we ['wē] -pron, pl in constr

  1. 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
  2. i used by sovereigns used by writers to keep an impersonal character

We -abbr

  1. Wednesday

weak ['wēk] -adj, adv

  1. : lacking strength: as
  2. deficient in physical vigor : feeble, debilitated
  3. not able to sustain or exert much weight, pressure, or strain
  4. not able to resist external force or withstand attack
  5. easily upset or nauseated
    • a weak stomach
  6. mentally or intellectually deficient
  7. not firmly decided : vacillating
  8. resulting from or indicating lack of judgment or discernment
  9. not able to withstand temptation or persuasion
    • the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak
  10. not factually grounded or logically presented
    • a weak argument
  11. not able to function properly
    • weak eyes
  12. lacking skill or proficiency
    • tutoring for weak er students
  13. indicative of a lack of skill or aptitude
    • history was my weak est subject
  14. wanting in vigor of expression or effect
    • a weak translation of the poem
  15. deficient in the usual or required ingredients : dilute
    • weak coffee
  16. lacking normal intensity or potency
    • a weak radio signal
    • a weak strain of virus
  17. not having or exerting authority or political power
    • weak government
  18. ineffective, impotent
  19. 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
  20. bearing the minimal degree of stress occurring in the language
    • a weak syllable
  21. having little or no stress and obscured vowel sound
    • 'd in he'd is the weak form of would
  22. tending toward a lower price or value
    • a weak market
    • a weak dollar
  23. ionizing only slightly in solution
    • weak acids and bases

weak anthropic principle -n

  1. anthropic principle

weak·en ['wē-kən] -vb, n

  1. to make weak : lessen the strength of
  2. to reduce in intensity or effectiveness
  3. to become weak

weak·fish ['wēk-,fish] -n

  1. 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
  2. any of several fishes congeneric with the weakfish

weak force -n

  1. 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

  1. lacking courage : fainthearted

weak·ish ['wē-kish] -adj

  1. somewhat weak
    • weakish tea

weakkneed ['wēk-'nēd] -adj

  1. lacking willpower or resolution

weak·ling ['wē-kliŋ] -n, adj

  1. one that is weak in body, character, or mind

weak·ly ['wē-klē] -adj, n

  1. feeble, weak

weakmind·ed ['wēk-'mīn-dəd] -adj, n

  1. : having or indicating a weak mind:
  2. lacking in judgment or good sense : foolish
  3. feebleminded

weak·ness [-nəs] -n

  1. the quality or state of being weak
  2. an instance or period of being weak
    • backed down in a moment of weakness
  3. fault, defect
  4. a special desire or fondness
    • has a weakness for sweets
  5. an object of special desire or fondness
    • pizza is my weakness

weak side ['wēk-,sīd] -n, adj

  1. the side of a football formation having the smaller number of players
  2. the side of a formation away from the tight end
  3. the side of a court or field (as in basketball or soccer) away from the ball

weak sister -n

  1. a member of a group who needs aid
  2. something weak and ineffective as compared with others in a group

weal ['wēl] -n

  1. a sound, healthy, or prosperous state : well-being
  2. body politic, commonweal
  3. welt

weald ['wēld] -n

  1. a heavily wooded area : forest
    • the Weald of Kent
  2. a wild or uncultivated usu. upland region

wealth ['welth also 'weltth] -n

  1. weal, welfare
  2. abundance of valuable material possessions or resources
  3. abundant supply : profusion
  4. all property that has a money value or an exchangeable value
  5. all material objects that have economic utility
  6. the stock of useful goods having economic value in existence at any one time
    • national wealth

wealthy ['wel-thē also 'welt-thē] -adj, adv, n

  1. having wealth : very affluent
  2. characterized by abundance : ample

wean ['wēn] -vt

  1. to accustom (as a young child or animal) to take food otherwise than by nursing
  2. to detach from a source of dependence
    • being wean ed off the medication
    • wean the bears from human food -- Sports Illus.
  3. 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
  4. 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

  1. one that weans
  2. a young animal recently weaned from its mother

wean·ling ['wēn-liŋ] -n, adj

  1. a child or animal newly weaned

weap·on ['we-pən] -n

  1. something (as a club, knife, or gun) used to injure, defeat, or destroy
  2. a means of contending against another

weapon -vt

  1. arm

weap·on·ize ['we-pə-,nīz] -vt, n

  1. to adapt for use as a weapon of war

weap·on·less [-ləs] -adj

  1. lacking weapons : unarmed

weap·on·ry [-rē] -n

  1. weapons
  2. the science of designing and making weapons

wear ['wer] -vb, n

  1. to bear or have on the person
    • wore a coat
  2. to use habitually for clothing, adornment, or assistance
    • wear s a size 10
    • wear glasses
  3. to carry on the person
    • wear a sword
  4. to hold the rank or dignity or position signified by (an ornament)
    • wear the royal crown
  5. exhibit, present
    • wore a happy smile
    • commend the book for wear ing its research so lightly -- Brad Leithauser
  6. to show or fly (a flag or colors) on a ship
  7. to cause to deteriorate by use
  8. to impair or diminish by use or attrition : consume or waste gradually
    • letters on the stone worn away by weathering
  9. to produce gradually by friction or attrition
    • wear a hole in the rug
  10. to exhaust or lessen the strength of : weary, fatigue
  11. to cause (a ship) to go about with the stern presented to the wind
  12. to accept or tolerate without complaint : put up with usu. used in negative constructions
    • your mates wouldn't wear it -- Colin MacInnes
  13. take on
  14. to endure use : last under use or the passage of time
    • material that will wear for years
  15. to retain quality or vitality
    • the classics wear well
  16. to diminish or decay through use
    • the heels of his shoes began to wear
  17. to diminish or fail with the passage of time
    • the effect of the drug wore off
    • the day wore on
  18. to grow or become by attrition or use
    • the blade wore dull
  19. to change to an opposite tack by turning the stern to the wind
  20. the act of wearing : the state of being worn : use
    • clothes for everyday wear
  21. clothing or an article of clothing usu. of a particular kind
  22. clothing worn for a special occasion or popular during a specific period
  23. fashion, vogue
  24. wearing quality : durability under use
  25. the result of wearing or use : diminution or impairment due to use
    • wear -resistant surface

wear·able ['wer-ə-bəl] -adj, n

  1. capable of being worn : suitable to be worn

wearable -n

  1. garment usu. used in pl.

