ex [(')eks] -prep

  1. : out of : from: as
  2. from a specified place or source
  3. from a specified dam
    • a promising calf by Eric XVI ex Heatherbell
  4. : free from : without: as
  5. without an indicated value or right used esp. of securities
  6. free of charges precedent to removal from the specified place with purchaser to provide means of subsequent transportation
    • ex dock
  7. one that formerly held a specified position or place
  8. a former spouse
  9. the letter x
  10. example
  11. exchange
  12. executive
  13. express
  14. extra

Ex -abbr

  1. Exodus

ex- [e also occurs in this prefix where only i is shown below (as in “express”) and ks sometimes occurs where only gz is shown (as in “exact”)] -prefix

  1. out of : outside
    • ex clave
  2. not
    • ex stipulate
  3. former
    • ex- president

exa- -comb form

  1. quintillion (10 18)
    • exa joule

ex·ac·er·bate [ig-'za-sər-,bāt] -vt, n

  1. to make more violent, bitter, or severe
    • the proposed shutdown...would exacerbate unemployment problems -- Science

ex·act [ig-'zakt] -vt, adj, n

  1. to call for forcibly or urgently and obtain
    • from them has been exact ed the ultimate sacrifice -- D. D. Eisenhower
  2. to call for as necessary or desirable

exact [-'zak(t)-nəs] -adj, n

  1. exhibiting or marked by strict, particular, and complete accordance with fact or a standard
  2. marked by thorough consideration or minute measurement of small factual details

ex·ac·ta [ig-'zak-tə] -n

  1. perfecta

exact differential -n

  1. a differential expression of the form X 1 dx 1... X n dx n where the X'sare the partial derivatives of a function f( x 1, ..., x n ) with respect to x 1, ..., x n respectively

ex·act·ing [ig-'zak-tiŋ] -adj, adv, n

  1. tryingly or unremittingly severe in making demands
  2. requiring careful attention and precision

ex·ac·tion [ig-'zak-shən] -n

  1. the act or process of exacting
  2. extortion
  3. something exacted
  4. a fee, reward, or contribution demanded or levied with severity or injustice

ex·ac·ti·tude [ig-'zak-tə-,tüd, -,tyüd] -n

  1. the quality or an instance of being exact : exactness

ex·act·ly [ig-'zak-(t)lē] -adv

  1. in a manner or measure or to a degree or number that strictly conforms to a fact or condition
    • it's exactly 3 o'clock
    • these two pieces are exactly the same size
  2. in every respect : altogether, entirely
    • that was exactly the wrong thing to do
    • not exactly what I had in mind
  3. quite so used to express agreement

exact science -n

  1. a science (as physics, chemistry, or astronomy) whose laws are capable of accurate quantitative expression

ex·ag·ger·ate [ig-'za-jə-,rāt] -vb, adv, n, adj

  1. to enlarge beyond bounds or the truth : overstate
    • a friend exaggerate s a man's virtues -- Joseph Addison
  2. to enlarge or increase esp. beyond the normal : overemphasize
  3. to make an overstatement

ex·alt [ig-'zȯlt] -vb, adv, n

  1. to raise in rank, power, or character
  2. to elevate by praise or in estimation : glorify
  3. elate
  4. to raise high : elevate
  5. to enhance the activity of : intensify
    • rousing and exalt ing the imagination -- George Eliot
  6. to induce exaltation

ex·al·ta·tion [,eg-,zȯl-'tā-shən, ,ek-,sȯl-] -n

  1. an act of exalting : the state of being exalted
  2. an excessively intensified sense of well-being, power, or importance
  3. an increase in degree or intensity
    • exaltation of virulence of a virus

ex·am [ig-'zam] -n

  1. examination

ex·a·men [ig-'zā-mən] -n

  1. examination
  2. a critical study

ex·am·i·nant [-'za-mə-nənt] -n

  1. examinee
  2. one who examines : examiner

ex·am·i·na·tion [ig-,za-mə-'nā-shən] -n, adj

  1. the act or process of examining : the state of being examined
  2. an exercise designed to examine progress or test qualification or knowledge
  3. a formal interrogation

ex·am·ine [ig-'za-mən] -vb, adj, n

  1. to inspect closely
  2. to test the condition of
  3. to inquire into carefully : investigate
  4. to interrogate closely
    • examine a prisoner
  5. to test by questioning in order to determine progress, fitness, or knowledge
  6. to make or give an examination

ex·am·in·ee [ig-,za-mə-'nē] -n

  1. a person who is examined

ex·am·ple [ig-'zam-pəl] -n

  1. one that serves as a pattern to be imitated or not to be imitated
    • a good example
    • a bad example
  2. a punishment inflicted on someone as a warning to others
  3. an individual so punished
  4. one (as an item or incident) that is representative of all of a group or type
  5. a parallel or closely similar case esp. when serving as a precedent or model
  6. an instance (as a problem to be solved) serving to illustrate a rule or precept or to act as an exercise in the application of a rule

example [-p(ə-)liŋ] -vt

  1. to serve as an example of
  2. to be or set an example to

ex·an·i·mate [eg-'za-nə-mət] -adj

  1. lacking animation : spiritless
  2. being or appearing lifeless

ex·an·them [eg-'zan(t)-thəm, 'ek-,san-,them] -n, adj

  1. an eruptive disease (as measles) or its symptomatic eruption

ex·ap·ta·tion [,eg-,zap-'tā-shən] -n

  1. preadaptation

ex·arch ['ek-,särk] -n, adj

  1. a Byzantine viceroy
  2. an Eastern bishop ranking below a patriarch and above a metropolitan
  3. the head of an independent church

exarch -adj

  1. formed or taking place from the periphery toward the center
    • exarch xylem

ex·as·per·ate [ig-'zas-pə-,rāt] -vt, adv

  1. to excite the anger of : enrage
  2. to cause irritation or annoyance to
  3. to make more grievous : aggravate
  4. irritated or annoyed esp. to the point of injudicious action : exasperated
  5. roughened with irregular prickles or elevations
    • exasperate seed coats

ex·as·per·a·tion [ig-,zas-pə-'rā-shən] -n

  1. the state of being exasperated
  2. the act or an instance of exasperating

exc -abbr

  1. excellent
  2. except

Ex·cal·i·bur [ek-'ska-lə-bər] -n

  1. the sword of King Arthur

ex ca·the·dra [,eks-kə-'thē-drə] -adv or adj

  1. by virtue of or in the exercise of one's office or position
    • ex cathedra pronouncements

ex·ca·vate ['ek-skə-,vāt] -vb

  1. to form a cavity or hole in
  2. to form by hollowing out
  3. to dig out and remove
  4. to expose to view by or as if by digging away a covering
    • excavate the remains of a temple
  5. to make excavations

ex·ca·va·tion [,ek-skə-'vā-shən] -n, adj

  1. the action or process of excavating
  2. a cavity formed by cutting, digging, or scooping

ex·ca·va·tor ['ek-skə-,vā-tər] -n

  1. one that excavates
  2. a power-operated shovel

ex·ceed [ik-'sēd] -vb

  1. to extend outside of
    • the river will exceed its banks
  2. to be greater than or superior to
  3. to go beyond a limit set by
    • exceed ed his authority
  4. overdo
  5. predominate

ex·ceed·ance [ik-'sē-dᵊn(t)s] -n

  1. an act or instance of exceeding esp. a limit or amount

ex·ceed·ing [-'sē-diŋ] -adj

  1. exceptional in amount, quality, or degree

ex·ceed·ing·ly [-'sē-diŋ-lē] -adv

  1. to an extreme degree : extremely

ex·cel [ik-'sel] -vb

  1. to be superior to : surpass in accomplishment or achievement
  2. to be distinguishable by superiority : surpass others
    • excel in sports
    • excelled at lipreading

ex·cel·lence ['ek-s(ə-)lən(t)s] -n

  1. the quality of being excellent
  2. an excellent or valuable quality : virtue
  3. excellency

ex·cel·len·cy [-s(ə-)lən(t)-sē] -n

  1. excellence
  2. outstanding or valuable quality usu. used in pl.
    • so crammed, as he thinks, with excellencies -- Shak.
  3. used as a title for high dignitaries of state (as a governor or an ambassador) or church (as a Roman Catholic archbishop or bishop)

ex·cel·lent ['ek-s(ə-)lənt] -adj, adv

  1. superior
  2. very good of its kind : eminently good : first-class

ex·cel·si·or [ik-'sel-sē-ər, -ȯr] -n

  1. fine curled wood shavings used esp. for packing fragile items

ex·cept [ik-'sept] -prep

  1. with the exclusion or exception of
    • daily except Sundays

except [-'sep-təv] -vb, adj

  1. to take or leave out from a number or a whole : exclude
  2. to take exception : object
  3. on any other condition than that : unless
    • except you repent
  4. with this exception, namely
    • was inaccessible except by boat
  5. only often followed by that
    • I would go except that it's too far

except for -prep

  1. with the exception of
    • everyone was gone except for me
  2. were it not for
    • except for you I would be dead

ex·cep·tion [ik-'sep-shən] -n

  1. the act of excepting : exclusion
  2. one that is excepted
  3. a case to which a rule does not apply
  4. question, objection
    • witnesses whose authority is beyond exception -- T. B. Macaulay
  5. an oral or written legal objection

ex·cep·tion·able [ik-'sep-sh(ə-)nə-bəl] -adj, n, adv

  1. being likely to cause objection : objectionable
    • visitors even drink the exceptionable beer -- W. D. Howells

ex·cep·tion·al [ik-'sep-shnəl, -shə-nᵊl] -adj, n

  1. forming an exception : rare
    • an exceptional number of rainy days
  2. better than average : superior
    • exceptional skill
  3. : deviating from the norm: as
  4. having above or below average intelligence
  5. physically disabled

ex·cep·tion·al·ism [ik-'sep-shnə-,li-zəm, -shə-nə-] -n, adj

  1. the condition of being different from the norm
  2. a theory expounding the exceptionalism esp. of a nation or region

ex·cep·tion·al·ly [ik-'sep-shnə-lē, -shə-nᵊl-ē] -adv

  1. in an exceptional manner : to an exceptional degree
  2. more than average or usual
    • an exceptionally difficult task

ex·cerpt [ek-'sərpt, eg-'zərpt, 'ek-,, 'eg-,] -vt, n

  1. to select (a passage) for quoting : extract
  2. to take or publish extracts from (as a book)
  3. a passage (as from a book or musical composition) selected, performed, or copied : extract

ex·cess [ik-'ses, 'ek-,] -n

  1. the state or an instance of surpassing usual, proper, or specified limits : superfluity
  2. the amount or degree by which one thing or quantity exceeds another
    • an excess of 10 bushels
  3. undue or immoderate indulgence : intemperance
  4. an act or instance of intemperance
    • prevent excess es and abuses by newly created local powers -- Albert Shanker

excess -adj

  1. more than the usual, proper, or specified amount
  2. to eliminate the position of
    • excess ed several teachers because of budget cutbacks

ex·ces·sive [ik-'se-siv] -adj, adv, n

  1. exceeding what is usual, proper, necessary, or normal

exch -abbr

  1. exchange; exchanged

ex·change [iks-'chānj, 'eks-,] -n

  1. the act of giving or taking one thing in return for another : trade
    • an exchange of prisoners
  2. the act or process of substituting one thing for another
  3. reciprocal giving and receiving
  4. something offered, given, or received in an exchange
  5. funds payable currently at a distant point either in a foreign currency or in domestic currency
  6. interchange or conversion of the money of two countries or of current and uncurrent money with allowance for difference in value
  7. exchange rate
  8. the amount of the difference in value between two currencies or between values of a particular currency at two places
  9. instruments (as checks or bills of exchange) presented in a clearinghouse for settlement
  10. : a place where things or services are exchanged: as
  11. an organized market or center for trading in securities or commodities
  12. a store or shop specializing in merchandise usu. of a particular type
  13. a cooperative store or society
  14. a central office in which telephone lines are connected to permit communication

exchange [iks-,chān-jə-'bi-lə-tē] -vb, n, adj

  1. to part with, give, or transfer in consideration of something received as an equivalent
  2. to have replaced by other merchandise
    • exchanged the shirt for one in a larger size
  3. to part with for a substitute
    • exchanging future security for immediate pleasure
  4. to give and receive reciprocally
    • exchange gifts
  5. to pass or become received in exchange
  6. to engage in an exchange

exchange rate -n

  1. the ratio at which the principal unit of two currencies may be traded

exchange student -n

  1. a student from one country received into an institution in another country in exchange for one sent to an institution in the home country of the first

