we ['wē] -pron, pl in constr
- I and the rest of a group that includes me : you and I : you and I and another or others : I and another or others not including you used as pronoun of the first person plural
- i used by sovereigns used by writers to keep an impersonal character
We -abbr
- Wednesday
weak ['wēk] -adj, adv
- : lacking strength: as
- deficient in physical vigor : feeble, debilitated
- not able to sustain or exert much weight, pressure, or strain
- not able to resist external force or withstand attack
- easily upset or nauseated
- mentally or intellectually deficient
- not firmly decided : vacillating
- resulting from or indicating lack of judgment or discernment
- not able to withstand temptation or persuasion
- the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak
- not factually grounded or logically presented
- not able to function properly
- lacking skill or proficiency
- tutoring for weak er students
- indicative of a lack of skill or aptitude
- history was my weak est subject
- wanting in vigor of expression or effect
- a weak translation of the poem
- deficient in the usual or required ingredients : dilute
- lacking normal intensity or potency
- not having or exerting authority or political power
- ineffective, impotent
- of, relating to, or constituting a verb or verb conjugation that in English forms the past tense and past participle by adding the suffix -edor -dor -t
- bearing the minimal degree of stress occurring in the language
- having little or no stress and obscured vowel sound
- 'd in he'd is the weak form of would
- tending toward a lower price or value
- ionizing only slightly in solution
weak anthropic principle -n
- anthropic principle
weak·en ['wē-kən] -vb, n
- to make weak : lessen the strength of
- to reduce in intensity or effectiveness
- to become weak
weak·fish ['wēk-,fish] -n
- a common marine bony fish ( Cynoscion regalisof the family Sciaenidae) of the eastern coast of the U.S. that is an important sport and food fish called also sea trout
- any of several fishes congeneric with the weakfish
weak force -n
- a fundamental physical force that governs interactions between hadrons and leptons (as in the emission and absorption of neutrinos) and is responsible for particle decay processes (as beta decay) in radioactivity, that is 10 -5times the strength of the strong force, and that acts over distances smaller than those between nucleons in an atomic nucleus called also weak interaction weak nuclear force
weak·heart·ed [-'här-təd] -adj
- lacking courage : fainthearted
weak·ish ['wē-kish] -adj
- somewhat weak
weakkneed ['wēk-'nēd] -adj
- lacking willpower or resolution
weak·ling ['wē-kliŋ] -n, adj
- one that is weak in body, character, or mind
weak·ly ['wē-klē] -adj, n
- feeble, weak
weakmind·ed ['wēk-'mīn-dəd] -adj, n
- : having or indicating a weak mind:
- lacking in judgment or good sense : foolish
- feebleminded
weak·ness [-nəs] -n
- the quality or state of being weak
- an instance or period of being weak
- backed down in a moment of weakness
- fault, defect
- a special desire or fondness
- has a weakness for sweets
- an object of special desire or fondness
weak side ['wēk-,sīd] -n, adj
- the side of a football formation having the smaller number of players
- the side of a formation away from the tight end
- the side of a court or field (as in basketball or soccer) away from the ball
weak sister -n
- a member of a group who needs aid
- something weak and ineffective as compared with others in a group
weal ['wēl] -n
- a sound, healthy, or prosperous state : well-being
- body politic, commonweal
- welt
weald ['wēld] -n
- a heavily wooded area : forest
- a wild or uncultivated usu. upland region
wealth ['welth also 'weltth] -n
- weal, welfare
- abundance of valuable material possessions or resources
- abundant supply : profusion
- all property that has a money value or an exchangeable value
- all material objects that have economic utility
- the stock of useful goods having economic value in existence at any one time
wealthy ['wel-thē also 'welt-thē] -adj, adv, n
- having wealth : very affluent
- characterized by abundance : ample
wean ['wēn] -vt
- to accustom (as a young child or animal) to take food otherwise than by nursing
- to detach from a source of dependence
- being wean ed off the medication
- wean the bears from human food -- Sports Illus.
- to free from a usu. unwholesome habit or interest
- wean him off his excessive drinking
- settling his soldiers on the land..., wean ing them from habits of violence -- Geoffrey Carnall
- to accustom to something from an early age used in the passive esp. with on
- students wean ed on the Internet for research
- I was wean ed on greasepaint -- Helen Hayes
- the principles upon which he had been wean ed -- J. A. Michener
wean·er ['wē-nər] -n
- one that weans
- a young animal recently weaned from its mother
wean·ling ['wēn-liŋ] -n, adj
- a child or animal newly weaned
weap·on ['we-pən] -n
- something (as a club, knife, or gun) used to injure, defeat, or destroy
- a means of contending against another
weapon -vt
- arm
weap·on·ize ['we-pə-,nīz] -vt, n
- to adapt for use as a weapon of war
weap·on·less [-ləs] -adj
- lacking weapons : unarmed
weap·on·ry [-rē] -n
- weapons
- the science of designing and making weapons
wear ['wer] -vb, n
- to bear or have on the person
- to use habitually for clothing, adornment, or assistance
- to carry on the person
- to hold the rank or dignity or position signified by (an ornament)
- exhibit, present
- commend the book for wear ing its research so lightly -- Brad Leithauser
- to show or fly (a flag or colors) on a ship
- to cause to deteriorate by use
- to impair or diminish by use or attrition : consume or waste gradually
- letters on the stone worn away by weathering
- to produce gradually by friction or attrition
- to exhaust or lessen the strength of : weary, fatigue
- to cause (a ship) to go about with the stern presented to the wind
- to accept or tolerate without complaint : put up with usu. used in negative constructions
- your mates wouldn't wear it -- Colin MacInnes
- take on
- to endure use : last under use or the passage of time
- material that will wear for years
- to retain quality or vitality
- to diminish or decay through use
- the heels of his shoes began to wear
- to diminish or fail with the passage of time
- the effect of the drug wore off
- to grow or become by attrition or use
- to change to an opposite tack by turning the stern to the wind
- the act of wearing : the state of being worn : use
- clothes for everyday wear
- clothing or an article of clothing usu. of a particular kind
- clothing worn for a special occasion or popular during a specific period
- fashion, vogue
- wearing quality : durability under use
- the result of wearing or use : diminution or impairment due to use
wear·able ['wer-ə-bəl] -adj, n
- capable of being worn : suitable to be worn
wearable -n
- garment usu. used in pl.