wear and tear -n

  1. the loss, injury, or stress to which something is subjected by or in the course of use
  2. normal depreciation

wear down -vt

  1. to weary and overcome by persistent resistance or pressure

wea·ri·ful ['wir-ē-fəl] -adj, adv, n

  1. causing weariness
  2. tedious
  3. full of weariness : wearied

wea·ri·less ['wir-ē-ləs] -adj, adv

  1. tireless

wear·ing ['wer-iŋ] -adj

  1. intended for wear
    • wearing apparel

wearing [-iŋ-lē] -adj, adv

  1. subjecting to or inflicting wear
  2. causing fatigue
    • a wearing journey

wea·ri·some ['wir-ē-səm] -adj, adv, n

  1. causing weariness : tiresome

wear out -vt

  1. tire, exhaust
  2. to make useless esp. by long or hard usage
  3. erase, efface
  4. to endure through : outlast
    • wear out a storm
  5. to consume (as time) tediously
    • wear out idle days
  6. to become useless from long or excessive wear or use

wea·ry ['wir-ē] -adj, adv, n

  1. exhausted in strength, endurance, vigor, or freshness
  2. expressing or characteristic of weariness
    • a weary sign
  3. having one's patience, tolerance, or pleasure exhausted used with of
  4. wearisome

weary -vb

  1. to become weary
  2. to make weary

wea·sand ['wē-zᵊnd, 'wi-zᵊn(d)] -n

  1. throat, gullet
  2. trachea

wea·sel ['wē-zəl] -n

  1. 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
  2. a light self-propelled tracked vehicle built either for traveling over snow, ice, or sand or as an amphibious vehicle
  3. a sneaky, untrustworthy, or insincere person

weasel ['wēz-liŋ, 'wē-zə-] -vb

  1. to use weasel words : equivocate
  2. to escape from or evade a situation or obligation often used with out
  3. to manipulate shiftily

wea·sel·ly ['wēz-lē, 'wē-zə-] -adj

  1. resembling or suggestive of a weasel

weasel word -n

  1. a word used in order to evade or retreat from a direct or forthright statement or position

weath·er ['we-thər] -n

  1. the state of the atmosphere with respect to heat or cold, wetness or dryness, calm or storm, clearness or cloudiness
  2. state or vicissitude of life or fortune
  3. : disagreeable atmospheric conditions: as
  4. rain, storm
  5. cold air with dampness
  6. weathering

weather ['weth-riŋ, 'we-thə-] -vb

  1. to expose to the open air : subject to the action of the elements
  2. to bear up against and come safely through
    • weather a storm
    • weather a crisis
  3. to undergo or endure the action of the elements
  4. of or relating to the side facing the wind

weath·er·abil·i·ty [,weth-rə-'bi-lə-tē, ,we-thə-] -n

  1. capability of withstanding the weathering process
    • weatherability of a plastic

weath·erbeat·en ['we-thər-,bē-tᵊn] -adj

  1. toughened, tanned, or bronzed by the weather
    • a weatherbeaten face
  2. worn or damaged by exposure to weather

weath·er·board [-,bȯrd] -n, adj

  1. clapboard, siding
  2. the weather side of a ship

weath·er·board·ing [-,bȯr-diŋ] -n

  1. clapboards, siding

weath·erbound [-,bau̇nd] -adj

  1. kept in port or at anchor or from travel or sport by bad weather

weather bureau -n

  1. 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

  1. a weather forecast esp. on radio or television

weath·er·cast·er [-,kas-tər] -n

  1. a weather forecaster esp. on radio or television

weath·er·cock [-,käk] -n

  1. a vane often in the figure of a cock mounted so as to turn freely with the wind and show its direction
  2. a person or thing that changes readily or often

weather deck -n

  1. a deck having no overhead protection from the weather

weath·ered ['we-thərd] -adj

  1. seasoned by exposure to the weather
  2. altered in color, texture, composition, or form by such exposure or by artificial means producing a similar effect
    • weathered oak

weather eye -n

  1. an eye quick to observe coming changes in the weather
  2. constant and shrewd watchfulness and alertness

weath·er·glass ['we-thər-,glas] -n

  1. a simple instrument for showing changes in atmospheric pressure by the changing level of liquid in a spout connected with a closed reservoir
  2. barometer

weathering -n

  1. the action of the weather conditions in altering the color, texture, composition, or form of exposed objects
  2. the physical disintegration and chemical decomposition of earth materials at or near the earth's surface

weath·er·ize ['we-thə-,rīz] -vt, n

  1. to make (as a house) better protected against winter weather (as by adding insulation)

weath·er·ly ['we-thər-lē] -adj

  1. able to sail close to the wind with little leeway

weath·er·man [-,man] -n

  1. one who reports and forecasts the weather : meteorologist

weather map -n

  1. 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

  1. a person who reports and forecasts the weather : meteorologist

weath·er·proof ['we-thər-,prüf] -adj, vt, n

  1. able to withstand exposure to weather without damage or loss of function

weather ship -n

  1. a ship that makes observations for use by meteorologists

weather station -n

  1. a station for taking, recording, and reporting meteorological observations

weather strip -n, vt

  1. 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

  1. vane

weath·erwise ['we-thər-,wīz] -adj

  1. skillful in forecasting changes in the weather
  2. skillful in forecasting changes in opinion or feeling
    • a weatherwise politician