Ex·chang·ite [iks-'chān-,jīt] -n

  1. a member of a major national service club

ex·che·quer ['eks-,che-kər, iks-'] -n

  1. a department or office of state in medieval England charged with the collection and management of the royal revenue and judicial determination of all revenue causes
  2. a former superior court having jurisdiction in England and Wales primarily over revenue matters and now merged with King's Bench
  3. the department or office of state in Great Britain and Northern Ireland charged with the receipt and care of the national revenue
  4. the national banking account of this realm
  5. treasury
  6. a national or royal treasury
  7. pecuniary resources : funds

ex·ci·mer laser ['ek-si-,mər-] -n

  1. a laser that uses a noble-gas halide to generate radiation usu. in the ultraviolet region of the spectrum

ex·cip·i·ent [ik-'si-pē-ənt] -n

  1. a usu. inert substance (as gum arabic or starch) that forms a vehicle (as for a drug)

ex·cis·able ['ek-,sī-zə-bəl, -,sī-sə-, ek-'] -adj

  1. subject to excise

ex·cise ['ek-,sīz, -,sīs] -n

  1. an internal tax levied on the manufacture, sale, or consumption of a commodity
  2. any of various taxes on privileges often assessed in the form of a license or fee
  3. to impose an excise on
  4. to remove by or as if by excision

ex·cise·man ['ek-,sīz-mən, -,sīs-, -,man, ek-'] -n

  1. an officer who inspects and rates articles liable to excise under British law

ex·ci·sion [ik-'si-zhən] -n, adj

  1. the act or procedure of removing by or as if by cutting out
  2. surgical removal or resection

ex·cit·able [ik-'sī-tə-bəl] -adj, n

  1. capable of being readily roused into action or a state of excitement or irritability
  2. capable of being activated by and reacting to stimuli
    • excitable cells

ex·ci·tant [ik-'sī-tᵊnt, 'ek-sə-tənt] -adj, n

  1. tending to excite or augment
    • excitant drugs

ex·ci·ta·tion [,ek-,sī-'tā-shən, ,ek-sə-] -n

  1. excitement
  2. the disturbed or altered condition resulting from stimulation of an individual, organ, tissue, or cell

ex·cit·ative [ik-'sī-tə-tiv] -adj

  1. tending to induce excitation (as of a neuron)
    • excitative substances

ex·cit·ato·ry [ik-'sī-tə-,tȯr-ē] -adj

  1. exhibiting, resulting from, related to, or producing excitement or excitation
    • excitatory nerve fibers

ex·cite [ik-'sīt, ek-] -vt, adv

  1. to call to activity
  2. to rouse to an emotional response
    • scenes to excite the hardest man to pity
  3. to arouse (as a strong emotional response) by appropriate stimuli
    • excite enthusiasm for the new regime -- Arthur Knight
  4. energize
    • excite an electromagnet
  5. to produce a magnetic field in
    • excite a dynamo
  6. to increase the activity of (as a living organism) : stimulate
  7. to raise (as an atomic nucleus, an atom, or a molecule) to a higher energy level

excited state -n

  1. a state of a physical system (as an atomic nucleus, an atom, or a molecule) that is higher in energy than the ground state

ex·cite·ment [ik-'sīt-mənt] -n

  1. something that excites or rouses
  2. the action of exciting : the state of being excited

ex·cit·er [ik-'sī-tər] -n

  1. one that excites
  2. a generator or battery that supplies the electric current used to produce the magnetic field in another generator or motor
  3. an electrical oscillator that generates the carrier frequency (as for a radio transmitter)

ex·cit·ing [ik-'sī-tiŋ] -adj, adv

  1. producing excitement

ex·ci·ton ['ek-sə-,tän, -,sī-] -n, adj

  1. a mobile combination of an electron and a hole in an excited crystal (as of a semiconductor)

ex·ci·tor [ik-'sī-tər] -n

  1. an afferent nerve arousing increased action of the part that it supplies

excl -abbr

  1. exclude; excluded; excluding

ex·claim [iks-'klām] -vb, n

  1. to cry out or speak in strong or sudden emotion
    • exclaim ed in delight
  2. to speak loudly or vehemently
    • exclaim ed against immorality
  3. to utter sharply, passionately, or vehemently : proclaim

ex·cla·ma·tion [,eks-klə-'mā-shən] -n

  1. a sharp or sudden utterance
  2. vehement expression of protest or complaint

exclamation point -n

  1. a mark used esp. after an interjection or exclamation to indicate forceful utterance or strong feeling
  2. a distinctive indication of major significance, interest, or contrast
    • the game put an exclamation point on the season
    called also exclamation mark

ex·clam·a·to·ry [iks-'kla-mə-,tȯr-ē] -adj

  1. containing, expressing, using, or relating to exclamation
    • an exclamatory phrase

ex·clave ['eks-,klāv, -,kläv] -n

  1. a portion of a country separated from the main part and constituting an enclave in respect to the surrounding territory

ex·clud·able [iks-'klü-də-bəl] -adj, n

  1. subject to exclusion
    • excludable income

ex·clude [iks-'klüd] -vt, n

  1. to prevent or restrict the entrance of
  2. to bar from participation, consideration, or inclusion
  3. to expel or bar esp. from a place or position previously occupied

ex·clu·sion [iks-'klü-zhən] -n, adj

  1. the act or an instance of excluding
  2. the state of being excluded

exclusionary rule -n

  1. a legal rule that bars unlawfully obtained evidence from being used in court proceedings

ex·clu·sion·ist [iks-'klüzh-nist, -'klü-zhə-] -n, adj

  1. one who would exclude another from some right or privilege

exclusion principle -n

  1. a principle in physics: no two particles (as electrons) in an atom or molecule can have the same set of quantum numbers called also Pauli exclusion principle

ex·clu·sive [iks-'klü-siv, -ziv] -adj, adv, n

  1. excluding or having power to exclude
  2. limiting or limited to possession, control, or use by a single individual or group
  3. excluding others from participation
  4. snobbishly aloof
  5. accepting or soliciting only a socially restricted patronage (as of the upper class)
  6. stylish, fashionable
  7. restricted in distribution, use, or appeal because of expense
  8. single, sole
    • exclusive jurisdiction
  9. whole, undivided
    • his exclusive attention

exclusive -n

  1. : something exclusive: as
  2. a news story at first released to or reported by only one source
  3. an exclusive right (as to sell a particular product in a certain area)

exclusive disjunction -n

  1. a compound proposition in logic that is true when one and only one of its constituent statements is true

exclusive economic zone -n

  1. the area of sea and seabed extending from the shore of a country claiming exclusive rights to it

exclusive of -prep

  1. not taking into account
    • there were four of us exclusive of the guide

ex·clu·siv·ism [iks-'klü-sə-,vi-zəm, -'klü-zə-] -n, n or adj

  1. the practice of excluding or of being exclusive

ex·clu·siv·i·ty [,eks-,klü-'si-və-tē, iks-, -'zi-] -n

  1. the quality or state of being exclusive
  2. exclusive rights or services

ex·cog·i·tate [ek-'skä-jə-,tāt] -vt, n, adj

  1. to think out : devise

ex·com·mu·ni·cate [,ek-skə-'myü-nə-,kāt] -vt, n

  1. to subject to excommunication
  2. excluded from the rights of church membership : excommunicated

ex·com·mu·ni·ca·tion [-,myü-nə-'kā-shən] -n, adj

  1. an ecclesiastical censure depriving a person of the rights of church membership
  2. exclusion from fellowship in a group or community

ex·co·ri·ate [ek-'skȯr-ē-,āt] -vt, n

  1. to wear off the skin of : abrade
  2. to censure scathingly

ex·cre·ment ['ek-skrə-mənt] -n, adj

  1. waste matter discharged from the body
  2. feces

ex·cres·cence [ik-'skre-sᵊn(t)s, ek-] -n

  1. a projection or outgrowth esp. when abnormal
    • warty excrescence s in the colon
  2. a disfiguring, extraneous, or unwanted mark or part : blot
  3. by-product

ex·cres·cen·cy [-sᵊn-sē] -n

  1. excrescence

ex·cres·cent [-sᵊnt] -adj, adv

  1. forming an abnormal, excessive, or useless outgrowth
  2. of, relating to, or constituting epenthesis

ex·cre·ta [ik-'skrē-tə] -n pl, adj

  1. waste matter (as feces) eliminated or separated from the body

ex·crete [ik-'skrēt] -vt, n

  1. to separate and eliminate or discharge (waste) from the blood, tissues, or organs or from the active protoplasm

ex·cre·tion [ik-'skrē-shən] -n

  1. the act or process of excreting
  2. something excreted
  3. metabolic waste products (as urea and carbon dioxide) that are eliminated from the body

ex·cre·to·ry ['ek-skrə-,tȯr-ē] -adj

  1. of, relating to, or functioning in excretion
    • excretory ducts

ex·cru·ci·ate [ik-'skrü-shē-,āt] -vt, n

  1. to inflict intense pain on : torture
  2. to subject to intense mental distress

excruciating [-,ā-tiŋ-lē] -adj, adv

  1. causing great pain or anguish : agonizing
    • the nation's most excruciating dilemma -- W. H. Ferry
  2. very intense : extreme
    • excruciating pain

ex·cul·pate ['ek-(,)skəl-,pāt, (,)ek-'] -vt, n

  1. to clear from alleged fault or guilt

ex·cul·pa·to·ry [ek-'skəl-pə-,tȯr-ē] -adj

  1. tending or serving to exculpate

ex·cur·rent [(,)ek-'skər-ənt, -'skə-rənt] -adj

  1. characterized by a current that flows outward
    • the clam's excurrent siphon
  2. having the axis prolonged to form an undivided main stem or trunk (as in conifers)

ex·cur·sion [ik-'skər-zhən] -n

  1. a going out or forth : expedition
  2. a usu. brief pleasure trip
  3. a trip at special reduced rates
  4. deviation from a direct, definite, or proper course
  5. digression
    • needless excursion s into abstruse theory
  6. a movement outward and back or from a mean position or axis
  7. the distance traversed : amplitude
    • the excursion of a piston

ex·cur·sion·ist [-'skərzh-nist, -'skər-zhə-] -n

  1. a person who goes on an excursion

ex·cur·sive [-'skər-siv] -adj, adv, n

  1. constituting a digression : characterized by digression

ex·cur·sus [ik-'skər-səs] -n

  1. an appendix or digression that contains further exposition of some point or topic

ex·cu·sa·to·ry [ik-'skyü-zə-,tȯr-ē] -adj

  1. making or containing excuse

ex·cuse [ik-'skyüz, imperatively often 'skyüz] -vt, adj, n, adv

  1. to make apology for
  2. to try to remove blame from
  3. to forgive entirely or disregard as of trivial import : regard as excusable
    • graciously excused his tardiness
  4. to grant exemption or release to
    • was excused from jury duty
  5. to allow to leave
    • excused the class
  6. to serve as excuse for : justify
    • nothing can excuse such neglect
  7. the act of excusing
  8. something offered as justification or as grounds for being excused
  9. an expression of regret for failure to do something
  10. a note of explanation of an absence
  11. justification, reason

exdi·rec·to·ry [,eks-də-'rek-t(ə-)rē, -dī-] -adj

  1. not listed in a telephone book : unlisted

ex·ec [ig-'zek] -n

  1. executive officer
  2. executive

ex·e·cra·ble ['ek-si-krə-bəl] -adj, n, adv

  1. deserving to be execrated : detestable
    • execrable crimes
  2. very bad : wretched
    • execrable hotel food

ex·e·crate ['ek-sə-,krāt] -vt, adj, n

  1. to declare to be evil or detestable : denounce
  2. to detest utterly

ex·e·cra·tion [,ek-sə-'krā-shən] -n

  1. the act of cursing or denouncing
  2. the curse so uttered
  3. an object of curses : something detested

ex·ec·u·tant [ig-'ze-k(y)ə-tənt] -n

  1. one who executes or performs
  2. one skilled in the technique of an art : performer

ex·e·cute ['ek-si-,kyüt] -vb, adj

  1. to carry out fully : put completely into effect
    • execute a command
  2. to do what is provided or required by
    • execute a decree
  3. to put to death esp. in compliance with a legal sentence
  4. to make or produce (as a work of art) esp. by carrying out a design
  5. to perform what is required to give validity to
    • execute a deed
  6. play
    • execute a piece of music
  7. to perform properly or skillfully the fundamentals of a sport or of a particular play
    • never had a team execute better -- Bobby Knight
  8. to perform indicated tasks according to encoded instructions used of a computer program or routine

ex·e·cu·tion [,ek-si-'kyü-shən] -n

  1. the act or process of executing : performance
  2. a putting to death esp. as a legal penalty
  3. the process of enforcing a legal judgment (as against a debtor)
  4. a judicial writ directing such enforcement
  5. the act or mode or result of performance
  6. effective or destructive action
    • his brandished steel, which smoked with bloody execution -- Shak.
    usu. used with do
    • as soon as day came, we went out to see what execution we had done -- Daniel Defoe

ex·e·cu·tion·er [-sh(ə-)nər] -n

  1. one who executes
  2. one who puts to death

ex·ec·u·tive [ig-'ze-k(y)ə-tiv, -kyü-] -adj

  1. of or relating to the execution of the laws and the conduct of public and national affairs
  2. belonging to the branch of government that is charged with such powers as diplomatic representation, superintendence of the execution of the laws, and appointment of officials and that usu. has some power over legislation (as through veto)
  3. designed for or relating to execution or carrying into effect
    • executive board
  4. having administrative or managerial responsibility
    • executive director
  5. of or relating to an executive
    • the executive offices

executive -n

  1. the executive branch of a government
  2. the person or persons who constitute the executive magistracy of a state
  3. a directing or controlling office of an organization
  4. one that exercises administrative or managerial control

executive agreement -n

  1. an agreement between the U.S. and a foreign government made by the executive branch of the government either alone or with Congressional approval and dealing usu. with routine matters

executive council -n

  1. a council constituted to advise or share in the functions of a political executive
  2. a council that exercises supreme executive power

executive officer -n

  1. the officer second in command of a military or naval organization or vessel

executive order -n

  1. regulation

executive privilege -n

  1. exemption from legally enforced disclosure of communications within the executive branch of government when such disclosure would adversely affect the functions and decision-making processes of the executive branch

executive secretary -n

  1. a secretary having administrative duties
  2. an official responsible for administering the activities and business affairs of an organization

executive session -n

  1. a usu. closed session (as of a legislative body) that functions as an executive council (as of the U.S. Senate when considering appointments or the ratification of treaties)

ex·ec·u·tor [ig-'ze-k(y)ə-tər or in sense 1 'ek-sə-,kyü-] -n, adj

  1. one who executes something
  2. executioner
  3. the person appointed by a testator to execute a will
  4. literary executor

ex·ec·u·to·ry [ig-'ze-k(y)ə-,tȯr-ē] -adj

  1. designed or of such a nature as to be executed in time to come or to take effect on a future contingency
  2. relating to administration

ex·ec·u·trix [ig-'ze-k(y)ə-(,)triks] -n

  1. a woman who is an executor

ex·e·dra ['ek-sə-drə] -n

  1. a room (as in a temple or house) in ancient Greece and Rome used for conversation and formed by an open or columned recess often semicircular in shape and furnished with seats
  2. a large outdoor nearly semicircular seat with a solid back

ex·e·ge·sis [,ek-sə-'jē-səs, 'ek-sə-,] -n

  1. exposition, explanation
  2. an explanation or critical interpretation of a text

ex·e·gete ['ek-sə-,jēt] -n

  1. one who practices exegesis

ex·e·get·i·cal [,ek-sə-'je-ti-kəl] -adj

  1. of or relating to exegesis : explanatory
    • an exegetical text

ex·e·get·ist [-'jē-tist, -'je-] -n

  1. exegete

ex·em·plar [ig-'zem-,plär, -plər, eg-] -n

  1. : one that serves as a model or example: as
  2. an ideal model
  3. a typical or standard specimen
    • an exemplar of medieval architecture
  4. a copy of a book or writing
  5. idea

