n

  1. : ability, power: as
  2. innate or acquired ability to act or do
  3. an inherent capability, power, or function
    • the faculty of hearing
  4. any of the powers of the mind formerly held by psychologists to form a basis for the explanation of all mental phenomena
  5. natural aptitude
    • has a faculty for saying the right things
  6. a branch of teaching or learning in an educational institution
  7. something in which one is trained or qualified
  8. the members of a profession
  9. the teaching and administrative staff and those members of the administration having academic rank in an educational institution
  10. faculty members
    • many faculty were present
  11. power, authority, or prerogative given or conferred

fad ['fad] -n, adj, adv

  1. a practice or interest followed for a time with exaggerated zeal : craze

FAD [,ef-,ā-'dē] -n

  1. flavin adenine dinucleotide

fade ['fād] -vb, n

  1. to lose freshness, strength, or vitality : wither
    • fading flowers
  2. to lose freshness or brilliance of color
  3. to sink away : vanish
    • a fading memory
  4. to change gradually in loudness, strength, or visibility used of a motion-picture image or of an electronics signal and usu. with in or out
  5. to lose braking power gradually
  6. to move back from the line of scrimmage used of a quarterback
  7. to move in a slight to moderate slice
  8. to cause to fade
  9. fade-out
  10. a gradual changing of one picture to another in a motion-picture or television sequence
  11. a fading of an automobile brake
  12. a slight to moderate and usu. intentional slice in golf
  13. a hairstyle similar to a crew cut in which the hair on top of the head stands high
  14. insipid, commonplace

fade·away ['fād-ə-,wā] -n

  1. screwball
  2. a slide in which a base runner throws his or her body sideways to avoid the tag
  3. an act or instance of fading away

fadein ['fād-,in] -n

  1. a gradual increase in a motion-picture or television image's visibility at the beginning of a sequence

fade·less ['fād-ləs] -adj

  1. not susceptible to fading

fadeout ['fād-,au̇t] -n

  1. an act or instance of fading out
  2. a gradual decrease in a motion-picture or television image's visibility at the end of a sequence

FADM -abbr

  1. fleet admiral

fa·do ['fä-(,)thü, 'fa-] -n

  1. a plaintive Portuguese folk song

fae·cal ['fē-kəl] -adj

(variant of fecal)

  1. of, relating to, or constituting feces

fa·e·na [fä-'ā-(,)nä] -n

  1. a series of final passes leading to the kill made by the matador in a bullfight

fa·er·ie ['fā-(ə-)rē, 'fer-ē] -n, adj

  1. fairyland
  2. fairy

Faero·ese [,fer-ə-'wēz, -'wēs] -n, adj

  1. a member of the people inhabiting the Faeroes
  2. the North Germanic language of the Faeroese people

Faf·nir ['fäv-nər, 'fäf-, -,nir] -n

  1. a dragon in Norse mythology that guards the Nibelungs' gold hoard until slain by Sigurd

fag ['fag] -vb

  1. to work hard : toil
  2. to tire by strenuous activity : exhaust
    • fagged by the strenuous climb
  3. toil, drudgery
  4. drudge
  5. an English public-school boy who acts as servant to an older schoolmate
  6. to serve as a fag esp. in an English public school
    • fagging for older boys during his first year
  7. cigarette
  8. faggot

fag end -n

  1. a poor or worn-out end : remnant
  2. the extreme end
  3. the last part or coarser end of a web of cloth
  4. the untwisted end of a rope

fag·got ['fa-gət] -n, adj

  1. a male homosexual

fa·gin ['fā-gən] -n

  1. an adult who instructs others (as children) in crime

fag·ot ['fa-gət] -n

  1. : bundle: as
  2. a bundle of sticks
  3. a bundle of pieces of wrought iron to be shaped by rolling or hammering at high temperature

fagot -vt

  1. to make a fagot of : bind together into a bundle
    • fagot ed sticks

fag·ot·ing ['fa-gə-tiŋ] -n

  1. an embroidery produced by pulling out horizontal threads from a fabric and tying the remaining cross threads into groups of an hourglass shape
  2. an openwork stitch joining hemmed edges

Fah -abbr

  1. Fahrenheit

Fahr·en·heit ['fer-ən-,hīt] -adj

  1. relating or conforming to a thermometric scale on which under standard atmospheric pressure the boiling point of water is at 212 degrees above the zero of the scale, the freezing point is at 32 degrees above zero, and the zero point approximates the temperature produced by mixing equal quantities by weight of snow and common salt abbr. F

fa·ience [fā-'än(t)s, fī-, -'äⁿs] -n

  1. earthenware decorated with opaque colored glazes

fail ['fāl] -vb, adv

  1. to lose strength : weaken
    • her health was fail ing
  2. to fade or die away
    • until our family line fail s
  3. to stop functioning normally
    • the patient's heart fail ed
  4. to fall short
    • fail ed in his duty
  5. to be or become absent or inadequate
    • the water supply fail ed
  6. to be unsuccessful
    • the marriage fail ed
  7. to be unsuccessful in achieving a passing grade
    • took the exam and fail ed
  8. to become bankrupt or insolvent
  9. to disappoint the expectations or trust of
    • her friends fail ed her
  10. to miss performing an expected service or function for
    • his wit fail ed him
  11. to be deficient in : lack
    • never fail ed an invincible courage -- Douglas MacArthur
  12. to leave undone : neglect
    • fail to lock the door
  13. to be unsuccessful in passing
    • fail ed chemistry
  14. to grade (as a student) as not passing
  15. failure usu. used in the phrase without fail
  16. a failure (as by a security dealer) to deliver or receive securities within a prescribed period after purchase or sale

fail·ing ['fā-liŋ] -n

  1. a usu. slight or insignificant defect in character, conduct, or ability

failing -prep

  1. in absence or default of
    • failing specific instructions, use your own judgment

faille ['fī(-ə)l] -n

  1. a somewhat shiny closely woven silk, rayon, or cotton fabric characterized by slight ribs in the weft

failsafe ['fāl-,sāf] -adj

  1. incorporating some feature for automatically counteracting the effect of an anticipated possible source of failure
  2. being or relating to a safeguard that prevents continuing on a bombing mission according to a preconceived plan
  3. having no chance of failure : infallibly problem-free
    • the little black dress...has consistently been the failsafe solution for night -- Vogue
  4. a device or measure that makes something fail-safe

fail·ure ['fāl-yər] -n

  1. omission of occurrence or performance
  2. a failing to perform a duty or expected action
    • failure to pay the rent on time
  3. a state of inability to perform a normal function
    • kidney failure
  4. an abrupt cessation of normal functioning
    • a power failure
  5. a fracturing or giving way under stress
    • structural failure
  6. lack of success
  7. a failing in business : bankruptcy
  8. a falling short : deficiency
    • a crop failure
  9. deterioration, decay
  10. one that has failed

fain ['fān] -adj

  1. happy, pleased
  2. inclined, desirous
  3. willing
    • he was very fain, for the young widow was altogether fair and lovely... -- Amy Kelly
  4. being obliged or constrained : compelled
    • Great Britain was fain to devote its whole energy...to the business of slaying and being slain -- G. M. Trevelyan
  5. with pleasure : gladly
    • a speech of fire that fain would blaze -- Michael Billington
  6. by preference
    • knew it, too, though he would fain not admit it publicly -- John Lukacs
  7. by desire
    • I would fain consult you -- W. S. Gilbert

fai·ne·ant [fā-nā-'äⁿ] -n

  1. an irresponsible idler
  2. idle and ineffectual : indolent

faint ['fānt] -adj, n, adv

  1. lacking courage and spirit : cowardly
    • faint of heart
  2. weak, dizzy, and likely to faint
  3. lacking strength or vigor : performed, offered, or accomplished weakly or languidly
    • faint praise
  4. producing a sensation of faintness : oppressive
    • the faint atmosphere of a tropical port
  5. hardly perceptible : dim
    • faint handwriting
  6. vague
    • haven't the faintest idea
  7. to lose courage or spirit
  8. to become weak
  9. to lose consciousness because of a temporary decrease in the blood supply to the brain
  10. the physiological action of fainting
  11. the resulting condition : syncope

faint·heart·ed ['fānt-'här-təd] -adj, adv, n

  1. lacking courage or resolution : timid

fair ['fer] -adj, n

  1. pleasing to the eye or mind esp. because of fresh, charming, or flawless quality
  2. superficially pleasing : specious
    • she trusted his fair promises
  3. clean, pure
    • fair sparkling water
  4. clear, legible
  5. not stormy or foul : fine
    • fair weather
  6. ample
    • a fair estate
  7. marked by impartiality and honesty : free from self-interest, prejudice, or favoritism
    • a very fair person to do business with
  8. conforming with the established rules : allowed
  9. consonant with merit or importance : due
    • a fair share
  10. open to legitimate pursuit, attack, or ridicule
    • fair game
  11. promising, likely
    • in a fair way to win
  12. favorable to a ship's course
    • a fair wind
  13. free of obstacles
  14. not dark
    • fair skin
  15. sufficient but not ample : adequate
    • a fair understanding of the work
  16. moderately numerous, large, or significant
    • takes a fair amount of time
  17. being such to the utmost : utter
    • a fair treat to watch him -- New Republic
  18. beauty, fairness
  19. something that is fair or fortunate
  20. woman
  21. sweetheart
  22. in a fair manner
    • play fair
  23. fairly
    • fair makes you want to cry
  24. clear
  25. to join so that the external surfaces blend smoothly
  26. a gathering of buyers and sellers at a particular place and time for trade
  27. a competitive exhibition usu. with accompanying entertainment and amusements
    • an agricultural fair
  28. an exhibition designed to acquaint prospective buyers or the general public with a product
    • a book fair
  29. an exposition that promotes the availability of services or opportunities
    • health fair s
    • job fair s
  30. a sale of assorted articles usu. for a charitable purpose

fair ball -n

  1. a batted baseball that lands within the foul lines or that is within the foul lines when bounding to the outfield past first or third base or when going beyond the outfield for a home run

fair catch -n, vt

  1. a catch of a kicked football by a player who gives a prescribed signal, may not advance the ball, and may not be tackled

fair copy -n

  1. a neat and exact copy esp. of a corrected draft

fair·go·er ['fer-,gō-ər] -n

  1. one who attends a fair

fair·ground ['fer-,grau̇nd] -n

  1. an area where outdoor fairs, circuses, or exhibitions are held often used in pl. with sing. constr.
    • what a spot for a fairground s -- W. L. Gresham

fairhaired ['fer-'herd] -adj

  1. specially favored : white-headed used esp. in the phrase fair-haired boy

fair·ing ['fer-iŋ] -n

  1. a present bought or given at a fair
  2. gift
  3. desert

fairing -n

  1. a member or structure whose primary function is to produce a smooth outline and to reduce drag (as on an airplane)

fair·ish ['fer-ish] -adj, adv

  1. fairly good
    • a fairish wage for those days

Fair Isle -n

  1. a style of knitting originating in the Shetland Islands that is characterized by bands of multicolored geometric patterns
  2. an article of clothing knitted in this style

fair·lead ['fer-,lēd] -n

  1. a block, ring, or strip of plank with holes that serves as a guide for the running rigging or any ship's rope and keeps it from chafing
  2. a course of running ship's rope that avoids all chafing