wear and tear -n
- the loss, injury, or stress to which something is subjected by or in the course of use
- normal depreciation
wear down -vt
- to weary and overcome by persistent resistance or pressure
wea·ri·ful ['wir-ē-fəl] -adj, adv, n
- causing weariness
- tedious
- full of weariness : wearied
wea·ri·less ['wir-ē-ləs] -adj, adv
- tireless
wear·ing ['wer-iŋ] -adj
- intended for wear
wearing [-iŋ-lē] -adj, adv
- subjecting to or inflicting wear
- causing fatigue
wea·ri·some ['wir-ē-səm] -adj, adv, n
- causing weariness : tiresome
wear out -vt
- tire, exhaust
- to make useless esp. by long or hard usage
- erase, efface
- to endure through : outlast
- to consume (as time) tediously
- to become useless from long or excessive wear or use
wea·ry ['wir-ē] -adj, adv, n
- exhausted in strength, endurance, vigor, or freshness
- expressing or characteristic of weariness
- having one's patience, tolerance, or pleasure exhausted used with of
- wearisome
weary -vb
- to become weary
- to make weary
wea·sand ['wē-zᵊnd, 'wi-zᵊn(d)] -n
- throat, gullet
- trachea
wea·sel ['wē-zəl] -n
- any of various small slender active carnivorous mammals (genus Mustelaof the family Mustelidae, the weasel family) that are able to prey on animals (as rabbits) larger than themselves, are mostly brown with white or yellowish underparts, and in northern forms turn white in winter
- a light self-propelled tracked vehicle built either for traveling over snow, ice, or sand or as an amphibious vehicle
- a sneaky, untrustworthy, or insincere person
weasel ['wēz-liŋ, 'wē-zə-] -vb
- to use weasel words : equivocate
- to escape from or evade a situation or obligation often used with out
- to manipulate shiftily
wea·sel·ly ['wēz-lē, 'wē-zə-] -adj
- resembling or suggestive of a weasel
weasel word -n
- a word used in order to evade or retreat from a direct or forthright statement or position
weath·er ['we-thər] -n
- the state of the atmosphere with respect to heat or cold, wetness or dryness, calm or storm, clearness or cloudiness
- state or vicissitude of life or fortune
- : disagreeable atmospheric conditions: as
- rain, storm
- cold air with dampness
- weathering
weather ['weth-riŋ, 'we-thə-] -vb
- to expose to the open air : subject to the action of the elements
- to bear up against and come safely through
- to undergo or endure the action of the elements
- of or relating to the side facing the wind
weath·er·abil·i·ty [,weth-rə-'bi-lə-tē, ,we-thə-] -n
- capability of withstanding the weathering process
- weatherability of a plastic
weath·erbeat·en ['we-thər-,bē-tᵊn] -adj
- toughened, tanned, or bronzed by the weather
- worn or damaged by exposure to weather
weath·er·board [-,bȯrd] -n, adj
- clapboard, siding
- the weather side of a ship
weath·er·board·ing [-,bȯr-diŋ] -n
- clapboards, siding
weath·erbound [-,bau̇nd] -adj
- kept in port or at anchor or from travel or sport by bad weather
weather bureau -n
- a bureau engaged in the collection of weather reports as a basis for weather predictions, storm warnings, and the compiling of statistical records
weath·er·cast [-,kast] -n
- a weather forecast esp. on radio or television
weath·er·cast·er [-,kas-tər] -n
- a weather forecaster esp. on radio or television
weath·er·cock [-,käk] -n
- a vane often in the figure of a cock mounted so as to turn freely with the wind and show its direction
- a person or thing that changes readily or often
weather deck -n
- a deck having no overhead protection from the weather
weath·ered ['we-thərd] -adj
- seasoned by exposure to the weather
- altered in color, texture, composition, or form by such exposure or by artificial means producing a similar effect
weather eye -n
- an eye quick to observe coming changes in the weather
- constant and shrewd watchfulness and alertness
weath·er·glass ['we-thər-,glas] -n
- a simple instrument for showing changes in atmospheric pressure by the changing level of liquid in a spout connected with a closed reservoir
- barometer
weathering -n
- the action of the weather conditions in altering the color, texture, composition, or form of exposed objects
- the physical disintegration and chemical decomposition of earth materials at or near the earth's surface
weath·er·ize ['we-thə-,rīz] -vt, n
- to make (as a house) better protected against winter weather (as by adding insulation)
weath·er·ly ['we-thər-lē] -adj
- able to sail close to the wind with little leeway
weath·er·man [-,man] -n
- one who reports and forecasts the weather : meteorologist
weather map -n
- a map or chart showing the principal meteorological elements at a given hour and over an extended region
weath·er·per·son ['we-thər-,pər-sᵊn] -n
- a person who reports and forecasts the weather : meteorologist
weath·er·proof ['we-thər-,prüf] -adj, vt, n
- able to withstand exposure to weather without damage or loss of function
weather ship -n
- a ship that makes observations for use by meteorologists
weather station -n
- a station for taking, recording, and reporting meteorological observations
weather strip -n, vt
- a strip of material to cover the joint of a door or window and the sill, casing, or threshold so as to exclude rain, snow, and cold air called also weather stripping
weather vane -n
- vane
weath·erwise ['we-thər-,wīz] -adj
- skillful in forecasting changes in the weather
- skillful in forecasting changes in opinion or feeling
weath·er·worn [-,wȯrn] -adj
- worn by exposure to the weather
weave ['wēv] -vb
- to form (cloth) by interlacing strands (as of yarn)
- to make (cloth) on a loom by interlacing warp and filling threads
- to interlace (as threads) into cloth
- to make (as a basket) by intertwining
- spin used of spiders and insects
- to interlace esp. to form a texture, fabric, or design
- to produce by elaborately combining elements : contrive
- to unite in a coherent whole
- to introduce as an appropriate element : work in usu. used with in or into
- to direct (as the body) in a winding or zigzag course esp. to avoid obstacles
- to work at weaving : make cloth
- to move in a devious, winding, or zigzag course esp. to avoid obstacles
- something woven
- woven cloth
- any of the patterns or methods for interlacing the threads of woven fabrics
- to move waveringly from side to side : sway
weav·er ['wē-vər] -n
- one that weaves esp. as an occupation
- any of numerous Old World passerine birds (family Ploceidae) that resemble finches and typically construct elaborate nests of interlaced vegetation
weaver ant -n
- any of various ants (esp. genus Oecophylla) that build nests from leaves bound together with silk secreted by larvae
weav·er·bird [-,bərd] -n
- weaver
weaver's knot -n
- sheet bend called also weaver's hitch
web ['web] -n, adj
- a fabric on a loom or in process of being removed from a loom
- cobweb, spiderweb
- a network of silken thread spun esp. by the larvae of various insects (as a tent caterpillar) and usu. serving as a nest or shelter
- a tissue or membrane of an animal or plant