ex·em·pla·ry [ig-'zem-plə-rē] -adj, adv, n

  1. serving as a pattern
  2. deserving imitation : commendable
    • his courage was exemplary
  3. deserving imitation because of excellence
    • they serve exemplary pastries -- G. V. Higgins
  4. serving as a warning : monitory
    • given an exemplary punishment
  5. serving as an example, instance, or illustration

ex·em·pli·fi·ca·tion [ig-,zem-plə-fə-'kā-shən] -n

  1. the act or process of exemplifying
  2. example, case in point
  3. an exemplified copy of a document

ex·em·pli·fy [ig-'zem-plə-,fī] -vt

  1. to show or illustrate by example
    • anecdotes exemplify ing those virtues
  2. to make an attested copy or transcript of (a document) under seal
  3. to be an instance of or serve as an example : embody
    • she exemplifies the qualities of a good leader
  4. to be typical of
    • a dish that exemplifies French cuisine

ex·em·pli gra·tia [ig-,zem-(,)plē-'grä-tē-,ä, -'grā-sh(ē-)ə] -adv

  1. for example

ex·em·plum [ig-'zem-pləm, eg-] -n

  1. example, model
    • an exemplum of heroism
  2. an anecdote or short narrative used to point a moral or sustain an argument

ex·empt [ig-'zem(p)t] -adj

  1. set apart
  2. free or released from some liability or requirement to which others are subject
    • was exempt from jury duty
    • the estate was exempt from taxes

exempt -vt

  1. to release or deliver from some liability or requirement to which others are subject : excuse
    • a man exempt ed from military service
  2. to set apart
  3. one exempted or freed from duty

ex·emp·tion [ig-'zem(p)-shən] -n

  1. the act of exempting or state of being exempt : immunity
  2. one that exempts or is exempted
  3. a source or amount of income exempted from taxation

ex·en·ter·ate [ig-'zen-tə-,rāt] -vt, n

  1. to remove the contents of (as the orbit or pelvis)

ex·er·cise ['ek-sər-,sīz] -n

  1. the act of bringing into play or realizing in action : use
    • the exercise of self-control
  2. the discharge of an official function or professional occupation
    • exercise of his judicial duties
  3. the act or an instance of carrying out the terms of an agreement (as an option) often used attributively
    • an option's exercise price
  4. regular or repeated use of a faculty or bodily organ
  5. bodily exertion for the sake of developing and maintaining physical fitness
    • trying to get more exercise
  6. something performed or practiced in order to develop, improve, or display a specific capability or skill
    • arithmetic exercise s
    • vocal exercise s
  7. a performance or activity having a strongly marked secondary or ulterior aspect
    • party politics has always been an exercise in compromise -- H. S. Ashmore
  8. a maneuver, operation, or drill carried out for training and discipline
    • naval exercise s
  9. a program including speeches, announcements of awards and honors, and various traditional practices of secular or religious character
    • commencement exercise s

exercise [-,sī-zə-bəl] -vb, adj

  1. to make effective in action : use
    • didn't exercise good judgment
  2. to bring to bear : exert
    • exercise influence
  3. to implement the terms of (as an option)
  4. to use repeatedly in order to strengthen or develop
    • exercise a muscle
  5. to train (as troops) by drills and maneuvers
  6. to put through exercises
    • exercise the horses
  7. to engage the attention and effort of
  8. to cause anxiety, alarm, or indignation in
    • the issues exercising voters this year
  9. to take exercise

exercise bicycle -n

  1. stationary bicycle

exercise bike -n

  1. stationary bicycle

ex·er·cis·er ['ek-sər-,sī-zər] -n

  1. one that exercises
  2. an apparatus for use in physical exercise

ex·er·ci·ta·tion [ig-,zər-sə-'tā-shən] -n

  1. exercise

Ex·er·cy·cle ['ek-sər-,sī-kəl] -trademark

  1. used for a stationary bicycle

ex·er·gon·ic [,ek-(,)sər-'gä-nik] -adj

  1. exothermic
    • an exergonic biochemical reaction

ex·ergue ['ek-,sərg, 'eg-,zərg] -n

  1. a space on a coin, token, or medal usu. on the reverse below the central part of the design

ex·ert [ig-'zərt] -vt

  1. to put forth (as strength)
    • the force is exert ed sideways
  2. to put (oneself) into action or to tiring effort
    • won't have to exert himself moving the table
  3. to bring to bear esp. with sustained effort or lasting effect
    • exert ed a bad influence on his students
  4. employ, wield
    • exert ed her leadership abilities intelligently

ex·er·tion [ig-'zər-shən] -n

  1. the act or an instance of exerting
  2. a laborious or perceptible effort

ex·er·tion·al [ig-'zər-shnəl, -shə-nᵊl] -adj

  1. precipitated by physical exertion
    • exertional chest pain

ex·e·unt ['ek-sē-(,)ənt, -,u̇nt]

  1. used as a stage direction to specify that all or certain named characters leave the stage

ex·fo·liant [(,)eks-'fō-lē-ənt, -'fōl-yənt] -n

  1. a mechanical or chemical agent (as an abrasive skin wash or salicylic acid) that is applied to the skin to remove dead cells from the surface

ex·fo·li·ate [(,)eks-'fō-lē-,āt] -vb, n, adj

  1. to cast off in scales, laminae, or splinters
  2. to remove the surface of in scales or laminae
  3. to spread or extend by or as if by opening out leaves
  4. to split into or give off scales, laminae, or body cells
  5. to come off in thin layers or scales
  6. to grow by or as if by producing or unfolding leaves

ex·fo·li·a·tor [(,)eks-'fō-lē-,ā-tər] -n

  1. exfoliant

ex gra·tia [(,)eks-'grā-sh(ē-)ə] -adj or adv

  1. as a favor : not compelled by legal right
    • ex gratia pension payments

ex·hal·ant [eks-'hā-lənt, ek-'sā-] -adj

  1. bearing out or outward : emissive
    • an exhalant siphon of a clam

ex·ha·la·tion [,eks-hə-'lā-shən, ,ek-sə-] -n

  1. something exhaled or given off : emanation
  2. an act of exhaling

ex·hale [eks-'hāl, ek-'sāl] -vb

  1. to rise or be given off as vapor
  2. to emit breath or vapor
  3. to breathe out
    • she exhaled a sigh
  4. to give forth (gaseous matter) : emit
  5. to cause to be emitted in vapor

ex·haust [ig-'zȯst] -vb, n, adj

  1. to consume entirely : use up
    • exhaust ed our funds in a week
  2. to tire extremely or completely
    • exhaust ed by overwork
  3. to deprive of a valuable quality or constituent
    • exhaust a photographic developer
    • exhaust a soil of fertility
  4. to draw off or let out completely
  5. to empty by drawing off the contents
  6. to create a vacuum in
  7. to consider or discuss (a subject) thoroughly or completely
  8. to try out the whole number of
    • exhaust ed all the possibilities
  9. discharge, empty
    • the engine exhaust s through the muffler

exhaust -n

  1. the escape of used gas or vapor from an engine
  2. the gas or vapor thus escaping
  3. the conduit through which used gases escape
  4. an arrangement for removing fumes, dusts, or odors from an enclosure
  5. exhaustion

ex·haus·tion [ig-'zȯs-chən] -n

  1. the act or process of exhausting : the state of being exhausted

ex·haus·tive [ig-'zȯ-stiv] -adj, adv, n

  1. testing all possibilities or considering all elements : thorough
    • conducted an exhaustive investigation

ex·haust·less [ig-'zȯst-ləs] -adj, adv, n

  1. not to be exhausted : inexhaustible

exhbn -abbr

  1. exhibition

ex·hib·it [ig-'zi-bət] -vb, adj, n

  1. to submit (as a document) to a court or officer in course of proceedings
  2. to present or offer officially or in legal form
  3. : to present to view: as
  4. to show or display outwardly esp. by visible signs or actions
    • exhibit ed no fear
  5. to have as a readily discernible quality or feature
    • in all cultures we know, men exhibit an aesthetic sense -- H. J. Muller
  6. to show publicly esp. for purposes of competition or demonstration
    • exhibit a collection of artifacts
  7. to display something for public inspection

exhibit -n

  1. a document or material object produced and identified in court or before an examiner for use as evidence
  2. something exhibited
  3. an act or instance of exhibiting : exhibition

ex·hi·bi·tion [,ek-sə-'bi-shən] -n

  1. an act or instance of exhibiting
  2. a grant drawn from the funds of a school or university to help maintain a student
  3. a public showing (as of works of art, objects of manufacture, or athletic skill)
    • a one-man exhibition
    • an exhibition game

ex·hi·bi·tion·er [-'bish-nər, -'bi-shə-] -n

  1. one who holds a grant from a school or university

ex·hi·bi·tion·ism [-'bi-shə-,ni-zəm] -n, n or adj, adj, adv

  1. a perversion in which sexual gratification is obtained from the indecent exposure of one's genitals (as to a stranger)
  2. an act of such exposure
  3. the act or practice of behaving so as to attract attention to oneself

ex·hil·a·rate [ig-'zi-lə-,rāt] -vt, adv, adj

  1. to make cheerful and excited : enliven, elate
    • was exhilarated by her success
  2. refresh, stimulate

ex·hil·a·ra·tion [ig-,zi-lə-'rā-shən] -n

  1. the action of exhilarating
  2. the feeling or the state of being exhilarated

ex·hort [ig-'zȯrt] -vb, n

  1. to incite by argument or advice : urge strongly
    • exhort ing voters to do the right thing
  2. to give warnings or advice : make urgent appeals

ex·hor·ta·tion [,ek-,sȯr-'tā-shən, -sər-; ,eg-,zȯr-, -zər-] -n

  1. an act or instance of exhorting
  2. language intended to incite and encourage

ex·hor·ta·tive [ig-'zȯr-tə-tiv] -adj

  1. serving to exhort

ex·hor·ta·to·ry [-tə-,tȯr-ē] -adj

  1. using exhortation : exhortative
    • an exhortatory appeal

ex·hume [ig-'züm, igz-'yüm, iks-'(h)yüm] -vt, n

  1. disinter
    • exhume a body
  2. to bring back from neglect or obscurity
    • exhumed a great deal of information from the archives

ex hy·po·the·si [,eks-hī-'pä-thə-,sī] -adv

  1. according to assumptions made : by hypothesis
    • regard...all elites as ex hypothesi incompatible with democracy -- P. G. J. Pulzer

ex·i·gence ['ek-sə-jən(t)s] -n

  1. exigency

ex·i·gen·cy ['ek-sə-jən(t)-sē, ig-'zi-jən(t)-] -n

  1. that which is required in a particular situation usu. used in pl.
    • exceptionally quick in responding to the exigencies of modern warfare -- D. B. Ottaway
  2. the quality or state of being exigent
  3. a state of affairs that makes urgent demands
    • a leader must act in any sudden exigency

ex·i·gent ['ek-sə-jənt] -adj, adv

  1. requiring immediate aid or action
    • exigent circumstances
  2. requiring or calling for much : demanding
    • an exigent client

ex·i·gu·ity [,eg-zi-'gyü-ə-tē] -n

  1. the quality or state of being exiguous : scantiness

ex·ig·u·ous [ig-'zi-gyə-wəs] -adj, adv, n

  1. excessively scanty : inadequate
    • wrest an exiguous existence from the land
    • exiguous evidence

ex·ile ['eg-,zī(-ə)l, 'ek-,sī(-ə)l] -n, adj

  1. the state or a period of forced absence from one's country or home
  2. the state or a period of voluntary absence from one's country or home
  3. a person who is in exile

exile -vt

  1. to banish or expel from one's own country or home

ex·im·i·ous [eg-'zi-mē-əs] -adj

  1. choice, excellent

ex·ine ['ek-,sēn, -,sīn] -n

  1. the outer of the two major layers forming the walls of some spores and esp. pollen grains

ex·ist [ig-'zist] -vi

  1. to have real being whether material or spiritual
    • did unicorns exist
    • the largest galaxy known to exist
  2. to have being in a specified place or with respect to understood limitations or conditions
    • strange ideas exist ed in his mind
  3. to continue to be
    • racism still exist s in society
  4. to have life or the functions of vitality
    • we cannot exist without oxygen
  5. to live at an inferior level or under adverse circumstances
    • the hungry exist ing from day to day

ex·is·tence [ig-'zis-tən(t)s] -n

  1. reality as opposed to appearance
  2. reality as presented in experience
  3. the totality of existent things
  4. a particular being
    • all the fair existence s of heaven -- John Keats
  5. sentient or living being : life
  6. the state or fact of having being esp. independently of human consciousness and as contrasted with nonexistence
    • the existence of other worlds
  7. the manner of being that is common to every mode of being
  8. being with respect to a limiting condition or under a particular aspect
  9. actual or present occurrence
    • existence of a state of war

ex·is·tent [-tənt] -adj, n

  1. having being : existing
  2. existing now : present
    • existent methods of flood control

ex·is·ten·tial [,eg-(,)zis-'ten(t)-shəl, ,ek-(,)sis-] -adj, adv

  1. of, relating to, or affirming existence
    • existential propositions
  2. grounded in existence or the experience of existence : empirical
  3. having being in time and space
  4. existentialist

ex·is·ten·tial·ism [-'ten(t)-shə-,li-zəm] -n

  1. a chiefly 20th century philosophical movement embracing diverse doctrines but centering on analysis of individual existence in an unfathomable universe and the plight of the individual who must assume ultimate responsibility for acts of free will without any certain knowledge of what is right or wrong or good or bad

ex·is·ten·tial·ist [-list] -n

  1. an adherent of existentialism

existentialist [-,ten(t)-shə-'lis-tik] -adj, adv

  1. of or relating to existentialism or existentialists

existential quantifier -n

  1. a quantifier (as for somein for some x,2 x 5 8) that asserts that there exists at least one value of a variable called also existential operator

ex·it ['eg-zət, 'ek-sət]