fair·ly ['fer-lē] -adv

  1. in a handsome manner
    • a table fairly set
  2. in a gentle manner : quietly
  3. in a courteous manner
  4. so to speak : nearly, practically
    • fairly bursting with pride
  5. in a proper or legal manner
    • fairly priced stocks
  6. without bias or distortion : impartially
    • a story told fairly and objectively
  7. to a full degree or extent : plainly, distinctly
    • had fairly caught sight of him
  8. rather , moderately
    • a fairly easy job

fair market value -n

  1. a price at which buyers and sellers with a reasonable knowledge of pertinent facts and not acting under any compulsion are willing to do business

fairmind·ed ['fer-,mīn-dəd] -adj, n

  1. marked by impartiality and honesty : just, unprejudiced

fairness doctrine -n

  1. a tenet of licensed broadcasting that ensures a reasonable opportunity for the airing of conflicting viewpoints on controversial issues

fair play -n

  1. equitable or impartial treatment : justice

fair shake -n

  1. a fair chance or fair treatment
    • give the negative side a fair shake -- S. L. Payne

fairspo·ken ['fer-,spō-kən] -adj

  1. pleasant and courteous in speech
    • a fairspoken youth

fairtrade ['fer-'trād] -vt, n

  1. to market (a commodity) in compliance with the provisions of a fair-trade agreement

fairtrade agreement -n

  1. an agreement between a producer and a seller that commodities bearing a trademark, label, or brand name belonging to the producer be sold at or above a specified price

fair use -n

  1. a legal doctrine that portions of copyrighted materials may be used without permission of the copyright owner provided the use is fair and reasonable, does not substantially impair the value of the materials, and does not curtail the profits reasonably expected by the owner

fair·way ['fer-,wā] -n

  1. a navigable part of a river, bay, or harbor
  2. an open path or space
  3. the closely mowed part of a golf course between a tee and a green

fairweather -adj

  1. loyal only during a time of success
    • a fairweather friend
  2. suitable for or done during fair weather
    • a fairweather sail

fairy ['fer-ē] -n, adj

  1. a mythical being of folklore and romance usu. having diminutive human form and magic powers
  2. a male homosexual

fairy godmother -n

  1. a generous friend or benefactor

fairy·ism [-,i-zəm] -n

  1. the power to enchant

fairy·land [-,land] -n

  1. the land of fairies
  2. a place of delicate beauty or magical charm

fairy ring -n

  1. a ring of basidiomycetous mushrooms produced at the periphery of a body of mycelium which has grown outward from an initial growth point
  2. a ring of luxuriant vegetation esp. when associated with these mushrooms
  3. a mushroom (esp. Marasmius oreades) that commonly grows in fairy rings

fairy shrimp -n

  1. any of several very small translucent freshwater branchiopod crustaceans (order Anostraca)

fairytale -adj

  1. characteristic of or suitable to a fairy tale
  2. marked by seemingly unreal beauty, perfection, luck, or happiness
    • led a fairytale life
    • a store clerk's fairytale romance

fairy tale -n

  1. a story (as for children) involving fantastic forces and beings (as fairies, wizards, and goblins) called also fairy story
  2. a story in which improbable events lead to a happy ending
  3. a made-up story usu. designed to mislead

fait ac·com·pli ['fā-tə-,käm-'plē, 'fe-, 'fe-,ta-, -,kōⁿ(m)-, Brit usu -'käm-(,)plē] -n

  1. a thing accomplished and presumably irreversible

faith ['fāth] -n

  1. allegiance to duty or a person : loyalty
  2. fidelity to one's promises
  3. sincerity of intentions
  4. belief and trust in and loyalty to God
  5. belief in the traditional doctrines of a religion
  6. firm belief in something for which there is no proof
  7. complete trust
  8. something that is believed esp. with strong conviction
  9. a system of religious beliefs
    • the Protestant faith
  10. believe, trust

faith·ful ['fāth-fəl] -adj, adv, n

  1. full of faith
  2. steadfast in affection or allegiance : loyal
  3. firm in adherence to promises or in observance of duty : conscientious
  4. given with strong assurance : binding
    • a faithful promise
  5. true to the facts, to a standard, or to an original
    • a faithful copy

faithful -n

  1. church members in full communion and good standing used with the
  2. the body of believers in Islam used with the
  3. one who is faithful
  4. a loyal follower, member, or fan
    • party faithful s

faith healing -n

  1. a method of treating diseases by prayer and exercise of faith in God

faith·less ['fāth-ləs] -adj, adv, n

  1. not true to allegiance or duty : treacherous, disloyal
    • a faithless servant
  2. not to be relied on : untrustworthy
    • a faithless tool

fai·tour ['fā-tər] -n

  1. cheat, imposter

fa·ji·ta [fə-'hē-tə, fä-] -n

  1. a marinated strip usu. of beef or chicken grilled or broiled and served usu. with a flour tortilla and various savory fillings usu. used in pl.

fake ['fāk] -vt

  1. to coil in fakes
  2. one loop of a coil (as of ship's rope or a fire hose) coiled free for running
  3. counterfeit, sham
  4. : one that is not what it purports to be: as
  5. a worthless imitation passed off as genuine
  6. impostor, charlatan
  7. a simulated movement in a sports contest (as a pretended kick, pass, or jump or a quick movement in one direction before going in another) designed to deceive an opponent
  8. a device or apparatus used by a magician to achieve the illusion of magic in a trick
  9. to alter, manipulate, or treat so as to give a spuriously genuine appearance to : doctor
    • faked the lab results
  10. counterfeit, simulate, concoct
    • faked a heart attack
  11. to deceive (an opponent) in a sports contest by means of a fake
  12. improvise, ad-lib
    • whistle a few bars...and I'll fake the rest -- Robert Sylvester
  13. to engage in faking something : pretend sometimes used with it
    • if you don't have the answers, fake it
  14. to give a fake to an opponent

fake out -vt

  1. to deliberately mislead : fool, trick

fa·kir -n

  1. a Muslim mendicant : dervish
  2. an itinerant Hindu ascetic or wonder-worker
  3. impostor
  4. swindler

fa la [fä-'lä] -n

  1. a 16th and 17th century part-song

fa·la·fel [fə-'lä-fəl] -n

  1. a spicy mixture of ground vegetables (as chick-peas or fava beans) formed into balls or patties and then fried

Fa·lan·gist [fə-'lan-jist, 'fā-,] -n

  1. a member of the fascist political party governing Spain after the civil war of 193639

Fa·la·sha [fə-'lä-shə] -n

  1. a member of a people of highland Ethiopia who practice a variety of Judaism

fal·cate ['fal-,kāt, 'fȯl-] -adj

  1. hooked or curved like a sickle

fal·chion ['fȯl-chən] -n

  1. a broad-bladed slightly curved sword of medieval times
  2. sword

fal·ci·form ['fal-sə-,fȯrm, 'fȯl-] -adj

  1. having the shape of a scythe or sickle

fal·cip·a·rum malaria [fal-'si-pə-rəm-] -n

  1. extremely severe malaria caused by a sporozoan parasite ( Plasmodium falciparum)

fal·con ['fal-kən, 'fȯl- also 'fȯ-kən] -n

  1. any of various hawks trained for use in falconry
  2. peregrine falcon used technically only of a female
  3. any of various hawks (family Falconidae) that have long pointed wings, a long tail, and a notched beak and that usu. inhabit open areas

fal·con·er [-kə-nər] -n

  1. a person who breeds, trains, or hunts with hawks

fal·con·et [,fal-kə-'net, ,fȯl- also ,fȯ-] -n

  1. a very small cannon used in the 16th and 17th centuries
  2. any of several very small falcons (genera Microhierax, Polihierax,and Spiziapteryx)

fal·congen·tle [-kən-'jen-tᵊl] -n

  1. the female peregrine falcon

fal·con·ry ['fal-kən-rē, 'fȯl- also 'fȯ-kən-] -n

  1. the art of training hawks to hunt in cooperation with a person
  2. the sport of hunting with hawks

falderal ['fäl-də-,räl] -n

(variant of folderol)

  1. a useless ornament or accessory : trifle
  2. nonsense

fald·stool ['fȯl(d)-,stül] -n

  1. a folding stool or chair
  2. one used by a bishop
  3. a folding stool or small desk at which one kneels during devotions
  4. one used by the sovereigns of England at their coronation
  5. the desk from which the litany is read in Anglican churches

fall ['fȯl] -vb

  1. to descend freely by the force of gravity
  2. to hang freely
    • her hair fall s over her shoulders
  3. to drop oneself to a lower position
    • fell to his knees
  4. to come or go as if by falling
    • darkness fall s early in the winter
  5. to become born usu. used of lambs
  6. to become lower in degree or level
    • the temperature fell 10
  7. to drop in pitch or volume
    • their voices fell to a whisper
  8. issue
    • wisdom that fell from his lips
  9. to become lowered
    • her eyes fell
  10. to leave an erect position suddenly and involuntarily
    • slipped and fell on the ice
  11. to enter as if unawares : stumble, stray
    • fell into error
  12. to drop down wounded or dead
  13. to die in battle
  14. to suffer military capture
    • after a long siege the city fell
  15. to lose office
    • the party fell from power
  16. to suffer ruin, defeat, or failure
    • the deal fell through
  17. to commit an immoral act
  18. to lose one's chastity
  19. to move or extend in a downward direction
    • the land fall s away to the east
  20. subside, abate
    • the wind is fall ing
  21. to decline in quality, activity, or quantity
    • production fell off
  22. to lose weight used with off or away
  23. to assume a look of shame, disappointment, or dejection
    • his face fell
  24. to decline in financial value or price
    • stocks fell sharply
  25. to occur at a certain time
    • her birthday fall s on a Monday this year
  26. to come by chance
    • a job that fell into his hands
  27. to come or pass by lot, assignment, or inheritance : devolve
    • it fell to him to break the news
  28. to have a certain or proper position, place, or station
    • the accent fall s on the second syllable
  29. to come within the limits, scope, or jurisdiction of something
    • this word fall s into the class of verbs
  30. to pass suddenly and passively into a state of body or mind or a new state or condition
    • fall asleep
    • fall in love
  31. to set about heartily or actively
    • fell to work
  32. strike, impinge
    • music fall ing on the ear
  33. fell
  34. the act of falling by the force of gravity
  35. a falling out, off, or away : dropping
    • the fall of leaves
    • a fall of snow
  36. the season when leaves fall from trees : autumn
  37. a thing or quantity that falls or has fallen
    • a fall of rock at the base of the cliff
  38. one or more meteorites or their fragments that have fallen together
  39. birth
  40. the quantity born usu. used of lambs
  41. a costume decoration of lace or thin fabric arranged to hang loosely and gracefully
  42. a very wide turned-down collar worn in the 17th century
  43. the part of a turnover collar from the crease to the outer edge
  44. a wide front flap on trousers (as those worn by sailors)
  45. the freely hanging lower edge of the skirt of a coat
  46. one of the three outer and often drooping segments of the flower of an iris
  47. long hair overhanging the face of dogs of some breeds
  48. a usu. long straight portion of hair that is attached to a person's own hair
  49. a hoisting-tackle rope or chain
  50. the part of it to which the power is applied
  51. loss of greatness : collapse
    • the fall of the Roman Empire
  52. the surrender or capture of a besieged place
    • the fall of Troy
  53. lapse or departure from innocence or goodness
  54. loss of a woman's chastity
  55. the blame for a failure or misdeed
    • took the fall for the robbery
  56. the downward slope (as of a hill) : declivity
  57. a precipitous descent of water : waterfall usu. used in pl. but sing. or pl. in constr.
  58. a musical cadence
  59. a falling-pitch intonation in speech
  60. a decrease in size, quantity, degree, or value
  61. the distance which something falls
  62. inclination, pitch
  63. the act of felling something
  64. the quantity of trees cut down
  65. an act of forcing a wrestler's shoulders to the mat for a specified time (as one second)
  66. a bout of wrestling
  67. destiny, lot
  68. of, relating to, or suitable for autumn
    • a new fall coat