- that uniting fingers or toes either at their bases (as in humans) or for a greater part of their length (as in many waterbirds)
- a thin metal sheet, plate, or strip
- the plate connecting the upper and lower flanges of a girder or rail
- the arm of a crank
- : something resembling a web:
- snare, entanglement
- ensnarled in a web of folly -- D. A. Stockman
- an intricate pattern or structure suggestive of something woven : network
- the series of barbs on each side of the shaft of a feather : vane
- a continuous sheet of paper manufactured or undergoing manufacture on a paper machine
- a roll of paper for use in a rotary printing press
- the part of a ribbed vault between the ribs
- world wide web
- to construct or form a web
- to cover with a web or network
- ensnare, entangle
- to provide with a web
web belt -n
- a belt made of webbing and often worn as part of a uniform
webbing -n
- a strong narrow closely woven fabric designed for bearing weight and used esp. for straps or upholstery
- trap
web·by ['we-bē] -adj
- of, relating to, or consisting of a web
web·cam ['web-,kam] -n
- a camera used in transmitting live images over the World Wide Web
web·cast [-,kast] -n, vb
- a transmission of sound and images (as of an event) via the World Wide Web
we·ber ['we-bər, 'vā-bər] -n
- the practical meter-kilogram-second unit of magnetic flux equal to that flux which in linking a circuit of one turn produces in it an electromotive force of one volt as the flux is reduced to zero at a uniform rate in one second : 10 8maxwells
We·be·ri·an [we-'bir-ē-ən, vā-, wē-] -adj
- of or relating to the socioeconomic theories of Max Weber
web·fed ['web-,fed] -adj
- of, relating to, or printed by a web press
web·foot [-'fu̇-təd] -n, adj
- a foot having webbed toes
- an animal having web feet
web·i·nar ['we-bə-,när] -n
- a live online educational presentation during which participating viewers can submit questions and comments
web·i·sode ['we-bə-,sōd] -n
- an episode esp. of a TV show that may or may not have been telecast but can be viewed at a Web site
Web·log ['web-,lȯg, -,läg] -n
- blog
web·mas·ter ['web-,mas-tər] -n
- a person responsible for the creation or maintenance of a Web site esp. for a company or organization
web member -n
- one of the several members joining the top and bottom chords of a truss or lattice girder
weboff·set ['web-'ȯf-,set] -n
- offset printing by web press
web press -n
- a press that prints a continuous roll of paper
Web site -n
- a group of World Wide Web pages usu. containing hyperlinks to each other and made available online by an individual, company, educational institution, government, or organization
web spinner -n
- an insect that spins a web
- any of an order (Embioptera syn. Embiidina) of small slender gregarious insects with biting mouthparts that live in silken tunnels which they spin
web·ster ['web-stər] -n
- weaver
web·work ['web-,wərk] -n
- web
- a vast webwork of land holdings
web·worm [-,wərm] -n
- any of various caterpillars that are more or less gregarious and spin large webs
wed ['wed] -vb, n
- to take for wife or husband by a formal ceremony : marry
- to join in marriage
- : to unite as if by marriage: as
- to place in close or intimate association
- films that made me conscious of the power of wedding image to music -- Gerald Early
- to link by commitment or custom
- to enter into matrimony
we'd ['wēd]
- we had : we would : we should
Wed·dell seal [wi-'del-, 'we-dᵊl-] -n
- a vocal Antarctic hair seal ( Leptonychotes weddelli) noted for its deep dives in search of food
wed·ding ['we-diŋ] -n
- a marriage ceremony usu. with its accompanying festivities : nuptials
- an act, process, or instance of joining in close association
- a wedding anniversary or its celebration usu. used in combination
wedding cake -n
- a usu. elaborately decorated and tiered cake made for the celebration of a wedding
- something (as a large building) resembling a wedding cake esp. in elaborate ornamentation
wedding march -n
- a march of slow tempo and stately character composed or played to accompany the bridal procession
wedding ring -n
- a ring of metal (as gold) given by the groom to the bride during the wedding service
- a similar ring given by the bride to the groom in a double-ring service
we·del ['vā-dᵊl] -vi
- to ski by means of wedeln
we·deln ['vā-dᵊln] -n
- a style of skiing in which a skier rhythmically swings the rear of the skis from side to side while following the fall line
wedge ['wej] -n
- a piece of a substance (as wood or iron) that tapers to a thin edge and is used for splitting wood and rocks, raising heavy bodies, or for tightening by being driven into something
- something (as a policy) causing a breach or separation
- something used to initiate an action or development
- : something wedge-shaped: as
- an array of troops or tanks in the form of a wedge
- the wedge-shaped stroke in cuneiform characters
- a shoe having a heel extending from the back of the shoe to the front of the shank and a tread formed by an extension of the sole
- an iron golf club with a broad low-angled face for maximum loft
- a golf shot made with a wedge called also wedge shot
- to fasten or tighten by driving in a wedge
- to force or press (something) into a narrow space : cram
- to force (one's way) into or through
- wedged his way into the crowd
- to separate or force apart with or as if with a wedge
- to become wedged
wedged ['wejd, 'we-jəd] -adj
- shaped like a wedge
wedge issue -n
- a political issue that divides a candidate's supporters or the members of a party
- a wedge issue dividing the traditional Democratic constituencies -- W. M. Adler
wedg·ie ['we-jē] -n
- a shoe having a wedge-shaped piece serving as the heel and joining the half sole to form a continuous flat undersurface
- the condition of having one's clothing wedged between the buttocks usu. from having one's pants or underpants yanked up from behind as a prank often used with get or give
Wedg·wood ['wej-,wu̇d] -trademark
- used for ceramic wares
wedgy ['we-jē] -adj
- resembling a wedge in shape
wed·lock ['wed-,läk] -n
- the state of being married : marriage, matrimony
Wednes·day ['wenz-(,)dā, -dē; Brit also 'we-dᵊnz-] -n, adv
- the fourth day of the week
wee ['wē] -adj
- very small : diminutive
- very early
weed ['wēd] -n
- a plant that is not valued where it is growing and is usu. of vigorous growth
- one that tends to overgrow or choke out more desirable plants
- a weedy growth of plants
- an aquatic plant
- seaweed
- tobacco products
- marijuana
- an obnoxious growth, thing, or person
- something like a weed in detrimental quality
- an animal unfit to breed from
- to remove weeds or something harmful
- to clear of weeds
- to free from something hurtful or offensive
- to remove the less desirable portions of
- to get rid of (something harmful or superfluous) often used with out
- garment often used in pl.
- dress worn as a sign of mourning (as by a widow) usu. used in pl.
- a band of crape worn on a man's hat as a sign of mourning usu. used in pl.