  1. used as a stage direction to specify who goes off stage

exit -n, adj

  1. a departure from a stage
  2. the act of going out or away
    • made an early exit
  3. death
  4. a way out of an enclosed place or space
  5. one of the designated points of departure from an expressway
  6. to go out or away : depart
  7. die
  8. leave
  9. to cause (a computer program or routine) to cease running

exit poll -n

  1. a poll taken (as by news media) of voters leaving the voting place that is usu. used for predicting the winners

ex li·bris [eks-'lē-brəs, -,brēs] -n

  1. bookplate

Ex·moor ['ek-,smu̇r, -,smȯr] -n

  1. any of a breed of horned sheep of Devonshire in England valued esp. for mutton
  2. any of a breed of hardy ponies native to the Exmoor district that have a brown, bay, or dun coat and a pale-colored muzzle

ex ni·hi·lo [(,)eks-'nē-(h)ə-,lō, -'ni-, -'nī-] -adv or adj

  1. from or out of nothing
    • creation ex nihilo

exo- -comb form

  1. outside
    • exo gamy
    : outer
    • exo skeleton
  2. turning out
    • exo ergic

exo·bi·ol·o·gy [,ek-sō-bī-'ä-lə-jē] -n, adj

  1. a branch of biology concerned with the search for life outside the earth and with the effects of extraterrestrial environments on living organisms

exo·carp ['ek-sō-,kärp] -n

  1. the outermost layer of the pericarp of a fruit

exo·crine ['ek-sə-krən, -,krīn, -,krēn] -adj

  1. producing, being, or relating to a secretion that is released outside its source
    • exocrine pancreatic cells

exocrine gland -n

  1. a gland (as a salivary gland or part of the pancreas) that releases a secretion external to or at the surface of an organ by means of a canal or duct

exo·cy·clic [,ek-sō-'sī-klik, -'si-] -adj

  1. situated outside of a ring in a chemical structure

exo·cy·to·sis [,ek-sō-sī-'tō-səs] -n, adj

  1. the release of cellular substances (as secretory products) contained in cell vesicles by fusion of the vesicular membrane with the plasma membrane and subsequent release of the contents to the exterior of the cell

Exod -abbr

  1. Exodus

exo·der·mis [,ek-sō-'dər-məs] -n

  1. a layer of the outer living cortical cells of plants that takes over the functions of the epidermis in roots lacking secondary thickening

ex·odon·tia [,ek-sə-'dän(t)-sh(ē-)ə] -n

  1. a branch of dentistry that deals with the extraction of teeth

ex·o·dus ['ek-sə-dəs, 'eg-zə-] -n

  1. the mainly narrative second book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture
  2. a mass departure : emigration

exo·en·zyme [,ek-sō-'en-,zīm] -n

  1. an extracellular enzyme

exo·er·gic [,ek-sō-'ər-jik] -adj

  1. releasing energy : exothermic

exo·eryth·ro·cyt·ic [,ek-sō-i-,ri-thrə-'si-tik] -adj

  1. occurring outside the red blood cells used esp. of stages of malaria parasites

ex of·fi·cio [,ek-sə-'fi-shē-,ō, -sē-] -adv or adj

  1. by virtue or because of an office
    • the Vice President serves ex officio as president of the Senate

ex·og·a·my [ek-'sä-gə-mē] -n, adj

  1. marriage outside of a specific group esp. as required by custom or law

ex·og·e·nous [ek-'sä-jə-nəs] -adj, adv

  1. produced by growth from superficial tissue
    • exogenous roots produced by leaves
  2. caused by factors (as food or a traumatic factor) or an agent (as a disease-producing organism) from outside the organism or system
    • exogenous obesity
    • exogenous psychic depression
    • exogenous market fluctuations
  3. introduced from or produced outside the organism or system
  4. not synthesized within the organism or system

ex·on ['ek-,sän] -n, adj

  1. a polynucleotide sequence in a nucleic acid that codes information for protein synthesis and that is copied and spliced together with other such sequences to form messenger RNA

ex·on·er·ate [ig-'zä-nə-,rāt, eg-] -vt, n, adj

  1. to relieve of a responsibility, obligation, or hardship
  2. to clear from accusation or blame

exo·nu·cle·ase [,ek-sō-'nü-klē-,ās, -'nyü-, -,āz] -n

  1. an enzyme that breaks down a nucleic acid by removing nucleotides one by one from the end of a chain

exo·nu·mia [,ek-sə-'nü-mē-ə, -'nyü-] -n pl

  1. numismatic items (as tokens, medals, or scrip) other than coins and paper money

exo·pep·ti·dase [-'pep-tə-,dās, -,dāz] -n

  1. any of a group of enzymes that hydrolyze peptide bonds formed by the terminal amino acids of peptide chains : peptidase

ex·oph·thal·mos [,ek-säf-'thal-məs, -səf-, -säp-] -n, adj

  1. abnormal protrusion of the eyeball

exor -abbr

  1. executor

ex·or·bi·tance [ig-'zȯr-bə-tən(t)s] -n

  1. an exorbitant action or procedure
  2. excessive or gross deviation from rule, right, or propriety
  3. the tendency or disposition to be exorbitant

ex·or·bi·tant [-tənt] -adj, adv

  1. not coming within the scope of the law
  2. exceeding the customary or appropriate limits in intensity, quality, amount, or size

ex·or·cise ['ek-,sȯr-,sīz, -sər-] -vt, n

  1. to expel (an evil spirit) by adjuration
  2. to get rid of (something troublesome, menacing, or oppressive)
  3. to free of an evil spirit

ex·or·cism [-,si-zəm] -n, adj

  1. the act or practice of exorcising
  2. a spell or formula used in exorcising

ex·or·di·um [eg-'zȯr-dē-əm] -n, adj

  1. a beginning or introduction esp. to a discourse or composition

exo·skel·e·ton [,ek-sō-'ske-lə-tən] -n, adj

  1. an external supportive covering of an animal (as an arthropod)
  2. bony or horny parts of a vertebrate produced from epidermal tissues
  3. an artificial external supporting structure

exo·sphere ['ek-sō-,sfir] -n, adj

  1. the outer fringe region of the atmosphere of the earth or a celestial body (as a planet)

exo·spore ['ek-sə-,spȯr] -n

  1. an asexual spore cut off from a parent sporophore by the formation of septa

ex·os·to·sis [,ek-(,)säs-'tō-səs] -n

  1. a spur or bony outgrowth from a bone or the root of a tooth

ex·o·ter·ic [,ek-sə-'ter-ik] -adj, adv

  1. suitable to be imparted to the public
    • the exoteric doctrine
  2. belonging to the outer or less initiate circle
  3. relating to the outside : external

exo·ther·mal [,ek-sō-'thər-məl] -adj, adv

  1. exothermic

exo·ther·mic [-mik] -adj, adv, n

  1. characterized by or formed with evolution of heat

ex·ot·ic [ig-'zä-tik] -adj, adv, n

  1. introduced from another country : not native to the place where found
    • exotic plants
  2. foreign, alien
  3. strikingly, excitingly, or mysteriously different or unusual
    • exotic flavors
  4. of or relating to striptease
    • exotic dancing

exotic -n

  1. one (as a plant or animal) that is exotic
  2. stripteaser
  3. exotic shorthair

ex·ot·i·ca [ig-'zä-ti-kə] -n pl

  1. things excitingly different or unusual
  2. literary or artistic items having an exotic theme or nature

ex·ot·i·cism [ig-'zä-tə-,si-zəm] -n

  1. the quality or state of being exotic

exotic shorthair -n

  1. any of a breed of stocky shorthaired domestic cats developed in the U.S. by crossing American shorthairs and Persians

exo·tox·in [,ek-sō-'täk-sən] -n

  1. a soluble poisonous substance produced during growth of a microorganism and released into the surrounding medium

exp -abbr

  1. expense
  2. experience
  3. experiment; experimental
  4. exponent
  5. export
  6. express

ex·pand [ik-'spand] -vb, n, adj

  1. to open up : unfold
  2. to increase the extent, number, volume, or scope of : enlarge
  3. to express at length or in greater detail
  4. to write out in full
    • expand all abbreviations
  5. to subject to mathematical expansion
    • expand a function in a power series
  6. to open out : spread
  7. to increase in extent, number, volume, or scope
  8. to speak or write fully or in detail
    • expand ed on the theme
  9. to feel generous or optimistic

ex·pand·ed [-'span-dəd] -adj

  1. extended

expanded metal -n

  1. sheet metal cut and expanded into a lattice and used esp. as lath

expanded plastic -n

  1. lightweight cellular plastic used esp. as insulation and protective packing material called also foamed plastic plastic foam

ex·pand·er [ik-'span-dər] -n

  1. one that expands
  2. any of several colloidal substances (as dextran) of high molecular weight used as a blood or plasma substitute for increasing the blood volume

ex·panse [ik-'span(t)s] -n

  1. firmament
  2. great extent of something spread out
    • an expanse of calm ocean

ex·pan·si·ble [ik-'span(t)-sə-bəl] -adj, n

  1. capable of being expanded

ex·pan·sion [ik-'span(t)-shən] -n, adj

  1. expanse
  2. the act or process of expanding
    • territorial expansion
    • economic expansion
    • expansion of the universe
  3. the quality or state of being expanded
  4. the increase in volume of working fluid (as steam) in an engine cylinder after cutoff or in an internal combustion engine after explosion
  5. an expanded part
  6. something that results from an act of expanding
    • the book is an expansion of a lecture series
  7. the result of carrying out an indicated mathematical operation : the expression of a function in the form of a series

ex·pan·sion·ary [ik-'span(t)-shə-,ner-ē] -adj

  1. tending toward expansion
    • an expansionary economy

expansion card -n

  1. a circuit board connecting to a motherboard which expands the capabilities of a computer

ex·pan·sion·ism [ik-'span-(t)-shə-,ni-zəm] -n, adj

  1. a policy or practice of expansion and esp. of territorial expansion by a nation

expansion slot -n

  1. a socket on the motherboard of a computer into which an expansion card may be inserted

ex·pan·sive [ik-'span(t)-siv] -adj, adv, n

  1. having a capacity or a tendency to expand
  2. causing or tending to cause expansion
  3. characterized by high spirits, generosity, or readiness to talk : open
    • grew expansive after dinner
  4. marked by or indicative of exaggerated euphoria and delusions of self-importance
    • an expansive patient
  5. marked by expansion
  6. having a great expanse or extent : sizable, extensive
    • an expansive interpretation of the law
  7. characterized by richness, abundance, or magnificence
    • expansive living
    • expansive taste

ex·pan·siv·i·ty [,ek-,span-'si-və-tē, ik-] -n

  1. the quality or state of being expansive
  2. the capacity to expand

ex par·te [(,)eks-'pär-tē] -adv or adj

  1. on or from one side or party only used of legal proceedings
  2. from a one-sided or partisan point of view

ex·pat ['eks-,pat] -n

  1. an expatriate person : expatriate

ex·pa·ti·ate [ek-'spā-shē-,āt] -vi, n

  1. to move about freely or at will : wander
  2. to speak or write at length or in detail
    • expatiating upon the value of the fabric -- Thomas Hardy

ex·pa·tri·ate [ek-'spā-trē-,āt] -vb, n

  1. banish, exile
  2. to withdraw (oneself) from residence in or allegiance to one's native country
  3. to leave one's native country to live elsewhere
  4. to renounce allegiance to one's native country
  5. living in a foreign land

ex·pa·tri·a·tism [ek-'spā-trē-ə-,ti-zəm] -n

  1. the fact or state of being an expatriate

ex·pect [ik-'spekt] -vb, adj, adv, n

  1. wait, stay
  2. to look forward
  3. to be pregnant : await the birth of one's child used in progressive tenses
    • she's expect ing next month
  4. await
  5. to anticipate or look forward to the coming or occurrence of
    • we expect them any minute now
    • expect ed a telephone call
  6. suppose, think
  7. to consider probable or certain
    • expect to be forgiven
    • expect that things will improve
  8. to consider reasonable, due, or necessary
    • expect ed hard work from the students
  9. to consider bound in duty or obligated
    • they expect you to pay your bills

ex·pec·tance [ik-'spek-tən(t)s] -n

  1. expectancy

ex·pec·tan·cy [-tən(t)-sē] -n

  1. the act, action, or state of expecting
    • the strange expectancy that getting on any train gives us -- John Updike
  2. the state of being expected
    • occurs with an expectancy slightly greater than usual
  3. something expected
    • their belief led to an expectancy
  4. the expected amount (as of the number of years of life) based on statistical probability
    • life expectancy

ex·pec·tant [-tənt] -adj, adv

  1. characterized by expectation
  2. expecting the birth of a child
    • expectant mothers

expectant -n

  1. one who is looking forward to something

ex·pec·ta·tion [,ek-,spek-'tā-shən, ik-] -n, adj

  1. the act or state of expecting : anticipation
    • in expectation of what would happen
  2. something expected
    • not up to expectation s
    • expectation s for an economic recovery
  3. basis for expecting : assurance
    • they have every expectation of success
  4. prospects of inheritance usu. used in pl.
  5. the state of being expected
  6. expectancy
  7. expected value

ex·pec·ta·tive [ik-'spek-tə-tiv] -adj

  1. of, relating to, or constituting an object of expectation
    • expectative goals

expected value -n

  1. the sum of the values of a random variable with each value multiplied by its probability of occurrence
  2. the integral of the product of a probability density function of a continuous random variable and the random variable itself when taken over all possible values of the variable

ex·pec·to·rant [ik-'spek-t(ə-)rənt] -n, adj

  1. an agent that promotes the discharge or expulsion of mucus from the respiratory tract
  2. an antitussive agent

ex·pec·to·rate [-tə-,rāt] -vb, n

  1. to eject from the throat or lungs by coughing or hawking and spitting
  2. spit
  3. to discharge matter from the throat or lungs by coughing or hawking and spitting
  4. spit

ex·pe·di·ence [ik-'spē-dē-ən(t)s] -n

  1. expediency

ex·pe·di·en·cy [-dē-ən(t)-sē] -n, adj

  1. the quality or state of being suited to the end in view : suitability, fitness
  2. haste, dispatch
  3. an enterprise requiring haste or caution
  4. adherence to expedient means and methods
    • put more emphasis on expediency than on principle -- W. H. Jones
  5. a means of achieving a particular end : expedient

ex·pe·di·ent [ik-'spē-dē-ənt] -adj, adv

  1. suitable for achieving a particular end in a given circumstance
  2. characterized by concern with what is opportune
  3. governed by self-interest

expedient -n

  1. something expedient : a temporary means to an end

ex·pe·dite ['ek-spə-,dīt] -vt

  1. to execute promptly
  2. to accelerate the process or progress of : speed up
  3. issue, dispatch

ex·pe·dit·er [-,dī-tər] -n

  1. one that expedites
  2. one employed to ensure efficient movement of goods or supplies in a business

ex·pe·di·tion [,ek-spə-'di-shən] -n

  1. a journey or excursion undertaken for a specific purpose
  2. the group of persons making such a journey
  3. efficient promptness : speed
  4. a sending or setting forth

ex·pe·di·tion·ary [-'di-shə-,ner-ē] -adj

  1. of, relating to, or being an expedition
  2. sent on military service abroad
    • an expeditionary force

ex·pe·di·tious [,ek-spə-'di-shəs] -adj, adv, n

  1. marked by or acting with prompt efficiency

ex·pel [ik-'spel] -vt, adj

  1. to force out : eject
    • expelled the smoke from her lungs
  2. to force to leave (as a place or organization) by official action : take away rights or privileges of membership
    • expelled from college

ex·pel·lee [,ek-,spe-'lē, ik-] -n

  1. a person who is expelled esp. from a native or adopted country

ex·pend [ik-'spend] -vt, n

  1. to pay out : spend
    • the social services upon which public revenue is expend ed -- J. A. Hobson
  2. to make use of for a specific purpose : utilize
    • projects on which they expend ed great energy
  3. use up

ex·pend·able [ik-'spen-də-bəl] -adj, n

  1. : that may be expended: as
  2. normally used up or consumed in service
    • expendable supplies like pencils and paper
  3. more easily or economically replaced than rescued, salvaged, or protected

expendable -n

  1. one that is expendable usu. used in pl.