fal·la·cious [fə-'lā-shəs] -adj, adv, n

  1. embodying a fallacy
    • a fallacious conclusion
  2. tending to deceive or mislead : delusive

fal·la·cy ['fa-lə-sē] -n

  1. guile, trickery
  2. deceptive appearance : deception
  3. a false or mistaken idea
    • popular fallacies
  4. erroneous character : erroneousness
  5. an often plausible argument using false or invalid inference

fallal [fa-'lal, 'fa(l)-,lal] -n

  1. a fancy ornament esp. in dress

fall armyworm -n

  1. a migratory American noctuid moth ( Spodoptera frugiperda) that is destructive to grains and grasses as a larva

fall·away ['fȯl-ə-,wā] -adj, n

  1. made while moving away from the basket in basketball
    • a fallaway jump shot

fall away -vi

  1. to withdraw friendship or support
  2. to renounce one's faith
  3. to diminish gradually in size
  4. to drift off a course

fall·back ['fȯl-,bak] -n

  1. something on which one can fall back : reserve often used attributively
    • a fallback career
    • a fallback position
  2. a falling back : retreat
  3. something that falls back
    • the fallback from an explosion

fall back -vi

  1. retreat, recede

fall down -vi

  1. to fail to meet expectations or requirements
    • fell down on the job

fall·er ['fȯ-lər] -n

  1. a machine part that acts by falling
  2. a logger who fells trees

fall·fish ['fȯl-,fish] -n

  1. a common silvery cyprinid fish ( Semotilus corporalis) of the streams of northeastern No. America

fall guy -n

  1. scapegoat
    • a fall guy for his boss's errors

fal·li·bil·i·ty [,fa-lə-'bi-lə-tē] -n

  1. liability to err

fal·li·ble ['fa-lə-bəl] -adj, adv

  1. liable to be erroneous
    • a fallible generalization
  2. capable of making a mistake
    • we're all fallible

fall in -vi

  1. to sink inward
    • the roof fell in
  2. to take one's proper place in a military formation

falling diphthong -n

  1. a diphthong (as i in niz noise) composed of a vowel followed by a less sonorous glide

fall·ingout [,fȯ-liŋ-'au̇t] -n

  1. an instance of falling out : quarrel
    • had a fallingout with his parents

falling rhythm -n

  1. rhythm with stress occurring regularly on the first syllable of each foot

falling star -n

  1. meteor

fall line -n

  1. a line joining the waterfalls on numerous rivers that marks the point where each river descends from the upland to the lowland and the limit of the navigability of each river
  2. the natural downhill course (as for skiing) between two points on a slope

fall·off ['fȯl-,ȯf] -n

  1. a decline esp. in quantity or quality
    • a falloff in exports
    • a falloff of light intensity

fall off -vi

  1. trend
  2. to deviate to leeward of the point to which the bow was directed

fal·lo·pi·an tube [fə-'lō-pē-ən-] -n

  1. either of the pair of tubes that carry the egg from the ovary to the uterus

fall·out ['fȯl-,au̇t] -n

  1. the often radioactive particles stirred up by or resulting from a nuclear explosion and descending through the atmosphere
  2. other polluting particles (as volcanic ash) descending likewise
  3. descent (as of fallout) through the atmosphere
  4. a secondary and often lingering effect, result, or set of consequences
    • have to take a position and accept the political fallout -- Andy Logan

fall out -vi

  1. quarrel
  2. to cut off relations over a quarrel
    • former friends who have fallen out
  3. turn out, happen
    • expected to be in the States..., but things fell out otherwise -- Mark Twain
  4. to leave one's place in the ranks
  5. to leave a building in order to take one's place in a military formation

fal·low ['fa-(,)lō] -adj

  1. of a light yellowish-brown color

fallow -n

  1. usu. cultivated land that is allowed to lie idle during the growing season
  2. plowed land
  3. the state or period of being fallow
  4. the tilling of land without sowing it for a season
  5. to plow, harrow, and break up (land) without seeding to destroy weeds and conserve soil moisture
  6. left untilled or unsown after plowing
  7. dormant, inactive used esp. in the phrase to lie fallow
    • at this very moment there are probably important inventions lying fallow -- Harper's

fallow deer -n

  1. a deer ( Dama damasyn. Cervus dama) of variable color with palmate antlers in the male and typically a yellow-brown coat spotted with white in the summer that was orig. of Mediterranean regions of Europe and Asia but has been introduced elsewhere

fall to -vi

  1. to begin doing something (as working or eating) esp. vigorously often used in invitation or command

false ['fȯls] -adj, adv, n

  1. not genuine
    • false documents
    • false teeth
  2. intentionally untrue
    • false testimony
  3. adjusted or made so as to deceive
    • false scales
    • a trunk with a false bottom
  4. intended or tending to mislead
    • a false promise
  5. not true
    • false concepts
  6. not faithful or loyal : treacherous
    • a false friend
  7. lacking naturalness or sincerity
    • false sympathy
  8. not essential or permanent used of parts of a structure that are temporary or supplemental
  9. fitting over a main part to strengthen it, to protect it, or to disguise its appearance
    • a false ceiling
  10. inaccurate in pitch
    • a false note
  11. based on mistaken ideas
    • false pride
  12. inconsistent with the facts
    • a false position
    • a false sense of security
  13. threateningly sudden or deceptive
    • don't make any false moves
  14. in a false or faithless manner : treacherously
    • his friends played him false

false alarm -n

  1. an alarm (as a fire or burglar alarm) that is set off needlessly
  2. one causing alarm or excitement that proves to be unfounded

false arrest -n

  1. an arrest not justifiable under law

false color -n

  1. color in an image (as a photograph) of an object that does not actually appear in the object but is used to enhance, contrast, or distinguish details

false·hood ['fȯls-,hu̇d] -n

  1. an untrue statement : lie
  2. absence of truth or accuracy
  3. the practice of lying : mendacity

false imprisonment -n

  1. imprisonment of a person contrary to law

false mi·ter·wort [-'mī-tər-,wərt, -,wȯrt] -n

  1. foamflower

false morel -n

  1. any of a genus ( Gyromitra) of fungi that are often poisonous and have a cap with convolutions resembling a brain

false pregnancy -n

  1. pseudocyesis, pseudopregnancy

false rib -n

  1. a rib whose cartilages unite indirectly or not at all with the sternum

false Solomon's seal -n

  1. any of a genus ( Smilacina) of herbs of the lily family that differ from Solomon's seal in having flowers in a terminal raceme or panicle called also false Solomonseal

false start -n

  1. a premature start (as of a race or football play)
  2. an unsuccessful attempt to begin something (as a career)

fal·set·to [fȯl-'se-(,)tō] -n

  1. an artificially high voice
  2. an artificially produced singing voice that overlaps and extends above the range of the full voice esp. of a tenor
  3. a singer who uses falsetto

falsetto -adv

  1. in falsetto

false·work ['fȯls-,wərk] -n

  1. temporary construction work on which a main work is wholly or partly built and supported until the main work is strong enough to support itself

fals·ie ['fȯl-sē] -n

  1. an artificial addition to a bodily part worn to enhance appearance
  2. a breast-shaped usu. fabric or rubber cup used to pad a brassiere usu. used in pl.

fal·si·fy ['fȯl-sə-,fī] -vb, n, adj

  1. to prove or declare false : disprove
  2. : to make false: as
  3. to make false by mutilation or addition
    • the accounts were falsified to conceal a theft
  4. to represent falsely : misrepresent
  5. to prove unsound by experience
  6. to tell lies : lie

fal·si·ty ['fȯl-sə-tē] -n

  1. something false : lie
  2. the quality or state of being false

Fal·staff ['fȯl-,staf] -n, adj

  1. a fat, convivial, roguish character in Shakespeare's Merry Wives of Windsorand Henry IV

fal·ter ['fȯl-tər] -vb, n, adv

  1. to walk unsteadily : stumble
  2. to give way : totter
    • could feel my legs falter ing
  3. to move waveringly or hesitatingly
  4. to speak brokenly or weakly : stammer
    • her voice falter ed
  5. to hesitate in purpose or action : waver
    • he never falter ed in his determination
  6. to lose drive or effectiveness
    • the business was falter ing
  7. to utter hesitatingly or brokenly

falter -n

  1. an act or instance of faltering

fam -abbr

  1. familiar
  2. family

fame ['fām] -n

  1. public estimation : reputation
  2. popular acclaim : renown
  3. rumor
  4. report, repute
  5. to make famous

famed ['fāmd] -adj

  1. known widely and well : famous

fa·mil·ial [fə-'mil-yəl, -'mi-lē-əl] -adj

  1. tending to occur in more members of a family than expected by chance alone
    • a familial disorder
  2. of, relating to, or suggestive of a family
    • has familial ties to the area
    • a familial atmosphere

familial adenomatous pol·yp·o·sis [-,pä-li-'pō-səs] -n

  1. an inherited disease of the large intestine marked by the formation esp. in the colon and rectum of numerous glandular polyps which typically become malignant if left untreated called also familial polyposis

familial hypercholesterolemia -n

  1. an inherited metabolic disorder marked by excess accumulation of LDL cholesterol in the blood resulting esp. in atherosclerosis and irregular yellow skin lesions

fa·mil·iar [fə-'mil-yər] -n

  1. a member of the household of a high official
  2. one that is familiar
  3. an intimate associate : companion
  4. a spirit often embodied in an animal and held to attend and serve or guard a person
  5. one who is well acquainted with something
  6. one who frequents a place

familiar -adj, adv, n

  1. closely acquainted : intimate
    • a familiar family friend
  2. affable, sociable
  3. of or relating to a family
    • remembering past familiar celebrations
  4. frequented by families
    • a familiar resort
  5. being free and easy
    • the familiar association of old friends
  6. marked by informality
    • a familiar essay
  7. overly free and unrestrained : presumptuous
    • grossly familiar behavior
  8. moderately tame
    • familiar animals
  9. frequently seen or experienced : easily recognized
    • a familiar theme
  10. of everyday occurrence
    • a familiar routine
  11. possibly known but imperfectly remembered
    • her face looked familiar
  12. having personal or intimate knowledge used with with
    • familiar with the facts of the case

fa·mil·iar·ise [fə-'mil-yə-,rīz] -vt, n

(variant of familiarize)

  1. to make known or familiar
    • Shakespeare...familiarize s the wonderful -- Samuel Johnson
  2. to make well acquainted
    • familiarize students with good literature

fa·mil·iar·i·ty [fə-,mi-lē-'(y)er-ə-tē, -'(y)a-rə-; -,mil-'yer-, -,mil-'ya-rə-] -n