weath·er·worn [-,wȯrn] -adj

  1. worn by exposure to the weather

weave ['wēv] -vb

  1. to form (cloth) by interlacing strands (as of yarn)
  2. to make (cloth) on a loom by interlacing warp and filling threads
  3. to interlace (as threads) into cloth
  4. to make (as a basket) by intertwining
  5. spin used of spiders and insects
  6. to interlace esp. to form a texture, fabric, or design
  7. to produce by elaborately combining elements : contrive
  8. to unite in a coherent whole
  9. to introduce as an appropriate element : work in usu. used with in or into
  10. to direct (as the body) in a winding or zigzag course esp. to avoid obstacles
  11. to work at weaving : make cloth
  12. to move in a devious, winding, or zigzag course esp. to avoid obstacles
  13. something woven
  14. woven cloth
  15. any of the patterns or methods for interlacing the threads of woven fabrics
  16. to move waveringly from side to side : sway

weav·er ['wē-vər] -n

  1. one that weaves esp. as an occupation
  2. any of numerous Old World passerine birds (family Ploceidae) that resemble finches and typically construct elaborate nests of interlaced vegetation

weaver ant -n

  1. any of various ants (esp. genus Oecophylla) that build nests from leaves bound together with silk secreted by larvae

weav·er·bird [-,bərd] -n

  1. weaver

weaver's knot -n

  1. sheet bend called also weaver's hitch

web ['web] -n, adj

  1. a fabric on a loom or in process of being removed from a loom
  2. cobweb, spiderweb
  3. 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
  4. a tissue or membrane of an animal or plant
  5. that uniting fingers or toes either at their bases (as in humans) or for a greater part of their length (as in many waterbirds)
  6. a thin metal sheet, plate, or strip
  7. the plate connecting the upper and lower flanges of a girder or rail
  8. the arm of a crank
  9. : something resembling a web:
  10. snare, entanglement
    • a web of intrigue
    • ensnarled in a web of folly -- D. A. Stockman
  11. an intricate pattern or structure suggestive of something woven : network
  12. the series of barbs on each side of the shaft of a feather : vane
  13. a continuous sheet of paper manufactured or undergoing manufacture on a paper machine
  14. a roll of paper for use in a rotary printing press
  15. the part of a ribbed vault between the ribs
  16. world wide web
  17. to construct or form a web
  18. to cover with a web or network
  19. ensnare, entangle
  20. to provide with a web

web belt -n

  1. a belt made of webbing and often worn as part of a uniform

webbing -n

  1. a strong narrow closely woven fabric designed for bearing weight and used esp. for straps or upholstery
  2. trap

web·by ['we-bē] -adj

  1. of, relating to, or consisting of a web

web·cam ['web-,kam] -n

  1. a camera used in transmitting live images over the World Wide Web

web·cast [-,kast] -n, vb

  1. a transmission of sound and images (as of an event) via the World Wide Web

we·ber ['we-bər, 'vā-bər] -n

  1. 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

  1. of or relating to the socioeconomic theories of Max Weber

web·fed ['web-,fed] -adj

  1. of, relating to, or printed by a web press

web·foot [-'fu̇-təd] -n, adj

  1. a foot having webbed toes
  2. an animal having web feet

web·i·nar ['we-bə-,när] -n

  1. a live online educational presentation during which participating viewers can submit questions and comments

web·i·sode ['we-bə-,sōd] -n

  1. 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

  1. blog

web·mas·ter ['web-,mas-tər] -n

  1. a person responsible for the creation or maintenance of a Web site esp. for a company or organization

web member -n

  1. one of the several members joining the top and bottom chords of a truss or lattice girder

weboff·set ['web-'ȯf-,set] -n

  1. offset printing by web press

web press -n

  1. a press that prints a continuous roll of paper

Web site -n

  1. 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

  1. an insect that spins a web
  2. 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

  1. weaver

web·work ['web-,wərk] -n

  1. web
    • a vast webwork of land holdings

web·worm [-,wərm] -n

  1. any of various caterpillars that are more or less gregarious and spin large webs

wed ['wed] -vb, n

  1. to take for wife or husband by a formal ceremony : marry
  2. to join in marriage
  3. : to unite as if by marriage: as
  4. to place in close or intimate association
    • films that made me conscious of the power of wedding image to music -- Gerald Early
  5. to link by commitment or custom
    • was wed to the old ways
  6. to enter into matrimony

we'd ['wēd]

  1. we had : we would : we should

Wed·dell seal [wi-'del-, 'we-dᵊl-] -n

  1. a vocal Antarctic hair seal ( Leptonychotes weddelli) noted for its deep dives in search of food

wed·ding ['we-diŋ] -n

  1. a marriage ceremony usu. with its accompanying festivities : nuptials
  2. an act, process, or instance of joining in close association
  3. a wedding anniversary or its celebration usu. used in combination
    • a golden wedding

wedding cake -n

  1. a usu. elaborately decorated and tiered cake made for the celebration of a wedding
  2. something (as a large building) resembling a wedding cake esp. in elaborate ornamentation

wedding march -n

  1. a march of slow tempo and stately character composed or played to accompany the bridal procession

wedding ring -n

  1. a ring of metal (as gold) given by the groom to the bride during the wedding service
  2. a similar ring given by the bride to the groom in a double-ring service

we·del ['vā-dᵊl] -vi

  1. to ski by means of wedeln

we·deln ['vā-dᵊln] -n

  1. 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

  1. 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
  2. something (as a policy) causing a breach or separation
  3. something used to initiate an action or development
  4. : something wedge-shaped: as
  5. an array of troops or tanks in the form of a wedge
  6. the wedge-shaped stroke in cuneiform characters
  7. 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
  8. an iron golf club with a broad low-angled face for maximum loft
  9. a golf shot made with a wedge called also wedge shot
  10. to fasten or tighten by driving in a wedge
  11. to force or press (something) into a narrow space : cram
  12. to force (one's way) into or through
    • wedged his way into the crowd
  13. to separate or force apart with or as if with a wedge
  14. to become wedged

wedged ['wejd, 'we-jəd] -adj

  1. shaped like a wedge

wedge issue -n

  1. 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

  1. a shoe having a wedge-shaped piece serving as the heel and joining the half sole to form a continuous flat undersurface
  2. 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