ex·pen·di·ture [ik-'spen-di-chər, -də-,chu̇r, -də-,t(y)u̇r] -n

  1. the act or process of expending
    • an expenditure of energy
  2. something expended : disbursement, expense
    • income should exceed expenditure s

ex·pense [ik-'spen(t)s] -n

  1. the act or an instance of expending : expenditure
  2. something expended to secure a benefit or bring about a result
  3. financial burden or outlay : cost
    • built the monument at their own expense
  4. an item of business outlay chargeable against revenue for a specific period
  5. a cause or occasion of expenditure
    • an estate is a great expense
  6. a loss, detriment, or embarrassment that results from some action or gain : sacrifice
    • everyone had a good laugh at my expense
    usu. used in the phrase at the expense of
    • develop a boy's physique at the expense of his intelligence -- Bertrand Russell

expense -vt

  1. to charge with expenses
  2. to charge to an expense account
  3. to write off as an expense

expense account -n

  1. an account of expenses reimbursable to an employee
  2. the right of charging expenses to such an account

ex·pen·sive [ik-'spen(t)-siv] -adj, adv, n

  1. involving high cost or sacrifice
    • an expensive hobby
  2. commanding a high price and esp. one that is not based on intrinsic worth or is beyond a prospective buyer's means
  3. characterized by high prices
    • expensive shops

ex·pe·ri·ence [ik-'spir-ē-ən(t)s] -n

  1. direct observation of or participation in events as a basis of knowledge
  2. the fact or state of having been affected by or gained knowledge through direct observation or participation
  3. practical knowledge, skill, or practice derived from direct observation of or participation in events or in a particular activity
  4. the length of such participation
    • has 10 years' experience in the job
  5. the conscious events that make up an individual life
  6. the events that make up the conscious past of a community or nation or humankind generally
  7. something personally encountered, undergone, or lived through
  8. the act or process of directly perceiving events or reality

experience -vt

  1. to learn by experience
    • I have experienced that a landscape and the sky unfold the deepest beauty -- Nathaniel Hawthorne
  2. to have experience of : undergo
    • experienced severe hardships as a child

ex·pe·ri·enced [-ən(t)st] -adj

  1. made skillful or wise through experience : practiced
    • an experienced driver

ex·pe·ri·en·tial [ik-,spir-ē-'en(t)-shəl] -adj, adv

  1. relating to, derived from, or providing experience : empirical
    • experiential knowledge
    • experiential lessons

ex·per·i·ment [ik-'sper-ə-mənt also -'spir-] -n

  1. test, trial
    • make another experiment of his suspicion -- Shak.
  2. a tentative procedure or policy
  3. an operation or procedure carried out under controlled conditions in order to discover an unknown effect or law, to test or establish a hypothesis, or to illustrate a known law
  4. experience
  5. the process of testing : experimentation
  6. to carry out experiments : try out a new procedure, idea, or activity

ex·per·i·men·tal [ik-,sper-ə-'men-tᵊl also -,spir-] -adj, adv

  1. of, relating to, or based on experience or experiment
  2. serving the ends of or used as a means of experimentation
    • an experimental school
  3. relating to or having the characteristics of experiment : tentative
    • still in the experimental stage

ex·per·i·men·tal·ism [-tə-,li-zəm] -n

  1. reliance on or advocacy of experimental or empirical principles and procedures
  2. instrumentalism

ex·per·i·men·tal·ist [-tə-ləst] -n

  1. one who experiments
  2. a person conducting scientific experiments

experiment station -n

  1. an establishment for scientific research (as in agriculture) where experiments are carried out, studies of practical application are made, and information is disseminated

ex·pert ['ek-,spərt, ik-'] -adj, adv, n

  1. experienced
  2. having, involving, or displaying special skill or knowledge derived from training or experience
  3. one with the special skill or knowledge representing mastery of a particular subject
  4. to serve as an expert

ex·per·tise [,ek-(,)spər-'tēz, -'tēs] -n

  1. expert opinion or commentary
  2. the skill of an expert

ex·pert·ism ['ek-,spər-,ti-zəm] -n

  1. expertise

ex·pert·ize ['ek-spər-,tīz] -vb

  1. to give a professional opinion usu. after careful study
  2. to examine and give expert judgment on

expert system -n

  1. computer software that attempts to mimic the reasoning of a human specialist

ex·pi·ate ['ek-spē-,āt] -vb, adj, n

  1. to put an end to
  2. to extinguish the guilt incurred by
  3. to make amends for
    • permission to expiate their offences by their assiduous labours -- Francis Bacon
  4. to make expiation

ex·pi·a·tion [,ek-spē-'ā-shən] -n

  1. the act of making atonement
  2. the means by which atonement is made

ex·pi·a·to·ry ['ek-spē-ə-,tȯr-ē] -adj

  1. serving to expiate

ex·pi·ra·tion [,ek-spə-'rā-shən] -n

  1. the last emission of breath : death
  2. the act or process of releasing air from the lungs through the nose or mouth : exhalation
  3. the escape of carbon dioxide from the body protoplasm (as through the blood and lungs or by diffusion)
  4. the fact of coming to an end or the point at which something ends : termination

expiration date -n

  1. the date after which something (as a credit card) is no longer in effect
  2. the date after which a product (as food or medicine) should not be sold because of an expected decline in quality or effectiveness

ex·pi·ra·to·ry [ik-'spī-rə-,tȯr-ē, ek-'; 'ek-sp(ə-)rə-] -adj

  1. of, relating to, or employed in the expiration of air from the lungs

ex·pire [ik-'spī(-ə)r, oftenest for vi 3 and vt 2 ek-] -vb

  1. to breathe one's last breath : die
  2. to come to an end
  3. to emit the breath
  4. conclude
  5. to breathe out from or as if from the lungs
  6. emit

ex·pi·ry [ik-'spī(-ə)r-ē, 'ek-spə-rē] -n

  1. : expiration: as
  2. exhalation of breath
  3. death
  4. termination
  5. the termination of a time or period fixed by law, contract, or agreement

ex·plain [ik-'splān] -vb, adj, n

  1. to make known
    • explain the secret of your success
  2. to make plain or understandable
    • footnotes that explain the terms
  3. to give the reason for or cause of
    • unable to explain his strange conduct
  4. to show the logical development or relationships of
    • explain ed the new theory
  5. to make something plain or understandable
    • a report that suggests rather than explain s

explain away -vt

  1. to get rid of by or as if by explanation
  2. to minimize the significance of by or as if by explanation
    • explains his faults, but does not try to explain them away -- M. K. Spears

ex·pla·na·tion [,ek-splə-'nā-shən] -n

  1. the act or process of explaining
  2. something that explains
    • gave no explanation

ex·plan·a·tive [ik-'spla-nə-tiv] -adj, adv

  1. explanatory

ex·plan·a·to·ry [ik-'spla-nə-,tȯr-ē] -adj, adv

  1. serving to explain
    • explanatory notes

ex·plant [(,)ek-'splant] -vt, n

  1. to remove (living tissue) esp. to a medium for tissue culture
  2. living tissue removed from an organism and placed in a medium for tissue culture

ex·ple·tive ['ek-splə-tiv] -n

  1. a syllable, word, or phrase inserted to fill a vacancy (as in a sentence or a metrical line) without adding to the sense
  2. a word (as itin make it clear which you prefer) that occupies the position of the subject or object of a verb in normal English word order and anticipates a subsequent word or phrase that supplies the needed meaningful content
  3. an exclamatory word or phrase
  4. one that is obscene or profane
  5. one that serves to fill out or as a filling

expletive -adj

  1. serving to fill up
    • expletive phrases
  2. marked by the use of expletives

ex·ple·to·ry ['ek-splə-,tȯr-ē] -adj

  1. expletive

ex·pli·ca·ble [ek-'spli-kə-bəl, 'ek-(,)splik-] -adj, adv

  1. capable of being explained

ex·pli·cate ['ek-splə-,kāt] -vt, n

  1. to give a detailed explanation of
  2. to develop the implications of : analyze logically

ex·pli·ca·tion de texte [ek-splē-kä-syōⁿ-də-'tekst] -n

  1. a method of literary criticism involving a detailed analysis of a work

ex·pli·ca·tive [ek-'spli-kə-tiv, 'ek-splə-,kāt-] -adj, adv

  1. serving to explicate
  2. serving to explain logically what is contained in the subject
    • an explicative proposition

ex·pli·ca·to·ry [ek-'spli-kə-,tȯr-ē, 'ek-(,)spli-] -adj

  1. explicative

ex·plic·it [ik-'spli-sət] -adj, adv, n

  1. fully revealed or expressed without vagueness, implication, or ambiguity : leaving no question as to meaning or intent
    • explicit instructions
  2. open in the depiction of nudity or sexuality
    • explicit books and films
  3. fully developed or formulated
    • an explicit plan
    • an explicit notion of our objective
  4. unambiguous in expression
    • was very explicit on how we are to behave
  5. defined by an expression containing only independent variables

ex·plode [ik-'splōd] -vb, n

  1. to drive from the stage by noisy disapproval
  2. to bring into disrepute or discredit
    • explode a theory
  3. to cause to explode or burst noisily
    • explode a bomb
  4. : to burst forth with sudden violence or noise from internal energy: as
  5. to undergo a rapid chemical or nuclear reaction with the production of noise, heat, and violent expansion of gases
    • dynamite explode s
  6. to burst violently as a result of pressure from within
  7. to give forth a sudden strong and noisy outburst of emotion
    • exploded in anger
  8. to move with sudden speed and force
    • exploded from the starting gate
  9. to increase rapidly
    • the population of the city exploded
  10. to suggest an explosion (as in appearance or effect)
    • shrubs exploded with blossoms

ex·plod·ed -adj

  1. showing the parts separated but in correct relationship to each other
    • an exploded view of a carburetor

ex·ploit ['ek-,splȯit, ik-'] -n

  1. deed, act
  2. a notable or heroic act
  3. to make productive use of : utilize
    • exploit ing your talents
    • exploit your opponent's weakness
  4. to make use of meanly or unfairly for one's own advantage
    • exploit ing migrant farm workers

ex·ploi·ta·tion [,ek-,splȯi-'tā-shən] -n

  1. an act or instance of exploiting
    • exploitation of natural resources
    • exploitation of immigrant laborers
    • clever exploitation of the system

ex·ploit·ative [ik-'splȯi-tə-tiv, ek-,splȯi-] -adj, adv

  1. exploiting or tending to exploit
  2. unfairly or cynically using another person or group for profit or advantage
    • exploitative terms of employment
    • an exploitative film

ex·ploit·ive [ik-'splȯi-tiv] -adj

  1. exploitative

ex·plo·ra·tion [,ek-splə-'rā-shən, -,splȯ-] -n, adj

  1. the act or an instance of exploring

ex·plor·ative [ik-'splȯr-ə-tiv] -adj, adv

  1. exploratory

ex·plor·ato·ry [-ə-,tȯr-ē] -adj

  1. of, relating to, or being exploration
    • exploratory surgery
    • exploratory drilling for oil

ex·plore [ik-'splȯr] -vb

  1. to investigate, study, or analyze : look into
    • explore the relationship between social class and learning ability
    sometimes used with indirect questions
    • to explore where ethical issues arise -- R. T. Blackburn
  2. to become familiar with by testing or experimenting
    • explore new cuisines
  3. to travel over (new territory) for adventure or discovery
  4. to examine esp. for diagnostic purposes
    • explore the wound
  5. to make or conduct a systematic search
    • explore for oil

ex·plor·er [ik-'splȯr-ər] -n

  1. one that explores
  2. a person who travels in search of geographical or scientific information
  3. a member of a coed scouting program of the Boy Scouts of America for young people ages 14 to 20 focusing on career awareness

ex·plo·sion [ik-'splō-zhən] -n

  1. the act or an instance of exploding
    • injured in a laboratory explosion
  2. a large-scale, rapid, or spectacular expansion or bursting out or forth
    • the explosion of suburbia
    • an explosion of red hair
  3. the release of occluded breath that occurs in one kind of articulation of stop consonants

ex·plo·sive [ik-'splō-siv, -ziv] -adj, adv, n

  1. relating to, characterized by, or operated by explosion
    • an explosive hatch
  2. resulting from or as if from an explosion
    • explosive population growth
  3. tending to explode
    • an explosive person
  4. likely to erupt in or produce hostile reaction or violence
    • an explosive ghetto situation

explosive -n

  1. an explosive substance
  2. a consonant characterized by explosion in its articulation when it occurs in certain environments : stop

ex·po ['ek-(,)spō] -n

  1. exposition

ex·po·nent [ik-'spō-nənt, 'ek-,] -n

  1. a symbol written above and to the right of a mathematical expression to indicate the operation of raising to a power
  2. one that expounds or interprets
  3. one that champions, practices, or exemplifies