  1. the quality or state of being familiar
  2. a state of close relationship : intimacy
  3. absence of ceremony : informality
  4. an unduly informal act or expression : impropriety
  5. a sexual liberty
  6. close acquaintance with something

fa·mil·iar·ize [fə-'mil-yə-,rīz] -vt, n

  1. to make known or familiar
    • Shakespeare...familiarize s the wonderful -- Samuel Johnson
  2. to make well acquainted
    • familiarize students with good literature

familiar spirit -n

  1. a spirit or demon that serves or prompts an individual
  2. the spirit of a dead person invoked by a medium to advise or prophesy

fam·i·lism ['fa-mə-,li-zəm] -n, adj

  1. a social pattern in which the family assumes a position of ascendance over individual interests

fa·mille rose [fə-'mē-] -n

  1. Chinese porcelain in the decoration of which a rose color predominates

fa·mille verte [fə-'mē-'vert] -n

  1. Chinese porcelain in the decoration of which green predominates

fam·i·ly ['fam-lē, 'fa-mə-] -n

  1. a group of individuals living under one roof and usu. under one head : household
  2. a group of persons of common ancestry : clan
  3. a people or group of peoples regarded as deriving from a common stock : race
  4. a group of people united by certain convictions or a common affiliation : fellowship
  5. the staff of a high official (as the President)
  6. : a group of things related by common characteristics: as
  7. a closely related series of elements or chemical compounds
  8. a group of soils with similar chemical and physical properties (as texture, pH, and mineral content) that comprise a category ranking above the series and below the subgroup in soil classification
  9. a group of related languages descended from a single ancestral language
  10. the basic unit in society traditionally consisting of two parents rearing their children
  11. any of various social units differing from but regarded as equivalent to the traditional family
    • a single-parent family
  12. spouse and children
    • want to spend more time with my family
  13. a group of related plants or animals forming a category ranking above a genus and below an order and usu. comprising several to many genera
  14. the descendants or line of a particular individual esp. of some outstanding female
  15. an identifiable strain within a breed
  16. a set of curves or surfaces whose equations differ only in parameters
  17. a unit of a crime syndicate (as the Mafia) operating within a geographic area

family -adj

  1. of or relating to a family
  2. designed or suitable for both children and adults
    • family restaurants
    • family movies

family Bible -n

  1. a large Bible usu. having special pages for recording births, marriages, and deaths

family court -n

  1. court of domestic relations

family doctor -n

  1. a doctor regularly consulted by a family
  2. a doctor specializing in family practice

family jewels -n pl

  1. a man's testicles

family leave -n

  1. a usu. unpaid leave of absence for an employee to attend to family concerns (as a serious illness or the care of an infant)

family man -n

  1. a man with a wife and children dependent on him
  2. a man devoted to his family

family name -n

  1. surname

family physician -n

  1. family doctor

family planning -n

  1. planning intended to determine the number and spacing of one's children through birth control

family practice -n

  1. a medical practice or specialty which provides continuing general medical care for the individual and family called also family medicine

family practitioner -n

  1. family doctor

family room -n

  1. a large room designed as a recreation center and informal gathering place for members of a family

family style -adv or adj

  1. with the food placed on the table in serving dishes from which those eating may help themselves

family tree -n

  1. genealogy
  2. a genealogical diagram

family values -n pl

  1. values esp. of a traditional or conservative kind which are held to promote the sound functioning of the family and to strengthen the fabric of society

family way -n

  1. condition of being pregnant used with in and the or a
    • she is in a family way

fam·ine ['fa-mən] -n

  1. an extreme scarcity of food
  2. starvation
  3. a ravenous appetite
  4. a great shortage

fam·ish ['fa-mish] -vb, n

  1. to cause to suffer severely from hunger
  2. to cause to starve to death
  3. starve
  4. to suffer for lack of something necessary
    • a moment when French poetry in particular was famish ing for such invention -- T. S. Eliot

fam·ished ['fa-misht] -adj

  1. intensely hungry
  2. needy

fa·mous ['fā-məs] -adj, n

  1. widely known
  2. honored for achievement
  3. excellent, first-rate
    • famous weather for a walk

fa·mous·ly -adv

  1. in a celebrated manner
  2. in a superlative fashion
  3. to an unusual degree : very

fam·u·lus ['fam-yə-ləs] -n

  1. a private secretary or attendant

fan ['fan] -n, adj

  1. any of various devices for winnowing grain
  2. : an instrument for producing a current of air: as
  3. a device that is held in the hand and moved back and forth to cool a person and that is usu. shaped like a segment of a circle and composed of material (as feathers or paper) mounted on thin rods or slats moving about a pivot so that the device may be closed compactly when not in use
  4. a device that consists of a series of vanes radiating from a hub rotated on its axle by a motor
  5. an airplane propeller
  6. something resembling an open fan
  7. a gently sloping fan-shaped body of detritus
  8. alluvial fan
  9. to drive away the chaff of (grain) by means of a current of air
  10. to eliminate (as chaff) by winnowing
  11. to move or impel (air) with a fan
  12. to blow or breathe upon
    • the breeze fanning her hair
  13. to direct a current of air upon with a fan
  14. to stir up to activity as if by fanning : stimulate
    • fanning the fires of nationalism
  15. wave
  16. spank
  17. to spread like a fan
    • the peacock fanned his tail
  18. to strike (a batter) out in baseball
  19. to fire a series of shots from (a single-action revolver) by holding the trigger back and successively striking the hammer to the rear with the free hand
  20. to move like a fan : flutter
  21. to spread like a fan often used with out
    • the searchers fanned out
  22. strike out
  23. an enthusiastic devotee (as of a sport or a performing art) usu. as a spectator
  24. an ardent admirer or enthusiast (as of a celebrity or a pursuit)
    • science-fiction fan s

fa·nat·ic [fə-'na-tik] -adj, n, adv

  1. marked by excessive enthusiasm and often intense uncritical devotion
    • they're fanatic about politics

fa·nat·i·cism [fə-'na-tə-,si-zəm] -n

  1. fanatic outlook or behavior

fa·nat·i·cize [-,sīz] -vt

  1. to cause to become fanatic

fan·boy ['fan-,bȯi] -n

  1. a boy who is an enthusiastic devotee (as of comics or movies)

fan·ci·er ['fan(t)-sē-ər] -n

  1. one that has a special liking or interest
  2. a person who breeds or grows a particular animal or plant for points of excellence
    • a pigeon fancier

fan·ci·ful ['fan(t)-si-fəl] -adj, adv, n

  1. marked by fancy or unrestrained imagination rather than by reason and experience
    • a fanciful person
  2. existing in fancy only
    • a fanciful notion
  3. marked by or as if by fancy or whim
    • gave their children fanciful names

fan·ci·fy ['fan(t)-sə-,fī] -vt

  1. to make ornate, elaborate, or fancy
    • a fancified hamburger

fan·cy ['fan(t)-sē] -vt

  1. to have a fancy for : like
  2. to form a conception of : imagine
    • fancy our embarrassment
  3. to believe mistakenly or without evidence
  4. to believe without being certain
    • she fancied she had met him before
  5. to visualize or interpret as
    • fancied myself a child again

fancy -n

  1. a liking formed by caprice rather than reason : inclination
    • took a fancy to the mutt
  2. amorous fondness : love
  3. notion, whim
  4. an image or representation of something formed in the mind
  5. fantastic quality or state
  6. imagination esp. of a capricious or delusive sort
  7. the power of conception and representation used in artistic expression (as by a poet)
  8. taste, judgment
  9. devotees of some particular art, practice, or amusement
  10. the object of interest of such a fancy
  11. boxing
  12. dependent or based on fancy : whimsical
  13. not plain : ornamental
    • a fancy hairdo
  14. swanky , posh
    • a fancy restaurant
  15. of particular excellence or highest grade
    • fancy tuna
  16. impressive
    • posted some fancy numbers
  17. bred esp. for bizarre or ornamental qualities that lack practical utility
  18. based on conceptions of the fancy
    • fancy sketches
  19. dealing in fancy goods
  20. extravagant
    • paying fancy prices
  21. executed with technical skill and style
    • fancy footwork
    • fancy diving
  22. parti-color
    • fancy carnations

fancydan ['fan(t)-sē-'dan, -,dan] -adj

  1. showy , fancy
    • fancydan basketball players hotdogging on the court

fancy Dan -n

  1. one given to flamboyant display esp. of technique or dress

fancy dress -n

  1. a costume (as for a masquerade) chosen to suit the wearer's fancy

fan·cyfree [,fan(t)-sē-'frē] -adj

  1. free from amorous attachment or engagement
    • footloose and fancyfree
  2. free to imagine or fancy

fancy man -n

  1. a woman's paramour
  2. pimp

fancypants -adj

  1. overly elegant or refined : la-di-da

fancy up -vt

  1. to add superficial adornment to

fancy woman -n

  1. a woman of questionable morals
  2. prostitute

fan·cy·work ['fan(t)-sē-,wərk] -n

  1. decorative needlework

fan·dan·go [fan-'daŋ-(,)gō] -n

  1. a lively Spanish or Spanish-American dance in triple time that is usu. performed by a man and a woman to the accompaniment of guitar and castanets
  2. music for this dance
  3. tomfoolery

fan·dom ['fan-dəm] -n

  1. all the fans (as of a sport)
  2. the state or attitude of being a fan

fane ['fān] -n

  1. temple
  2. church

fan·fare ['fan-,fer] -n

  1. a short and lively sounding of trumpets
  2. a showy outward display

fan·far·o·nade [,fan-,fa-rə-'nād, -'näd] -n

  1. empty boasting : bluster

fan fiction [-'fik] -n

  1. stories involving popular fictional characters that are written by fans and often posted on the Internet called also fan fic -fik

fan·fold ['fan-,fōld] -n, vt

  1. paper (as business forms or tape) made from a web and folded like a fan lengthwise and sometimes crosswise

fang ['faŋ] -n, adj

  1. : a long sharp tooth: as
  2. one by which an animal's prey is seized and held or torn
  3. one of the long hollow or grooved and often erectile teeth of a venomous snake
  4. one of the chelicerae of a spider at the tip of which a poison gland opens
  5. the root of a tooth or one of the processes or prongs into which a root divides
  6. a projecting tooth or prong

Fang ['faŋ, 'fäŋ] -n

  1. a member of a Bantu-speaking people of northern Gabon, mainland Equatorial Guinea, and southern Cameroon
  2. the language of the Fang people

fanjet ['fan-,jet] -n

  1. a jet engine having a fan that operates in a duct and draws in extra air whose compression and expulsion provide extra thrust
  2. an airplane powered by a fan-jet engine

fan letter -n

  1. a letter sent to a public figure by an admirer

fan·light ['fan-,līt] -n

  1. a semicircular window with radiating bars like the ribs of a fan that is placed over a door or window

fan mail -n

  1. fan letters

fan·ny ['fa-nē] -n

  1. vulva
  2. buttocks

fanny pack -n

  1. a pack that straps to the waist and is used for carrying personal articles

fan·tab·u·lous [fan-'ta-byə-ləs] -adj

  1. marvelously good

fan·tail ['fan-,tāl] -n

  1. a fan-shaped tail or end
  2. a domestic pigeon having a broad rounded tail often with 30 or 40 feathers
  3. an architectural part resembling a fan
  4. a counter or after overhang of a ship shaped like a duck's bill

fantan ['fan-,tan] -n

  1. a Chinese gambling game in which the banker divides a pile of objects (as beans) into fours and players bet on what number will be left at the end of the count
  2. a card game in which players must build in sequence upon sevens and attempt to be the first one out of cards

fan·ta·sia [fan-'tā-zhə, -z(h)ē-ə; ,fan-tə-'zē-ə] -n

  1. a free usu. instrumental composition not in strict form
  2. a work (as a poem or play) in which the author's fancy roves unrestricted
  3. something possessing grotesque, bizarre, or unreal qualities

fan·ta·sied ['fan-tə-sēd, -zēd] -adj

  1. existing only in the imagination : fancied
  2. full of fancies or strange whims

fan·ta·sise [-,sīz] -vb, n

(variant of fantasize)