weed·er ['wē-dər] -n
- one that weeds
- any of various devices for removing weeds from an area
weedy ['wē-dē] -adj, n
- abounding with or consisting of weeds
- resembling a weed esp. in vigorous growth or ready propagation
- noticeably lean and scrawny : lanky
week ['wēk] -n
- any of a series of 7-day cycles used in various calendars
- a 7-day cycle beginning on Sunday and ending on Saturday
- a week beginning with a specified day or containing a specified holiday
- a week appointed for public recognition of some cause
- any seven consecutive days
- a series of regular working, business, or school days during each 7-day period
- a time seven days before or after a specified day
week·day ['wēk-,dā] -n
- a day of the week except Sunday or sometimes except Saturday and Sunday
week·days [-,dāz] -adv
- on weekdays repeatedly : on any weekday
week·end ['wēk-,end] -n
- the end of the week
- the period between the close of one work or school week and the start of the next
weekend -vi
- to spend the weekend
- weekend ing in the country
- active in a specified role only on weekends or part-time
weekend bag -n
- a suitcase of a size to carry clothing and personal articles for a weekend trip called also weekend case
week·end·er ['wēk-'en-dər] -n
- one who vacations or visits for a weekend
- weekend bag
week·ends ['wēk-,en(d)z] -adv
- on weekends repeatedly : on any weekend
weekend warrior -n
- a person who participates in a usu. physically strenuous activity only on weekends or part-time
week·long ['wēk-'lȯŋ] -adj
- lasting a week
week·ly ['wē-klē] -adv
- every week : once a week : by the week
weekly -adj
- occurring, appearing, or done weekly
- reckoned by the week
- a weekly newspaper or periodical
week·night ['wēk-,nīt] -n
- a weekday night
week·nights [-,nīts] -adv
- on weeknights repeatedly : on any weeknight
ween ['wēn] -vt
- believe
wee·nie ['wē-nē] -n
- frankfurter
- penis
- nerd
wee·ny ['wē-nē] -adj
- exceptionally small : tiny
weep ['wēp] -vb
- to express deep sorrow for usu. by shedding tears : bewail
- weep ing the sins and errors of his youth -- Edward Gibbon
- to pour forth (tears) from the eyes
- to exude (a fluid) slowly : ooze
- to express passion (as grief) by shedding tears
- to give off or leak fluid slowly : ooze
- to flow sluggishly or in drops
- to droop over : bend
weep·er ['wē-pər] -n
- one that weeps
- a professional mourner
- a small statue of a figure in mourning on a funeral monument
- a badge of mourning worn esp. in the 18th and 19th centuries
- long and flowing side-whiskers
- tearjerker
weep hole -n
- a hole (as in a wall or foundation) that is designed to drain off accumulated water
weep·ie ['wē-pē] -n
- tearjerker
weeping -adj
- tearful
- rainy
- having slender pendent branches
weeping fig -n
- an ornamental fig ( Ficus benjamina) of southern Asia and Australia that is widely cultivated esp. as a houseplant for its glossy ovate leaves and drooping branches
weeping willow -n
- an Asian willow ( Salix babylonica) introduced into No. America that has slender pendent branches
weepy ['wē-pē] -adj
- inclined to weep : tearful
weet ['wēt] -vb
- know
wee·vil ['wē-vəl] -n, adj
- any of a superfamily (Curculionoidea) of beetles which have the head prolonged into a more or less distinct snout and which include many that are destructive esp. as larvae to nuts, fruit, and grain or to living plants
- any of a family (Curculionidae) having a well-developed snout curved downward with the jaws at the tip and clubbed usu. elbowed antennae
weft ['weft] -n
- a filling thread or yarn in weaving
- yarn used for the weft
- web, fabric
- an article of woven fabric
weft knit [-,ni-təd] -n, adj
- a knit fabric produced in machine or hand knitting with the yarns running crosswise or in a circle
wei·ge·la [wī-'jē-lə] -n
- any of a genus ( Weigela) of showy eastern Asian shrubs of the honeysuckle family
- one ( W. florida) widely grown for its usu. pink or red funnel-shaped flowers
weigh ['wā] -vb, adj, n
- to ascertain the heaviness of by or as if by a balance
- outweigh
- counterbalance
- to make heavy : weight often used with down
- to consider carefully esp. by balancing opposing factors or aspects in order to reach a choice or conclusion : evaluate
- to heave up (an anchor) preparatory to sailing
- to measure or apportion (a definite quantity) on or as if on a scales
- to have a certain heaviness : experience a specific force due to gravity
- to register a weight (as on a scales) used with in or out
- to merit consideration as important : count
- evidence will weigh heavily against him
- to press down with or as if with a heavy weight
- to have a saddening or disheartening effect
- guilt weigh ed on my mind
- to weigh anchor
- way used in the phrase under weigh
weigh down -vt
- to cause to bend down : overburden
- oppress, depress
weighin ['wā-,in] -n
- an act or instance of weighing in as a contestant esp. in sport
weigh in -vi
- to have oneself or one's possessions (as baggage) weighed
- to have oneself weighed in connection with an athletic contest
- to bring one's weight or influence to bear esp. as a participant, contributor, or mediator
- weighed in with an opinion
weight ['wāt] -n
- the amount that a thing weighs
- the standard or established amount that a thing should weigh
- one of the classes into which contestants in a sports event are divided according to body weight
- poundage required to be carried by a horse in a handicap race
- a quantity or thing weighing a fixed and usu. specified amount
- a heavy object (as a metal ball) thrown, put, or lifted as an athletic exercise or contest
- a unit of weight or mass
- a piece of material (as metal) of known specified weight for use in weighing articles
- a system of related units of weight
- something heavy : load
- a heavy object to hold or press something down or to counterbalance
- burden, pressure
- the weight of their responsibilities
- the quality or state of being ponderous
- corpulence
- relative heaviness : mass
- the force with which a body is attracted toward the earth or a celestial body by gravitation and which is equal to the product of the mass and the local gravitational acceleration
- the relative importance or authority accorded something
- the weight of her opinions
- measurable influence esp. on others
- throwing his weight behind the proposal
- overpowering force
- the quality (as lightness) that makes a fabric or garment suitable for a particular use or season often used in combination
- a numerical coefficient assigned to an item to express its relative importance in a frequency distribution
- the degree of thickness of the strokes of a type character
- to oppress with a burden
- weight ed down with cares
- to load or make heavy with or as if with a weight
- to increase in heaviness by adding an ingredient
- weigh
- to feel the weight of : heft
- to assign a statistical weight to
- to cause to incline in a particular direction by manipulation
- the tax structure...which was weight ed so heavily in favor of the upper classes -- A. S. Link
- to shift the burden of weight upon
weight·ed ['wā-təd] -adj
- made heavy : loaded
- having a statistical weight attached
- compiled or calculated from weighted data
- inclined
weight·less ['wāt-ləs] -adj, adv, n
- having little weight : lacking apparent gravitational pull
weight lifter -n
- one who lifts barbells in competition or as an exercise
weight man -n
- an athlete who competes in any of the field events in which a weight is thrown or put
weight room -n
- a room containing equipment for weight training
weight training -n
- a system of conditioning involving lifting weights esp. for strength and endurance
weighty ['wā-tē] -adj, adv, n
- of much importance or consequence : momentous
- solemn
- weighing a considerable amount
- heavy in proportion to its bulk
- powerful, telling
Wei·ma·ra·ner [,vī-mə-'rä-nər, ,wī-; 'vī-mə-,, 'wī-] -n
- any of a breed of large light gray usu. short-haired pointers of German origin
weiner ['wē-nər, 'wē-nē also 'wi-nē] -n
(variant of wiener)
- frankfurter
weir ['wer, 'wir] -n
- a fence or enclosure set in a waterway for taking fish
- a dam in a stream or river to raise the water level or divert its flow
weird ['wird] -n
- fate, destiny
- ill fortune
- soothsayer
- of, relating to, or caused by witchcraft or the supernatural : magical
- of strange or extraordinary character : odd, fantastic
weird·ie ['wir-dē] -n
- weirdo
weirdo ['wir-(,)dō] -n
- a person who is extraordinarily strange or eccentric
- strange, weird
weird out -vt
- to make uneasy, bewildered, or disquieted by something considered very strange