ex·po·nen·tial [,ek-spə-'nen-chəl] -adj, adv

  1. of or relating to an exponent
  2. involving a variable in an exponent
    • 10 x is an exponential expression
  3. expressible or approximately expressible by an exponential function
  4. characterized by or being an extremely rapid increase (as in size or extent)
    • an exponential growth rate

exponential function -n

  1. a mathematical function in which an independent variable appears in one of the exponents called also exponential

ex·po·nen·ti·a·tion [,ek-spə-,nen(t)-shē-'ā-shən] -n

  1. the mathematical operation of raising a quantity to a power called also involution

ex·port [ek-'spȯrt, 'ek-,] -vb, n, adj

  1. to carry away : remove
  2. to carry or send (as a commodity) to some other place (as another country)
  3. to export something abroad
  4. something exported
  5. a commodity conveyed from one country or region to another for purposes of trade
  6. the act of exporting : exportation
    • the export of wheat
  7. of or relating to exportation or exports
    • export duties

ex·por·ta·tion [,ek-,spȯr-'tā-shən, -spər-] -n

  1. the act of exporting
  2. a commodity exported

ex·port·er [ek-'spȯr-tər, 'ek-,] -n

  1. one that exports
  2. a wholesaler who sells to merchants or industrial consumers in foreign countries

ex·pose [ik-'spōz] -vt, n

  1. to deprive of shelter, protection, or care : subject to risk from a harmful action or condition
    • expose troops needlessly
    • has not yet been exposed to measles
  2. to submit or make accessible to a particular action or influence
    • expose children to good books
  3. to subject (a sensitive photographic film, plate, or paper) to radiant energy
  4. to abandon (an infant) esp. by leaving in the open
  5. to make known : bring to light (as something shameful)
  6. to disclose the faults or crimes of
    • expose a murderer
  7. : to cause to be visible or open to view : display: as
  8. to offer publicly for sale
  9. to exhibit for public veneration
  10. to reveal the face of (a playing card) or the cards of (a player's hand)
  11. to engage in indecent exposure of (oneself)

ex·po·se [,ek-spō-'zā, -spə-] -n

  1. a formal statement of facts
  2. an exposure of something discreditable
    • a newspaper expose of government corruption

ex·posed [ik-'spōzd] -adj

  1. open to view
  2. not shielded or protected
  3. not insulated
    • an exposed electric wire

ex·pos·it [ik-'spä-zət] -vt

  1. expound

ex·po·si·tion [,ek-spə-'zi-shən] -n, adj

  1. a setting forth of the meaning or purpose (as of a writing)
  2. discourse or an example of it designed to convey information or explain what is difficult to understand
  3. the first part of a musical composition in sonata form in which the thematic material of the movement is presented
  4. the opening section of a fugue
  5. a public exhibition or show

ex·pos·i·tive [ik-'spä-zə-tiv] -adj

  1. descriptive, expository

ex·pos·i·tor [-zə-tər] -n

  1. a person who explains : commentator

ex·pos·i·to·ry [-zə-,tȯr-ē] -adj

  1. of, relating to, or containing exposition
    • expository writing

ex post fac·to [,eks-,pōs(t)-'fak-(,)tō] -adv

  1. after the fact : retroactively

ex post facto -adj

  1. done, made, or formulated after the fact : retroactive
    • ex post facto approval
    • ex post facto laws

ex·pos·tu·late [ik-'späs-chə-,lāt] -vb

  1. discuss, examine
  2. to reason earnestly with a person for purposes of dissuasion or remonstrance

ex·pos·tu·la·tion [-,späs-chə-'lā-shən] -n, adj

  1. an act or an instance of expostulating

ex·po·sure [ik-'spō-zhər] -n

  1. : the fact or condition of being exposed: as
  2. the condition of being presented to view or made known
    • a politician seeks a lot of exposure
  3. the condition of being unprotected esp. from severe weather
    • died of exposure
  4. the condition of being subject to some effect or influence
    • risk exposure to the flu
  5. the condition of being at risk of financial loss
    • minimizes your exposure to market fluctuations
  6. an amount at risk
  7. : the act or an instance of exposing: as
  8. disclosure of something secret
    • tried to prevent exposure of their past
  9. the treating of sensitized material (as film) to controlled amounts of radiant energy
  10. the amount of such energy or length of such treatment
    • a 3-second exposure
  11. the manner of being exposed
  12. the position (as of a house) with respect to weather influences or compass points
    • a room with a southern exposure
  13. a piece or section of sensitized material (as film) on which an exposure is or can be made
    • 36 exposure s per roll

exposure meter -n

  1. a device for indicating correct photographic exposure under varying conditions of illumination

ex·pound [ik-'spau̇nd] -vb, n

  1. to set forth : state
  2. to defend with argument
  3. to explain by setting forth in careful and often elaborate detail
    • expound a law
  4. to make a statement : comment

ex·press [ik-'spres] -adj

  1. directly, firmly, and explicitly stated
    • my express orders
  2. exact, precise
  3. designed for or adapted to its purpose
  4. of a particular sort : specific
    • for that express purpose
  5. traveling at high speed
  6. traveling with few or no stops along the way
    • express train
  7. adapted or suitable for travel at high speed
    • an express highway
  8. designated to be delivered without delay by special messenger

express -adv

  1. expressly
  2. by express
    • delivered express
  3. a messenger sent on a special errand
  4. a dispatch conveyed by a special messenger
  5. a system for the prompt and safe transportation of parcels, money, or goods at rates higher than standard freight charges
  6. a company operating such a merchandise freight service
  7. special delivery
  8. an express vehicle
  9. delineate, depict
  10. to represent in words : state
  11. to give or convey a true impression of : show, reflect
  12. to make known the opinions or feelings of (oneself)
  13. to give expression to the artistic or creative impulses or abilities of (oneself)
  14. to represent by a sign or symbol : symbolize
  15. to force out (as the juice of a fruit) by pressure
  16. to subject to pressure so as to extract something
  17. to send by express
  18. to cause (a gene) to manifest its effects in the phenotype
  19. to manifest or produce (a character, molecule, or effect) by a genetic process

ex·press·age [ik-'spre-sij] -n

  1. a carrying of parcels by express
  2. a charge for such carrying

ex·pres·sion [ik-'spre-shən] -n, adj

  1. an act, process, or instance of representing in a medium (as words) : utterance
    • freedom of expression
  2. something that manifests, embodies, or symbolizes something else
    • this gift is an expression of my admiration for you
  3. a significant word or phrase
  4. a mathematical or logical symbol or a meaningful combination of symbols
  5. the detectable effect of a gene
  6. expressivity
  7. a mode, means, or use of significant representation or symbolism
  8. felicitous or vivid indication or depiction of mood or sentiment
    • read the poem with expression
  9. the quality or fact of being expressive
  10. facial aspect or vocal intonation as indicative of feeling
  11. an act or product of pressing out

ex·pres·sion·ism [ik-'spre-shə-,ni-zəm] -n, n or adj, adj, adv

  1. a theory or practice in art of seeking to depict the subjective emotions and responses that objects and events arouse in the artist

ex·pres·sion·less [ik-'spre-shən-ləs] -adj, adv, n

  1. lacking expression
    • an expressionless face

ex·pres·sive [ik-'spre-siv] -adj, adv, n

  1. of or relating to expression
    • the expressive function of language
  2. serving to express, utter, or represent
    • foul and novel terms expressive of rage -- H. G. Wells
  3. effectively conveying meaning or feeling
    • an expressive silence
    • expressive line drawings

ex·pres·siv·i·ty [,ek-,spre-'si-və-tē] -n

  1. the relative capacity of a gene to affect the phenotype of the organism of which it is a part
  2. the quality of being expressive

ex·press·ly [ik-'spres-lē] -adv

  1. in an express manner : explicitly
    • expressly rejected the proposal
  2. for the express purpose : particularly, specifically
    • made expressly for me

Express Mail -service mark

  1. used for overnight delivery of mail

ex·press·man [ik-'spres-,man, -mən] -n

  1. a person employed in the express business

expresso [e-'spre-(,)sō] -n

(variant of espresso)

  1. coffee brewed by forcing steam or hot water through finely ground darkly roasted coffee beans
  2. a cup of espresso

ex·press·way [ik-'spres-,wā] -n

  1. a high-speed divided highway for through traffic with access partially or fully controlled

ex·pro·pri·ate [ek-'sprō-prē-,āt] -vt, n

  1. to deprive of possession or proprietary rights
  2. to transfer (the property of another) to one's own possession

ex·pro·pri·a·tion [(,)ek-,sprō-prē-'ā-shən] -n

  1. the act of expropriating or the state of being expropriated
  2. the action of the state in taking or modifying the property rights of an individual in the exercise of its sovereignty

expt -abbr

  1. experiment

exptl -abbr

  1. experimental

ex·pulse [ik-'spəls] -vt

  1. expel

ex·pul·sion [ik-'spəl-shən] -n, adj

  1. the act of expelling : the state of being expelled

ex·punc·tion [ik-'spəŋ(k)-shən] -n

  1. the act of expunging : the state of being expunged : erasure

ex·punge [ik-'spənj] -vt, n

  1. to strike out, obliterate, or mark for deletion
  2. to efface completely : destroy
  3. to eliminate (as a memory) from one's consciousness

ex·pur·gate ['ek-spər-,gāt] -vt, n

  1. to cleanse of something morally harmful, offensive, or erroneous
  2. to expunge objectionable parts from before publication or presentation
    • an expurgated edition of the letters

ex·pur·ga·to·ri·al [(,)ek-,spər-gə-'tȯr-ē-əl] -adj

  1. relating to expurgation or an expurgator : expurgatory

ex·pur·ga·to·ry [ek-'spər-gə-,tȯr-ē] -adj

  1. serving to purify from something morally harmful, offensive, or erroneous

expwy -abbr

  1. expressway

ex·qui·site [ek-'skwi-zət, 'ek-(,)] -adj, adv, n

  1. carefully selected : choice
  2. accurate
  3. marked by flawless craftsmanship or by beautiful, ingenious, delicate, or elaborate execution
    • an exquisite vase
  4. marked by nice discrimination, deep sensitivity, or subtle understanding
    • exquisite taste
  5. accomplished, perfected
    • an exquisite gentleman
  6. pleasing through beauty, fitness, or perfection
    • an exquisite white blossom
  7. acute, intense
    • exquisite pain
  8. having uncommon or esoteric appeal

exquisite -n

  1. one who is overly fastidious in dress or ornament

exrx -abbr

  1. executrix

ex·san·gui·na·tion [(,)ek(s)-,saŋ-gwə-'nā-shən] -n, vt

  1. the action or process of draining or losing blood

ex·scind [ek-'sind] -vt

  1. to cut off or out : excise

ex·sert [ek-'sərt] -vt, n

  1. to thrust out

ex·sert·ed -adj

  1. projecting beyond an enclosing organ or part

ex·sic·cate ['ek-si-,kāt] -vt, n

  1. to remove moisture from : dry

ex·so·lu·tion [,ek-sə-'lü-shən] -n

  1. the process of separating or precipitating from a solid crystalline phase

ext -abbr

  1. extension
  2. exterior
  3. external; externally
  4. extra
  5. extract

ex·tant ['ek-stənt; ek-'stant, 'ek-,] -adj

  1. standing out or above
  2. currently or actually existing
    • the most charming writer extant -- G. W. Johnson
  3. still existing
  4. not destroyed or lost
    • extant manuscripts

ex·tem·po·ral [ek-'stem-p(ə-)rəl] -adj, adv

  1. extemporaneous

ex·tem·po·ra·ne·ity [(,)ek-,stem-pə-rə-'nē-ə-tē, -'nā-] -n

  1. the quality or state of being extemporaneous

ex·tem·po·ra·ne·ous [(,)ek-,stem-pə-'rā-nē-əs] -adj, adv, n

  1. composed, performed, or uttered on the spur of the moment : impromptu
    • an extemporaneous comment
  2. carefully prepared but delivered without notes or text
  3. skilled at or given to extemporaneous utterance
  4. happening suddenly and often unexpectedly and usu. without clearly known causes or relationships
    • a great deal of criminal and delinquent behavior is...extemporaneous -- W. C. Reckless
  5. provided, made, or put to use as an expedient : makeshift
    • an extemporaneous shelter

ex·tem·po·rary [ik-'stem-pə-,rer-ē] -adj, adv

  1. extemporaneous

ex·tem·po·re [ik-'stem-pə-(,)rē] -adv or adj

  1. in an extemporaneous manner
    • speaking extempore

ex·tem·po·ri·sa·tion [ik-,stem-pə-rə-'zā-shən] -n

(variant of extemporization)