  1. to indulge in reverie : create or develop imaginative and often fantastic views or ideas
    • doing things I'd fantasized about in my sheltered childhood -- Diane Arbus
  2. to portray in the mind : fancy
    • likes to fantasize herself as very wealthy

fan·ta·sist [-sist, -zist] -n

  1. one who creates fantasias or fantasies

fan·ta·size [-,sīz] -vb, n

  1. to indulge in reverie : create or develop imaginative and often fantastic views or ideas
    • doing things I'd fantasized about in my sheltered childhood -- Diane Arbus
  2. to portray in the mind : fancy
    • likes to fantasize herself as very wealthy

fantasm ['fan-,ta-zəm] -n, adj

(variant of phantasm)

  1. : a product of fantasy: as
  2. delusive appearance : illusion
  3. ghost, specter
  4. a figment of the imagination
  5. a mental representation of a real object

fan·tast ['fan-,tast] -n

  1. visionary
  2. a fantastic or eccentric person
  3. fantasist

fan·tas·tic [fan-'tas-tik, fən-] -adj, n

  1. based on fantasy : not real
  2. conceived or seemingly conceived by unrestrained fancy
  3. so extreme as to challenge belief : unbelievable
  4. exceedingly large or great
  5. marked by extravagant fantasy or extreme individuality : eccentric
  6. excellent, superlative
    • a fantastic meal

fantastic -n

  1. eccentric

fan·tas·ti·cal·ly [fan-'tas-ti-k(ə-)lē, fən-] -adv

  1. in a fantastic manner
  2. to a fantastic degree : extremely
    • fantastically expensive clothes

fan·tas·ti·cate [fan-'tas-tə-,kāt, fən-] -vt, n

  1. to make fantastic

fan·tas·ti·co [fan-'tas-ti-,kō, fən-] -n

  1. a ridiculously fantastic individual

fan·ta·sy ['fan-tə-sē, -zē] -n

  1. hallucination
  2. fancy
  3. the free play of creative imagination
  4. : a creation of the imaginative faculty whether expressed or merely conceived: as
  5. a fanciful design or invention
  6. a chimerical or fantastic notion
  7. fantasia
  8. imaginative fiction featuring esp. strange settings and grotesque characters called also fantasy fiction
  9. caprice
  10. the power or process of creating esp. unrealistic or improbable mental images in response to psychological need
    • an object of fantasy
  11. a mental image or a series of mental images (as a daydream) so created
    • sexual fantasies of adolescence
  12. a coin usu. not intended for circulation as currency and often issued by a dubious authority (as a government-in-exile)

fantasy -vb

  1. fantasize

fan·ta·sy·land [-,land] -n

  1. an imaginary or ideal place or situation

fan·toc·ci·ni [,fän-tə-'chē-nē, ,fan-] -n pl

  1. a puppet show using puppets operated by strings or mechanical devices
  2. such puppets

fan·tod ['fan-,täd] -n

  1. a state of irritability and tension
  2. fidgets
  3. an emotional outburst : fit

fan vault -n

  1. a Gothic vault in which the ribs from each springer spread out like the vanes of a fan

fan·wise ['fan-,wīz] -adv or adj

  1. in the manner or position of the slats of an open fan
    • boats anchored fanwise at the pier

fan·zine ['fan-,zēn] -n

  1. a magazine written by and for fans
    • a sci-fi fanzine
    • a punk rocker with her own fanzine

FAO -abbr

  1. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

FAQ -abbr

  1. fair average quality
  2. frequently asked question

far ['fär] -adv

  1. at or to a considerable distance in space
    • wandered far from home
  2. to a great extent : much
    • far better methods
  3. by a broad interval : widely
    • the far distant future
  4. to or at a definite distance, point, or degree
    • as far as I know
  5. to an advanced point or extent
    • a bright student will go far
    • worked far into the night
  6. at a considerable distance in time
    • not far from the year 1870
  7. remote in space
  8. distinctly different in quality or relationship
  9. remote in time
  10. long
    • a far journey
  11. of notable extent : comprehensive
    • a man of far vision
  12. the more distant of two
    • the far end
  13. extreme
    • the far left
    • a far right political organization

FAR -abbr

  1. federal air regulation

far·ad ['fer-,ad, -əd; 'fa-,rad, -,rəd] -n

  1. the unit of capacitance equal to the capacitance of a capacitor between whose plates there appears a potential of one volt when it is charged by one coulomb of electricity

far·a·day ['fer-ə-,dā, -dē; 'fa-rə-] -n

  1. the quantity of electricity transferred in electrolysis per equivalent weight of an element or ion equal to about 96,500 coulombs

fa·rad·ic [fə-'ra-dik, fa-'ra-] -adj

  1. of or relating to an asymmetric alternating current of electricity produced by an induction coil
    • faradic stimulation of the muscles

far·a·dism ['fer-ə-,di-zəm, 'fa-rə-] -n

  1. the application of a faradic current of electricity (as for therapeutic purposes)

far and away -adv

  1. by a considerable margin
    • was far and away the better team

far·an·dole ['fer-ən-,dōl, 'fa-rən-] -n

  1. a lively Provenal dance in which men and women hold hands, form a chain, and follow a leader through a serpentine course
  2. music in sextuple time for a farandole

far and wide -adv

  1. in every direction : everywhere
    • searched far and wide

far·away ['fär-ə-,wā] -adj

  1. lying at a great distance : remote
    • faraway lands
  2. dreamy, abstracted
    • a faraway look in her eyes

farce ['färs] -vt

  1. stuff
  2. to improve as if by stuffing
  3. a savory stuffing : forcemeat
  4. a light dramatic composition marked by broadly satirical comedy and improbable plot
  5. the broad humor characteristic of farce or pretense
  6. ridiculous or empty show
  7. mockery
    • the enforcement of this law became a farce

far·ceur [fär-'sər] -n

  1. joker, wag
  2. a writer or actor of farce

far·ci [fär-'sē] -adj

  1. stuffed esp. with forcemeat
    • oysters farci

far·ci·cal ['fär-si-kəl] -adj, n, adv

  1. of, relating to, or resembling farce : ludicrous
  2. laughably inept : absurd

far cry -n

  1. a long distance
  2. something notably different
    • the effects of the foreign-aid program were a far cry from what was intended

far·cy ['fär-sē] -n

  1. glanders
  2. cutaneous glanders

fard ['färd] -vt, n

  1. to paint (the face) with cosmetics
  2. to gloss over

far·del ['fär-dᵊl] -n

  1. bundle
  2. burden

fare ['fer] -vi

  1. go, travel
  2. get along, succeed
    • how did you fare on your exam?
  3. eat, dine
  4. range of food : diet
  5. material provided for use, consumption, or enjoyment
  6. the price charged to transport a person
  7. a paying passenger on a public conveyance

faretheewell ['fer-(,)thē-,wel] -n

  1. the utmost degree
    • researched the story to a faretheewell
  2. a state of perfection
    • imitated the speaker's pompous manner to a faretheewell

fare·well [fer-'wel] -vb imper

  1. get along well used interjectionally to or by one departing

farewell -n

  1. a wish of well-being at parting : good-bye
  2. an act of departure : leave-taking
  3. a formal occasion honoring a person about to leave or retire

fare·well -vt

  1. to bid farewell to
  2. of or relating to leave-taking : final
    • a farewell performance

far·fal·le [fär-'fä-(,)lā, -lē] -n

  1. butterfly-shaped pasta

far·fel ['fär-fəl] -n

  1. noodles in the form of pellets or granules

farfetched ['fär-'fecht] -adj, n

  1. brought from a remote time or place
  2. not easily or naturally deduced or introduced : improbable
    • a farfetched story

farflung [-'fləŋ] -adj

  1. widely spread or distributed
    • a farflung empire
  2. remote
    • a farflung correspondent

fa·ri·na [fə-'rē-nə] -n

  1. a fine meal of vegetable matter (as cereal grains) used chiefly for puddings or as a breakfast cereal
  2. any of various powdery or mealy substances

far·i·na·ceous [,fer-ə-'nā-shəs, ,fa-rə-] -adj

  1. having a mealy texture or surface
  2. containing or rich in starch

farin·fra·red ['fär-,in-frə-'red] -adj

  1. of or relating to the longer wavelengths of radiation in the infrared spectrum and esp. to those between 10 and 1000 micrometers

fa·ri·nha [fə-'rēn-yə] -n

  1. cassava meal

far·kle·ber·ry ['fär-kəl-,ber-ē] -n

  1. a shrub or small tree ( Vaccinium arboreum) of the heath family of the southeastern U.S. having a small hard black berry with stony seeds

farl ['fär(-ə)l] -n

  1. a small thin triangular cake or biscuit made esp. with oatmeal or wheat flour

farm ['färm] -n

  1. a sum or due fixed in amount and payable at fixed intervals
  2. a letting out of revenues or taxes for a fixed sum to one authorized to collect and retain them
  3. a district or division of a country leased out for the collection of government revenues
  4. a tract of land devoted to agricultural purposes
  5. a plot of land devoted to the raising of animals and esp. domestic livestock
  6. a tract of water reserved for the artificial cultivation of some aquatic life form
    • a fish farm
  7. a minor-league team (as in baseball) associated with a major-league team as a subsidiary
  8. an area containing a number of similar structures or objects (as radio antennas or storage tanks)
  9. rent
  10. to collect and take the fees or profits of (an occupation or business) on payment of a fixed sum
  11. to give up (as an estate or a business) to another on condition of receiving in return a fixed sum
  12. to devote to agriculture
  13. to manage and cultivate as a farm
  14. to grow or cultivate in quantity
    • farm trees for fuel
    • farm salmon
  15. to engage in raising crops or animals

farm·er ['fär-mər] -n

  1. a person who pays a fixed sum for some privilege or source of income
  2. a person who cultivates land or crops or raises animals (as livestock or fish)
  3. yokel, bumpkin

farmer cheese -n

  1. a pressed unripened cheese similar to but drier and firmer than cottage cheese

farm·er·ette [,fär-mə-'ret] -n

  1. a woman who is a farmer or farmhand

farmer's lung -n

  1. an acute pulmonary disorder characterized by sudden onset, fever, cough, expectoration, and breathlessness that results from the inhalation of spores in dust from moldy hay or straw