Weird Sisters -n pl
- fates
weisenheimer ['wī-zᵊn-,hī-mər] -n
(variant of wisenheimer)
- smart aleck
weka ['we-kə] -n
- a flightless New Zealand rail ( Gallirallus australis)
welch ['welsh, 'welch] -vi, n
(variant of welsh)
- to avoid payment used with on
- to break one's word : renege
Welch ['welsh, 'welch] -vi, n
(variant of welsh)
- to avoid payment used with on
- to break one's word : renege
wel·come ['wel-kəm] -vt, n
- to greet hospitably and with courtesy or cordiality
- to accept with pleasure the occurrence or presence of
welcome -interj
- used to express a greeting to a guest or newcomer upon arrival
- received gladly into one's presence or companionship
- was always welcome in their home
- giving pleasure : received with gladness or delight esp. in response to a need
- willingly permitted or admitted
- he was welcome to come and go -- W. M. Thackeray
- used in the phrase You're welcome as a reply to an expression of thanks
- a greeting or reception usu. upon arrival
- the state of being welcome
welcome mat -n
- something likened to a mat placed before an entrance as a sign of welcome
- put out the welcome mat for foreign investors
weld ['weld] -vb, adj
- to become or be capable of being welded
- to unite (metallic parts) by heating and allowing the metals to flow together or by hammering or compressing with or without previous heating
- to unite (plastics) in a similar manner by heating
- to repair (as an article) by this method
- to produce or create as if by such a process
- to unite or reunite closely or intimately
- architecture that weld s the past and the present
- a welded joint
- union by welding : the state or condition of being welded
weld·er ['wel-dər] -n
- : one that welds: as
- a person whose work is welding
- a machine used in welding
weld·ment ['wel(d)-mənt] -n
- a unit formed by welding together an assembly of pieces
wel·fare ['wel-,fer] -n
- the state of doing well esp. in respect to good fortune, happiness, well-being, or prosperity
- must look out for your own welfare
- aid in the form of money or necessities for those in need
- an agency or program through which such aid is distributed
welfare -adj
- of, relating to, or concerned with welfare and esp. with improvement of the welfare of disadvantaged social groups
- receiving public welfare benefits
welfare state -n
- a social system based on the assumption by a political state of primary responsibility for the individual and social welfare of its citizens
- a nation or state characterized by the operation of the welfare state system
wel·far·ism ['wel-,fer-,i-zəm] -n, n or adj
- the complex of policies, attitudes, and beliefs associated with the welfare state
wel·kin ['wel-kən] -n
- the vault of the sky : firmament
- the sun of heaven...made the western welkin blush -- Shak.
- the celestial abode of God or the gods : heaven
- the upper atmosphere
well ['wel] -n
- an issue of water from the earth : a pool fed by a spring
- source, origin
- a pit or hole sunk into the earth to reach a supply of water
- a shaft or hole sunk to obtain oil, brine, or gas
- an enclosure in the middle of a ship's hold to protect from damage and facilitate the inspection of the pumps
- a compartment in the hold of a fishing boat in which fish are kept alive
- an open space extending vertically through floors of a structure
- a space having a construction or shape suggesting a well for water
- something resembling a well in being damp, cool, deep, or dark
- a deep vertical hole
- a source from which something may be drawn as needed
- a pronounced minimum of a variable in physics
- to rise to the surface and usu. flow forth
- tears well ed from her eyes
- to rise like a flood of liquid
- longing well ed up in his breast
- to emit in a copious free flow
- in a good or proper manner : justly, rightly
- satisfactorily with respect to conduct or action
- works well under pressure
- in a kindly or friendly manner
- with skill or aptitude : expertly, excellently
- satisfactorily
- with good appearance or effect : elegantly
- with careful or close attention : attentively
- to a high degree often used as an intensifier or qualifier
- there are...vacancies pretty well all the time -- Listener
- fully, quite
- in a way appropriate to the facts or circumstances : fittingly, rightly
- in a prudent manner : sensibly used with do
- you would do well to reread the material
- in accordance with the occasion or circumstances : with propriety or good reason
- the decision may well be questioned
- as one could wish : pleasingly
- the idea didn't sit well with her
- with material success : advantageously
- easily, readily
- could well afford a new car
- in all likelihood : indeed
- in a prosperous or affluent manner
- to an extent approaching completeness : thoroughly
- after being well dried with a towel
- without doubt or question : clearly
- in a familiar manner
- to a large extent or degree : considerably, far
- used to indicate resumption of discourse or to introduce a remark
- they are, well, not quite what you'd expect
- used to express surprise or expostulation
- prosperous, well-off
- being in satisfactory condition or circumstances
- being in good standing or favor
- satisfactory, pleasing
- all's well that ends well
- advisable, desirable
- it might be well for you to leave
- free or recovered from infirmity or disease : healthy
- completely cured or healed
- pleasing or satisfactory in appearance
- our garden looks well -- Conrad Aiken
- being a cause for thankfulness : fortunate
- it is well that this has happened
we'll ['wēl, 'wil]
- we will : we shall
wellad·just·ed [,wel-ə-'jəs-təd] -adj
- well-balanced
wellad·vised ['wel-əd-'vīzd] -adj
- acting with wisdom, wise counsel, or proper deliberation : prudent
- resulting from, based on, or showing careful deliberation or wise counsel
wellap·point·ed ['wel-ə-'pȯin-təd] -adj
- having good and complete equipment : properly fitted out
wel·la·way [,we-lə-'wā, 'we-lə-,] -interj
- used to express sorrow or lamentation
wellba·lanced ['wel-'ba-lən(t)st] -adj
- nicely or evenly balanced, arranged, or regulated
- a wellbalanced attack in football
- emotionally or psychologically untroubled
wellbe·ing ['wel-'bē-iŋ] -n
- the state of being happy, healthy, or prosperous : welfare
wellbe·loved [,wel-bi-'ləvd] -adj
- sincerely and deeply loved
- sincerely respected used in various ceremonial forms of address
well·born ['wel-'bȯrn] -adj
- born of noble or wealthy lineage
wellbred [-'bred] -adj
- having or displaying good breeding : refined
- having a good pedigree
wellcon·di·tioned [,wel-kən-'di-shənd] -adj
- characterized by proper disposition, morals, or behavior
- having a good physical condition : sound
well deck -n
- a space on the weather deck of a ship lying at a lower level between a raised forecastle or poop and the bridge superstructure
wellde·fined [,wel-di-'fīnd] -adj
- having clearly distinguishable limits, boundaries, or features
- clearly stated or described
welldis·posed [-dis-'pōzd] -adj
- having a good disposition
- disposed to be friendly, favorable, or sympathetic
welldone ['wel-'dən] -adj
- rightly or properly performed
- cooked thoroughly
wellen·dowed ['wel-in-'dau̇d, -en-] -adj
- well-supported financially : well-fixed
- having large breasts
- having a large penis
Wel·ler·ism ['we-lə-,ri-zəm] -n
- an expression of comparison comprising a usu. well-known quotation followed by a facetious sequel (as every one to his own taste, said the old woman as she kissed the cow)
wellfa·vored ['wel-'fā-vərd] -adj, n
- good-looking, handsome
- a spacious, fair, wellfavored face -- Henry James
wellfixed [-'fikst] -adj
- having plenty of money or property
wellfound [-'fau̇nd] -adj
- fully furnished : properly equipped
wellfound·ed [-'fau̇n-dəd] -adj
- based on excellent reasoning, information, judgment, or grounds
wellgroomed [-'grümd, -'gru̇md] -adj
- well-dressed and scrupulously neat
- made neat, tidy, and attractive down to the smallest details
wellground·ed [-'grau̇n-dəd] -adj
- having a firm foundation
- wellgrounded in Latin and Greek
- well-founded
wellhan·dled [-'han-dᵊld] -adj
- managed or administered efficiently
- having been handled a great deal
- wellhandled goods for sale
well·head ['wel-,hed] -n
- the source of a spring or a stream
- principal source : fountainhead
- the top of or a structure built over a well
wellhead price -n
- the price less transportation costs charged by the producer for petroleum or natural gas
wellheeled [-'hēld] -adj
- having plenty of money : well-fixed
wel·lie ['we-lē] -n
- wellington usu. used in pl.