  1. the act of extemporizing : improvisation
  2. something extemporized

ex·tem·po·ri·za·tion [ik-,stem-pə-rə-'zā-shən] -n

  1. the act of extemporizing : improvisation
  2. something extemporized

ex·tem·po·rize [ik-'stem-pə-,rīz] -vb, n

  1. to do something extemporaneously : improvise
  2. to speak extemporaneously
  3. to get along in a makeshift manner
  4. to compose, perform, or utter extemporaneously : improvise
    • extemporized an after-dinner speech

ex·tend [ik-'stend] -vb, n, adj

  1. to spread or stretch forth : unbend
    • extend ed both her arms
  2. to stretch out to fullest length
  3. to cause (as a horse) to move at full stride
  4. to exert (oneself) to full capacity
    • could work long and hard without seeming to extend himself
  5. to increase the bulk of (as by adding a cheaper substance or a modifier)
  6. adulterate
  7. to take possession of (as lands) by a writ of extent
  8. to take by force
  9. to make the offer of : proffer
    • extend ing aid to the needy
    • extend ing their greetings
  10. to make available
    • extend ing credit to customers
  11. to cause to reach (as in distance or scope)
    • national authority was extend ed over new territories
  12. to cause to be longer : prolong
    • extend the side of a triangle
    • extend ed their visit another day
  13. to prolong the time of payment of
  14. advance, further
    • extend ing her potential through job training
  15. to cause to be of greater area or volume : enlarge
    • extend ed the patio to the back of the house
  16. to increase the scope, meaning, or application of : broaden
    • beauty, I suppose, opens the heart, extend s the consciousness -- Algernon Blackwood
  17. exaggerate
  18. to stretch out in distance, space, or time : reach
    • their jurisdiction extend ed over the whole area
  19. to reach in scope or application
    • his concern extend s beyond mere business to real service to his customers

ex·tend·ed [-'sten-dəd] -adj, adv, n

  1. drawn out in length esp. of time
    • an extended visit
  2. fully stretched out
    • an extended battle line
  3. performed with a greatly lengthened stride but without a break
  4. intensive
    • extended efforts
  5. having spatial magnitude : being larger than a point
    • an extended source of light
  6. extensive
    • made available extended information -- Ruth G. Strickland
  7. derivative , secondary
    • an extended sense of a word
  8. having a wider face than that of a standard typeface

extended family -n

  1. a family that includes in one household near relatives in addition to a nuclear family

ex·tend·er [ik-'sten-dər] -n

  1. : one that extends: as
  2. a substance added to a product esp. in the capacity of a diluent, adulterant, or modifier
  3. an added ingredient used to increase the bulk of a food (as soup or meat)

ex·ten·si·ble [ik-'sten(t)-sə-bəl] -adj, n

  1. capable of being extended

ex·ten·sile [ik-'sten(t)-səl, -'sten-,sī(-ə)l] -adj

  1. extensible

ex·ten·sion [ik-'sten(t)-shən] -n

  1. the action of extending : state of being extended
  2. an enlargement in scope or operation
    • tools are extension s of human hands
  3. the total range over which something extends : compass
  4. denotation
  5. the stretching of a fractured or dislocated limb so as to restore it to its natural position
  6. an unbending movement around a joint in a limb (as the knee or elbow) that increases the angle between the bones of the limb at the joint
  7. a property whereby something occupies space
  8. an increase in length of time
  9. an increase in time allowed under agreement or concession
  10. a program that geographically extends the educational resources of an institution by special arrangements (as correspondence courses) to persons otherwise unable to take advantage of such resources
  11. a part constituting an addition
  12. a section or line segment forming an additional length
  13. an extra telephone connected to the principal line
  14. a length of natural or synthetic hair that is worn attached to one's natural hair
  15. a series of usu. three or four characters following a dot at the end of the name of a computer file that specifies the file's format or purpose
  16. a mathematical set (as a field or group) that includes a given and similar set as a subset

extension agent -n

  1. county agent

ex·ten·sion·al [ik-'stench-nəl, -'sten(t)-shə-nᵊl] -adj, n, adv

  1. of, relating to, or marked by extension
  2. denotative
  3. concerned with objective reality

extension cord -n

  1. an electric cord fitted with a plug at one end and a receptacle at the other

ex·ten·si·ty [ik-'sten(t)-sə-tē] -n

  1. the quality of having extension
  2. degree of extension : range
  3. an attribute of sensation whereby space or size is perceived

ex·ten·sive [ik-'sten(t)-siv] -adj, adv, n

  1. having wide or considerable extent
    • extensive reading
  2. extensional
  3. of, relating to, or constituting farming in which large areas of land are utilized with minimum outlay and labor

ex·ten·som·e·ter [,ek-,sten-'sä-mə-tər] -n

  1. an instrument for measuring minute deformations of test specimens caused by tension, compression, bending, or twisting

ex·ten·sor [ik-'sten(t)-sər] -n

  1. a muscle serving to extend a bodily part (as a limb)

ex·tent [ik-'stent] -n

  1. valuation (as of land) in Great Britain esp. for taxation
  2. seizure (as of land) in execution of a writ of extent in Great Britain
  3. the condition of being so seized
  4. a writ giving to a creditor temporary possession of his debtor's property
  5. the range over which something extends : scope
    • the extent of her jurisdiction
  6. the point, degree, or limit to which something extends
    • using talents to the greatest extent
  7. the amount of space or surface that something occupies or the distance over which it extends : magnitude
    • the extent of the forest

ex·ten·u·ate [ik-'sten-yə-,wāt, -yü-,āt] -vt, n, adj

  1. to make light of
  2. to lessen or to try to lessen the seriousness or extent of by making partial excuses : mitigate
    • extenuating circumstances
  3. disparage
  4. to make thin or emaciated
  5. to lessen the strength or effect of

ex·ten·u·a·tion [ik-,sten-yə-'wā-shən, -yü-'ā-] -n

  1. the act of extenuating or state of being extenuated
  2. partial justification
  3. something extenuating
  4. a partial excuse

ex·te·ri·or [ek-'stir-ē-ər] -adj, adv

  1. being on an outside surface : situated on the outside
  2. observable by outward signs
    • his exterior quietness is belied by an occasional nervous twitch -- Current Biog.
  3. suitable for use on outside surfaces

exterior -n

  1. an exterior part or surface : outside
  2. outward manner or appearance
  3. a representation (as on stage or film) of an outdoor scene
  4. a scene filmed outdoors

exterior angle -n

  1. the angle between a side of a polygon and an extended adjacent side
  2. an angle formed by a transversal as it cuts one of two lines and situated on the outside of the line

ex·te·ri·or·ise [ek-'stir-ē-ə-,rīz] -vt, n

(variant of exteriorize)

  1. externalize
  2. to bring out of the body (as for surgery)

ex·te·ri·or·i·ty [(,)ek-,stir-ē-'ȯr-ə-tē, -'är-] -n

  1. the quality or state of being exterior or exteriorized : externality

ex·te·ri·or·ize [ek-'stir-ē-ə-,rīz] -vt, n

  1. externalize
  2. to bring out of the body (as for surgery)

ex·ter·mi·nate [ik-'stər-mə-,nāt] -vt, n

  1. to get rid of completely usu. by killing off
    • exterminate termites and cockroaches

ex·ter·mi·na·to·ry [ik-'stər-mə-nə-,tȯr-ē] -adj

  1. of, relating to, or marked by extermination

ex·ter·mine [ik-'stər-mən] -vt

  1. exterminate

ex·tern [ek-'stərn, 'ek-,] -adj

  1. external
  2. a person connected with an institution but not living or boarding in it
  3. a nonresident doctor or medical student at a hospital

ex·ter·nal [ek-'stər-nᵊl] -adj, adv

  1. capable of being perceived outwardly
    • external signs of a disease
  2. having merely the outward appearance of something : superficial
  3. not intrinsic or essential
    • external circumstances
  4. of, relating to, or connected with the outside or an outer part
    • the building's external features
  5. applied or applicable to the outside
    • a lotion for external use
  6. situated outside, apart, or beyond
  7. situated near or toward the surface of the body
  8. arising or acting from outside
    • an external force
  9. of or relating to dealings or relationships with foreign countries
  10. having existence independent of the mind
    • external reality

external -n

  1. : something that is external: as
  2. an outer part
  3. an external feature or aspect usu. used in pl.

external combustion engine -n

  1. a heat engine (as a steam engine) that derives its heat from fuel consumed outside the cylinder

external degree -n

  1. a degree conferred on a student who has not attended the university but has passed the qualifying examination

ex·ter·nal·i·sa·tion [ek-,stər-nə-lə-'zā-shən] -n

(variant of externalization)

  1. the action or process of externalizing
  2. the quality or state of being externalized
  3. something externalized : embodiment

ex·ter·nal·ism [ek-'stər-nə-,li-zəm] -n

  1. attention to externals
  2. excessive preoccupation with externals
  3. externality

ex·ter·nal·i·ty [,ek-,stər-'na-lə-tē] -n

  1. the quality or state of being external or externalized
  2. something that is external
  3. a secondary or unintended consequence
    • pollution and other externalities of manufacturing

ex·ter·nal·i·za·tion [ek-,stər-nə-lə-'zā-shən] -n

  1. the action or process of externalizing
  2. the quality or state of being externalized
  3. something externalized : embodiment

ex·ter·nal·ize [ek-'stər-nə-,līz] -vt

  1. to make external or externally manifest
  2. to attribute to causes outside the self : rationalize
    • externalized his lack of ability to succeed

external respiration -n

  1. exchange of gases between the external environment and a distributing system of the animal body (as the lungs of higher vertebrates or the tracheal tubes of insects) or between the alveoli of the lungs and the blood

ex·tern·ship ['ek-,stərn-,ship] -n

  1. a training program that is part of a course of study of an educational institution and is taken in private business

ex·tero·cep·tive [,ek-stə-rō-'sep-tiv] -adj

  1. relating to, being, or activated by stimuli received by an organism from outside

ex·tero·cep·tor [-tər] -n

  1. a sense organ excited by exteroceptive stimuli

ex·ter·ri·to·ri·al [,ek-,ster-ə-'tȯr-ē-əl] -adj, n

  1. extraterritorial

ex·tinct [ik-'stiŋ(k)t, 'ek-,] -adj

  1. no longer burning
  2. no longer active
    • an extinct volcano
  3. no longer existing
    • an extinct animal
  4. gone out of use : superseded
  5. having no qualified claimant
    • an extinct title

extinct -vt

  1. extinguish

ex·tinc·tion [ik-'stiŋ(k)-shən] -n

  1. the act of making extinct or causing to be extinguished
  2. the condition or fact of being extinct or extinguished
  3. the process of becoming extinct
    • extinction of a species
  4. the process of eliminating or reducing a conditioned response by not reinforcing it

extinction coefficient -n

  1. a measure of the rate of diminution of transmitted light via scattering and absorption for a medium

ex·tinc·tive [ik-'stiŋ(k)-tiv] -adj

  1. tending or serving to extinguish or make extinct

ex·tin·guish [ik-'stiŋ-(g)wish] -vt, adj, n

  1. to bring to an end : make an end of
    • hope for their safety was slowly extinguish ed
  2. to reduce to silence or ineffectiveness
  3. to cause to cease burning : quench
  4. to cause extinction of (a conditioned response)
  5. to dim the brightness of : eclipse
  6. to cause to be void : nullify
    • extinguish a claim
  7. to get rid of usu. by payment
    • extinguish a debt

ex·tir·pate ['ek-stər-,pāt] -vt, n

  1. to destroy completely : wipe out
  2. to pull up by the root
  3. to cut out by surgery

ex·tol [ik-'stōl] -vt, n

  1. to praise highly : glorify

ex·tort [ik-'stȯrt] -vt, n, adj

  1. to obtain from a person by force, intimidation, or undue or illegal power : wring
  2. to gain esp. by ingenuity or compelling argument

ex·tor·tion [ik-'stȯr-shən] -n

  1. the act or practice of extorting esp. money or other property
  2. the offense committed by an official engaging in such practice
  3. something extorted
  4. a gross overcharge

ex·tor·tion·ary [-shə-,ner-ē] -adj

  1. extortionate

ex·tor·tion·ate [ik-'stȯr-sh(ə-)nət] -adj, adv

  1. characterized by extortion
  2. excessive, exorbitant
    • extortionate prices

ex·tra ['ek-strə] -adj

  1. more than is due, usual, or necessary : additional
    • extra work
  2. subject to an additional charge
    • dessert is extra
  3. superior
    • extra quality

extra -n

  1. : one that is extra or additional: as
  2. a special edition of a newspaper
  3. an added charge
  4. an additional worker
  5. one hired to act in a group scene in a motion picture or stage production
  6. an attractive addition or accessory : frill
    • cars loaded with extra s
  7. something of superior quality or grade
  8. beyond the usual size, extent, or degree
    • extra large

extra- -prefix

  1. outside : beyond
    • extra judicial

extrabase hit -n

  1. a hit in baseball that lets the batter take more than one base

ex·tra·cel·lu·lar [,ek-strə-'sel-yə-lər] -adj, adv

  1. situated or occurring outside a cell or the cells of the body
    • extracellular digestion
    • extracellular enzymes

ex·tra·chro·mo·som·al [-,krō-mə-'sō-məl, -'zō-] -adj

  1. situated or controlled by factors outside the chromosome
    • extrachromosomal inheritance

ex·tra·cor·po·re·al [-kȯr-'pȯr-ē-əl] -adj, adv

  1. occurring or based outside the living body
    • the heart-lung machine maintains extracorporeal circulation during heart surgery

ex·tra·cra·ni·al [-'krā-nē-əl] -adj

  1. situated or occurring outside the cranium

ex·tract [ik-'strakt, oftenest in sense 5 'ek-,] -vt, n, adj

  1. to draw forth (as by research)
    • extract data
  2. to pull or take out forcibly
    • extract ed a wisdom tooth
  3. to obtain by much effort from someone unwilling
    • extract ed a confession
  4. to withdraw (as a juice or fraction) by physical or chemical process
  5. to treat with a solvent so as to remove a soluble substance
  6. to separate (a metal) from an ore
  7. to determine (a mathematical root) by calculation
  8. to select (excerpts) and copy out or cite
  9. a selection from a writing or discourse : excerpt
  10. a product (as an essence or concentrate) prepared by extracting
  11. a solution (as in alcohol) of essential constituents of a complex material (as meat or an aromatic plant)

ex·trac·tion [ik-'strak-shən] -n

  1. the act or process of extracting something
  2. ancestry, origin
    • a family of French extraction
  3. something extracted

ex·trac·tive [ik-'strak-tiv, 'ek-,] -adj, adv

  1. of, relating to, or involving extraction
  2. tending toward or resulting in withdrawal of natural resources by extraction with no provision for replenishment
    • extractive agriculture
  3. capable of being extracted

extractive -n

  1. something extracted or extractable : extract

ex·trac·tor [ik-'strak-tər] -n

  1. one that extracts
  2. the mechanism in a firearm that dislodges a spent cartridge from the chamber

ex·tra·cur·ric·u·lar [,ek-strə-kə-'ri-kyə-lər] -adj, n

  1. not falling within the scope of a regular curriculum
  2. of or relating to officially or semiofficially approved and usu. organized student activities (as athletics) connected with school and usu. carrying no academic credit
    • extracurricular sports
  3. lying outside one's regular duties or routine
  4. extramarital

ex·tra·dit·able ['ek-strə-,dī-tə-bəl] -adj

  1. subject or liable to extradition
  2. making one liable to extradition
    • an extraditable offense

ex·tra·dite ['ek-strə-,dīt] -vt

  1. to deliver up to extradition
  2. to obtain the extradition of

ex·tra·di·tion [,ek-strə-'di-shən] -n

  1. the surrender of an alleged criminal usu. under the provisions of a treaty or statute by one authority (as a state) to another having jurisdiction to try the charge

ex·tra·dos ['ek-strə-,däs, -,dō; ek-'strā-,däs] -n

  1. the exterior curve of an arch

ex·tra·em·bry·on·ic [,ek-strə-,em-brē-'ä-nik] -adj

  1. situated outside the embryo
  2. developed from the zygote but not part of the embryo
    • extraembryonic membranes

ex·tra·ga·lac·tic [,ek-strə-gə-'lak-tik] -adj

  1. originating or existing outside the Milky Way galaxy
  2. of or relating to extragalactic space
    • extragalactic astronomy

ex·tra·he·pat·ic [-hi-'pa-tik] -adj

  1. situated or originating outside the liver

ex·tra·ju·di·cial [-jü-'di-shəl] -adj, adv

  1. not forming a valid part of regular legal proceedings
    • an extrajudicial investigation
  2. delivered without legal authority : private
    • the judge's extrajudicial statements
  3. done in contravention of due process of law
    • an extrajudicial execution

ex·tra·le·gal [,ek-strə-'lē-gəl] -adj, adv

  1. not regulated or sanctioned by law

ex·tra·lim·it·al [-'li-mə-tᵊl] -adj

  1. not present in a given area used of kinds of organisms (as species)