farm·hand ['färm-,hand] -n

  1. a farm laborer
  2. a hired laborer on a farm
  3. a player on a farm team

farm·house [-,hau̇s] -n

  1. a dwelling on a farm

farm·ing -n

  1. the practice of agriculture or aquaculture

farm·land ['färm-,land] -n

  1. land used or suitable for farming

farm out -vt

  1. to turn over (as a job) for performance by another usu. under contract
  2. to put (as children) into the hands of another for care
  3. to send (as a baseball player) to a farm team
  4. to exhaust (land) by farming esp. by continuously raising one crop

farm·stead ['färm-,sted] -n

  1. the buildings and adjacent service areas of a farm
  2. a farm with its buildings

farm·wife ['färm-,wīf] -n

  1. a farmer's wife

farm·work·er ['färm-,wər-kər] -n

  1. farmhand

farm·yard [-,yärd] -n

  1. land around or enclosed by farm buildings
  2. barnyard

faro ['fer-(,)ō] -n

  1. a gambling game in which players bet on cards drawn from a dealing box

faroff ['fär-,ȯf] -adj

  1. remote in time or space

fa·rouche [fə-'rüsh] -adj

  1. wild
  2. marked by shyness and lack of social graces

farout ['fär-,au̇t] -adj, n

  1. marked by a considerable departure from the conventional or traditional
    • farout clothes

far·rag·i·nous [fə-'ra-jə-nəs] -adj

  1. consisting of a farrago

far·ra·go [fə-'rä-(,)gō, -'rā-] -n

  1. a confused mixture : hodgepodge

farreach·ing ['fär-,rē-chiŋ] -adj

  1. having a wide range or effect

farred [-'red] -adj

  1. near-infrared

far·ri·er ['fer-ē-ər, 'fa-rē-] -n

  1. a person who shoes horses

far·row ['fer-(,)ō, 'fa-(,)rō] -vb

  1. to give birth to (a farrow)
  2. to bring forth young often used with down

farrow -n

  1. a litter of pigs
  2. an act of farrowing
  3. not pregnant

far·see·ing ['fär-,sē-iŋ] -adj

  1. farsighted

Far·si ['fär-sē] -n

  1. persian

far·side -n

  1. the farther side
  2. the side of the moon away from the earth

far·sight·ed ['fär-,sī-təd] -adj, adv

  1. seeing or able to see to a great distance
  2. having or showing foresight or good judgment : sagacious
  3. affected with hyperopia

far·sight·ed·ness -n

  1. the quality or state of being farsighted
  2. hyperopia

fart ['färt] -vi

  1. to expel intestinal gas from the anus
  2. an expulsion of intestinal gas
  3. a foolish or contemptible person
    • couldn't stand the old fart

far·ther ['fär-thər] -adv

  1. at or to a greater distance or more advanced point
    • got no farther than the first page
    • nothing could be farther from the truth
  2. to a greater degree or extent
    • see to it that I do not have to act any farther in the matter -- Bernard DeVoto

farther -adj

  1. more distant : remoter
    • the farther side of town
  2. further
    • clearing his throat preparatory to farther revelations -- Edith Wharton

far·ther·most [-,mōst] -adj

  1. most distant : farthest

far·thest ['fär-thəst] -adj

  1. most distant esp. in space or time
    • the farthest frontier
    • the seat farthest from the door

farthest -adv

  1. to or at the greatest distance in space or time
    • who can jump the farthest
  2. to the most advanced point
    • goes farthest toward answering the question
  3. by the greatest degree or extent : most
    • the painting farthest removed from reality

far·thing ['fär-th] -n

  1. a former British monetary unit equal to of a penny
  2. a coin representing this unit
  3. something of small value : mite

far·thin·gale ['fär-thən-,gāl, -thiŋ-] -n

  1. a support (as of hoops) worn esp. in the 16th century beneath a skirt to expand it at the hipline

farultraviolet -adj

  1. of, relating to, or being the shortest wavelengths of radiation in the ultraviolet spectrum and esp. those between 100 and 300 nanometers

FAS -abbr

  1. fetal alcohol syndrome
  2. firsts and seconds
  3. free alongside ship

fasc -abbr

  1. fascicle

fas·ces ['fas-,ēz] -n pl but sing or pl in constr

  1. a bundle of rods and among them an ax with projecting blade borne before ancient Roman magistrates as a badge of authority

fas·cia [1 & 3 are usu 'fā-sh(ē-)ə, 2 is usu 'fa-] -n, adj

  1. : a flat usu. horizontal member of a building having the form of a flat band or broad fillet: as
  2. a flat piece used as a molding
  3. a horizontal piece (as a board) covering the joint between the top of a wall and the projecting eaves called also fascia board
  4. a nameplate over the front of a shop
  5. a sheet of connective tissue covering or binding together body structures (as muscles)
  6. tissue of this character
  7. the dashboard of an automobile

fas·ci·at·ed ['fa-shē-,ā-təd] -adj

  1. exhibiting fasciation
  2. arranged in fascicles

fas·ci·a·tion [,fa-s(h)ē-'ā-shən] -n

  1. a malformation of plant stems commonly manifested as enlargement and flattening as if several stems were fused

fas·ci·cle ['fa-si-kəl] -n, adj

  1. a small or slender bundle (as of pine needles or nerve fibers)
  2. one of the divisions of a book published in parts

fas·cic·u·lar [fə-'si-kyə-lər, fa-] -adj, adv

  1. of, relating to, or consisting of fascicles or fasciculi

fas·cic·u·late [-lət] -adj

  1. fascicular

fas·cic·u·la·tion [fə-,si-kyə-'lā-shən, fa-] -n

  1. muscular twitching involving the simultaneous contraction of contiguous groups of muscle fibers

fas·ci·cule ['fa-si-,kyül] -n

  1. fascicle

fas·cic·u·lus [fə-'si-kyə-ləs, fa-] -n

  1. a slender bundle of anatomical fibers (as nerve fibers)
  2. fascicle

fas·ci·i·tis [,fa-shē-'ī-təs, -sē-] -n

  1. inflammation of a fascia (as from infection or injury)

fas·ci·nate ['fa-sə-,nāt] -vb

  1. bewitch
  2. to transfix and hold spellbound by an irresistible power
    • believed that the serpent could fascinate its prey
  3. to command the interest of : allure
    • was fascinated by carnivals
  4. to be irresistibly attractive
    • the novel's flamboyant cover fascinate s

fascinating [-,ā-tiŋ-lē] -adj, adv

  1. extremely interesting or charming : captivating

fas·ci·na·tion [,fa-sə-'nā-shən] -n

  1. the quality or power of fascinating
  2. something fascinating
  3. the state of being fascinated : the state of feeling an intense interest in something

fas·ci·na·tor ['fa-sə-,nā-tər] -n

  1. one that fascinates
  2. a woman's lightweight head scarf usu. of crochet or lace

fas·cine [fa-'sēn, fə-] -n

  1. a long bundle of sticks of wood bound together and used for such purposes as filling ditches and making revetments for riverbanks

fa·sci·o·li·a·sis [fə-,sē-ə-'lī-ə-səs, -,sī-] -n

  1. infestation with or disease caused by liver flukes ( Fasciola hepaticaor F. gigantica)

fas·cism ['fa-,shi-zəm also 'fa-,si-] -n, n or adj, adj, adv

  1. a political philosophy, movement, or regime (as that of the Fascisti) that exalts nation and often race above the individual and that stands for a centralized autocratic government headed by a dictatorial leader, severe economic and social regimentation, and forcible suppression of opposition
  2. a tendency toward or actual exercise of strong autocratic or dictatorial control
    • early instances of army fascism and brutality -- J. W. Aldridge

Fa·sci·sta [fä-'shē-(,)stä] -n

  1. a member of an Italian political organization under Mussolini governing Italy 19221943 according to the principles of fascism

fash ['fash] -vb, n

  1. vex

fash·ion ['fa-shᵊn] -n

  1. the make or form of something
  2. kind, sort
  3. a distinctive or peculiar and often habitual manner or way
    • he will, after his sour fashion, tell you -- Shak.
  4. mode of action or operation
    • assembled in an orderly fashion
  5. a prevailing custom, usage, or style
  6. the prevailing style (as in dress) during a particular time
  7. a garment in such a style
    • always wears the latest fashion s
  8. social standing or prominence esp. as signalized by dress or conduct
    • men and women of fashion

fashion ['fash-niŋ, 'fa-shᵊn-iŋ] -vt, n

  1. to give shape or form to : mold
  2. alter, transform
  3. to mold into a particular character by influencing or training
  4. to make or construct usu. with the use of imagination and ingenuity
    • fashion a lamp from an old churn
  5. fit, adapt
  6. contrive

fash·ion·able ['fash-nə-bəl, 'fa-shə-nə-] -adj, n, adv

  1. conforming to the custom, fashion, or established mode
  2. of or relating to the world of fashion

fashionable -n

  1. a fashionable person

fash·ion·is·ta [,fa-shə-'nēs-tə] -n

  1. a designer, promoter, or follower of the latest fashions

fash·ion·mon·ger ['fa-shᵊn-,mäŋ-gər, -,məŋ-] -n

  1. one that studies, imitates, or sets the fashion

fashion plate -n

  1. an illustration of a clothing style
  2. a person who dresses in the latest fashions

fast ['fast] -adj

  1. firmly fixed
    • roots fast in the ground
  2. tightly shut
    • the drawers were fast
  3. adhering firmly
  4. not easily freed : stuck
    • a ball fast in the mouth of the cannon
  5. stable
    • movable items were made fast to the deck
  6. firmly loyal
    • became fast friends
  7. : characterized by quick motion, operation, or effect:
  8. moving or able to move rapidly : swift
  9. taking a comparatively short time
  10. imparting quickness of motion
    • a fast bowler
  11. accomplished quickly
  12. agile of mind
  13. quick to learn
    • a class for fast students
  14. conducive to rapidity of play or action
  15. indicating in advance of what is correct
  16. according to or being daylight saving time
  17. contributing to a shortening of exposure time
    • fast film
  18. acquired with unusually little effort and often by shady or dishonest methods
    • had a keen eye for a fast buck -- R. A. Keith
  19. securely attached
    • a rope fast to the wharf
  20. tenacious
    • a fast hold on her purse
  21. sound asleep
  22. not easily disturbed
  23. not fading or changing color readily
  24. wild
    • a pretty fast crowd
  25. sexually promiscuous
  26. resistant to change (as from destructive action or fading)
    • fast dyes
    often used in combination
    • sun fast
    • acid- fast bacteria
  27. in a firm or fixed manner
    • stuck fast
  28. in a sound manner : deeply
    • fast asleep
  29. in a rapid manner : quickly
  30. in quick succession
  31. in a reckless or dissipated manner
  32. ahead of a correct time or schedule
  33. close, near
  34. to abstain from food
  35. to eat sparingly or abstain from some foods
  36. the practice of fasting
  37. a time of fasting
  38. something that fastens (as a mooring line) or holds a fastening

fast and loose -adv

  1. in a reckless or irresponsible manner
    • played fast and loose with the public purse strings -- Paul Stuewe
  2. in a craftily deceitful way
    • manipulated evidence...and played fast and loose with the truth -- C. V. Woodward

fast·back ['fas(t)-,bak] -n

  1. an automobile with a roof having a long curving downward slope to the rear
  2. the back of such an automobile

fast·ball ['fas(t)-,bȯl] -n

  1. a baseball pitch thrown at full speed and often rising slightly as it nears the plate