  1. used for ceramic wares

wedgy ['we-jē] -adj

  1. resembling a wedge in shape

wed·lock ['wed-,läk] -n

  1. the state of being married : marriage, matrimony

Wednes·day ['wenz-(,)dā, -dē; Brit also 'we-dᵊnz-] -n, adv

  1. the fourth day of the week

wee ['wē] -adj

  1. very small : diminutive
  2. very early
    • wee hours of the morning

weed ['wēd] -n

  1. a plant that is not valued where it is growing and is usu. of vigorous growth
  2. one that tends to overgrow or choke out more desirable plants
  3. a weedy growth of plants
  4. an aquatic plant
  5. seaweed
  6. tobacco products
  7. marijuana
  8. an obnoxious growth, thing, or person
  9. something like a weed in detrimental quality
  10. an animal unfit to breed from
  11. to remove weeds or something harmful
  12. to clear of weeds
    • weed a garden
  13. to free from something hurtful or offensive
  14. to remove the less desirable portions of
  15. to get rid of (something harmful or superfluous) often used with out
  16. garment often used in pl.
  17. dress worn as a sign of mourning (as by a widow) usu. used in pl.
  18. a band of crape worn on a man's hat as a sign of mourning usu. used in pl.

weed·er ['wē-dər] -n

  1. one that weeds
  2. any of various devices for removing weeds from an area

weedy ['wē-dē] -adj, n

  1. abounding with or consisting of weeds
  2. resembling a weed esp. in vigorous growth or ready propagation
  3. noticeably lean and scrawny : lanky

week ['wēk] -n

  1. any of a series of 7-day cycles used in various calendars
  2. a 7-day cycle beginning on Sunday and ending on Saturday
  3. a week beginning with a specified day or containing a specified holiday
    • Easter week
    • the week of the 18th
  4. a week appointed for public recognition of some cause
    • Fire Prevention Week
  5. any seven consecutive days
  6. a series of regular working, business, or school days during each 7-day period
  7. a time seven days before or after a specified day
    • last Sunday week

week·day ['wēk-,dā] -n

  1. a day of the week except Sunday or sometimes except Saturday and Sunday

week·days [-,dāz] -adv

  1. on weekdays repeatedly : on any weekday
    • takes a bus weekdays

week·end ['wēk-,end] -n

  1. the end of the week
  2. the period between the close of one work or school week and the start of the next

weekend -vi

  1. to spend the weekend
    • weekend ing in the country
  2. active in a specified role only on weekends or part-time
    • a weekend father
    • weekend athletes

weekend bag -n

  1. 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

  1. one who vacations or visits for a weekend
  2. weekend bag

week·ends ['wēk-,en(d)z] -adv

  1. on weekends repeatedly : on any weekend
    • travels weekends

weekend warrior -n

  1. a person who participates in a usu. physically strenuous activity only on weekends or part-time

week·long ['wēk-'lȯŋ] -adj

  1. lasting a week

week·ly ['wē-klē] -adv

  1. every week : once a week : by the week

weekly -adj

  1. occurring, appearing, or done weekly
    • weekly meetings
  2. reckoned by the week
    • weekly rental rates
  3. a weekly newspaper or periodical

week·night ['wēk-,nīt] -n

  1. a weekday night

week·nights [-,nīts] -adv

  1. on weeknights repeatedly : on any weeknight

ween ['wēn] -vt

  1. believe

wee·nie ['wē-nē] -n

  1. frankfurter
  2. penis
  3. nerd
    • computer weenie s

wee·ny ['wē-nē] -adj

  1. exceptionally small : tiny

weep ['wēp] -vb

  1. to express deep sorrow for usu. by shedding tears : bewail
    • weep ing the sins and errors of his youth -- Edward Gibbon
  2. to pour forth (tears) from the eyes
  3. to exude (a fluid) slowly : ooze
    • a tree weep ing sap
  4. to express passion (as grief) by shedding tears
  5. to give off or leak fluid slowly : ooze
  6. to flow sluggishly or in drops
  7. to droop over : bend

weep·er ['wē-pər] -n

  1. one that weeps
  2. a professional mourner
  3. a small statue of a figure in mourning on a funeral monument
  4. a badge of mourning worn esp. in the 18th and 19th centuries
  5. long and flowing side-whiskers
  6. tearjerker

weep hole -n

  1. a hole (as in a wall or foundation) that is designed to drain off accumulated water

weep·ie ['wē-pē] -n

  1. tearjerker

weeping -adj

  1. tearful
  2. rainy
  3. having slender pendent branches
    • a weeping beech

weeping fig -n

  1. 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

  1. an Asian willow ( Salix babylonica) introduced into No. America that has slender pendent branches

weepy ['wē-pē] -adj

  1. inclined to weep : tearful

weet ['wēt] -vb

  1. know

wee·vil ['wē-vəl] -n, adj

  1. 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
  2. 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

