fi·acre [fē-'äkrᵊ] -n
- a small hackney coach
fi·an·ce [,fē-,än-'sā, fē-'än-,] -n
- a man engaged to be married
fi·an·cee [,fē-,än-'sā, fē-'än-,] -n
- a woman engaged to be married
fi·an·chet·to [,fē-ən-'ke-(,)tō, -'che-] -vb
- to develop (a bishop) in a chess game to the second square on the adjacent knight's file
- to fianchetto a bishop
fi·as·co [fē-'as-(,)kō also -'äs-] -n
- a complete failure
- bottle, flask
- a bulbous long-necked straw-covered bottle for wine
fi·at ['fē-ət, -,at, -,ät; 'fī-ət, -,at] -n
- a command or act of will that creates something without or as if without further effort
- an authoritative determination : dictate
- an authoritative or arbitrary order : decree
fiat money -n
- money (as paper currency) not convertible into coin or specie of equivalent value
fib ['fib] -n
- a trivial or childish lie
- to tell a fib
- pummel, beat
fi·ber ['fī-bər] -n, adj
- : a thread or a structure or object resembling a thread: as
- a slender root (as of a grass)
- an elongated tapering thick-walled plant cell void at maturity that imparts elasticity, flexibility, and tensile strength
- a strand of nerve tissue : axon, dendrite
- one of the filaments composing most of the intercellular matrix of connective tissue
- one of the elongated contractile cells of muscle tissue
- a slender and greatly elongated natural or synthetic filament (as of wool, cotton, asbestos, gold, glass, or rayon) typically capable of being spun into yarn
- mostly indigestible material in food that stimulates the intestine to peristalsis called also bulk roughage
- material made of fibers
- vulcanized fiber
- an element that gives texture or substance
- basic toughness : strength, fortitude
- essential structure or character
- the very fiber of a person's being
fi·ber·board [-,bȯrd] -n
- a material made by compressing fibers (as of wood) into stiff sheets
- cardboard
fi·ber·fill [-,fil] -n
- synthetic fibers used as a filling material (as for cushions)
fi·ber·glass [-,glas] -n
- glass in fibrous form used in making various products (as glass wool for insulation)
- a composite structural material of plastic and fiberglass
fiberglass -vt
- to protect or repair by applying fiberglass
fi·ber·ize ['fī-bə-,rīz] -vt, n
- to make or break down into fibers
fi·berop·tic ['fī-bər-,äp-tik] -adj
- of, relating to, or using fiber optics
fiber optics -n pl
- thin transparent fibers of glass or plastic that are enclosed by material of a lower refractive index and that transmit light throughout their length by internal reflections
- a bundle of such fibers used in an instrument (as for viewing body cavities)
- the technique of the use of fiber optics
fi·ber·scope ['fī-bər-,skōp] -n
- a flexible instrument utilizing fiber optics and used for examination of inaccessible areas
Fi·bo·nac·ci number [,fē-bə-'nä-chē-, ,fi-bə-] -n
- an integer in the infinite sequence 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13,...of which the first two terms are 1 and 1 and each succeeding term is the sum of the two immediately preceding
fibr- -comb form
- fiber : fibrous tissue: fibrous and
fi·branne ['fī-,bran, fī-'] -n
- a fabric made of spun-rayon yarn
fi·bre ['fī-bər] -n, adj
(variant of fiber)
- : a thread or a structure or object resembling a thread: as
- a slender root (as of a grass)
- an elongated tapering thick-walled plant cell void at maturity that imparts elasticity, flexibility, and tensile strength
- a strand of nerve tissue : axon, dendrite
- one of the filaments composing most of the intercellular matrix of connective tissue
- one of the elongated contractile cells of muscle tissue
- a slender and greatly elongated natural or synthetic filament (as of wool, cotton, asbestos, gold, glass, or rayon) typically capable of being spun into yarn
- mostly indigestible material in food that stimulates the intestine to peristalsis called also bulk roughage
- material made of fibers
- vulcanized fiber
- an element that gives texture or substance
- basic toughness : strength, fortitude
- essential structure or character
- the very fiber of a person's being
fi·bril ['fī-brəl, 'fi-] -n, adj
- : a small filament or fiber: as
- root hair
- one of the fine threads into which a striated muscle fiber can be longitudinally split
- neurofibril
fi·bril·late ['fi-brə-,lāt, 'fī-] -vb
- to undergo or exhibit fibrillation
- to cause to undergo fibrillation
fi·bril·la·tion [,fi-brə-'lā-shən, ,fī-] -n
- an act or process of forming fibers or fibrils
- a muscular twitching involving individual muscle fibers acting without coordination
- very rapid irregular contractions of the muscle fibers of the heart resulting in a lack of synchronism between heartbeat and pulse
fi·brin ['fī-brən] -n, adj
- a white insoluble fibrous protein formed from fibrinogen by the action of thrombin esp. in the clotting of blood
fi·brin·o·gen [fī-'bri-nə-jən] -n
- a plasma protein that is produced in the liver and is converted into fibrin during blood clot formation
fi·bri·noid ['fi-brə-,nȯid, 'fī-] -n
- a homogeneous acidophilic refractile material that somewhat resembles fibrin and is formed in the walls of blood vessels and in connective tissue in some pathological conditions and normally in the placenta
fi·bri·no·ly·sin [,fī-brə-nə-'lī-sᵊn] -n
- any of several proteolytic enzymes that promote the dissolution of blood clots
- plasmin
fi·bri·no·ly·sis [-'ī-səs, -brə-'nä-lə-səs] -n, adj
- the usu. enzymatic breakdown of fibrin
fi·bri·no·pep·tide [,fī-brə-nō-'pep-,tīd] -n
- any of the vertebrate polypeptides that are cleaved from fibrinogen by thrombin during clot formation
fi·bro·blast ['fī-brə-,blast, 'fi-] -n, adj
- a connective-tissue cell of mesenchymal origin that secretes proteins and esp. molecular collagen from which the extracellular fibrillar matrix of connective tissue forms
fibroblast growth factor -n
- any of several protein growth factors that stimulate the proliferation esp. of endothelial cells and that promote angiogenesis
fi·bro·cys·tic [,fī-brə-'sis-tik, ,fi-] -adj
- characterized by the presence or development of fibrous tissue and cysts
fi·broid ['fī-brȯid, 'fi-] -adj
- resembling, forming, or consisting of fibrous tissue
fibroid -n
- a benign tumor that consists of fibrous and muscular tissue and occurs esp. in the uterine wall
fi·bro·in ['fī-brə-wən, 'fi-, -brō-ən] -n
- an insoluble protein comprising the filaments of the raw silk fiber
fi·bro·ma [fī-'brō-mə] -n, adj
- a benign tumor consisting mainly of fibrous tissue
fi·bro·my·al·gia [,fī-,brō-,mī-'al-j(ē)ə] -n
- a chronic disorder characterized by widespread pain, tenderness, and stiffness of muscles and associated connective tissue structures that is typically accompanied by fatigue, headache, and sleep disturbances
fi·bro·nec·tin [,fī-brə-'nek-tən] -n
- any of a group of glycoproteins of cell surfaces, blood plasma, and connective tissue that promote cellular adhesion and migration
fi·bro·sar·co·ma [,fī-brə-sär-'kō-mə, ,fi-] -n
- a sarcoma of relatively low malignancy consisting chiefly of spindle-shaped cells that tend to form collagenous fibrils
fi·bro·sis [fī-'brō-səs] -n, adj
- a condition marked by increase of interstitial fibrous tissue
fi·bro·si·tis [,fī-brə-'sī-təs, ,fi-] -n
- a rheumatic disorder of fibrous tissue
- fibromyalgia
fi·brous ['fī-brəs] -adj
- containing, consisting of, or resembling fibers
- characterized by fibrosis
- capable of being separated into fibers
- tough, sinewy
fibrous root -n
- a root (as in most grasses) that has no prominent central axis and that branches in all directions
fi·bro·vas·cu·lar [,fī-brō-'vas-kyə-lər, ,fi-] -adj
- having or consisting of fibers and conducting cells
fibrovascular bundle -n
- vascular bundle
fib·u·la ['fi-byə-lə] -n, adj
- the outer and usu. smaller of the two bones between the knee and ankle in the hind or lower limbs of vertebrates
- a clasp resembling a safety pin used esp. by the ancient Greeks and Romans
FICA -abbr
- Federal Insurance Contributions Act
fice ['fīst] -n
(variant of feist)
- a small dog
fiche ['fēsh also 'fish] -n
- microfiche
fi·chu ['fi-(,)shü, 'fē-] -n
- a woman's light triangular scarf that is draped over the shoulders and fastened in front or worn to fill in a low neckline
fi·cin ['fī-sᵊn] -n
- a protease obtained from the latex of fig trees and used as an anthelmintic and protein digestive
fick·le ['fi-kəl] -adj, n, adv
- marked by lack of steadfastness, constancy, or stability : given to erratic changeableness
fi·co ['fē-(,)kō] -n
- fig
fict -abbr
- fiction; fictitious
fic·tile ['fik-tᵊl, -,tī(-ə)l] -adj
- plastic
- of or relating to pottery
- malleable
fic·tion ['fik-shən] -n, adj, adv
- something invented by the imagination or feigned
- an invented story
- fictitious literature (as novels or short stories)
- a work of fiction
- novel
- an assumption of a possibility as a fact irrespective of the question of its truth
- a useful illusion or pretense
- the action of feigning or of creating with the imagination
fic·tion·al·ise ['fik-shnə-,līz, -shə-nə-,līz] -vt, n
(variant of fictionalize)
- to make into or treat in the manner of fiction
fic·tion·al·ize ['fik-shnə-,līz, -shə-nə-,līz] -vt, n
- to make into or treat in the manner of fiction
fic·tion·eer [,fik-shə-'nir] -n
- one who writes fiction esp. in quantity and without high standards
fic·tion·ist ['fik-sh(ə-)nist] -n
- a writer of fiction
- novelist
fic·tion·ize ['fik-shə-,nīz] -vt, n
- fictionalize
fic·ti·tious [fik-'ti-shəs] -adj, adv, n
- of, relating to, or characteristic of fiction : imaginary
- conventionally or hypothetically assumed or accepted
- false, assumed
- not genuinely felt
fic·tive ['fik-tiv] -adj, adv, n
- not genuine : feigned
- of, relating to, or capable of imaginative creation
- of, relating to, or having the characteristics of fiction : fictional
fi·cus ['fī-kəs] -n
- fig
fid ['fid] -n
- a tapered usu. wooden pin used in opening the strands of a rope
fid·dle ['fi-dᵊl] -n
- violin
- a device (as a slat, rack, or light railing) to keep objects from sliding off a table aboard ship
- fiddlesticks used as an interjection
- swindle
fiddle ['fid-liŋ, 'fi-dᵊl-iŋ] -vb, n
- to play on a fiddle
- to move the hands or fingers restlessly
- to spend time in aimless or fruitless activity : putter, tinker
- fiddled around with the engine for hours
- meddle, tamper
- to make minor manual movements esp. to adjust something
- fiddled with the radio knobs
- to play (as a tune) on a fiddle
- cheat, swindle
- to alter or manipulate deceptively for fraudulent gain
- accountants fiddling the books -- Stanley Cohen
fiddle away -vt
- to fritter away
fid·dle·back ['fi-dᵊl-,bak] -n
- something resembling a fiddle
fid·dlefad·dle ['fi-dᵊl-,fa-dᵊl] -n
- nonsense often used as an interjection
fid·dlefoot·ed [,fi-dᵊl-'fu̇-təd] -adj
- skittish, jumpy
- prone to wander
- the nameless fiddlefooted drifters, the shifty riders who traveled the back trails -- Luke Short
fid·dle·head ['fi-dᵊl-,hed] -n
- one of the young unfurling fronds of some ferns that are often eaten as greens called also fiddlehead fern
fiddler crab -n
- any of a genus ( Uca) of burrowing crabs in which the male has one claw that is greatly enlarged
fid·dle·stick ['fi-dᵊl-,stik] -n
- a violin bow
- something of little value : trifle
- didn't care a fiddlestick for that
- nonsense used as an interjection
fiddling -adj
- trifling, petty
fid·dly ['fi-dᵊl-ē] -adj
- requiring close attention to detail : fussy
- requiring an annoying amount of close attention
- the tiny control buttons on the back are fiddly -- M. J. McNamara
fi·de·ism ['fē-(,)dā-,i-zəm] -n, adj
- reliance on faith rather than reason in pursuit of religious truth
Fi·del·is·ta [,fē-də-'lē-stə] -n
- an adherent of Castroism
fi·del·i·ty [fə-'de-lə-tē, fī-] -n
- the quality or state of being faithful
- accuracy in details : exactness
- the degree to which an electronic device (as a record player, radio, or television) accurately reproduces its effect (as sound or picture)
fidge ['fij] -vi
- fidget
fidg·et ['fi-jət] -n
- uneasiness or restlessness as shown by nervous movements usu. used in pl.