fast break -n, vi

  1. a quick offensive drive toward a goal (as in basketball) in an attempt to score before the opponent's defense is set up

fas·ten ['fa-sᵊn] -vb, n

  1. to attach esp. by pinning, tying, or nailing
  2. to make fast and secure
  3. to fix firmly or securely
  4. to secure against opening
  5. to fix or set steadily
    • fasten ed her attention on the main problem
  6. to take a firm grip with
    • the dog fasten ed its teeth in the shoe
  7. to attach (oneself) persistently and usu. objectionably
  8. to place forcefully : impose
    • fasten ed the blame on the wrong person
  9. to become fast or fixed
  10. to take a firm grip or hold
  11. to focus attention

fastening -n

  1. something that fastens : fastener

fastfood ['fas(t)-,füd] -adj, n

  1. of, relating to, or specializing in food that can be prepared and served quickly
    • a fastfood restaurant
  2. designed for ready availability, use, or consumption and with little consideration given to quality or significance
    • fastfood TV programming

fastfor·ward [,fas(t)-'fȯr-wərd] -n

  1. a function of an electronic device that advances a recording at a higher than normal speed
  2. a state or an instance of rapid advancement
    • put her career in fast-forward

fastforward -vt

  1. to advance (a magnetic tape) using the fast-forward of a tape player
  2. to bypass (as a commercial) by fast-forwarding
  3. to advance a magnetic tape using the fast-forward
  4. to proceed rapidly forward esp. in time
    • fastforward to the future

fas·tid·i·ous [fa-'sti-dē-əs, fə-] -adj, adv, n

  1. scornful
  2. having high and often capricious standards : difficult to please
    • critics...so fastidious that they can talk only to a small circle of initiates -- Granville Hicks
  3. showing or demanding excessive delicacy or care
  4. reflecting a meticulous, sensitive, or demanding attitude
    • fastidious workmanship
  5. having complex nutritional requirements
    • fastidious microorganisms

fas·ti·gi·ate [fa-'sti-jē-ət] -adj

  1. narrowing toward the top
  2. having upright usu. clustered branches
    • fastigiate trees

fast lane -n, adj

  1. a traffic lane intended for vehicles traveling at higher speeds
  2. a way of life marked by a fast pace and usu. the pursuit of immediate gratification
  3. fast track

fast·ness ['fas(t)-nəs] -n

  1. : the quality or state of being fast: as
  2. the quality or state of being fixed
  3. the quality or state of being swift
  4. colorfast quality
  5. resistance (as of an organism) to the action of a usu. toxic substance
  6. a fortified or secure place
  7. a remote and secluded place
    • vacationed in their mountain fastness

Fast of Esther

  1. a Jewish fast day observed the day before Purim in commemoration of a fast proclaimed by Queen Esther

fastpitch ['fas(t)-,pich] -n

  1. softball which is played with 9 or 10 players on each side and in which pitches are thrown with speed and base stealing is allowed

fasttalk ['fas(t)-,tȯk] -vt, n

  1. to influence or persuade by fluent, facile, and usu. deceptive or tricky talk
    • fasttalk ed him into buying a lemon

fasttrack ['fas(t)-,trak] -adj

  1. of, relating to, or moving along a fast track
    • fasttrack executives
  2. of, relating to, or being a construction procedure in which work on a building begins before designs are completed
  3. of or relating to authority granted to the President of the U.S. by Congress that allows the President to negotiate trade agreements which Congress must confirm or reject in their entirety
  4. to speed up the processing, production, or construction of in order to meet a goal

fast track -n

  1. a course leading to rapid advancement or success
  2. a course of expedited consideration or approval

fasttwitch ['fas(t)-,twich] -adj

  1. of, relating to, or being muscle fiber that contracts quickly esp. during brief high-intensity physical activity requiring strength

fas·tu·ous ['fas-chə-wəs] -adj

  1. haughty, arrogant
    • a fastuous air of finality -- Carl Van Vechten
  2. ostentatious, showy
    • disdained fastuous ceremonies

fat ['fat] -adj, n

  1. : notable for having an unusual amount of fat:
  2. plump
  3. obese
  4. fattened for market
  5. oily, greasy
  6. well filled out : thick, big
    • a fat book
  7. full in tone and quality : rich
    • a gorgeous fat bass voice -- Irish Digest
  8. well stocked
    • a fat larder
  9. prosperous, wealthy
    • grew fat on the war -- Time
  10. being substantial and impressive
    • a fat bank account
  11. richly rewarding or profitable
    • a fat part in a movie
    • a fat contract
  12. practically nonexistent
    • a fat chance
  13. productive, fertile
    • a fat year for crops
  14. stupid, foolish
  15. being swollen
    • got a fat lip from the fight
  16. easy to hit
  17. to make fat : fatten
  18. animal tissue consisting chiefly of cells distended with greasy or oily matter
  19. oily or greasy matter making up the bulk of adipose tissue and often abundant in seeds
  20. any of various compounds of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen that are glycerides of fatty acids, are the chief constituents of plant and animal fat, are a major class of energy-rich food, and are soluble in organic solvents but not in water
  21. a solid or semisolid fat as distinguished from an oil
  22. the best or richest part
  23. obesity
  24. something in excess : superfluity
    • trim the fat from the news operation -- Ray Olson

fa·tal ['fā-tᵊl] -adj

  1. fated
  2. fateful
    • a fatal hour
  3. of or relating to fate
  4. resembling fate in proceeding according to a fixed sequence
  5. determining one's fate
  6. causing death
  7. bringing ruin
    • a fatal attraction to gambling
  8. causing failure
    • a fatal design flaw

fa·tal·ism [-tə-,li-zəm] -n, adj, adv

  1. a doctrine that events are fixed in advance so that human beings are powerless to change them
  2. a belief in or attitude determined by this doctrine

fa·tal·i·ty [fā-'ta-lə-tē, fə-] -n

  1. the quality or state of causing death or destruction
  2. the quality or condition of being destined for disaster
  3. something established by fate
  4. fate
  5. fatalism
  6. the agent or agency of fate
  7. death resulting from a disaster
  8. one that experiences a fatal outcome

fa·tal·ly -adv

  1. in a way determined by fate
  2. : in a manner suggesting fate or an act of fate: as
  3. in a manner resulting in death : mortally
    • fatally wounded
  4. beyond repair : irrevocably
  5. in a manner resulting in ruin or evil
    • it is fatally easy to pass off our prejudices as our opinions -- W. F. Hambly
  6. in a manner that cannot be easily resisted
    • thinks she is fatally attractive -- J. W. Krutch

fa·ta mor·ga·na [,fä-tə-mȯr-'gä-nə, -'ga-] -n

  1. mirage

fat·back ['fat-,bak] -n

  1. the strip of fat from the back of a hog carcass usu. cured by drying and salting

fat body -n

  1. a fatty tissue esp. of nearly mature insect larvae that serves as a food reserve

fat cat ['fat-,kat] -n, adj

  1. a wealthy contributor to a political campaign fund
  2. a wealthy and privileged person
  3. big shot
  4. a lethargic complacent person

fat cell -n

  1. one of the fat-laden cells making up adipose tissue

fat depot -n

  1. adipose tissue

fate ['fāt] -n

  1. the will or principle or determining cause by which things in general are believed to come to be as they are or events to happen as they do : destiny
  2. an inevitable and often adverse outcome, condition, or end
  3. disaster
  4. death
  5. final outcome
  6. the expected result of normal development
    • prospective fate of embryonic cells
  7. the circumstances that befall someone or something
    • did not know the fate of her former classmates
  8. the three goddesses who determine the course of human life in classical mythology
  9. destine
  10. doom

fated -adj

  1. decreed, controlled, or marked by fate

fate·ful ['fāt-fəl] -adj, adv, n

  1. having a quality of ominous prophecy
    • a fateful remark
  2. involving momentous consequences : decisive
    • made his fateful decision to declare war -- W. L. Shirer
  3. deadly, catastrophic
  4. controlled by fate : foreordained

fat farm -n

  1. a health spa that specializes in weight reduction

fath -abbr

  1. fathom

fat·head ['fat-,hed] -n, adj, adv

  1. a stupid person

fa·ther ['fä-thər] -n, adj, adj or adv

  1. a man who has begotten a child
  2. sire
  3. god
  4. the first person of the Trinity
  5. forefather
  6. one related to another in a way suggesting that of father to child
  7. an old man used as a respectful form of address
  8. a pre-Scholastic Christian writer accepted by the church as an authoritative witness to its teaching and practice called also church father
  9. one that originates or institutes
    • the father of modern science
  10. source
    • the sun, the father of warmth and light -- Lena M. Whitney
  11. prototype
  12. a priest of the regular clergy
  13. priest used esp. as a title
  14. one of the leading men (as of a city) usu. used in pl.

father ['fäth-riŋ, 'fä-thə-] -vb

  1. beget
  2. to be the founder, producer, or author of
    • father ed the improvement plan
  3. to accept responsibility for
  4. to fix the paternity or origin of
  5. to place responsibility for the origin or cause of
    • collected gossip and father ed it on responsible men -- J. A. Williamson
  6. foist, impose
  7. to care for or look after someone as a father might

Father Christmas -n

  1. santa claus

father figure -n

  1. a person often of particular power or influence who serves as an emotional substitute for a father

father image -n

  1. an idealization of one's father often projected onto someone to whom one looks for guidance and protection

fatherinlaw ['fä-thə-rən-,lȯ, -thərn-,lȯ] -n

  1. the father of one's spouse
  2. stepfather

fa·ther·land ['fä-thər-,land] -n

  1. the native land or country of one's father or ancestors
  2. one's native land or country

fa·ther·ly ['fä-thər-lē] -adj, n, adv

  1. of, relating to, or befitting a father
    • fatherly responsibilities
  2. resembling a father (as in affection or care)
    • a fatherly old man

Father's Day -n

  1. the third Sunday in June appointed for the honoring of fathers

Father Time -n

  1. time personified esp. as a bearded old man holding a scythe and an hourglass

fath·om ['fa-thəm] -n

  1. a unit of length equal to six feet (1.83 meters) used esp. for measuring the depth of water sometimes used in the singular when qualified by a number
    • five fathom deep
  2. comprehension

fathom ['fa-thə-mə-bəl] -vi, adj

  1. probe
  2. to take soundings
  3. to measure by a sounding line
  4. to penetrate and come to understand
    • couldn't fathom the problem