  1. a filling thread or yarn in weaving
  2. yarn used for the weft
  3. web, fabric
  4. an article of woven fabric

weft knit [-,ni-təd] -n, adj

  1. 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

  1. any of a genus ( Weigela) of showy eastern Asian shrubs of the honeysuckle family
  2. one ( W. florida) widely grown for its usu. pink or red funnel-shaped flowers

weigh ['wā] -vb, adj, n

  1. to ascertain the heaviness of by or as if by a balance
  2. outweigh
  3. counterbalance
  4. to make heavy : weight often used with down
  5. to consider carefully esp. by balancing opposing factors or aspects in order to reach a choice or conclusion : evaluate
    • weigh ing her options
  6. to heave up (an anchor) preparatory to sailing
  7. to measure or apportion (a definite quantity) on or as if on a scales
  8. to have a certain heaviness : experience a specific force due to gravity
  9. to register a weight (as on a scales) used with in or out
  10. to merit consideration as important : count
    • evidence will weigh heavily against him
  11. to press down with or as if with a heavy weight
  12. to have a saddening or disheartening effect
    • guilt weigh ed on my mind
  13. to weigh anchor
  14. way used in the phrase under weigh

weigh down -vt

  1. to cause to bend down : overburden
  2. oppress, depress

weighin ['wā-,in] -n

  1. an act or instance of weighing in as a contestant esp. in sport

weigh in -vi

  1. to have oneself or one's possessions (as baggage) weighed
  2. to have oneself weighed in connection with an athletic contest
  3. to bring one's weight or influence to bear esp. as a participant, contributor, or mediator
    • weighed in with an opinion

weight ['wāt] -n

  1. the amount that a thing weighs
  2. the standard or established amount that a thing should weigh
  3. one of the classes into which contestants in a sports event are divided according to body weight
  4. poundage required to be carried by a horse in a handicap race
  5. a quantity or thing weighing a fixed and usu. specified amount
  6. a heavy object (as a metal ball) thrown, put, or lifted as an athletic exercise or contest
  7. a unit of weight or mass
  8. a piece of material (as metal) of known specified weight for use in weighing articles
  9. a system of related units of weight
  10. something heavy : load
  11. a heavy object to hold or press something down or to counterbalance
  12. burden, pressure
    • the weight of their responsibilities
  13. the quality or state of being ponderous
  14. corpulence
  15. relative heaviness : mass
  16. 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
  17. the relative importance or authority accorded something
    • the weight of her opinions
  18. measurable influence esp. on others
    • throwing his weight behind the proposal
  19. overpowering force
  20. the quality (as lightness) that makes a fabric or garment suitable for a particular use or season often used in combination
    • summer- weight
  21. a numerical coefficient assigned to an item to express its relative importance in a frequency distribution
  22. the degree of thickness of the strokes of a type character
  23. to oppress with a burden
    • weight ed down with cares
  24. to load or make heavy with or as if with a weight
  25. to increase in heaviness by adding an ingredient
  26. weigh
  27. to feel the weight of : heft
  28. to assign a statistical weight to
  29. 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
  30. to shift the burden of weight upon
    • weight the inside ski

weight·ed ['wā-təd] -adj

  1. made heavy : loaded
    • weighted silk
  2. having a statistical weight attached
    • a weighted test score
  3. compiled or calculated from weighted data
    • a weighted mean
  4. inclined

weight·less ['wāt-ləs] -adj, adv, n

  1. having little weight : lacking apparent gravitational pull

weight lifter -n

  1. one who lifts barbells in competition or as an exercise

weight man -n

  1. an athlete who competes in any of the field events in which a weight is thrown or put

weight room -n

  1. a room containing equipment for weight training

weight training -n

  1. a system of conditioning involving lifting weights esp. for strength and endurance

weighty ['wā-tē] -adj, adv, n

  1. of much importance or consequence : momentous
    • a weighty problem
  2. solemn
  3. weighing a considerable amount
  4. heavy in proportion to its bulk
    • weighty metal
  5. powerful, telling
    • weighty arguments

Wei·ma·ra·ner [,vī-mə-'rä-nər, ,wī-; 'vī-mə-,, 'wī-] -n

  1. 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)

  1. frankfurter

weir ['wer, 'wir] -n

  1. a fence or enclosure set in a waterway for taking fish
  2. a dam in a stream or river to raise the water level or divert its flow

weird ['wird] -n

  1. fate, destiny
  2. ill fortune
  3. soothsayer
  4. of, relating to, or caused by witchcraft or the supernatural : magical
  5. of strange or extraordinary character : odd, fantastic

weird·ie ['wir-dē] -n

  1. weirdo

weirdo ['wir-(,)dō] -n

  1. a person who is extraordinarily strange or eccentric
  2. strange, weird

weird out -vt

  1. to make uneasy, bewildered, or disquieted by something considered very strange
    • that movie weirds me out

Weird Sisters -n pl

  1. fates

weisenheimer ['wī-zᵊn-,hī-mər] -n

(variant of wisenheimer)

  1. smart aleck

weka ['we-kə] -n

  1. a flightless New Zealand rail ( Gallirallus australis)

welch ['welsh, 'welch] -vi, n

(variant of welsh)

  1. to avoid payment used with on
  2. to break one's word : renege

Welch ['welsh, 'welch] -vi, n

(variant of welsh)

  1. to avoid payment used with on
  2. to break one's word : renege

wel·come ['wel-kəm] -vt, n

  1. to greet hospitably and with courtesy or cordiality
  2. to accept with pleasure the occurrence or presence of
    • welcome s danger

welcome -interj

  1. used to express a greeting to a guest or newcomer upon arrival
  2. received gladly into one's presence or companionship
    • was always welcome in their home
  3. giving pleasure : received with gladness or delight esp. in response to a need
    • a welcome relief
  4. willingly permitted or admitted
    • he was welcome to come and go -- W. M. Thackeray
  5. used in the phrase You're welcome as a reply to an expression of thanks
  6. a greeting or reception usu. upon arrival
    • a warm welcome
  7. the state of being welcome
    • overstayed their welcome