- one that fidgets
fidget -vi
- to move or act restlessly or nervously
- to cause to move or act nervously
fidg·ety ['fi-jə-tē] -adj, n
- inclined to fidget
- making unnecessary fuss : fussy
fi·do ['fī-(,)dō] -n
- a coin having a minting error
fi·du·cial [fə-'dü-shəl, -'dyü-, fī-] -adj, adv
- taken as standard of reference
- founded on faith or trust
- having the nature of a trust : fiduciary
fi·du·cia·ry [-'dü-shē-,er-ē, -shə-rē, -'dyü-] -n
- one that holds a fiduciary relation or acts in a fiduciary capacity
fiduciary -adj
- : of, relating to, or involving a confidence or trust: as
- held or founded in trust or confidence
- holding in trust
- depending on public confidence for value or currency
fie ['fī] -interj
- used to express disgust or disapproval
fief ['fēf] -n
- a feudal estate : fee
- something over which one has rights or exercises control
field ['fēld] -n
- an open land area free of woods and buildings
- an area of land marked by the presence of particular objects or features
- an area of cleared enclosed land used for cultivation or pasture
- land containing a natural resource
- airfield
- the place where a battle is fought
- battle
- a large unbroken expanse (as of ice)
- an area or division of an activity, subject, or profession
- the sphere of practical operation outside a base (as a laboratory, office, or factory)
- geologists working in the field
- an area for military exercises or maneuvers
- an area constructed, equipped, or marked for sports
- the portion of an indoor or outdoor sports area enclosed by the running track and on which field events are conducted
- any of the three sections of a baseball outfield
- : a space on which something is drawn or projected: as
- the space on the surface of a coin, medal, or seal that does not contain the design
- the ground of each division in a flag
- the whole surface of an escutcheon
- the individuals that make up all or part of the participants in a contest
- all participants with the exception of the favorite or the winner in a contest where more than two are entered
- the area visible through the lens of an optical instrument
- a region or space in which a given effect (as magnetism) exists
- a region of embryonic tissue capable of a particular type of differentiation
- a set of mathematical elements that is subject to two binary operations the second of which is distributive relative to the first and that constitutes a commutative group under the first operation and also under the second if the zero or unit element under the first is omitted
- a complex of forces that serve as causative agents in human behavior
- a series of drain tiles and an absorption area for septic-tank outflow
- a particular area (as of a record in a database) in which the same type of information is regularly recorded
- : of or relating to a field: as
- growing in or inhabiting the fields or open country
- made, conducted, or used in the field
- operating or active in the field
- to catch or pick up (as a batted ball) and usu. throw to a teammate
- to take care of or respond to (as a telephone call or a request)
- to give an impromptu answer or solution to
- the senator field ed the reporters' questions
- to put into the field
- to enter in competition
- to play as a fielder
field artillery -n
- artillery other than antiaircraft artillery used with armies in the field
field bed -n
- a four-poster with a canopy arched at the center
field corn -n
- an Indian corn (as dent corn or flint corn) with starchy kernels grown for feeding livestock or for market grain
field crop -n
- an agricultural crop (as hay, grain, or cotton) grown on large areas
field day -n
- a day for military exercises or maneuvers
- an outdoor meeting or social gathering
- a day of sports and athletic competition
- a time of extraordinary pleasure or opportunity
- the newspaper had a field day with the scandal
fieldef·fect transistor ['fēld-ə-,fekt-] -n
- a transistor in which the output current is controlled by a variable electric field
field·er ['fēl-dər] -n
- one that fields
- a defensive player stationed in the field (as in baseball)
fielder's choice -n
- a situation in baseball in which a batter reaches base safely because the fielder attempts to put out another base runner on the play
field event -n
- an event (as weight-throwing or jumping) in a track-and-field meet other than a race
field·fare ['fēl(d)-,fer] -n
- a medium-sized Eurasian thrush ( Turdus pilaris) with an ash-colored head and chestnut wings and back
field glass -n
- a binocular without prisms esp. for use outdoors usu. used in pl.
field goal -n
- a score of three points in football made by drop-kicking or place-kicking the ball over the crossbar from ordinary play
- a goal in basketball made while the ball is in play
field grade -n
- the rank of a field officer
field guide -n
- an illustrated manual for identifying natural objects, flora, or fauna in nature
field hand -n
- an outdoor farm laborer
field hockey -n
- a game played on a turfed field between two teams of 11 players each whose object is to direct a ball into the opponent's goal with a hockey stick
field house -n
- a building at an athletic field for housing equipment or providing dressing facilities
- a building enclosing a large area suitable for various forms of athletics and usu. providing seats for spectators
fielding percentage -n
- the average (as of a baseball fielder) determined by dividing the number of putouts and assists by the number of chances called also fielding average
field judge -n
- a football official whose duties include covering action on kicks and forward passes and timing intermission periods and time-outs
field lens -n
- the lens in a compound eyepiece that is nearer the objective
field magnet -n
- a magnet for producing and maintaining a magnetic field esp. in a generator or electric motor
field marshal -n
- the highest ranking military officer (as in the British army)
field mouse -n
- any of various mice and voles that inhabit fields
field mushroom -n
- meadow mushroom
field officer -n
- a commissioned officer in the army, air force, or marine corps of the rank of colonel, lieutenant colonel, or major
field of force
- field
field of honor
- battlefield
- a place where a duel is fought
field of view
- field
field of vision
- visual field
field pea -n
- a small-seeded pea ( Pisum sativumvar. arvense) widely grown for forage, food, and green manure
- its usu. dried green or yellow seed
- cow pea
field·piece ['fēl(d)-,pēs] -n
- a gun or howitzer for use in the field
field spaniel -n
- any of a breed of medium-sized hunting and retrieving spaniels developed in England that have a flat dense usu. black, liver, red, or roan coat
field·stone ['fēl(d)-,stōn] -n
- stone (as in building) in usu. unaltered form as taken from the field
field·strip [-,strip] -vt
- to take apart (a weapon) to the extent authorized for routine cleaning, lubrication, and minor repairs
fieldtest [-,test] -vt, n
- to test (as a procedure or product) in actual situations reflecting intended use
field theory -n
- any theory in physics consisting of a detailed mathematical description of the assumed physical properties of a region under some influence (as gravitation)
field trial -n
- a trial of sporting dogs in actual performance
- a trial of a new product in actual situations for which it is intended
field trip -n
- a visit (as to a factory, farm, or museum) made (as by students and a teacher) for purposes of firsthand observation
field winding -n
- the winding of a field magnet
field·work ['fēld-,wərk] -n
- a temporary fortification thrown up by an army in the field
- work done in the field (as by students) to gain practical experience and knowledge through firsthand observation
- the gathering of anthropological or sociological data through the interviewing and observation of subjects in the field
fiend ['fēnd] -n
- devil
- demon
- a person of great wickedness or maliciousness
- a person extremely devoted to a pursuit or study : fanatic
- addict
- wizard
fiend·ish ['fēn-dish] -adj, adv, n
- perversely diabolical
- took a fiendish pleasure in hurting people
- extremely cruel or wicked
- excessively bad, unpleasant, or difficult
fierce ['firs] -adj, n
- violently hostile or aggressive in temperament
- given to fighting or killing : pugnacious
- marked by unrestrained zeal or vehemence
- extremely vexatious, disappointing, or intense
- furiously active or determined
- wild or menacing in appearance
fierce·ly -adv
- in a fierce or vehement manner
- to a high degree : very
fi·eri fa·cias [,fī-(ə-)rē-'fā-sh(ē-)əs] -n
- a writ authorizing the sheriff to obtain satisfaction of a judgment in debt or damages from the goods and chattels of the defendant
fi·ery ['fī(-ə)-rē] -adj, adv, n
- consisting of fire
- marked by fire
- using or carried out with fire
- liable to catch fire or explode : flammable
- hot like a fire
- being in an inflamed state or condition
- feverish and flushed
- of the color of fire : red
- full of or exuding emotion or spirit
- easily provoked : irritable
fi·es·ta [fē-'es-tə] -n
- festival
- a saint's day celebrated in Spain and Latin America with processions and dances
fi fa -abbr
- fieri facias
fife ['fīf] -n
- a small transverse flute with six to eight finger holes and usu. no keys
fife rail -n
- a rail about the mast near the deck to which rigging is belayed
FIFO -abbr
- first in, first out
fif·teen [,fif-'tēn, 'fif-,] -n, adj, pron, pl in constr, adj or n
- the first point scored by a side in a game of tennis called also five
fifth ['fith, 'fif(t)th, 'fift] -n, adj or adv, adv
- the musical interval embracing five diatonic degrees
- a tone at this interval
- dominant
- the harmonic combination of two tones at this interval
- a unit of measure for liquor equal to one fifth of a U.S. gallon (0.757 liter)
- the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution
- the right accorded by the Fifth Amendment to refuse to testify against oneself usu. used in the phrase take the Fifth
fifth column [-'kä-ləm-,(n)i-zəm] -n
- a group of secret sympathizers or supporters of an enemy that engage in espionage or sabotage within defense lines or national borders
fifth disease -n
- an acute virus disease esp. of children caused by a parvovirus (species Human parvovirus B19of the genus Erythrovirus) and manifested by a blotchy red rash on the cheeks which spreads to the extremities and is usu. accompanied by fever and malaise
fifth wheel -n
- a horizontal wheel or segment of a wheel that consists of two parts rotating on each other above the fore axle of a carriage and that forms support to prevent tipping
- a similar coupling between tractor and trailer of a semitrailer
- one that is superfluous, unnecessary, or burdensome
fif·ty ['fif-tē] -n, adj or n, adj, pron, pl in constr
- the numbers 50 to 59
- the years 50 to 59 in a lifetime or century
- a 50-dollar bill
fif·tyfif·ty [,fif-tē-'fif-tē] -adj, adv
- shared, assumed, or borne equally
- half favorable and half unfavorable
fig ['fig] -n
- an oblong or pear-shaped syconium fruit of a tree (genus Ficus) of the mulberry family
- a tree bearing figs
- a widely cultivated tree ( F. carica) that produces edible figs
- a worthless trifle : the least bit
- dress, array
- a young woman in dazzling royal full fig -- Mollie Panter-Downes
- figurative; figuratively; figure
fight ['fīt] -vb
- to contend in battle or physical combat
- to strive to overcome a person by blows or weapons
- to engage in boxing
- to put forth a determined effort
- to contend against in or as if in battle or physical combat
- to box against in the ring
- to attempt to prevent the success or effectiveness of
- the company fought the takeover attempt
- to oppose the passage or development of
- wage, carry on
- to take part in (as a boxing match)
- to struggle to endure or surmount
- to gain by struggle
- to resolve by struggle
- fought out their differences in court
- to manage (a ship) in a battle or storm
- to cause to struggle or contend
- to manage in an unnecessarily rough or awkward manner
- a hostile encounter : battle, combat
- a boxing match
- a verbal disagreement : argument
- a struggle for a goal or an objective
- strength or disposition for fighting : pugnacity
fight·er ['fī-tər] -n
- : one that fights: as
- warrior, soldier
- a pugnacious or game individual
- boxer
- an airplane of high speed and maneuverability with armament designed to destroy enemy aircraft