Fa·thom·e·ter [fa-'thä-mə-tər, 'fa-thə-,mē-] -trademark

  1. used for a sonic depth finder

fath·om·less ['fa-thəm-ləs] -adj, adv, n

  1. incapable of being fathomed : immeasurable
    • fathomless powers of gravity and chemistry -- R. W. Emerson

fa·tid·ic [fā-'ti-dik, fə-] -adj

  1. of or relating to prophecy

fa·ti·ga·ble [fə-'tē-gə-bəl, 'fa-ti-gə-] -adj, n

  1. susceptible to fatigue

fa·tigue [fə-'tēg] -n

  1. labor
  2. manual or menial work performed by military personnel
  3. the uniform or work clothing worn on fatigue and in the field
  4. weariness or exhaustion from labor, exertion, or stress
  5. the temporary loss of power to respond that is induced in a sensory receptor or motor end organ by continued stimulation
  6. the tendency of a material to break under repeated stress
    • metal fatigue

fatigue [-'tē-giŋ-lē] -vb, adv

  1. to weary with labor or exertion
  2. to induce a condition of fatigue in
  3. to suffer fatigue
  4. consisting of, done, or used in fatigue
    • fatigue detail
  5. belonging to fatigues
    • a fatigue cap

fat·ling ['fat-liŋ] -n

  1. a young animal fattened for slaughter

fat·ly -adv

  1. richly
  2. in the manner of one that is fat
    • waddled fatly
  3. in a smug manner : complacently
    • snickered fatly

fats·hed·era [fats-'he-d(ə-)rə, 'fat-'se-] -n

  1. an ornamental foliage plant ( Fatshedera lizei) with lobed glossy palmate leaves that is a hybrid between plants of two different genera of the ginseng family

fat·so ['fat-(,)sō] -n

  1. a fat person

fat·stock [-,stäk] -n

  1. livestock that is fat and ready for market

fattailed sheep ['fat-,tāld-] -n

  1. a coarse-wooled mutton sheep that has great quantities of fat on each side of the tail bones

fat·ten ['fa-tᵊn] -vb, n

  1. to make fat, fleshy, or plump
  2. to feed (as a stock animal) for slaughter
  3. to make more substantial
  4. to make fertile
  5. to become fat

fat·tish ['fa-tish] -adj

  1. somewhat fat

Fat Tuesday -n

  1. mardi gras

fat·ty ['fa-tē] -adj, n

  1. containing fat esp. in unusual amounts
    • fatty foods
  2. unduly stout : corpulent
  3. greasy
  4. derived from or chemically related to fat

fatty -n

  1. one that is fat
  2. an overweight person

fatty acid -n

  1. any of numerous saturated aliphatic monocarboxylic acids C n H 2 n 1COOH (as acetic acid) including many that occur naturally usu. in the form of esters in fats, waxes, and essential oils
  2. any of the saturated or unsaturated monocarboxylic acids (as palmitic acid) usu. with an even number of carbon atoms that occur naturally in the form of glycerides in fats and fatty oils

fatty liver -n

  1. an abnormal condition of the liver marked by excess lipid accumulation in the hepatocytes and caused by injury, malnutrition, or toxins
  2. a liver affected with fatty liver

fa·tu·ity [fə-'tü-ət-ē, fa-, -'chü-, -'tyü-] -n

  1. something foolish or stupid
  2. stupidity, foolishness
  3. imbecility, dementia

fat·u·ous ['fa-chü-əs, -tyü-] -adj, adv, n

  1. complacently or inanely foolish : silly
    • a fatuous remark

fat·wa ['fət-wə, 'fät-wä] -n

  1. a legal opinion or decree handed down by an Islamic religious leader

fatwit·ted ['fat-,wi-təd] -adj

  1. stupid, idiotic

fat·wood ['fat-,wu̇d] -n

  1. lightwood

fau·bourg [fō-'bu̇r] -n

  1. suburb
  2. a suburb of a French city
  3. a city quarter

fau·ces ['fȯ-,sēz] -n pl but sing or pl in constr, adj

  1. the narrow passage from the mouth to the pharynx between the soft palate and the base of the tongue

fau·cet ['fȯ-sət, 'fä-] -n

  1. a fixture for drawing or regulating the flow of liquid esp. from a pipe

faugh [a strong p-sound or lip trill; often read as 'fȯ(k̲)] -interj

  1. used to express contempt, disgust, or abhorrence

fault ['fȯlt, in poetry also 'fȯt] -n

  1. lack
  2. weakness, failing
  3. a moral weakness less serious than a vice
  4. a physical or intellectual imperfection or impairment : defect
  5. an error esp. in service in a net or racket game
  6. misdemeanor
  7. mistake
  8. responsibility for wrongdoing or failure
    • the accident was the driver's fault
  9. a fracture in the crust of a planet (as the earth) or moon accompanied by a displacement of one side of the fracture with respect to the other usu. in a direction parallel to the fracture
  10. to commit a fault : err
  11. to fracture so as to produce a geologic fault
  12. to find a fault in
    • easy to praise this book and to fault it -- H. G. Roepke
  13. to produce a geologic fault in
  14. blame, censure
    • can't fault them for not coming

fault·find·er ['fȯlt-,fīn-dər] -n

  1. one given to faultfinding

fault·find·ing [-diŋ] -adj

  1. disposed to find fault : captiously critical

faultfinding -n

  1. petty, nagging, or unreasonable criticism

fault·less ['fȯlt-ləs] -adj, adv, n

  1. having no fault : irreproachable
    • faultless workmanship

fault line -n

  1. something resembling a fault : split, rift
    • a major conceptual fault line in foreign policy -- Morton Kondracke

faulttol·er·ant ['fȯlt-,tä-lə-rənt] -adj, n

  1. relating to or being a computer or program with a self-contained backup system that allows continued operation when major components fail

faulty ['fȯl-tē] -adj, adv, n

  1. marked by fault or defect : imperfect

faun ['fȯn, 'fän] -n

  1. a figure in Roman mythology similar to but gentler than the satyr

fau·na ['fȯ-nə, 'fä-] -n, adj, adv

  1. animal life
  2. the animals characteristic of a region, period, or special environment

fau·nis·tic [fȯ-'nis-tik, fä-] -adj, adv

  1. of or relating to zoogeography : faunal

Fau·nus ['fȯ-nəs, 'fä-] -n

  1. the Roman god of animals

Faust ['fau̇st] -n

  1. a magician of German legend who enters into a compact with the devil

Faust·ian ['fau̇-stē-ən, 'fȯ-] -adj

  1. of, relating to, resembling, or suggesting Faust
  2. made or done for present gain without regard for future cost or consequences
    • a Faustian bargain

faute de mieux [,fōt-də-'myə(r), -'myœ] -adv

  1. for lack of something better or more desirable
    • sherry made him dopey but he drank it faute de mieux -- F. T. Marsh

fau·teuil [fō-'tœy; 'fō-,til] -n

  1. armchair
  2. an upholstered chair with open arms

fauve ['fōv] -n

  1. a painter practicing fauvism : fauvist
  2. of or relating to the fauves
  3. vivid in color

fau·vism ['fō-,vi-zəm] -n, n or adj

  1. a movement in painting typified by the work of Matisse and characterized by vivid colors, free treatment of form, and a resulting vibrant and decorative effect

faux ['fō] -adj

  1. imitation, ersatz
    • faux marble

fauxna·if [,fō-nä-'ēf] -adj

  1. spuriously or affectedly childlike : artfully simple
    • fauxnaif prose

faux pas ['fō-,pä, fō-'] -n

  1. blunder
  2. a social blunder

fa·va bean ['fä-və-] -n

  1. broad bean

fave ['fāv] -n, adj

  1. favorite

fa·ve·la [fə-'ve-lə] -n

  1. a settlement of jerry-built shacks lying on the outskirts of a Brazilian city

fav·ism ['fä-,vi-zəm] -n

  1. a condition esp. of males of Mediterranean descent that is marked by the development of hemolytic anemia upon consumption of broad beans or inhalation of broad bean pollen and is caused by a usu. inherited deficiency of glucose-6-phosphate

fa·vo·ni·an [fə-'vō-nē-ən] -adj

  1. of or relating to the west wind : mild

fa·vor ['fā-vər] -n

  1. friendly regard shown toward another esp. by a superior
  2. approving consideration or attention : approbation
  3. partiality
  4. leniency
  5. permission
  6. popularity
  7. appearance
  8. face
  9. a facial feature
  10. gracious kindness
  11. an act of such kindness
    • did you a favor
  12. aid, assistance
  13. effort in one's behalf or interest : attention
  14. a token of love (as a ribbon) usu. worn conspicuously
  15. a small gift or decorative item given out at a party
  16. badge
  17. a special privilege or right granted or conceded
  18. sexual privileges usu. used in pl.
  19. letter
  20. behalf, interest

favor ['fā-v(ə-)riŋ] -vt, n

  1. to regard or treat with favor
  2. to do a kindness for : oblige
  3. endow
  4. to treat gently or carefully
    • favor ed her injured leg
  5. to show partiality toward : prefer
  6. to give support or confirmation to : sustain
  7. to afford advantages for success to : facilitate
    • good weather favor ed the outing
  8. to bear a resemblance to
    • he favor s his father

fa·vor·able ['fā-v(ə-)rə-bəl, 'fā-vər-bəl] -adj, n, adv

  1. disposed to favor : partial
  2. expressing approval : commendatory
  3. giving a result that is in one's favor
    • a favorable comparison
  4. affirmative
    • a favorable reply
  5. winning approval : pleasing
    • a favorable impression
  6. tending to promote or facilitate : advantageous
    • a favorable wind
  7. marked by success

fa·vored ['fā-vərd] -adj

  1. having an appearance or features of a particular kind
    • hard- favored
  2. endowed with special advantages or gifts
  3. providing preferential treatment
    • favored rates of credit

fa·vor·ite ['fā-v(ə-)rət, 'fā-vərt, chiefly dial 'fā-və-,rīt] -n

  1. one that is treated or regarded with special favor or liking
  2. a person who is specially loved, trusted, or provided with favors by someone of high rank or authority
  3. a competitor judged most likely to win

favorite -adj

  1. constituting a favorite
  2. markedly popular

favorite son -n

  1. one favored by the delegates of his state as presidential candidate at a national political convention
  2. a famous person who is popular with hometown people

fa·vor·it·ism ['fā-v(ə-)rə-,ti-zəm, 'fā-vər-] -n

  1. the showing of special favor : partiality
  2. the state or fact of being a favorite

fa·vour ['fā-vər] -n

(variant of favor)

  1. friendly regard shown toward another esp. by a superior
  2. approving consideration or attention : approbation
  3. partiality
  4. leniency
  5. permission
  6. popularity
  7. appearance
  8. face
  9. a facial feature
  10. gracious kindness
  11. an act of such kindness
    • did you a favor
  12. aid, assistance
  13. effort in one's behalf or interest : attention
  14. a token of love (as a ribbon) usu. worn conspicuously
  15. a small gift or decorative item given out at a party
  16. badge
  17. a special privilege or right granted or conceded
  18. sexual privileges usu. used in pl.
  19. letter
  20. behalf, interest

fa·vus ['fā-vəs] -n

  1. any of several contagious skin diseases caused by ascomycetous fungi (as Trichophyton schoenleinii) and occurring in humans and many domestic animals

fawn ['fȯn, 'fän] -vi, n, adv

  1. to show affection used esp. of a dog
  2. to court favor by a cringing or flattering manner
  3. a young deer
  4. one still unweaned or retaining a distinctive baby coat
  5. kid
  6. a light grayish brown

fawn lily -n

  1. dogtooth violet

fax ['faks] -n, vb

  1. facsimile
  2. a device used to send or receive facsimile communications
  3. a facsimile communication

fax modem -n

  1. a computer peripheral capable of sending data to or receiving data from a fax machine or another computer esp. over phone lines

fay ['fā] -vb

  1. to fit or join closely or tightly
  2. faith
  3. fairy, elf
  4. resembling an elf
  5. ofay

faze ['fāz] -vt

  1. to disturb the composure of : disconcert, daunt
    • nothing fazed her