welcome mat -n

  1. 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

  1. to become or be capable of being welded
  2. to unite (metallic parts) by heating and allowing the metals to flow together or by hammering or compressing with or without previous heating
  3. to unite (plastics) in a similar manner by heating
  4. to repair (as an article) by this method
  5. to produce or create as if by such a process
  6. to unite or reunite closely or intimately
    • architecture that weld s the past and the present
  7. a welded joint
  8. union by welding : the state or condition of being welded

weld·er ['wel-dər] -n

  1. : one that welds: as
  2. a person whose work is welding
  3. a machine used in welding

weld·ment ['wel(d)-mənt] -n

  1. a unit formed by welding together an assembly of pieces

wel·fare ['wel-,fer] -n

  1. the state of doing well esp. in respect to good fortune, happiness, well-being, or prosperity
    • must look out for your own welfare
  2. aid in the form of money or necessities for those in need
  3. an agency or program through which such aid is distributed

welfare -adj

  1. of, relating to, or concerned with welfare and esp. with improvement of the welfare of disadvantaged social groups
    • welfare legislation
  2. receiving public welfare benefits
    • welfare families

welfare state -n

  1. a social system based on the assumption by a political state of primary responsibility for the individual and social welfare of its citizens
  2. a nation or state characterized by the operation of the welfare state system

wel·far·ism ['wel-,fer-,i-zəm] -n, n or adj

  1. the complex of policies, attitudes, and beliefs associated with the welfare state

wel·kin ['wel-kən] -n

  1. the vault of the sky : firmament
    • the sun of heaven...made the western welkin blush -- Shak.
  2. the celestial abode of God or the gods : heaven
  3. the upper atmosphere

well ['wel] -n

  1. an issue of water from the earth : a pool fed by a spring
  2. source, origin
  3. a pit or hole sunk into the earth to reach a supply of water
  4. a shaft or hole sunk to obtain oil, brine, or gas
  5. an enclosure in the middle of a ship's hold to protect from damage and facilitate the inspection of the pumps
  6. a compartment in the hold of a fishing boat in which fish are kept alive
  7. an open space extending vertically through floors of a structure
  8. a space having a construction or shape suggesting a well for water
  9. something resembling a well in being damp, cool, deep, or dark
  10. a deep vertical hole
  11. a source from which something may be drawn as needed
  12. a pronounced minimum of a variable in physics
    • a potential well
  13. to rise to the surface and usu. flow forth
    • tears well ed from her eyes
  14. to rise like a flood of liquid
    • longing well ed up in his breast
  15. to emit in a copious free flow
  16. in a good or proper manner : justly, rightly
  17. satisfactorily with respect to conduct or action
    • did well in math
    • works well under pressure
  18. in a kindly or friendly manner
    • spoke well of your idea
    • wished them well
  19. with skill or aptitude : expertly, excellently
    • paints well
  20. satisfactorily
    • the plan worked well
  21. with good appearance or effect : elegantly
    • carried himself well
  22. with careful or close attention : attentively
    • watch well what I do
  23. to a high degree
    • well deserved the honor
    • a well -equipped kitchen
    often used as an intensifier or qualifier
    • there are...vacancies pretty well all the time -- Listener
  24. fully, quite
    • well worth the price
  25. in a way appropriate to the facts or circumstances : fittingly, rightly
    • well said
  26. in a prudent manner : sensibly used with do
    • you would do well to reread the material
  27. in accordance with the occasion or circumstances : with propriety or good reason
    • cannot well refuse
    • the decision may well be questioned
  28. as one could wish : pleasingly
    • the idea didn't sit well with her
  29. with material success : advantageously
    • married well
  30. easily, readily
    • could well afford a new car
  31. in all likelihood : indeed
    • it may well be true
  32. in a prosperous or affluent manner
    • he lives well
  33. to an extent approaching completeness : thoroughly
    • after being well dried with a towel
  34. without doubt or question : clearly
    • well knew the penalty
  35. in a familiar manner
    • knew her well
  36. to a large extent or degree : considerably, far
    • well over a million
  37. used to indicate resumption of discourse or to introduce a remark
    • they are, well, not quite what you'd expect
  38. used to express surprise or expostulation
    • well, what have we here?
  39. prosperous, well-off
  40. being in satisfactory condition or circumstances
  41. being in good standing or favor
  42. satisfactory, pleasing
    • all's well that ends well
  43. advisable, desirable
    • it might be well for you to leave
  44. free or recovered from infirmity or disease : healthy
    • he's not a well man
  45. completely cured or healed
    • the wound is nearly well
  46. pleasing or satisfactory in appearance
    • our garden looks well -- Conrad Aiken
  47. being a cause for thankfulness : fortunate
    • it is well that this has happened

we'll ['wēl, 'wil]

  1. we will : we shall

wellad·just·ed [,wel-ə-'jəs-təd] -adj

  1. well-balanced

wellad·vised ['wel-əd-'vīzd] -adj

  1. acting with wisdom, wise counsel, or proper deliberation : prudent
  2. resulting from, based on, or showing careful deliberation or wise counsel
    • welladvised plans

wellap·point·ed ['wel-ə-'pȯin-təd] -adj

  1. having good and complete equipment : properly fitted out
    • a wellappointed house

wel·la·way [,we-lə-'wā, 'we-lə-,] -interj

  1. used to express sorrow or lamentation

wellba·lanced ['wel-'ba-lən(t)st] -adj

  1. nicely or evenly balanced, arranged, or regulated
    • a wellbalanced diet
    • a wellbalanced attack in football
  2. emotionally or psychologically untroubled

wellbe·ing ['wel-'bē-iŋ] -n

  1. the state of being happy, healthy, or prosperous : welfare

wellbe·loved [,wel-bi-'ləvd] -adj

  1. sincerely and deeply loved
    • my wellbeloved wife
  2. sincerely respected used in various ceremonial forms of address

well·born ['wel-'bȯrn] -adj

  1. born of noble or wealthy lineage

wellbred [-'bred] -adj

  1. having or displaying good breeding : refined
  2. having a good pedigree
    • wellbred swine

wellcon·di·tioned [,wel-kən-'di-shənd] -adj

  1. characterized by proper disposition, morals, or behavior
  2. having a good physical condition : sound

well deck -n

  1. 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

  1. having clearly distinguishable limits, boundaries, or features
    • a welldefined scar
  2. clearly stated or described
    • welldefined policies

welldis·posed [-dis-'pōzd] -adj

  1. having a good disposition
  2. disposed to be friendly, favorable, or sympathetic

welldone ['wel-'dən] -adj

  1. rightly or properly performed
  2. cooked thoroughly
    • a welldone steak

wellen·dowed ['wel-in-'dau̇d, -en-] -adj

  1. well-supported financially : well-fixed
  2. having large breasts
  3. having a large penis