fight·erbomb·er [-'bä-mər] -n
- a fighter aircraft fitted to carry bombs and rockets in addition to its normal armament
fighting chair -n
- a chair from which a salt-water angler plays a hooked fish
fighting chance -n
- a chance that may be realized by a struggle
- the patient had a fighting chance to live
fighting word -n
- a word likely to provoke a fight
fightorflight -adj
- relating to, being, or causing physiological changes in the body (as an increase in heart rate or dilation of bronchi) in response to stress
- epinephrine is a fightorflight hormone
fight song -n
- a song used to inspire enthusiasm usu. during an athletic competition
fig leaf -n
- the leaf of a fig tree
- something that conceals or camouflages usu. inadequately or dishonestly
fig·ment ['fig-mənt] -n
- something made up or contrived
fig·ur·al ['fi-g(y)ə-rəl] -adj
- figurative
- of, relating to, or consisting of human or animal figures
fig·u·ra·tion [,fi-g(y)ə-'rā-shən] -n
- form, outline
- the act or process of creating or providing a figure
- an act or instance of representation in figures and shapes
- cubism was explained as a synthesis of colored figuration s of objects -- Janet Flanner
- ornamentation of a musical passage by using decorative and usu. repetitive figures
fig·u·ra·tive ['fi-g(y)ə-rə-tiv] -adj, adv, n
- representing by a figure or resemblance : emblematic
- of or relating to representation of form or figure in art
- expressing one thing in terms normally denoting another with which it may be regarded as analogous : metaphorical
- characterized by figures of speech
fig·ure ['fi-gyər, Brit & often US 'fi-gər] -n
- a number symbol : numeral, digit
- arithmetical calculations
- a written or printed character
- value esp. as expressed in numbers : sum, price
- digits representing an amount (as of money earned or points scored)
- made six figure s last year
- a score in double figure s
- a geometric form (as a line, triangle, or sphere) esp. when considered as a set of geometric elements (as points) in space of a given number of dimensions
- a square is a plane figure
- bodily shape or form esp. of a person
- an object noticeable only as a shape or form
- figure s moving in the dusk
- the graphic representation of a form esp. of a person or geometric entity
- a diagram or pictorial illustration of textual matter
- a person, thing, or action representative of another
- figure of speech
- an intentional deviation from the ordinary form or syntactical relation of words
- the form of a syllogism with respect to the relative position of the middle term
- an often repetitive pattern or design in a manufactured article (as cloth) or natural product (as wood)
- appearance made : impression produced
- the couple cut quite a figure
- a series of movements in a dance
- an outline representation of a form traced by a series of evolutions (as with skates on an ice surface or by an airplane in the air)
- a prominent personality : personage
- great figure s of history
- a short coherent group of notes or chords that may constitute part of a phrase, theme, or composition
figure ['fi-gyə-riŋ, 'fi-g(ə-)riŋ] -vb, n
- to represent by or as if by a figure or outline
- to decorate with a pattern
- to write figures over or under (the bass) in order to indicate the accompanying chords
- to indicate or represent by numerals
- calculate
- conclude, decide
- figured there was no use in further effort
- assume
- regard, consider
- to appear likely
- to be or appear important or conspicuous
- to be involved or implicated
- to perform a figure in dancing
- compute, calculate
- to seem rational, normal, or expected
- to make sense of something used interjectionally in the phrase go figure to suggest that something is surprising or perplexing
- why do they think women will buy this lie? Go figure -- Ellen Bravo
figured -adj
- adorned with, formed into, or marked with a figure
- being represented : portrayed
- indicated by figures
figured bass -n
- continuo
figure eight -n
- : something resembling the Arabic numeral eight in form or shape: as
- a small knot
- an embroidery stitch
- a dance pattern
- a skater's figure called also figure-of-eight
fig·ure·head ['fi-g(y)ər-,hed] -n
- the figure on a ship's bow
- a head or chief in name only
figure in -vt
- to include esp. in a reckoning
figure of merit
- a numerical quantity based on one or more characteristics of a system or device that represents a measure of efficiency or effectiveness
figure of speech
- a form of expression (as a simile or metaphor) used to convey meaning or heighten effect often by comparing or identifying one thing with another that has a meaning or connotation familiar to the reader or listener
figure out -vt
- discover, determine
- try to figure out a way to do it
- solve, fathom
figure skating -n
- skating characterized by the performance of various jumps, spins, and dance movements and formerly by the tracing of prescribed figures
fig·u·rine [,fi-g(y)ə-'rēn] -n
- a small carved or molded figure : statuette
fig wasp -n
- a minute wasp ( Blastophaga psenesof the family Agaontidae) that breeds in the caprifig and is the agent of caprification
- any wasp of the same family
fig·wort ['fig-,wərt, -,wȯrt] -n
- any of a genus ( Scrophularia) of chiefly herbaceous often fetid plants of the snapdragon family with terminal cymes of small purple, yellow, or greenish flowers
Fi·ji·an ['fē-(,)jē-ən, fi-'] -n, adj
- a member of a Melanesian people of Fiji
- the Austronesian language of the Fijians
fil·a·ment ['fi-lə-mənt] -n, adj
- : a single thread or a thin flexible threadlike object, process, or appendage: as
- a tenuous conductor (as of carbon or metal) made incandescent by the passage of an electric current
- a cathode in the form of a metal wire in an electron tube
- a thin and fine elongated constituent part of a gill
- an elongated thin series of cells attached one to another or a very long thin cylindrical single cell (as of some algae, fungi, or bacteria)
- the anther-bearing stalk of a stamen
fi·lar ['fī-lər] -adj
- of or relating to a thread or line
- having threads across the field of view
fi·lar·ia [fə-'ler-ē-ə] -n, adj, adj or n
- any of numerous slender filamentous nematodes ( Filariaand related genera) that as adults are parasites in the blood or tissues of mammals and as larvae usu. develop in biting insects
fil·a·ri·a·sis [,fi-lə-'rī-ə-səs] -n
- infestation with or disease caused by filariae
fil·a·ture ['fil-ə-,chu̇r, -chər, -,t(y)u̇r] -n
- a factory where silk is reeled
fil·bert ['fil-bərt] -n
- either of two Eurasian hazels ( Corylus avellanaand C. maxima)
- the sweet thick-shelled nut of the filbert
- hazelnut
filch ['filch] -vt
- to appropriate furtively or casually
file ['fī(-ə)l] -n
- a tool usu. of hardened steel with cutting ridges for forming or smoothing surfaces esp. of metal
- a shrewd or crafty person
- to rub, smooth, or cut away with or as if with a file
- defile, corrupt
- to arrange in order for preservation and reference
- to place among official records as prescribed by law
- to send (copy) to a newspaper
- to return to the office of the clerk of a court without action on the merits
- to initiate (as a legal action) through proper formal procedure
- threatened to file charges
- to register as a candidate esp. in a primary election
- to place items in a file
- to submit documents necessary to initiate a legal proceeding
- a device (as a folder, case, or cabinet) by means of which papers are kept in order
- roll, list
- a collection of papers or publications usu. arranged or classified
- a collection of related data records (as for a computer)
- a complete collection of data (as text or a program) treated by a computer as a unit esp. for purposes of input and output
- single file
- any of the rows of squares that extend across a chessboard from one player's side to the other player's side
- to march or proceed in single file
fi·le [fə-'lā, (,)fē-'lā, 'fē-(,)lā] -n
- powdered young leaves of sassafras used to thicken soups or stews
file clerk -n
- a clerk who works on files
file·fish ['fī(-ə)l-,fish] -n
- any of various small-mouthed bony fishes (family Monacantidae, esp. genera Aluterus, Cantherhines,and Monacanthus) with rough granular leathery skin
fi·let [fi-'lā] -n
- a lace with a square mesh and geometric designs
fi·let mi·gnon [,fi-(,)lā-mēn-'yōⁿ, fi-,lā-] -n
- a thick slice of beef cut from the narrow end of a beef tenderloin
fili- -comb form
- thread
fil·ial ['fi-lē-əl, 'fil-yəl] -adj, adv
- of, relating to, or befitting a son or daughter
- having or assuming the relation of a child or offspring
filial generation -n
- a generation in a breeding experiment that is successive to a mating between parents of two distinctively different but usu. relatively pure genotypes
fil·i·a·tion [,fi-lē-'ā-shən] -n
- filial relationship esp. of a son to his father
- the adjudication of paternity
- descent or derivation esp. from a culture or language
- the act or process of determining such relationship
fil·i·bus·ter ['fi-lə-,bəs-tər] -n
- an irregular military adventurer
- an American engaged in fomenting insurrections in Latin America in the mid-19th century
- the use of extreme dilatory tactics in an attempt to delay or prevent action esp. in a legislative assembly
- an instance of this practice
filibuster [-t(ə-)riŋ] -vb, n
- to carry out insurrectionist activities in a foreign country
- to engage in a filibuster
- to subject to a filibuster
fil·i·cide ['fi-lə-,sīd] -n
- the murder of one's own daughter or son
fi·li·form ['fi-lə-,fȯrm, 'fī-] -adj
- shaped like a filament
fil·i·gree ['fi-lə-,grē] -n
- ornamental work esp. of fine wire of gold, silver, or copper applied chiefly to gold and silver surfaces
- ornamental openwork of delicate or intricate design
- a pattern or design resembling such openwork
- ornamentation, embellishment
- writings...heavy with late Victorian filigree -- Jack Beatty
filigree -vt
- to adorn with or as if with filigree
fil·ing ['fī-liŋ] -n
- an act or instance of using a file
- a fragment rubbed off in filing
filing -n
- an act or instance of filing something
- a document filed
fil·io·pi·etis·tic ['fi-lē-ō-,pī-ə-'tis-tik] -adj, n
- of or relating to an often excessive veneration of ancestors or tradition
Fil·i·pi·na [,fi-lə-'pē-nə] -n
- a Filipino girl or woman
Fil·i·pi·no [-'pē-(,)nō] -n, adj
- a native of the Philippine Islands
- a citizen of the Republic of the Philippines
- the Tagalog-based official language of the Republic of the Philippines
fill ['fil] -vb
- to put into as much as can be held or conveniently contained
- to supply with a full complement
- to cause to swell or billow
- to trim (a sail) to catch the wind
- to raise the level of with fill
- to repair the cavities of (teeth)
- to stop up : obstruct
- wreckage fill ed the channel
- to stop up the interstices, crevices, or pores of (as cloth, wood, or leather) with a foreign substance
- feed, satiate
- satisfy, fulfill
- make out, complete used with out or in
- to draw the playing cards necessary to complete (as a straight or flush in poker)
- to occupy the whole of
- to spread through
- to make full
- a mind fill ed with fantasies
- to possess and perform the duties of : hold
- to place a person in
- to supply as directed
- to cover the surface of with a layer of precious metal
- to become full
- a full supply
- a quantity that satisfies or satiates
- : something that fills: as
- material used to fill a receptacle, cavity, passage, or low place
- a bit of instrumental music that fills the pauses between phrases (as of a vocalist or soloist)
- artificial light used in photography to reduce or eliminate shadows often used attributively
fill away -vi
- to trim a sail to catch the wind
- to proceed on the course esp. after being brought up in the wind
fill·er ['fi-lər] -n
- : one that fills: as
- a substance added to a product (as to increase bulk, weight, viscosity, opacity, or strength)
- a composition used to fill the pores and grain esp. of a wood surface before painting or varnishing
- a piece used to cover or fill in a space between two parts of a structure
- tobacco used to form the core of a cigar
- material used to fill extra space in a column or page of a newspaper or magazine or to increase the size of a work (as a book)
- a pack of paper for a loose-leaf notebook