wellin·formed [-in-'fȯrmd] -adj
- having extensive knowledge esp. of current topics and events
- thoroughly knowledgeable in a particular subject
Wel·ling·ton ['we-liŋ-tən] -n
- a boot having a loose top with the front usu. coming to or above the knee usu. used in pl.
wellin·ten·tioned [,wel-in-'ten(t)-shənd] -adj
- well-meaning
wellknit ['wel-'nit] -adj
- firmly knit
- firmly and strongly constructed, compacted, or framed
wellknown [-'nōn] -adj
- fully or widely known
wellmean·ing [-'mē-niŋ] -adj
- having good intentions
- wellmeaning but misguided idealists
- based on good intentions
wellmeant [-'ment] -adj
- well-meaning
well·ness ['wel-nəs] -n
- the quality or state of being in good health esp. as an actively sought goal
- lifestyles that promote wellness
wellnigh [-'nī] -adv
- almost, nearly
welloff [-'ȯf] -adj
- being in good condition or favorable circumstances
- doesn't know when he's welloff
- well provided : having no lack usu. used with for
- being in easy or affluent circumstances : well-to-do
- suggesting prosperity
- the house had a sleek welloff look
welloiled [-'ȯi(-ə)ld] -adj
- smoothly functioning
- a welloiled political machine
wellor·dered [-'ȯr-dərd] -adj, n
- having an orderly procedure or arrangement
- partially ordered with every subset containing a first element and exactly one of the relationships greater than, less than, or equal to holding for any given pair of elements
wellplaced [-'plāst] -adj
- appropriately or advantageously directed or positioned
wellread [-'red] -adj
- well-informed or deeply versed through reading
wellround·ed [-'rau̇n-dəd] -adj
- : fully or broadly developed: as
- having a broad educational background
- schools that turn out wellrounded graduates
- comprehensive
- a wellrounded program of activities
wellset [-'set] -adj
- well or firmly established
- wellset in his own values -- William Johnson
- strongly built
wellspo·ken ['wel-'spō-kən] -adj
- speaking well, fitly, or courteously
- spoken with propriety
well·spring [-,spriŋ] -n
- a source of continual supply
- a wellspring of information
welltak·en [-'tā-kən] -adj
- well-grounded, justifiable
wellthoughtof [wel-'thȯt-,əv, -,äv] -adj
- being of good repute
welltimed ['wel-'tīmd] -adj
- happening at an opportune moment : timely
welltodo [,wel-tə-'dü] -adj
- having more than adequate financial resources : prosperous
wellturned ['wel-'tərnd] -adj
- symmetrically shaped or rounded : shapely
- concisely and appropriately expressed
- expertly rounded or turned
wellwish·er ['wel-,wi-shər, -'wi-] -n, adj or n
- one who wishes well to another : an admiring supporter or fan
wellworn [-'wȯrn] -adj
- made trite by overuse : hackneyed
- having been much used or worn
- worn well or properly
welsh ['welsh, 'welch] -vi, n
- to avoid payment used with on
- to break one's word : renege
Welsh ['welsh, 'welch] -n, adj
- the Celtic language of the Welsh people
- the natives or inhabitants of Wales
- welsh pony
Welsh black -n
- any of a breed of hardy medium-sized thick-haired horned black cattle of Welsh origin raised for meat and milk
Welsh cob -n
- any of a breed of medium-sized cobby horses developed by interbreeding Welsh mountain ponies with larger horses
Welsh corgi -n
- : a short-legged long-backed dog with foxy head of either of two breeds of Welsh origin:
- cardigan welsh corgi
- pembroke welsh corgi
Welsh·man [-mən] -n
- a native or inhabitant of Wales
Welsh mountain pony -n
- any of a breed of small sturdy ponies native to the mountains of Wales that do not exceed 12.2 hands (124 centimeters) in height
Welsh pony -n
- a pony of any of several breeds of Welsh origin
- any of a breed of riding and light draft ponies measuring 12.2 to 13.2 hands (124 to 134 centimeters) in height
Welsh rabbit -n
- melted often seasoned cheese poured over toast or crackers
Welsh rare·bit [-'rer-bət] -n
- welsh rabbit
Welsh springer spaniel -n
- any of a breed of red and white relatively small-eared springer spaniels of Welsh origin
Welsh terrier -n
- any of a breed of wiry-coated terriers resembling Airedales but smaller and developed in Wales for hunting
Welsh·wom·an ['welsh-,wu̇-mən, 'welch-] -n
- a woman who is a native or inhabitant of Wales
welt ['welt] -n
- a strip between a shoe sole and upper through which they are stitched or stapled together
- a doubled edge, strip, insert, or seam (as on a garment) for ornament or reinforcement
- a ridge or lump raised on the body (as by a blow or allergic reaction)
- a heavy blow
- to furnish with a welt
- to raise a welt on the body of
- to hit hard
welt·an·schau·ung ['velt-,än-,shau̇-əŋ] -n
- a comprehensive conception or apprehension of the world esp. from a specific standpoint
wel·ter ['wel-tər] -vi
- writhe, toss
- wallow
- to rise and fall or toss about in or with waves
- to become deeply sunk, soaked, or involved
- to be in turmoil
welter -n
- a state of wild disorder : turmoil
- a chaotic mass or jumble
- a bewildering welter of data
- welterweight
wel·ter·weight ['wel-tər-,wāt] -n
- a boxer in a weight division having a maximum limit of 147 pounds
welt·schmerz ['velt-,shmerts] -n
- mental depression or apathy caused by comparison of the actual state of the world with an ideal state
- a mood of sentimental sadness
wen ['wen] -n
- an abnormal growth or a cyst protruding from a surface esp. of the skin
wen ['win] -n
(variant of wynn)
- a runic letter used in Old English and Middle English to represent the consonant w
wench ['wench] -n
- a young woman : girl
- a female servant
- a lewd woman : prostitute
- to consort with lewd women
- to practice fornication
wend ['wend] -vb
- to direct one's course : travel
- to proceed on (one's way) : direct
Wend ['wend] -n
- a member of a Slavic people of eastern Germany
Wend·ish ['wen-dish] -adj
- of or relating to the Wends or their language
Wendish -n
- the West Slavic language of the Wends
Wens·ley·dale ['wenz-lē-,dāl] -n
- a mild white friable cheese of English origin
went ['gō] -vb, n
(variant of go)
- to move on a course : proceed
- to move out of or away from a place expressed or implied : leave, depart
- went from school to the party
- to take a certain course or follow a certain procedure
- reports go through channels to the president
- to pass by means of a process like journeying
- to proceed without delay and often in a thoughtless or reckless manner used esp. to intensify a complementary verb
- why did you go and spoil it
- to extend from point to point or in a certain direction
- the road go es to the lake
- to give access : lead
- that door go es to the cellar
- walk
- to be habitually in a certain state or condition
- to become lost, consumed, or spent
- die
- to slip away : elapse
- to come to be given up or discarded
- to pass by sale
- to become impaired or weakened
- his hearing started to go
- to give way esp. under great force or pressure : break
- to move along in a specified manner : fare
- everything was go ing well
- to be in general or on an average
- to be or become esp. as the result of a contest
- the election went in her favor
- to turn out well : succeed
- worked hard to make the party go
- to apply oneself
- went to work on the problem
- to put or subject oneself
- went to unnecessary expense
- intend
- to have recourse to another for corroboration, vindication, or decision : resort
- go to court to recover damages
- to begin an action or motion
- to maintain or perform a certain action or motion
- to function in the proper or expected manner : run
- to be known
- to act in accordance or harmony
- to come to be determined
- to come to be applied or appropriated
- all proceeds go to charity
- to pass by award, assignment, or lot