Wel·ler·ism ['we-lə-,ri-zəm] -n

  1. 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

  1. good-looking, handsome
    • a spacious, fair, wellfavored face -- Henry James

wellfixed [-'fikst] -adj

  1. having plenty of money or property

wellfound [-'fau̇nd] -adj

  1. fully furnished : properly equipped
    • a wellfound ship

wellfound·ed [-'fau̇n-dəd] -adj

  1. based on excellent reasoning, information, judgment, or grounds

wellgroomed [-'grümd, -'gru̇md] -adj

  1. well-dressed and scrupulously neat
    • wellgroomed men
  2. made neat, tidy, and attractive down to the smallest details
    • a wellgroomed lawn

wellground·ed [-'grau̇n-dəd] -adj

  1. having a firm foundation
    • wellgrounded in Latin and Greek
  2. well-founded

wellhan·dled [-'han-dᵊld] -adj

  1. managed or administered efficiently
  2. having been handled a great deal
    • wellhandled goods for sale

well·head ['wel-,hed] -n

  1. the source of a spring or a stream
  2. principal source : fountainhead
  3. the top of or a structure built over a well

wellhead price -n

  1. the price less transportation costs charged by the producer for petroleum or natural gas

wellheeled [-'hēld] -adj

  1. having plenty of money : well-fixed

wel·lie ['we-lē] -n

  1. wellington usu. used in pl.

wellin·formed [-in-'fȯrmd] -adj

  1. having extensive knowledge esp. of current topics and events
  2. thoroughly knowledgeable in a particular subject

Wel·ling·ton ['we-liŋ-tən] -n

  1. 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

  1. well-meaning

wellknit ['wel-'nit] -adj

  1. firmly knit
    • a wellknit group
  2. firmly and strongly constructed, compacted, or framed
    • a wellknit drama

wellknown [-'nōn] -adj

  1. fully or widely known

wellmean·ing [-'mē-niŋ] -adj

  1. having good intentions
    • wellmeaning but misguided idealists
  2. based on good intentions
    • wellmeaning advice

wellmeant [-'ment] -adj

  1. well-meaning

well·ness ['wel-nəs] -n

  1. the quality or state of being in good health esp. as an actively sought goal
    • lifestyles that promote wellness

wellnigh [-'nī] -adv

  1. almost, nearly
    • wellnigh impossible

welloff [-'ȯf] -adj

  1. being in good condition or favorable circumstances
    • doesn't know when he's welloff
  2. well provided : having no lack usu. used with for
  3. being in easy or affluent circumstances : well-to-do
  4. suggesting prosperity
    • the house had a sleek welloff look

welloiled [-'ȯi(-ə)ld] -adj

  1. smoothly functioning
    • a welloiled political machine

wellor·dered [-'ȯr-dərd] -adj, n

  1. having an orderly procedure or arrangement
    • a wellordered household
  2. 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

  1. appropriately or advantageously directed or positioned
    • wellplaced informants
    • wellplaced trust
    • a wellplaced blow

wellread [-'red] -adj

  1. well-informed or deeply versed through reading
    • wellread in history

wellround·ed [-'rau̇n-dəd] -adj

  1. : fully or broadly developed: as
  2. having a broad educational background
    • schools that turn out wellrounded graduates
  3. comprehensive
    • a wellrounded program of activities

wellset [-'set] -adj

  1. well or firmly established
    • wellset in his own values -- William Johnson
  2. strongly built
    • a wellset athlete

wellspo·ken ['wel-'spō-kən] -adj

  1. speaking well, fitly, or courteously
    • a wellspoken young woman
  2. spoken with propriety
    • wellspoken words

well·spring [-,spriŋ] -n

  1. a source of continual supply
    • a wellspring of information

welltak·en [-'tā-kən] -adj

  1. well-grounded, justifiable
    • your point is welltaken

wellthoughtof [wel-'thȯt-,əv, -,äv] -adj

  1. being of good repute
    • a wellthoughtof attorney

welltimed ['wel-'tīmd] -adj

  1. happening at an opportune moment : timely
    • a welltimed announcement

welltodo [,wel-tə-'dü] -adj

  1. having more than adequate financial resources : prosperous
    • a welltodo family

wellturned ['wel-'tərnd] -adj

  1. symmetrically shaped or rounded : shapely
  2. concisely and appropriately expressed
    • a wellturned phrase
  3. expertly rounded or turned
    • a wellturned column

wellwish·er ['wel-,wi-shər, -'wi-] -n, adj or n

  1. one who wishes well to another : an admiring supporter or fan

wellworn [-'wȯrn] -adj

  1. made trite by overuse : hackneyed
    • a wellworn quotation
  2. having been much used or worn
    • wellworn shoes
  3. worn well or properly

welsh ['welsh, 'welch] -vi, n

  1. to avoid payment used with on
  2. to break one's word : renege

Welsh ['welsh, 'welch] -n, adj

  1. the Celtic language of the Welsh people
  2. the natives or inhabitants of Wales
  3. welsh pony