- a sound, word, or phrase (as you know?) used to fill pauses in speaking
fil·ler ['fi-,ler] -n
- see forint at
fil·let ['fi-lət, in sense 2b also fi-'lā, 'fi-(,)lā] -n
- a ribbon or narrow strip of material used esp. as a headband
- a thin narrow strip of material
- a piece or slice of boneless meat or fish
- the tenderloin of beef
- a concave junction formed where two surfaces meet (as at an angle)
- a strip that gives a rounded appearance to such a junction
- a strip to reinforce the corner where two surfaces meet
- : a narrow flat architectural member:
- a flat molding separating others
- the space between two flutings in a shaft
- to bind, furnish, or adorn with or as if with a fillet
- to cut into fillets
fillet weld -n
- a weld of approximately triangular cross section used to join two pieces esp. perpendicularly
fillin ['fil-,in] -n
- someone or something that fills in
fill in -vt
- to enrich (as a design) with detail
- to give necessary or recently acquired information to
- to fill a vacancy usu. temporarily
- interns filled in for regular staffers
fill·ing ['fi-liŋ] -n
- an act or instance of filling
- something used to fill a cavity, container, or depression
- : something that completes: as
- the yarn interlacing the warp in a fabric
- yarn for the shuttle
- a food mixture used to fill pastry or sandwiches
filling station -n
- gas station
fil·lip ['fi-ləp] -vt
- to make a filliping motion with
- to strike or tap with a fillip
- fillip ed him on the nose
- to project quickly by or as if by a fillip
- fillip crumbs off the table
- stimulate
- with this to fillip his spirits -- Robert Westerby
fillip -n
- a blow or gesture made by the sudden forcible straightening of a finger curled up against the thumb
- a short sharp blow : buffet
- : something tending to arouse or excite: as
- stimulus
- just the fillip my confidence needed
- lent a fillip of danger to the sport
- a trivial addition : embellishment
- showy fillip s of language
- a significant and often unexpected development : wrinkle
fill out -vi
- to put on flesh
fillup ['fil-,əp] -n
- an action or instance of filling up something (as a gas tank)
fil·ly ['fi-lē] -n
- a young female horse usu. of less than four years
- a young woman : girl
film ['film, Southern also 'fi(ə)m] -n, adj
- a thin skin or membranous covering : pellicle
- an abnormal growth on or in the eye
- a thin covering or coating
- an exceedingly thin layer : lamina
- a thin flexible transparent sheet (as of plastic) used esp. as a wrapping
- a thin sheet of cellulose acetate or nitrocellulose coated with a radiation-sensitive emulsion for taking photographs
- motion picture
- to cover with or as if with a film
- to make a motion picture of or from
- to become covered or obscured with or as if with a film
- to make a motion picture
film badge -n
- a small pack of sensitive photographic film worn as a badge for indicating exposure to radiation
film·dom ['film-dəm] -n
- the motion-picture industry
film·go·er [-,gō-ər] -n
- one who frequently attends films
film·ic ['fil-mik] -adj, adv
- of, relating to, or resembling motion pictures
film·land ['film-,land] -n
- filmdom
film·mak·er ['film-,mā-kər] -n
- one who makes motion pictures
film·mak·ing [-,mā-kiŋ] -n
- the making of motion pictures
film noir [-'nwär] -n
- a type of crime film featuring cynical malevolent characters in a sleazy setting and an ominous atmosphere that is conveyed by shadowy photography and foreboding background music
- a film of this type
film·og·ra·phy [fil-'mä-grə-fē] -n
- a list of motion pictures featuring the work of a prominent film figure or relating to a particular topic
film·set·ting ['film-,se-tiŋ] -n
- photocomposition
film·strip ['film-,strip] -n
- a strip of film bearing a sequence of images for projection as still pictures
filmy ['fil-mē] -adj, adv, n
- of, resembling, or composed of film : gauzy
- covered with a haze or film
filo ['fē-(,)lō, 'fī-] -n
(variant of phyllo)
- extremely thin dough that is layered to produce a flaky pastry
fi·lo·vi·rus ['fī-lō-,vī-rəs] -n
- any of a family ( Filoviridae) of single-stranded chiefly filamentous RNA viruses that infect vertebrates and include the Marburg virus and the Ebola viruses
fils ['fēs] -n
- son used after a family name to distinguish a son from his father
- see dinar, dirham, rial at
fil·ter ['fil-tər] -n
- a porous article or mass (as of paper or sand) through which a gas or liquid is passed to separate out matter in suspension
- an apparatus containing a filter medium
- a device or material for suppressing or minimizing waves or oscillations of certain frequencies (as of electricity, light, or sound)
- a transparent material (as colored glass) that absorbs light of certain wavelengths or colors selectively and is used for modifying light that reaches a sensitized photographic material called also color filter
- something that has the effect of a filter (as by holding back elements or modifying the appearance of something)
- his work is too often viewed through the filter of race -- Brent Staples
- software for sorting or blocking access to certain online material
filter [-t(ə-)riŋ] -vb
- to subject to the action of a filter
- to remove by means of a filter
- to pass or move through or as if through a filter
- to come or go in small units over a period of time
- people began filter ing in
fil·ter·able ['fil-t(ə-)rə-bəl] -adj, n
- capable of being filtered or of passing through a filter
filterable virus -n
- any of the infectious agents that pass through a filter of diatomite or unglazed porcelain with the filtrate and remain virulent and that include the viruses as presently understood and various other groups (as the mycoplasmas and rickettsias) which were orig. considered viruses before their cellular nature was established
filter bed -n
- a sand or gravel bed for filtering water or sewage
filter feeder -n
- an animal (as a clam or baleen whale) that obtains its food by filtering organic matter or minute organisms from a current of water that passes through some part of its system
filter paper -n
- porous unsized paper used esp. for filtering
filter tip [,fil-tər-'tipt] -n, adj
- a cigar or cigarette tip designed to filter the smoke before it enters the smoker's mouth
- a cigar or cigarette provided with such a tip
filth ['filth] -n
- foul or putrid matter
- loathsome dirt or refuse
- moral corruption or defilement
- something that tends to corrupt or defile
filthy ['fil-thē] -adj, adv, n
- covered with, containing, or characterized by filth
- underhand, vile
- obscene
- in a filthy manner
fil·trate ['fil-,trāt] -n
- fluid that has passed through a filter
fil·tra·tion [fil-'trā-shən] -n
- the process of filtering
- the process of passing through or as if through a filter
- diffusion
fim·bria ['fim-brē-ə] -n, adj
- a bordering fringe esp. at the entrance of the fallopian tubes
- a pilus of a bacterium
fim·bri·at·ed ['fim-brē-,ā-təd] -adj, n
- having the edge or extremity bordered by slender processes : fringed
fin ['fin] -n, adj
- an external membranous process of an aquatic animal (as a fish) used in propelling or guiding the body
- : something resembling a fin: as
- hand, arm
- an appendage of a boat (as a submarine)
- an airfoil attached to an airplane for directional stability
- flipper
- any of the projecting ribs on a radiator or an engine cylinder
- to equip with fins
- to show the fins above the water
- to move through water propelled by fins
- a 5-dollar bill
- finance; financial
- finish
fi·na·gle [fə-'nā-gəl] -vb, n
- to obtain by indirect or involved means
- to obtain by trickery
- finagled his way into the concert
- to use devious or dishonest methods to achieve one's ends
fi·nal ['fī-nᵊl] -adj, adv
- not to be altered or undone
- of or relating to a concluding court action or proceeding
- coming at the end : being the last in a series, process, or progress
- of or relating to the ultimate purpose or result of a process
final -n
- : something that is final: as
- a deciding match, game, heat, or trial usu. used in pl.
- the last examination in a course often used in pl.
fi·na·le [fə-'na-lē, fi-'nä-] -n
- : the close or termination of something: as
- the last section of an instrumental musical composition
- the closing part, scene, or number in a public performance
- the last and often climactic event or item in a sequence
fi·nal·ise ['fī-nə-,līz] -vt, n
(variant of finalize)
- to put in final or finished form
- soon my conclusion will be finalized -- D. D. Eisenhower
- to give final approval to
- finalizing the papers prepared...by his staff -- Newsweek
fi·nal·ist ['fī-nə-list] -n
- a contestant in a competition finals
fi·nal·i·ty [fī-'na-lə-tē, fə-] -n
- the character or condition of being final, settled, irrevocable, or complete
- the condition of being at an ultimate point esp. of development or authority
- something final
- a fundamental fact, action, or belief
fi·nal·ize ['fī-nə-,līz] -vt, n
- to put in final or finished form
- soon my conclusion will be finalized -- D. D. Eisenhower
- to give final approval to
- finalizing the papers prepared...by his staff -- Newsweek
final solution -n
- the Nazi program for extermination of all Jews in Europe
fi·nance [fə-'nan(t)s, 'fī-,, fī-'] -n
- money or other liquid resources of a government, business, group, or individual
- the system that includes the circulation of money, the granting of credit, the making of investments, and the provision of banking facilities
- the science or study of the management of funds
- the obtaining of funds or capital : financing
finance -vt
- to raise or provide funds or capital for
- to furnish with necessary funds
- finance a son through college
- to sell something to on credit
finance company -n
- a company that makes usu. small short-term loans usu. to individuals
fi·nan·cial [fə-'nan(t)-shəl, fī-] -adj, adv
- relating to finance or financiers
fi·nan·cials [-shəlz] -n pl
- financial statistics
- reviewed the company's financials
fi·nan·cier [,fi-nən-'sir; fə-,nan-, ,fī-] -n
- one who specializes in raising and expending public moneys
- one who deals with finance and investment on a large scale
financing -n
- the act or process or an instance of raising or providing funds
- the funds thus raised or provided
fi·nas·te·ride [fə-'nas-tə-,rīd] -n
- a nitrogenous steroid derivative C 23H 36N 2O 2that is used esp. to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia and to increase hair growth in male-pattern baldness
fin·back ['fin-,bak] -n
- fin whale
fin·ca ['fiŋ-kə] -n
- a rural property, ranch, or farm in Spain or Spanish America
finch ['finch] -n
- any of numerous passerine songbirds (families Fringillidae, Estrildidae, Emberizidae, and Cardinalidae) having a short stout usu. conical bill adapted for crushing seeds
find ['fīnd] -vb, adj
- to come upon often accidentally : encounter
- to meet with (a particular reception)
- to come upon by searching or effort
- must find a suitable person for the job
- to discover by study or experiment
- to obtain by effort or management
- attain, reach
- the bullet found its mark
- to discover by the intellect or the feelings : experience
- find much pleasure in your company
- to perceive (oneself) to be in a certain place or condition
- to gain or regain the use or power of
- trying to find his tongue
- to bring (oneself) to a realization of one's powers or of one's proper sphere of activity
- must help the student to find himself as an individual -- N. M. Pusey
- provide, supply
- to furnish (room and board) esp. as a condition of employment
- to determine and make a statement about
- to determine a case judicially by a verdict
- an act or instance of finding
- : something found: as
- a valuable discovery
- a person whose ability proves to be unexpectedly good
find·er ['fīn-dər] -n
- one that finds
- a small astronomical telescope of low power and wide field attached to a larger telescope for finding an object
- viewfinder
fin de sie·cle [,fan-də-sē-'e-kᵊl; faⁿ-də-'syeklᵊ] -adj, n
- of, relating to, or characteristic of the close of the 19th century and esp. its literary and artistic climate of sophistication, world-weariness, and fashionable despair
- of or relating to the end of a century
finding -n
- the act of one that finds
- find
- small tools and supplies used by an artisan (as a dressmaker, jeweler, or shoemaker)
- the result of a judicial examination or inquiry
- the results of an investigation usu. used in pl.