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

  1. lying outside the province of linguistics

ex·tra·lit·er·ary [-'li-tə-,rer-ē] -adj

  1. lying outside the field of literature

ex·tral·i·ty [ek-'stra-lə-tē] -n

  1. extraterritoriality

ex·tra·log·i·cal [,ek-strə-'lä-ji-kəl] -adj

  1. not guided or determined by considerations of logic

ex·tra·mar·i·tal [,ek-strə-'ma-rə-tᵊl] -adj

  1. of, relating to, or being sexual intercourse between a married person and someone other than his or her spouse : adulterous
    • an extramarital affair

ex·tra·mun·dane [,ek-strə-,mən-'dān, -'mən-,] -adj

  1. situated in or relating to a region beyond the material world

ex·tra·mu·ral [-'myu̇r-əl] -adj, adv

  1. existing or functioning outside or beyond the walls, boundaries, or precincts of an organized unit (as a school or hospital)
  2. of, relating to, or taking part in extension courses or facilities

ex·tra·mu·si·cal [-'myü-zi-kəl] -adj

  1. lying outside the province of music

ex·tra·ne·ous [ek-'strā-nē-əs] -adj, adv, n

  1. existing on or coming from the outside
    • extraneous light
  2. not forming an essential or vital part
    • extraneous ornamentation
  3. having no relevance
    • an extraneous digression
  4. being a number obtained in solving an equation that is not a solution of the equation
    • extraneous roots

ex·tra·net ['ek-strə-,net] -n

  1. a network (as of a company) similar to an intranet that also allows access by certain others (as customers or suppliers)

ex·tra·nu·cle·ar [,ek-strə-'nü-klē-ər, -'nyü-, ÷-kyə-lər] -adj

  1. situated in or affecting the parts of a cell external to the nucleus : cytoplasmic
  2. situated outside the nucleus of an atom

ex·tra·oc·u·lar muscle [,ek-strə-'ä-kyə-lər-] -n

  1. any of six small voluntary muscles that pass between the eyeball and the orbit and control the movement of the eyeball in relation to the orbit

ex·traor·di·naire [ik-,strȯ(r)-də-'ner, ek-] -adj

  1. extraordinary used postpositively
    • a chef extraordinaire

ex·traor·di·nary [ik-'strȯr-də-,ner-ē, ,ek-strə-'ȯr-] -adj, adv, n

  1. going beyond what is usual, regular, or customary
    • extraordinary powers
  2. exceptional to a very marked extent
    • extraordinary beauty
  3. nonrecurring
  4. employed for or sent on a special function or service
    • an ambassador extraordinary

extra point -n

  1. a point gained on a conversion in football

ex·trap·o·late [ik-'stra-pə-,lāt] -vb, n, adj

  1. to infer (values of a variable in an unobserved interval) from values within an already observed interval
  2. to project, extend, or expand (known data or experience) into an area not known or experienced so as to arrive at a usu. conjectural knowledge of the unknown area
    • extrapolate s present trends to construct an image of the future
  3. to predict by projecting past experience or known data
    • extrapolate public sentiment on one issue from known public reaction on others
  4. to perform the act or process of extrapolating

ex·tra·py·ra·mi·dal [,ek-strə-pə-'ra-mə-dᵊl, -,pir-ə-'mi-dᵊl] -adj

  1. situated outside of the pyramidal tracts
  2. involving descending nerve tracts other than the pyramidal tracts

ex·tra·sen·so·ry [,ek-strə-'sen(t)s-rē, -'sen(t)-sə-] -adj

  1. residing beyond or outside the ordinary senses

extrasensory perception -n

  1. perception (as in telepathy, clairvoyance, and precognition) that involves awareness of information about events external to the self not gained through the senses and not deducible from previous experience called also ESP

ex·tra·so·lar [-'sō-lər, -,lär] -adj

  1. originating or existing outside the solar system
    • extrasolar planets

ex·tra·sys·to·le [-'sis-tə-(,)lē] -n

  1. a premature beat of one of the chambers of the heart that leads to momentary arrhythmia

ex·tra·ter·res·tri·al [-tə-'res-trē-əl, -'res(h)-chəl] -adj

  1. originating, existing, or occurring outside the earth or its atmosphere
    • extraterrestrial life

extraterrestrial -n

  1. an extraterrestrial being

ex·tra·ter·ri·to·ri·al [-,ter-ə-'tȯr-ē-əl] -adj

  1. existing or taking place outside the territorial limits of a jurisdiction

ex·tra·ter·ri·to·ri·al·i·ty [-,tȯr-ē-'a-lə-tē] -n

  1. exemption from the application or jurisdiction of local law or tribunals

ex·tra·tex·tu·al [,ek-strə-'teks-chə-wəl, -chəl] -adj

  1. of, relating to, or being something outside a literary text

ex·tra·trop·i·cal cyclone [,ek-strə-,trä-pi-kəl-] -n

  1. a cyclone in the middle or high latitudes often containing a cold front that extends toward the equator for hundreds of miles

ex·tra·uter·ine [,ek-strə-'yü-tə-rən, -,rīn] -adj

  1. situated or occurring outside the uterus
    • extrauterine pregnancy

ex·trav·a·gance [ik-'stra-vi-gən(t)s] -n

  1. an instance of excess or prodigality
  2. an excessive outlay of money
  3. something extravagant
    • a new car is an extravagance we can't afford
  4. the quality or fact of being extravagant
    • the extravagance of the decorations

ex·trav·a·gan·cy [-gən(t)-sē] -n

  1. extravagance

ex·trav·a·gant [ik-'stra-vi-gənt] -adj, adv

  1. strange, curious
  2. wandering
  3. exceeding the limits of reason or necessity
    • extravagant claims
  4. lacking in moderation, balance, and restraint
    • extravagant praise
  5. extremely or excessively elaborate
    • an extravagant display
  6. spending much more than necessary
    • has always been extravagant with her money
  7. profuse, lavish
  8. extremely or unreasonably high in price
    • an extravagant purchase

ex·trav·a·gan·za [ik-,stra-və-'gan-zə] -n

  1. a literary or musical work marked by extreme freedom of style and structure and usu. by elements of burlesque or parody
  2. a lavish or spectacular show or event
  3. something extravagant

ex·trav·a·gate [ik-'stra-və-,gāt] -vi

  1. to go beyond proper limits

ex·trav·a·sate [ik-'stra-və-,sāt, -,zāt] -vb, n

  1. to force out or cause to escape from a proper vessel or channel
  2. to pass by infiltration or effusion from a proper vessel or channel (as a blood vessel) into surrounding tissue

ex·tra·vas·cu·lar [,ek-strə-'vas-kyə-lər] -adj

  1. not occurring or contained in body vessels
    • extravascular tissue fluids

ex·tra·ve·hic·u·lar [-vē-'hi-kyə-lər] -adj

  1. taking place outside a vehicle (as a spacecraft)
    • extravehicular activity

ex·travir·gin ['ek-strə-'vər-jən] -adj

  1. being a virgin olive oil that is lowest in acidity and highest in quality

ex·treme [ik-'strēm] -adj, n

  1. existing in a very high degree
    • extreme poverty
  2. going to great or exaggerated lengths : radical
    • went on an extreme diet
  3. exceeding the ordinary, usual, or expected
    • extreme weather conditions
  4. last
  5. situated at the farthest possible point from a center
    • the country's extreme north
  6. most advanced or thoroughgoing
    • the extreme political left
  7. maximum
  8. of, relating to, or being an outdoor activity or a form of a sport (as skiing) that involves an unusually high degree of physical risk
    • extreme mountain biking down steep slopes
  9. involved in an extreme sport
    • an extreme snowboarder

extreme -n

  1. something situated at or marking one end or the other of a range
    • extreme s of heat and cold
  2. the first term or the last term of a mathematical proportion
  3. the major term or minor term of a syllogism
  4. a very pronounced or excessive degree
  5. highest degree : maximum
  6. an extreme measure or expedient
    • going to extreme s

ex·treme·ly -adv

  1. in an extreme manner
  2. to an extreme extent

extremely high frequency -n

  1. a radio frequency in the highest range of the radio spectrum

extremely low frequency -n

  1. a radio frequency in the lowest range of the radio spectrum

extreme unction -n

  1. a sacrament in which a priest anoints and prays for the recovery and salvation of a critically ill or injured person

ex·trem·ism [ik-'strē-,mi-zəm] -n, n or adj

  1. the quality or state of being extreme
  2. advocacy of extreme measures or views : radicalism

ex·trem·i·ty [ik-'stre-mə-tē] -n

  1. the farthest or most remote part, section, or point
    • the island's westernmost extremity
  2. a limb of the body
  3. a human hand or foot
  4. extreme danger or critical need
  5. a moment marked by imminent destruction or death
  6. an intense degree
    • the extremity of his participation -- Saturday Rev.
  7. the utmost degree (as of emotion or pain)
  8. a drastic or desperate act or measure
    • driven to extremities

ex·trem·o·phile [ik-'strē-mə-,fī(-ə)l] -n

  1. an organism that lives under extreme environmental conditions (as in a hot spring or ice cap)

ex·tre·mum [ik-'strē-məm] -n

  1. a maximum or a minimum of a mathematical function called also extreme value

ex·tri·cate ['ek-strə-,kāt] -vt, adj, n

  1. unravel
  2. to distinguish from a related thing
  3. to free or remove from an entanglement or difficulty

ex·trin·sic [ek-'strin-zik, -'strin(t)-sik] -adj, adv

  1. not forming part of or belonging to a thing : extraneous
  2. originating from or on the outside
  3. originating outside a part and acting upon the part as a whole
    • extrinsic muscles of the tongue
  4. external

extrinsic factor -n

  1. vitamin b 12

extro- -prefix

  1. outward
    • extro vert

ex·trorse ['ek-,strȯrs] -adj

  1. facing outward
    • an extrorse anther

ex·tro·ver·sion [,ek-strə-'vər-zhən, -shən] -n

  1. the act, state, or habit of being predominantly concerned with and obtaining gratification from what is outside the self

ex·tro·vert ['ek-strə-,vərt] -n, adj

  1. one whose personality is characterized by extroversion
  2. a gregarious and unreserved person

ex·trude [ik-'strüd] -vb, n, adj

  1. to force, press, or push out
  2. to shape (as metal or plastic) by forcing through a die
  3. to become extruded

ex·tru·sion [ik-'strü-zhən] -n

  1. the act or process of extruding
  2. a form or product produced by this process

ex·tru·sive [ik-'strü-siv, -ziv] -adj

  1. relating to or formed by geological extrusion from the earth in a molten state or as volcanic ash

ex·u·ber·ance [ig-'zü-b(ə-)rən(t)s] -n

  1. the quality or state of being exuberant
    • youthful exuberance
  2. an exuberant act or expression

ex·u·ber·ant [-b(ə-)rənt] -adj, adv

  1. extreme or excessive in degree, size, or extent
    • exuberant prosperity
  2. joyously unrestrained and enthusiastic
    • exuberant praise
    • an exuberant personality
  3. unrestrained or elaborate esp. in style : flamboyant
    • exuberant architecture
  4. produced in extreme abundance : plentiful
    • exuberant foliage and vegetation

ex·u·ber·ate [-bə-,rāt] -vi

  1. to have something in abundance : overflow
  2. to become exuberant : show exuberance
    • exuberated over his victory

ex·u·date ['ek-s(y)ü-,dāt, -shü-] -n

  1. exuded matter

ex·u·da·tion [,ek-s(y)ü-'dā-shən, -shü-] -n, adj

  1. the process of exuding
  2. exudate

ex·ude [ig-'züd] -vb

  1. to ooze out
  2. to undergo diffusion
  3. to cause to ooze or spread out in all directions
  4. to display conspicuously or abundantly
    • exude s charm

ex·ult [ig-'zəlt] -vi, adv

  1. to leap for joy
  2. to be extremely joyful : rejoice
    • the team exult ed in their victory

ex·ul·tance [ig-'zəl-tᵊn(t)s] -n

  1. exultation

ex·ul·tan·cy [-'zəl-tᵊn(t)-sē] -n

  1. exultation

ex·ul·tant [ig-'zəl-tᵊnt] -adj, adv

  1. filled with or expressing great joy or triumph : jubilant
    • an exultant cheer
    • exultant fans

ex·ul·ta·tion [,ek-(,)səl-'tā-shən, ,eg-(,)zəl-] -n

  1. the act of exulting : the state of being exultant

ex·urb ['ek-,sərb, 'eg-,zərb] -n, adj

  1. a region or settlement that lies outside a city and usu. beyond its suburbs and that often is inhabited chiefly by well-to-do families

ex·ur·ban·ite [ek-'sər-bə-,nīt; eg-'zər-, ig-] -n

  1. one who lives in an exurb

ex·ur·bia [-bē-ə] -n

  1. the generalized region of exurbs

ex·u·vi·ae [ig-'zü-vē-,ē, -vē-,ī] -n pl, adj

  1. sloughed off natural animal coverings (as the skins of snakes)

ex·u·vi·a·tion [-,zü-vē-'ā-shən] -n

  1. the process of molting

exvo·to [(,)eks-'vō-(,)tō] -n

  1. a votive offering

exvoto -adj

  1. votive