- the prize went to a sophomore
- to contribute to an end or result
- qualities that go to make a hero
- to be of advantage
- to be about, intending, or expecting something used in a progressive tense before an infinitive
- extend
- his knowledge fails to go very deep
- to come or arrive at a certain state or condition
- to come to be : become often used to express conversion to specified values or a specified state
- to undergo a change
- leaves go from green to red
- to be in phrasing or expression : read
- to be capable of being sung or played
- to be compatible, suitable, or becoming : harmonize
- the tie go es with his suit
- to be capable of passing, extending, or being contained or inserted
- will these clothes go in your suitcase
- to have a usual or proper place or position : belong
- these books go on the top shelf
- to have a tendency : conduce
- to carry authority
- to be acceptable, satisfactory, or adequate
- to hold true : be valid
- the rule go es for you, too
- to empty the bladder or bowels
- to proceed along or according to : follow
- went the conventional route
- to travel through or along : traverse
- went the length of the street
- to make a wager of : bet
- go a dollar on the outcome
- to make an offer of : bid
- willing to go 50 for the clock
- to assume the function or obligation of
- promised to go bail for his friend
- to participate to the extent of
- decided to go halves on the winnings
- yield, weigh
- this fish go es ten pounds
- to put up with : tolerate
- afford
- enjoy
- to cause (a characteristic sound) to occur
- say used chiefly in oral narration of speech
- to engage in
- don't go telling everyone
- to have a record of
- the act or manner of going
- the height of fashion : rage
- elegant shawls labeled...quite the go -- R. S. Surtees
- an often unexpected turn of affairs : occurrence
- the quantity used or furnished at one time
- you can obtain a go of brandy for sixpence -- C. B. Fairbanks
- energy, vigor
- a turn in an activity (as a game)
- attempt, try
- a spell of activity
- finished the job at one go
- success
- made a go of the business
- permission to proceed : go-ahead
- gave the astronauts a go for another orbit
- functioning properly : being in good and ready condition
- a game played between two players who alternately place black and white stones on a board checkered by 19 vertical lines and 19 horizontal lines in an attempt to enclose the larger area on the board
wen·tle·trap ['wen-tᵊl-,trap] -n
- any of a family (Epitoniidae) of marine snails with usu. white shells
- one of the shells
wept ['wēp] -vb
(variant of weep)
- to express deep sorrow for usu. by shedding tears : bewail
- weep ing the sins and errors of his youth -- Edward Gibbon
- to pour forth (tears) from the eyes
- to exude (a fluid) slowly : ooze
- to express passion (as grief) by shedding tears
- to give off or leak fluid slowly : ooze
- to flow sluggishly or in drops
- to droop over : bend
were ['bē] -vb
(variant of be)
- to equal in meaning : have the same connotation as : symbolize
- January is the first month
- to have identity with
- the first person I met was my brother
- to constitute the same class as
- to have a specified qualification or characterization
- to belong to the class of used regularly in senses 1a through 1e as the copula of simple predication
- to have an objective existence : have reality or actuality : live
- to have, maintain, or occupy a place, situation, or position
- to remain unmolested, undisturbed, or uninterrupted used only in infinitive form
- to take place : occur
- the concert was last night
- to come or go
- has already been and gone
- has never been to the circus
- belong, befall
- used with the past participle of transitive verbs as a passive-voice auxiliary
- used as the auxiliary of the present participle in progressive tenses expressing continuous action
- used with the past participle of some intransitive verbs as an auxiliary forming archaic perfect tenses
- Christ is risen from the dead -- 1 Cor 15:20(DV)
- used with the infinitive with to to express futurity, arrangement in advance, or obligation
- I am to interview him today
we're ['wir, 'wər, 'wē-ər]
- we are
weren't [(')wərnt, 'wər-ənt]
- were not
were·wolf ['wir-,wu̇lf, 'wer-, 'wər-] -n
- a person transformed into a wolf or capable of assuming a wolf's form
wer·gild ['wər-,gild] -n
- the value set in Anglo-Saxon and Germanic law upon human life in accordance with rank and paid as compensation to the kindred or lord of a slain person
Wer·nick·e's area ['ver-nə-kəz-, -kēz-] -n
- an area of the brain that is located in the posterior left temporal lobe and is associated with comprehension of language
wert ['bē] -vb
(variant of be)
- to equal in meaning : have the same connotation as : symbolize
- January is the first month
- to have identity with
- the first person I met was my brother
- to constitute the same class as
- to have a specified qualification or characterization
- to belong to the class of used regularly in senses 1a through 1e as the copula of simple predication
- to have an objective existence : have reality or actuality : live
- to have, maintain, or occupy a place, situation, or position
- to remain unmolested, undisturbed, or uninterrupted used only in infinitive form
- to take place : occur
- the concert was last night
- to come or go
- has already been and gone
- has never been to the circus
- belong, befall
- used with the past participle of transitive verbs as a passive-voice auxiliary
- used as the auxiliary of the present participle in progressive tenses expressing continuous action
- used with the past participle of some intransitive verbs as an auxiliary forming archaic perfect tenses
- Christ is risen from the dead -- 1 Cor 15:20(DV)
- used with the infinitive with to to express futurity, arrangement in advance, or obligation
- I am to interview him today
wes·kit ['wes-kət] -n
- vest
Wes·ley·an·ism ['wes-lē-ə-,ni-zəm also 'wez-] -n, adj or n
- methodism
- the system of Arminian Methodism taught by John Wesley
west ['west] -adv
- to, toward, or in the west
- situated toward or at the west
- coming from the west
- the general direction of sunset : the direction to the left of one facing north
- the compass point directly opposite to east
- regions or countries lying to the west of a specified or implied point of orientation
- the noncommunist countries of Europe and America
- the end of a church opposite the chancel
- the one of four positions at 90-degree intervals that lies to the west or at the left of a diagram
- a person (as a bridge player) occupying this position during a specified activity
west·bound ['wes(t)-,bau̇nd] -adj
- traveling or heading west
west by north
- a compass point that is one point north of due west : N7845W
west by south
- a compass point that is one point south of due west : S7845W
west·er ['wes-tər] -vi
- to turn or move westward
- the half moon wester s low -- A. E. Housman
west·er·ly ['wes-tər-lē] -adj or adv
- situated toward or belonging to the west
- the westerly end of the farm
- coming from the west
westerly -n
- a wind from the west
west·ern ['wes-tərn] -adj
- coming from the west
- lying toward the west
- : of, relating to, or characteristic of a region conventionally designated West: as
- steeped in or stemming from the Greco-Roman traditions
- of or relating to the noncommunist countries of Europe and America
- of or relating to the American West
- of or relating to the Roman Catholic or Protestant segment of Christianity
western -n
- one that is produced in or characteristic of a western region and esp. the western U.S.