find out -vt
- to learn by study, observation, or search : discover
- to catch in an offense (as a crime)
- the culprits were soon found out
- to ascertain the true character or identity of
- the informer was found out
- to discover, learn, or verify something
- I don't know, but I'll find out for you
fine ['fīn] -n
- end, conclusion
- a compromise of a fictitious suit used as a form of conveyance of lands
- a sum imposed as punishment for an offense
- a forfeiture or penalty paid to an injured party in a civil action
- to impose a fine on : punish by a fine
- free from impurity
- having a stated proportion of pure metal in the composition expressed in parts per thousand
- very thin in gauge or texture
- not coarse
- very small
- keen
- very precise or accurate
- trying to be too fine with his pitches
- physically trained or hardened close to the limit of efficiency used of an athlete or animal
- delicate, subtle, or sensitive in quality, perception, or discrimination
- superior in kind, quality, or appearance : excellent
- ornate
- marked by or affecting elegance or refinement
- very well
- all right
- used as an intensive
- the leader, in a fine frenzy, beheaded one of his wives -- Brian Crozier
- : finely: as
- very well
- all right
- with a very narrow margin of time or space
- she had not intended to cut her escape so fine -- Melinda Beck et al.
- purify, clarify
- to make finer in quality or size
- to become pure or clear
- to become smaller in lines or proportions
fi·ne ['fē-(,)nā] -n
- end used as a direction in music to mark the closing point after a repeat
fine art -n
- art (as painting, sculpture, or music) concerned primarily with the creation of beautiful objects usu. used in pl.
- objects of fine art
- an activity requiring a fine skill
fine·ly ['fīn-lē] -adv
- : in a fine manner: as
- extremely well : excellently
- plays the hero very finely -- New Yorker
- with close discrimination : precisely
- with delicacy or subtlety : sensitively
- a leader finely attuned to the needs of the people
- minutely
fine print -n
- something thoroughly and often deliberately obscure
- a part of an agreement or document spelling out restrictions and limitations often in small type or obscure language
fin·ery ['fīn-rē, 'fī-nə-] -n
- ornament, decoration
- dressy or showy clothing and jewels
fines ['fīnz] -n pl
- finely crushed or powdered material (as ore)
- very small particles in a mixture of various sizes
fines herbes [fēn-'zerb, fē-'nerb] -n pl
- a mixture of herbs used as a seasoning or garnish
fine·spun ['fīn-'spən] -adj
- developed with extreme care or delicacy
- developed in excessively fine or subtle detail
fi·nesse [fə-'nes] -n
- refinement or delicacy of workmanship, structure, or texture
- skillful handling of a situation : adroit maneuvering
- the withholding of one's highest card or trump in the hope that a lower card will take the trick because the only opposing higher card is in the hand of an opponent who has already played
finesse -vb
- to make a finesse in playing cards
- to play (a card) in a finesse
- to bring about, direct, or manage by adroit maneuvering
- finesse his way through tight places -- Marquis James
- evade, skirt
finest -n, pl in constr
- police officers usu. used with the possessive form of a city or area
fine structure -n, adj
- microscopic structure of a biological entity or one of its parts esp. as studied in preparations for the electron microscope
finetooth comb ['fīn-,tüth-] -n
- a comb with close-set teeth used esp. for clearing parasites or foreign matter from the hair
- an attitude or system of thorough searching or scrutinizing
- went over the report with a fine-tooth comb
finetune ['fīn-'tün] -vt
- to adjust precisely so as to bring to the highest level of performance or effectiveness
- to improve through minor alteration or revision
- finetune the temperature of the room
- to stabilize (an economy) by small-scale fiscal and monetary manipulations
fin·fish ['fin-,fish] -n
- fish
fin·ger ['fiŋ-gər] -n, adj
- any of the five terminating members of the hand : a digit of the forelimb
- one other than the thumb
- something that resembles a finger
- a part of a glove into which a finger is inserted
- a projecting piece (as a pawl for a ratchet) brought into contact with an object to affect its motion
- the breadth of a finger
- interest, share often used in the phrase have a finger in the pie
- bird usu. used with the
finger [-g(ə-)riŋ] -vb
- to touch or feel with the fingers
- to play (a musical instrument) with the fingers
- to play (as notes or chords) with a specific fingering
- to mark the notes of (a music score) as a guide in playing
- to point out : identify
- to extend into or penetrate in the shape of a finger
- to touch or handle something
- to use the fingers in playing a musical instrument
- to have a certain fingering used of a musical instrument
- to extend in the shape or manner of a finger
fin·ger·board ['fiŋ-gər-,bȯrd] -n
- the part of a stringed instrument against which the fingers press the strings to vary the pitch
finger bowl -n
- a small water bowl for rinsing the fingers at the table
fingered -adj
- having fingers esp. of a specified kind or number used in combination
- having projections or processes like fingers
- the fingered roots of giant trees
finger food -n
- a food that is to be held with the fingers for eating
fin·ger·hold ['fiŋ-gər-,hōld] -n
- a hold or place of support for the fingers
- a tenuous hold or support
finger hole -n
- any of several holes in the side of a wind instrument (as a recorder) which may be covered or left open by the fingers to change the pitch of the tone
- a hole (as in a telephone dial or a bowling ball) into which the finger is placed to provide a grip
fingering -n
- the act or method of using the fingers in playing an instrument
- the marking (as by figures on a musical score) of the method of fingering
- the act or process of handling or touching with the fingers
fin·ger·ling ['fiŋ-gər-liŋ] -n
- a small fish esp. up to one year of age
fin·ger·nail ['fiŋ-gər-,nāl, ,fiŋ-gər-'nāl] -n
- the nail of a finger
finger painting -n
- a technique of spreading pigment on paper chiefly with the fingers
- a picture so produced
fin·ger·pick·ing ['fiŋ-gər-,pi-kiŋ] -n, vb
- a method of playing a stringed instrument (as a guitar) with the thumb and tips of the fingers rather than with a pick
fin·gerpoint·ing [-,pȯin-tiŋ] -n
- the act of making explicit and often unfair accusations of blame
fin·ger·post ['fiŋ-gər-,pōst] -n
- a post bearing one or more signs often terminating in a pointing finger
- something serving as a guide to understanding or knowledge
fin·ger·print [-,print] -n, vt
- the impression of a fingertip on any surface
- an ink impression of the lines upon the fingertip taken for the purpose of identification
- : something that identifies: as
- a trait, trace, or characteristic revealing origin or responsibility
- analytical evidence (as a spectrogram) that characterizes an object or substance
- the chromatogram or electrophoretogram obtained by cleaving a protein by enzymatic action and subjecting the resulting collection of peptides to two-dimensional chromatography or electrophoresis
- the base-pair pattern in an individual's DNA obtained by DNA fingerprinting
finger spelling -n
- communication by signs made with the fingers called also dactylology
fin·ger·tip [-,tip] -n
- the tip of a finger
- a protective covering for the end of a finger
fingertip -adj
- readily accessible : being within easy reach
- extending from head or shoulders to mid-thigh used of clothing
finger wave -n
- a method of setting hair by dampening with water or wave solution and forming waves or curls with the fingers and a comb
fin·i·al ['fi-nē-əl] -n
- a usu. foliated ornament forming an upper extremity esp. in Gothic architecture
- a crowning ornament or detail (as a decorative knob)
fin·i·cal ['fi-ni-kəl] -adj, adv, n
- finicky
fin·ick·ing [-kiŋ, -kən] -adj
- finicky
fin·icky ['fi-ni-kē] -adj, n
- extremely or excessively particular, exacting, or meticulous in taste or standards
- requiring much care, precision, or attentive effort
fi·nis ['fi-nəs, 'fī-nəs; fə-'nē] -n
- end, conclusion
fin·ish ['fi-nish] -vb, n
- to come to an end : terminate
- end
- to come to the end of a course, task, or undertaking
- to end relations used with with
- decided to finish with him for good
- to end a competition in a specified manner or position
- finish ed third in the race
- to bring to an end : terminate
- finish ed the speech and sat down
- to use or dispose of entirely
- her sandwich finish ed the loaf
- to bring to completion or issue
- hope to finish their new home before winter
- to provide with a finish
- to put a final coat or surface on
- finish a table with varnish
- to defeat or ruin utterly and finally
- the scandal finish ed his career
- to bring about the death of
finish -n
- : something that completes or perfects: as
- the fine or decorative work required for a building or one of its parts
- a finishing material used in painting
- the final treatment or coating of a surface
- the taste in the mouth after swallowing a beverage (as wine)
- final stage : end
- the cause of one's ruin
- the result or product of a finishing process
- the quality or state of being perfected
fin·ished [-nisht] -adj
- marked by the highest quality : consummate
finishing school -n
- a private school for girls that emphasizes cultural studies and prepares students esp. for social activities
finish line -n
- a line marking the end of a racecourse
fi·nite ['fī-,nīt] -adj, n, adv
- having definite or definable limits
- a finite number of possibilities
- having a limited nature or existence
- completely determinable in theory or in fact by counting, measurement, or thought
- the finite velocity of light
- less than an arbitrary positive integer and greater than the negative of that integer
- having a finite number of elements
- of, relating to, or being a verb or verb form that can function as a predicate or as the initial element of one and that is limited (as in tense, person, and number)
finite difference -n
- any of a sequence of differences obtained by incrementing successively the dependent variable of a function by a fixed amount
- any of such differences obtained from a polynomial function using successive integral values of its dependent variable
fi·ni·tude ['fī-nə-,tüd, -,tyüd, 'fin-ə-] -n
- finite quality or state
fink ['fiŋk] -n
- one who is disapproved of or is held in contempt
- strikebreaker
- informer
- to turn informer : squeal
fink out -vi
- back out, cop out
Fin·land·i·za·tion [,fin-lən-də-'zā-shən, (,)fin-,lan-] -n, vt
- a foreign policy of neutrality under the influence of the Soviet Union
- the conversion to such a policy
Finn ['fin] -n
- a member of a people speaking Finnish or a Finnic language
- a native or inhabitant of Finland
- one who is of Finnish descent
fin·nan had·die [,fi-nən-'ha-dē] -n
- smoked haddock called also finnan haddock
Finn·ic ['fi-nik] -adj
- of or relating to the Finns
- of, relating to, or constituting the branch of the Finno-Ugric subfamily that includes Finnish, Estonian, and Sami
Finn·ish ['fi-nish] -adj
- of, relating to, or characteristic of Finland, the Finns, or Finnish
Finnish -n
- the Finno-Ugric language of the Finns
Fin·noUgri·an [,fi-(,)nō-'(y)ü-grē-ən] -adj, n
- finno-ugric
Fin·noUgric [,fi-nō-'(y)ü-grik] -adj, n
- of, relating to, or constituting a subfamily of the Uralic family of languages comprising various languages spoken in Hungary, Lapland, Finland, Estonia, and parts of western Russia
- of or relating to any of the peoples speaking Finno-Ugric languages
fin·ny ['fi-nē] -adj
- provided with or characterized by fins
- relating to or being fish
fino ['fē-(,)nō] -n
- a very dry Spanish sherry
fi·noc·chio [fi-'nō-kē-,ō] -n
- florence fennel
fin whale -n
- a baleen whale ( Balaenoptera physalus) that may attain a length of over 70 feet (21 meters) and is found chiefly in subtropical to arctic and antarctic waters worldwide called also finback
FIO -abbr
- free in and out
fiord [fē-'ȯrd, 'fē-,; 'fyȯrd] -n
(variant of fjord)
- a narrow inlet of the sea between cliffs or steep slopes
fio·ri·tu·ra [fē-,ȯr-ə-'tu̇r-ə] -n
- ornament
fip·ple flute ['fi-pəl-] -n
- any of a group of wind instruments (as a flageolet or recorder) having a straight tubular shape, a whistle mouthpiece, and finger holes
fir ['fər] -n
- any of a genus ( Abies) of north temperate evergreen trees of the pine family that have flattish leaves, circular leaf scars, and erect female cones and are valued for their wood
- any of various conifers (as the Douglas fir) of other genera
- the wood of a fir
fire ['fi(-ə)r] -n, adj
- the phenomenon of combustion manifested in light, flame, and heat
- one of the four elements of the alchemists
- burning passion : ardor
- liveliness of imagination : inspiration
- fuel in a state of combustion (as on a hearth)
- a small gas or electric space heater
- a destructive burning (as of a building)
- death or torture by fire
- severe trial or ordeal
- brilliancy, luminosity
- the firing of weapons (as firearms, artillery, or missiles)
- intense verbal attack or criticism
- a rapidly delivered series (as of remarks)
- to set on fire : kindle
- ignite
- to give life or spirit to : inspire
- the description fired his imagination
- to fill with passion or enthusiasm often used with up
- to light up as if by fire
- to cause to start operating usu. used with up
- to drive out or away by or as if by fire
- to dismiss from a position
- to cause to explode : detonate
- to propel from or as if from a gun : discharge, launch
- shoot
- to score (a number) in a game or contest
- to throw with speed or force
- fired the ball to first base
- to utter with force and rapidity
- : to apply fire or fuel to: as
- to process by applying heat
- to feed or serve the fire of
- to take fire : kindle, ignite
- to begin operation : start
- to operate esp. as the result of the application of an electrical impulse
- to become irritated or angry often used with up
- to become filled with excitement or enthusiasm
- to discharge a firearm
- to emit or let fly an object
- to tend a fire
- to transmit a nerve impulse
- the rate at which a neuron fire s
FIRE -abbr
- finance, insurance, and real estate
fire and brimstone -n, adj
- the torments suffered by sinners in hell
fire ant -n
- any of a genus ( Solenopsis) of fiercely stinging omnivorous ants
- imported fire ant
fire·arm ['fī(-ə)r-,ärm] -n
- a weapon from which a shot is discharged by gunpowder usu. used of small arms
fire away -vi
- to speak without hesitation usu. used as an imperative
fire·back [-,bak] -n
- an often decorated cast-iron plate lining the back wall of a fireplace
fire·ball ['fī(-ə)r-,bȯl] -n
- a ball of fire
- something resembling such a ball
- the primordial fireball associated with the beginning of the universe -- Scientific American
- a brilliant meteor that may trail bright sparks
- the highly luminous cloud of vapor and dust created by a nuclear explosion
- a highly energetic person
fire·ball·er [-,bȯ-lər] -n, adj
- a baseball pitcher known for throwing fastballs
fire·base [-,bās] -n
- a secured site from which field artillery can lay down interdicting fire
fire blight -n
- a destructive infectious disease esp. of apples, pears, and related fruits caused by a bacterium ( Erwinia amylovora)
fire·boat ['fī(-ə)r-,bōt] -n
- a ship equipped with firefighting apparatus
fire·bomb [-,bäm] -n, vt
- an incendiary bomb
fire·box [-,bäks] -n
- a chamber (as of a furnace or steam boiler) that contains a fire
- a box containing an apparatus for transmitting an alarm to a fire station
fire·brand [-,brand] -n
- a piece of burning wood
- one that creates unrest or strife (as in aggressively promoting a cause) : agitator
fire·brat [-,brat] -n
- a wingless insect ( Thermobia domestica) related to the silverfish and found in warm moist places
fire·break [-,brāk] -n
- a barrier of cleared or plowed land intended to check a forest or grass fire
firebreath·ing [-,brē-thiŋ] -adj, n
- intimidatingly or violently aggressive in speech and manner
fire·brick [-,brik] -n
- a refractory brick capable of sustaining high temperatures that is used esp. for lining furnaces or fireplaces
fire brigade -n
- : a body of firefighters: as
- a usu. private or temporary firefighting organization
- fire department
fire·bug [-,bəg] -n
- incendiary, pyromaniac
fire chief -n
- the head of a fire department
fire·clay [-,klā] -n
- clay capable of withstanding high temperatures that is used esp. for firebrick and crucibles
fire control -n
- the planning, preparation, and delivery of fire on targets
fire coral -n
- a colonial coralline hydrozoan (genus Millepora) having nematocysts that inflict a painful and burning sting
fire·crack·er [-,kra-kər] -n
- a usu. paper cylinder containing an explosive and a fuse and set off to make a noise
fired -adj
- using a specified fuel usu. used in combination
fire·damp ['fī(-ə)r-,damp] -n
- a combustible mine gas that consists chiefly of methane
- the explosive mixture of this gas with air
fire department -n
- an organization for preventing or extinguishing fires
- a government division (as in a municipality) having these duties
- the members of a fire department
fire·dog [-,dȯg] -n
- andiron
fire·drake [-,drāk] -n
- a fire-breathing dragon esp. in Germanic mythology
fire drill -n
- a practice drill in extinguishing fires or in the conduct and manner of exit in case of fire
fireeat·er [-,ē-tər] -n
- a performer who pretends to eat fire
- a violent or pugnacious person
- a person who displays very militant or aggressive partisanship
fireeat·ing [-,ē-tiŋ] -adj
- violent or highly militant in disposition, bearing, or policy
fire engine -n
- a usu. mobile apparatus for directing an extinguishing agent upon fires
- fire truck
fireen·gine red [-,en-jən-] -n
- a bright red
fire escape -n
- a device for escape from a burning building
- a metal stairway attached to the outside of a building
fire extinguisher -n
- a portable or wheeled apparatus for putting out small fires by ejecting extinguishing chemicals
fire·fight ['fī(-ə)r-,fīt] -n
- a usu. brief intense exchange of fire between opposing military units
- a hostile confrontation that involves gunfire
- skirmish
fire·fight·er [-,fī-tər] -n
- a person who fights fires : fireman
fire·fly [-,flī] -n
- any of various winged nocturnal beetles (esp. family Lampyridae) that produce a bright soft intermittent light by oxidation of luciferin esp. for courtship purposes
fire·guard [-,gärd] -n
- a person who watches for the outbreak of fire
- a person whose duty is to extinguish fires
- fire screen
- firebreak
fire hall -n
- fire station
fire·house [-,hau̇s] -n
- fire station
fire irons -n pl
- utensils (as tongs) for tending a fire esp. in a fireplace
fire·light [-,līt] -n, adj
- the light of a fire (as in a fireplace)
fire line -n
- firebreak
fire·lock [-,läk] -n
- a gun's lock employing a slow match to ignite the powder charge
- a gun having such a lock
- flintlock
- wheel lock
fire·man [-mən] -n
- a person who tends or feeds fires : stoker
- a member of a fire department : firefighter
- an enlisted man in the navy who works with engineering machinery
- a relief pitcher in baseball
fire off -vt
- to write and send usu. in haste or anger
fire opal -n
- girasole
fire·place [-,plās] -n, adj
- a framed opening made in a chimney to hold an open fire : hearth
- a metal container with a smoke pipe used for the same purpose
- an outdoor structure of brick, stone, or metal for an open fire
fire·plug [-,pləg] -n
- hydrant
fire·pot [-,pät] -n
- a clay pot filled with combustibles formerly used as a missile in war
- a vessel used in eastern Asian cuisine for cooking foods in broth at the table
- the food cooked in it
fire·pow·er [-,pau̇(-ə)r] -n
- the capacity (as of a military unit) to deliver effective fire on a target
- effective fire
- effective power or force
- the scoring ability of a team or player
fire·proof [-,prüf] -adj
- proof against or resistant to fire
fireproof -vt
- to make fireproof
firesale -adj
- heavily discounted
fire sale -n
- a sale of merchandise damaged in a fire
- a sale at very low prices
fire screen -n
- a protective screen before a fireplace
fire·ship ['fī(-ə)r-,ship] -n
- a ship carrying combustibles or explosives sent burning among the enemy's ships or works to set them on fire
fire·side [-,sīd] -n
- a place near the fire or hearth
- home
fireside -adj
- having an informal or intimate quality
fire station -n
- a building housing fire apparatus and usu. firefighters
fire·stone ['fī(-ə)r-,stōn] -n
- pyrite formerly used for striking fire
- flint
- a stone that will endure high heat
firestop [-,stäp] -n, vt
- material used to close open parts esp. of a building for preventing the spread of fire
fire·storm [-,stȯrm] -n
- a large usu. stationary fire characterized by very high temperatures in which the central column of rising heated air induces strong inward winds which supply oxygen to the fire
- a sudden or violent outburst
- a firestorm of public protest
- a raging controversy
fire·thorn [-,thȯrn] -n
- pyracantha
- a European semievergreen shrub ( P. coccinea) with orange-red berries
fire tower -n
- a tower (as in a forest) from which a watch for fires is maintained
fire·trap [-,trap] -n
- a place (as a building) apt to catch on fire or difficult to escape from in case of fire
fire truck -n
- an automotive vehicle equipped with firefighting apparatus
fire wall ['fī(-ə)r-,wȯl] -n
- a wall constructed to prevent the spread of fire
- computer hardware or software that prevents unauthorized access to private data (as on a company's local area network or intranet) by outside computer users (as of the Internet)