- a novel, story, motion picture, or broadcast dealing with life in the western U.S. esp. during the latter half of the 19th century
Western blot -n
- a blot consisting of a sheet of nitrocellulose or nylon that contains spots of protein for identification by a suitable molecular probe and is used esp. for the detection of antibodies
West·ern·er ['wes-tə(r)-nər] -n
- a native or inhabitant of the West
- a native or resident of the western part of the U.S.
- one advocating the adoption of western European culture esp. in 19th century Russia
western hemisphere -n
- the half of the earth comprising No. and So. America and surrounding waters
west·ern·i·sa·tion [,wes-tər-nə-'zā-shən] -n
(variant of westernization)
- conversion to or adoption of western traditions or techniques
west·ern·i·za·tion [,wes-tər-nə-'zā-shən] -n
- conversion to or adoption of western traditions or techniques
west·ern·ize ['wes-tər-,nīz] -vb, n
- to imbue with qualities native to or associated with a western region and esp. the noncommunist countries of Europe and America
- to become westernized
western omelet -n
- an omelet made usu. with diced ham, green pepper, and onion called also Denver omelet
western red cedar -n
- a large arborvitae ( Thuja plicata) chiefly of the Pacific Northwest with reddish-brown bark and wood called also red cedar
- the wood of the western red cedar
western saddle -n
- a deep-seated saddle used orig. by cattlemen that has broad skirts and fenders and a high pommel with a horn for holding the lariat called also stock saddle
western sandwich -n
- a sandwich filled with a western omelet called also Denver sandwich
western swing -n
- swing music played typically on country-music instruments (as guitar, fiddle, or steel guitar)
West Germanic -n
- a subdivision of the Germanic languages including English, Frisian, Dutch, and German
West Highland white terrier -n
- any of a breed of small white long-coated terriers developed in Scotland
West·ie ['wes-tē] -n
- west highland white terrier
west·ing ['wes-tiŋ] -n
- westerly progress : a going westward
West Nile -n
- west nile virus
West Nile encephalitis -n
- a severe form of West Nile virus marked by encephalitis
West Nile fever -n
- west nile virus
West Nile virus -n
- a flavivirus (species West Nile virusof the genus Flavivirus) that causes an illness marked by fever, headache, muscle ache, skin rash, and sometimes encephalitis or meningitis and that is spread esp. from birds to humans by mosquitoes
- the illness caused by West Nile virus
westnorthwest -n
- a compass point that is two points north of due west : N6730W
West·pha·lian ham [wes(t)-'fāl-yən-, -'fā-lē-ən-] -n
- a ham of distinctive flavor produced by smoking with juniper brush
West Saxon -n
- a member or a descendant of the Saxons who occupied England largely south of the Thames, west of the Downs, and east of Dartmoor
- a dialect of Old English used as the chief literary dialect in England before the Norman Conquest
westsouthwest -n
- a compass point that is two points south of due west : S6730W
west·ward ['wes-twərd] -adv or adj, adv
- toward the west
westward -n
- westward direction or part
wet ['wet] -adj, adv, n
- consisting of, containing, covered with, or soaked with liquid (as water)
- containing appreciable quantities of readily condensable hydrocarbons
- rainy
- still moist enough to smudge or smear
- drunk
- having or advocating a policy permitting the manufacture and sale of alcoholic beverages
- preserved in liquid
- employing or done by means of or in the presence of water or other liquid
- overly sentimental
- lacking strength of character : weak, spineless
- belonging to the moderate or liberal wing of the Conservative party
- water
- moisture, wetness
- rainy weather : rain
- an advocate of a policy of permitting the sale of intoxicating liquors
- one who is wet
- to make wet
- to urinate in or on
- to become wet
- urinate
wet·back ['wet-,bak] -n
- a Mexican who enters the U.S. illegally
wet bar -n
- a bar for mixing drinks (as in a home) that contains a sink with running water
wet blanket -n
- one that quenches or dampens enthusiasm or pleasure
wet down -vt
- to dampen by sprinkling with water
wet dream -n
- an erotic dream culminating in orgasm and in the male accompanied by ejaculation of semen
- an exceedingly pleasurable or exciting experience, situation, or fantasy
weth·er ['we-thər] -n
- a male sheep castrated before sexual maturity
- a castrated male goat
wet·land ['wet-,land, -lənd] -n
- land or areas (as marshes or swamps) that are covered often intermittently with shallow water or have soil saturated with moisture usu. used in pl.
wetnurse -vt
- to act as wet nurse to
- to give constant and often excessive care to
wet nurse -n
- a woman who cares for and suckles children not her own
wet suit -n
- a close-fitting suit made of material (as sponge rubber) that is worn (as by a skin diver) esp. in cold water to retain body heat and that traps a thin layer of water against the body
wet·ta·bil·i·ty [,we-tə-'bi-lə-tē] -n
- the quality or state of being wettable : the degree to which something can be wet
wet·ta·ble ['we-tə-bəl] -adj
- capable of being wetted
wetting agent -n
- a substance that by becoming adsorbed prevents a surface from being repellent to a wetting liquid and is used esp. in mixing solids with liquids or spreading liquids on surfaces
wet·tish ['we-tish] -adj
- somewhat wet : moist
wet·ware ['wet-,wer] -n
- the human brain or a human being considered esp. with respect to human logical and computational capabilities
wet wash -n
- laundry returned damp and not ironed
we've ['wēv]
- we have