fire·wa·ter ['fī(-ə)r-,wȯ-tər, -,wä-] -n
- strong alcoholic liquor
fire·weed [-,wēd] -n
- : any of several plants that grow esp. in clearings or burned districts: as
- a weedy annual composite ( Erechtites hieracifolia) of eastern No. America having flower heads of whitish tubular disk flowers enveloped by green bracts
- a tall perennial ( Epilobium angustifolium) of the evening-primrose family that has long spikes of pinkish-purple flowers and is an important honey plant in some areas called also willow herb
fire·wood [-,wu̇d] -n
- wood used for fuel
fire·work [-,wərk] -n
- a device for producing a striking display by the combustion of explosive or flammable compositions
- a display of fireworks
- a display of temper or intense conflict
- a spectacular display
- the firework s of autumn leaves
fir·ing ['fī(-ə)r-iŋ] -n
- the act or process of one that fires
- the process of maturing ceramic products by the application of heat
firing line -n
- a line from which fire is delivered against a target
- the forefront of an activity used esp. in the phrase on the firing line
firing pin -n
- the pin that strikes the cartridge primer in the breech mechanism of a firearm
firing squad -n
- a detachment detailed to fire volleys over the grave of one buried with military honors
- a detachment detailed to carry out a sentence of death by shooting
fir·kin ['fər-kən] -n
- a small wooden vessel or cask
- any of various British units of capacity usu. equal to barrel
firm ['fərm] -adj, adv, n
- securely or solidly fixed in place
- not weak or uncertain : vigorous
- having a solid or compact structure that resists stress or pressure
- not subject to change or revision
- not subject to price weakness : steady
- not easily moved or disturbed : steadfast
- well-founded
- indicating firmness or resolution
- in a firm manner : steadfastly, fixedly
- to make secure or fast : tighten
- firm ing her grip on the racquet
often used with up - to make solid or compact
- to put into final form : settle
- to give additional support to : strengthen usu. used with up
- to become firm : harden often used with up
- to recover from a decline : improve
- the name or title under which a company transacts business
- a partnership of two or more persons that is not recognized as a legal person distinct from the members composing it
- a business unit or enterprise
fir·ma·ment ['fər-mə-mənt] -n, adj
- the vault or arch of the sky : heavens
- basis
- the field or sphere of an interest or activity
- the international fashion firmament
fir·mer chisel ['fər-mər-] -n
- a woodworking chisel with a thin flat blade
firm·ware ['fərm-,wer] -n
- computer programs contained permanently in a hardware device (as a read-only memory)
firn ['firn] -n
- neve
first ['fərst] -adj
- : preceding all others in time, order, or importance: as
- earliest
- being the lowest forward gear or speed of a motor vehicle
- having the highest or most prominent part among a group of similar voices or instruments
- before another in time, space, or importance
- in the first place often used with of all
- for the first time
- in preference to something else : sooner
- : something that is first: as
- the first occurrence or item of a kind
- the first forward gear or speed of a motor vehicle
- the highest or chief voice or instrument of a group
- an article of commerce of the finest grade
- the winning or highest place in a competition, examination, or contest
- first base
first aid -n
- emergency care or treatment given to an ill or injured person before regular medical aid can be obtained
first base [-'bā-smən] -n
- the base that must be touched first by a base runner in baseball
- the player position for defending the area around first base
- the first step or stage in a course of action
- plans never got to first base
first·born ['fərs(t)-'bȯrn] -adj, n
- first brought forth : eldest
first cause -n
- the self-created ultimate source of all being
firstclass ['fərs(t)-'klas] -adj, adv
- of or relating to first class
- of the highest quality
first class -n
- : the first or highest group in a classification: as
- the highest of usu. three classes of travel accommodations
- a class of mail that comprises letters, postcards, or matter sealed against inspection
first cousin -n
- cousin
first day cover -n
- a philatelic cover franked with a newly issued postage stamp and bearing the postmark of the first day of issue and an officially chosen place of issue
firstdegree burn -n
- a mild burn characterized by heat, pain, and reddening of the burned surface but not exhibiting blistering or charring of tissues
first down -n
- the first of a series of usu. four downs in which a football team must net a 10-yard gain to retain possession of the ball
- a gain of a total of 10 or more yards within usu. four downs giving the team the right to start a new series of downs
first edition -n
- the copies of a literary work first printed from the same type and issued at the same time
- a single copy from a first edition
first estate -n
- the first of the traditional political estates
- clergy
first floor -n
- ground floor
- the floor next above the ground floor
first·fruits ['fərs(t)-'früts] -n pl
- the earliest gathered fruits offered to the Deity in acknowledgment of the gift of fruitfulness
- the earliest products or results of an endeavor
first·hand ['fərst-'hand] -adj, adv
- obtained by, coming from, or being direct personal observation or experience
- a firsthand account of the war
first lady -n
- the wife or hostess of the chief executive of a country or jurisdiction
- the leading woman of an art or profession
first lieutenant -n
- a commissioned officer in the army, air force, or marine corps ranking above a second lieutenant and below a captain
- a naval officer responsible for a ship's upkeep
firstline ['fərst-'līn] -adj
- being the preferred, standard, or first choice
- firstline treatment of tuberculosis
first·ling ['fərst-liŋ] -n
- the first of a class or kind
- the first offspring or result of something
first·ly [-lē] -adv
- in the first place : first
first mortgage -n
- a mortgage that has priority as a lien over all mortgages and liens except those imposed by law
first name -n
- the name that stands first in one's full name
first night -n
- the night on which a theatrical production is first performed at a given place
- the performance itself
firstnight·er ['fərs(t)-'nī-tər] -n
- a spectator at a first-night performance
first off -adv
- in the first place : before anything else
first offender -n
- one convicted of an offense for the first time
first papers -n pl
- papers declaring intention filed by an applicant for citizenship as the first step in the naturalization process
first person -n
- a set of linguistic forms (as verb forms, pronouns, and inflectional affixes) referring to the speaker or writer of the utterance in which they occur
- a linguistic form belonging to such a set
- reference of a linguistic form to the speaker or writer of the utterance in which it occurs
- a style of discourse marked by general use of verbs and pronouns of the first person
firstrate ['fərs(t)-'rāt] -adj, n
- of the first order of size, importance, or quality
- very well
- is getting along firstrate, now -- Mark Twain
First Reader -n
- a Christian Scientist chosen to conduct meetings for a specified time and specif. to read aloud from the writings of Mary Baker Eddy
first reading -n
- the first submitting of a bill before a quorum of a legislative assembly usu. by title or number only
firstrun ['fərs(t)-'rən] -adj
- available for public viewing for the first time
- exhibiting first-run movies
first sergeant -n
- a noncommissioned officer serving as the chief assistant to the commander of a military unit (as a company or squadron)
- the rank of a first sergeant
- a rank in the army above a sergeant first class and below a sergeant major and in the marine corps above a gunnery sergeant and below a master gunnery sergeant
first strike -n, adj
- a preemptive nuclear attack
firststring ['fərs(t)-'striŋ] -adj, n
- being a regular as distinguished from a substitute (as on a team)
- first-rate
first water -n
- the purest luster used of gems
- the highest grade, degree, or quality
first world -n
- the highly developed industrialized nations often considered the westernized countries of the world
firth ['fərth] -n
- estuary
fisc ['fisk] -n
- a state or royal treasury
fis·cal ['fis-kəl] -adj, adv
- of or relating to taxation, public revenues, or public debt
- of or relating to financial matters
fiscal -n
- revenue stamp
- fiscal year
fiscal year -n
- an accounting period of 12 months
fish ['fish] -n, adj
- an aquatic animal usu. used in combination
- any of numerous cold-blooded strictly aquatic craniate vertebrates that include the bony fishes and usu. the cartilaginous and jawless fishes and that have typically an elongated somewhat spindle-shaped body terminating in a broad caudal fin, limbs in the form of fins when present at all, and a 2-chambered heart by which blood is sent through thoracic gills to be oxygenated
- the flesh of fish used as food
- a person who is caught or is wanted (as in a criminal investigation)
- fellow, person
- sucker
- : something that resembles a fish: as
- pisces
- pisces
- torpedo
- to attempt to catch fish
- to seek something by roundabout means
- fish ing for a compliment
- to search for something underwater
- to engage in a search by groping or feeling
- fish ing around in her purse for her keys
- to try to catch fish in
- to fish with : use (as a boat, net, or bait) in fishing
- to go fishing for
- to pull or draw as if fishing
- fish ed the ball from under the car
- fish wires through a conduit
fishandchips [,fi-shᵊn-'chips] -n pl
- fried fish and french fried potatoes
fish·bowl ['fish-,bōl] -n
- a bowl for the keeping of live fish
- a place or condition that affords no privacy
fish cake -n
- a round fried cake made of shredded fish and mashed potato
fish duck -n
- merganser
fish·er ['fi-shər] -n
- one that fishes
- a dark brown No. American carnivorous mammal ( Martes pennanti) of the weasel family
- the fur or pelt of this animal
fish·er·folk ['fi-shər-,fōk] -n pl
- people who fish esp. for a living
fish·er·man [-mən] -n
- one who engages in fishing as an occupation or for pleasure
- a ship used in commercial fishing
fisherman's bend -n
- a knot made by passing the end twice round a spar or through a ring and then back under both turns
fish·er·wom·an ['fi-shər-,wu̇-mən] -n
- a woman who fishes as an occupation or for pleasure
fish·ery ['fi-shə-rē] -n
- the occupation, industry, or season of taking fish or other sea animals (as sponges, shrimp, or seals) : fishing
- a place for catching fish or taking other sea animals
- a fishing establishment
- its fishermen
- the legal right to take fish at a particular place or in particular waters
- the technology of fishery usu. used in pl.
fisheye ['fish-,ī] -adj
- being, having, or produced by a wide-angle photographic lens that has a highly curved protruding front, that covers an angle of about 180 degrees, and that gives a circular image
fish farm ['fish-,färm] -n, vt
- a commercial facility for raising aquatic animals for human food
fish finger -n
- fish stick
fish fry -n
- a picnic or supper featuring fried fish
- fried fish
fish hawk -n
- osprey
fish·hook ['fish-,hu̇k] -n
- a usu. barbed hook for catching fish
fish·ing ['fi-shiŋ] -n
- the sport or business of catching fish
- a place for catching fish
fishing expedition -n
- a legal interrogation or examination to discover information for a later proceeding
- an investigation that does not stick to a stated objective but hopes to uncover incriminating or newsworthy evidence
fish ladder -n
- a series of pools arranged like steps by which fish can pass over a dam in going upstream
fish meal -n
- ground dried fish and fish waste used as fertilizer and animal food
fish·mong·er ['fish-,mäŋ-gər, -,məŋ-] -n
- a fish dealer
fish·net [-,net] -n
- netting fitted with floats and weights or a supporting frame for catching fish
- a coarse open-mesh fabric
fish oil -n
- a fatty oil from the bodies of various fishes (as menhaden or sardines) that contains large amounts of unsaturated fatty acids and is used in making various products (as cosmetics and paints)
fish out -vt
- to exhaust the supply of fish in by fishing
fish·plate [-,plāt] -n
- a steel plate used to lap a butt joint
fish·pond [-,pänd] -n
- a pond stocked with fish
fish protein concentrate -n
- a protein-rich food additive made from ground whole fish
fish stick -n
- a small elongated breaded fillet of fish
fish story -n
- an extravagant or incredible story
fish·tail ['fish-,tāl] -vi
- to swing the tail of an airplane from side to side to reduce speed esp. when landing
- to have the rear end slide from side to side out of control while moving forward
- the car fishtail ed on the icy curve
fish·way [-,wā] -n
- a contrivance for enabling fish to pass around a fall or dam in a stream
- fish ladder
fish·wife [-,wīf] -n
- a woman who sells fish
- a vulgar abusive woman
fishy ['fi-shē] -adj
- of or resembling fish esp. in taste or odor
- creating doubt or suspicion : questionable
fis·sile ['fi-səl, 'fi-,sī(-ə)l] -adj, n
- capable of being split or divided in the direction of the grain or along natural planes of cleavage
- capable of undergoing fission
fis·sion ['fi-shᵊn, -zhᵊn] -n, adj
- a splitting or breaking up into parts
- reproduction by spontaneous division of the body into two or more parts each of which grows into a complete organism
- the splitting of an atomic nucleus resulting in the release of large amounts of energy
fission -vi
- to undergo fission
- to cause to undergo fission
fis·sion·able ['fi-shə-nə-bəl, -zhə-; 'fish-nə-, 'fizh-] -adj, n
- fissile
fis·sip·a·rous [fi-'si-p(ə-)rəs] -adj, n
- tending to break up into parts : divisive
- fissiparous tendencies within a political party
fis·sure ['fi-shər] -n
- a narrow opening or crack of considerable length and depth usu. occurring from some breaking or parting
- a natural cleft between body parts or in the substance of an organ
- a break or slit in tissue usu. at the junction of skin and mucous membrane
- a separation or disagreement in thought or viewpoint : schism
- fissure s in a political party
fissure -vb
- to break into fissures : cleave
- crack, divide
fist ['fist] -n
- the hand clenched with the fingers doubled into the palm and the thumb doubled inward across the fingers
- the hand closed as in grasping : clutch
- index
- to grip with the fist : handle
- to clench into a fist
fist·fight ['fist-,fīt] -n
- a usu. spontaneous fight with bare fists
fist·ful [-,fu̇l] -n
- handful
- a considerable number or amount
- a whole fistful of musicians -- Thomas Lask
fist·ic ['fis-tik] -adj
- of or relating to boxing or to fighting with the fists
fist·i·cuffs ['fis-ti-,kəfs] -n pl
- a fight with the fists
fist·note ['fis(t)-,nōt] -n
- matter in a text to which attention is directed by means of an index mark
fis·tu·la ['fis(h)-chə-lə] -n
- an abnormal passage that leads from an abscess or hollow organ or part to the body surface or from one hollow organ or part to another and that may be surgically created to permit passage of fluids or secretions
fis·tu·lous [-ləs] -adj
- of, relating to, or having the form or nature of a fistula
- hollow like a pipe or reed
fistulous withers -n pl but sing or pl in constr
- a deep-seated chronic inflammation of the withers of the horse in which bloody fluid is discharged
fit ['fit] -n
- a division of a poem or song
- adapted to an end or design : suitable by nature or by art
- adapted to the environment so as to be capable of surviving
- acceptable from a particular viewpoint (as of competence or morality) : proper
- a movie fit for the whole family
- put into a suitable state : made ready
- get the house fit for company
- being in such a state as to be or seem ready to do or suffer something
- fair fit to cry I was -- Bryan MacMahon
- sound physically and mentally : healthy
- a sudden violent attack of a disease (as epilepsy) esp. when marked by convulsions or unconsciousness : paroxysm
- a sudden but transient attack of a physical disturbance
- a sudden burst or flurry (as of activity)
- cleaned the whole house in a fit of efficiency
- an emotional reaction (as in anger or frustration)
- has a fit when I show up late
- to be suitable for or to : harmonize with
- to be seemly or proper for
- it fit s us then to be as provident as fear may teach us -- Shak.
- to conform correctly to the shape or size of
- it doesn't fit me anymore
- to insert or adjust until correctly in place
- fit the mechanism into the box
- to make or adjust to the right shape and size
- fitting the jacket to the customer
- to measure for determining the specifications of something to be worn by
- fitted him for a new suit
- to make a place or room for : accommodate
- to be in agreement or accord with
- the theory fit s all the facts
- to put into a condition of readiness
- to cause to conform to or suit something
- supply, equip
- fitted the ship with new engines
often used with out - to adjust (a smooth curve of a specified type) to a given set of points
- to be seemly, proper, or suitable
- to conform to a particular shape or size
- to be accommodated
- will we all fit into the car?
- to be in harmony or accord : belong often used with in
- : the fact, condition, or manner of fitting or being fitted: as
- the way clothing fits the wearer
- the degree of closeness between surfaces in an assembly of parts
- goodness of fit
fit ['fīt] -vb
(variant of fight)
- to contend in battle or physical combat
- to strive to overcome a person by blows or weapons
- to engage in boxing
- to put forth a determined effort
- to contend against in or as if in battle or physical combat
- to box against in the ring
- to attempt to prevent the success or effectiveness of
- the company fought the takeover attempt
- to oppose the passage or development of
- wage, carry on
- to take part in (as a boxing match)
- to struggle to endure or surmount
- to gain by struggle
- to resolve by struggle
- fought out their differences in court
- to manage (a ship) in a battle or storm
- to cause to struggle or contend
- to manage in an unnecessarily rough or awkward manner
- a hostile encounter : battle, combat
- a boxing match
- a verbal disagreement : argument
- a struggle for a goal or an objective
- strength or disposition for fighting : pugnacity
fitch ['fich] -n
- polecat
- the fur or pelt of the polecat
fitch·et ['fi-chət] -n
- polecat
fit·ful ['fit-fəl] -adj, adv, n
- characterized by fits or paroxysms
- having an erratic or intermittent character : irregular
fit·ment ['fit-mənt] -n
- furnishing , fixture, cabinetry usu. used in pl.
fit·ness ['fit-nəs] -n
- the quality or state of being fit
- the capacity of an organism to survive and transmit its genotype to reproductive offspring as compared to competing organisms
- the contribution of an allele or genotype to the gene pool of subsequent generations as compared to that of other alleles or genotypes
fitted -adj
- fit, suitable
- shaped for a precise fit
- shaped to conform to the lines of the body
fitting [-tiŋ-lē] -adj, adv, n
- of a kind appropriate to the situation : suitable
- an action or act of one that fits
- a trying on of clothes which are in the process of being made or altered
- something used in fitting up : accessory
- a small often standardized part
five ['fīv] -n, adj, pron, pl in constr
- a British handball game
- the fifth in a set or series
- something having five units or members
- a basketball team
- a 5-dollar bill
- fifteen
- a slapping of extended right hands by two people (as in greeting or celebration) usu. used in phrases with give or slap
- so I slapped him five and hugged him -- J. R. Burke
fiveandten [,fīv-ən-'ten] -n
- a retail store that carries chiefly inexpensive merchandise (as notions and household goods) called also five-and-dime
fivefin·ger ['fīv-,fiŋ-gər] -n
- cinquefoil
five·fold ['fīv-,fōld, -'fōld] -adj, adv
- having five units or members
- being five times as great or as many
five of a kind
- four cards of the same rank plus a wild card in one hand
fiv·er ['fī-vər] -n
- a 5-dollar bill
- a 5-pound note
fivespice powder ['fīv-'spīs-] -n
- a blend of spices typically including anise, pepper, fennel, cloves, and cinnamon that is used in Chinese cooking
fivestar ['fīv-'stär] -adj
- of first class or quality
fix ['fiks] -vb, adj
- to make firm, stable, or stationary
- : to give a permanent or final form to: as
- to change into a stable compound or available form
- bacteria that fix nitrogen
- to kill, harden, and preserve for microscopic study
- to make the image of (a photographic film) permanent by removing unused salts
- affix, attach
- to hold or direct steadily
- fix es his eyes on the horizon
- to capture the attention of
- to set or place definitely : establish
- to make an accurate determination of : discover
- fix ing our location on the chart
- assign
- to set in order : adjust
- to get ready : prepare
- repair, mend
- restore, cure
- spay, castrate
- to get even with
- to influence the actions, outcome, or effect of by improper or illegal methods
- to become firm, stable, or fixed
- to get set : be on the verge
- we're fix ing to leave soon
- to direct one's attention or efforts : focus
- decide, settle usu. used with on
- had fix ed on the first Saturday in June
- a position of difficulty or embarrassment : predicament
- the position (as of a ship) determined by bearings, observations, or radio
- a determination of one's position
- an accurate determination or understanding esp. by observation or analysis
- an act or instance of improper or illegal fixing
- a supply or dose of something strongly desired or craved
- a shot of a narcotic
- fixation
- something that fixes or restores : solution
fix·ate ['fik-,sāt] -vb
- to make fixed, stationary, or unchanging
- to focus one's gaze on
- to direct (the libido) toward an infantile form of gratification
- to focus or concentrate one's gaze or attention intently or obsessively
- to undergo arrestment at a stage of development
fixated -adj
- arrested in development or adjustment
- arrested at a pregenital level of psychosexual development
fix·a·tion [fik-'sā-shən] -n
- : the act, process, or result of fixing, fixating, or becoming fixated: as
- a persistent concentration of libidinal energies upon objects characteristic of psychosexual stages of development preceding the genital stage
- stereotyped behavior (as in response to frustration)
- an obsessive or unhealthy preoccupation or attachment
fix·a·tive ['fik-sə-tiv] -n, adj
- : something that fixes or sets: as
- a substance added to a perfume esp. to prevent too rapid evaporation
- a substance used to fix living tissue
- a varnish used esp. for the protection of drawings (as in pastel or charcoal)
fixed ['fikst] -adj, adv, n
- securely placed or fastened : stationary
- nonvolatile
- formed into a chemical compound
- not subject to change or fluctuation
- firmly set in the mind
- having a final or crystallized form or character
- recurring on the same date from year to year
- immobile, concentrated
- supplied with something (as money) needed
fixed charge -n
- a regularly recurring expense (as rent, taxes, or interest) that must be met when due
fixed oil -n
- a nonvolatile oil
- a fatty oil
fixedpoint -adj
- involving or being a mathematical notation (as in a decimal system) in which the point separating whole numbers and fractions is fixed
fixed star -n
- a star so distant that its motion can be measured only by very precise observations over long periods
fix·er ['fik-sər] -n
- : one that fixes: as
- a person who intervenes to enable someone to circumvent the law or obtain a political favor
- a person who adjusts matters or disputes by negotiation
- sodium thiosulfate
- a solution of sodium thiosulfate
fix·erup·per ['fik-sər-,ə-pər] -n
- something (as a house or car) that needs fixing up
fix·ing [-siŋ] -n
- the act or process of one that fixes
- customary accompaniments : trimmings
- a turkey dinner with all the fixing s
fix·i·ty ['fik-sə-tē] -n
- the quality or state of being fixed or stable
- something that is fixed
fix·ture ['fiks-chər] -n
- the act or process of fixing : the state of being fixed
- something that is fixed or attached (as to a building) as a permanent appendage or as a structural part
- a device for supporting work during machining
- an item of movable property so incorporated into real property that it may be regarded as legally a part of it
- a familiar or invariably present element or feature in some particular setting
- a person long associated with a place or activity
- a settled date or time esp. for a sporting or festive event
- such an event esp. as a regularly scheduled affair
fix up -vt
- refurbish
- to set right : settle
- to provide with something needed or wanted
- to arrange a date for
fizz ['fiz] -vi
- to make a hissing or sputtering sound : effervesce
- to show excitement or exhilaration
- a hissing sound
- spirit, liveliness
- an effervescent beverage
fiz·zle ['fi-zəl] -vi
- fizz
- to fail or end feebly esp. after a promising start often used with out
fizzle -n
- an abortive effort : failure