Welsh black -n

  1. any of a breed of hardy medium-sized thick-haired horned black cattle of Welsh origin raised for meat and milk

Welsh cob -n

  1. any of a breed of medium-sized cobby horses developed by interbreeding Welsh mountain ponies with larger horses

Welsh corgi -n

  1. : a short-legged long-backed dog with foxy head of either of two breeds of Welsh origin:
  2. cardigan welsh corgi
  3. pembroke welsh corgi

Welsh·man [-mən] -n

  1. a native or inhabitant of Wales

Welsh mountain pony -n

  1. 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

  1. a pony of any of several breeds of Welsh origin
  2. 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

  1. melted often seasoned cheese poured over toast or crackers

Welsh rare·bit [-'rer-bət] -n

  1. welsh rabbit

Welsh springer spaniel -n

  1. any of a breed of red and white relatively small-eared springer spaniels of Welsh origin

Welsh terrier -n

  1. 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

  1. a woman who is a native or inhabitant of Wales

welt ['welt] -n

  1. a strip between a shoe sole and upper through which they are stitched or stapled together
  2. a doubled edge, strip, insert, or seam (as on a garment) for ornament or reinforcement
  3. a ridge or lump raised on the body (as by a blow or allergic reaction)
  4. a heavy blow
  5. to furnish with a welt
  6. to raise a welt on the body of
  7. to hit hard

welt·an·schau·ung ['velt-,än-,shau̇-əŋ] -n

  1. a comprehensive conception or apprehension of the world esp. from a specific standpoint

wel·ter ['wel-tər] -vi

  1. writhe, toss
  2. wallow
  3. to rise and fall or toss about in or with waves
  4. to become deeply sunk, soaked, or involved
  5. to be in turmoil

welter -n

  1. a state of wild disorder : turmoil
  2. a chaotic mass or jumble
    • a bewildering welter of data
  3. welterweight

wel·ter·weight ['wel-tər-,wāt] -n

  1. a boxer in a weight division having a maximum limit of 147 pounds

welt·schmerz ['velt-,shmerts] -n

  1. mental depression or apathy caused by comparison of the actual state of the world with an ideal state
  2. a mood of sentimental sadness

wen ['wen] -n

  1. an abnormal growth or a cyst protruding from a surface esp. of the skin

wen ['win] -n

(variant of wynn)

  1. a runic letter used in Old English and Middle English to represent the consonant w

wench ['wench] -n

  1. a young woman : girl
  2. a female servant
  3. a lewd woman : prostitute
  4. to consort with lewd women
  5. to practice fornication

wend ['wend] -vb

  1. to direct one's course : travel
  2. to proceed on (one's way) : direct

Wend ['wend] -n

  1. a member of a Slavic people of eastern Germany

Wend·ish ['wen-dish] -adj

  1. of or relating to the Wends or their language

Wendish -n

  1. the West Slavic language of the Wends

Wens·ley·dale ['wenz-lē-,dāl] -n

  1. a mild white friable cheese of English origin

went ['gō] -vb, n

(variant of go)

  1. to move on a course : proceed
    • go slow
    • went by train
  2. to move out of or away from a place expressed or implied : leave, depart
    • went from school to the party
    • go ing away for vacation
  3. to take a certain course or follow a certain procedure
    • reports go through channels to the president
  4. to pass by means of a process like journeying
    • the message went by wire
  5. 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
    • go jump in a lake
  6. to extend from point to point or in a certain direction
    • the road go es to the lake
  7. to give access : lead
    • that door go es to the cellar
  8. walk
  9. to be habitually in a certain state or condition
    • go bareheaded
  10. to become lost, consumed, or spent
    • our time has gone
  11. die
  12. to slip away : elapse
    • the evening went quickly
  13. to come to be given up or discarded
    • these slums have to go
  14. to pass by sale
    • went for a good price
  15. to become impaired or weakened
    • his hearing started to go
  16. to give way esp. under great force or pressure : break
    • the roof went
  17. to move along in a specified manner : fare
    • everything was go ing well
  18. to be in general or on an average
    • cheap, as yachts go
  19. to be or become esp. as the result of a contest
    • the election went in her favor
  20. to turn out well : succeed
    • worked hard to make the party go
  21. to apply oneself
    • went to work on the problem
  22. to put or subject oneself
    • went to unnecessary expense
  23. intend
    • I didn't go to do it
  24. to have recourse to another for corroboration, vindication, or decision : resort
    • go to court to recover damages
  25. to begin an action or motion
    • here go es
  26. to maintain or perform a certain action or motion
    • still go ing strong
  27. to function in the proper or expected manner : run
    • the motor won't go
  28. to be known
    • go es by an alias
  29. to act in accordance or harmony
    • a good rule to go by
  30. to come to be determined
    • dreams go by contraries
  31. to come to be applied or appropriated
    • all proceeds go to charity
  32. to pass by award, assignment, or lot
    • the prize went to a sophomore
  33. to contribute to an end or result
    • qualities that go to make a hero
  34. to be of advantage
    • has a lot go ing for her
  35. to be about, intending, or expecting something used in a progressive tense before an infinitive
    • is go ing to leave town
  36. extend
    • his knowledge fails to go very deep
  37. to come or arrive at a certain state or condition
    • go to sleep
  38. to come to be : become
    • the tire went flat
    often used to express conversion to specified values or a specified state
    • gone Hollywood
    • go condo
  39. to undergo a change
    • leaves go from green to red
  40. to be in phrasing or expression : read
    • as the story go es
  41. to be capable of being sung or played
    • the tune go es like this
  42. to be compatible, suitable, or becoming : harmonize
    • the tie go es with his suit
  43. to be capable of passing, extending, or being contained or inserted
    • will these clothes go in your suitcase
  44. to have a usual or proper place or position : belong
    • these books go on the top shelf
  45. to have a tendency : conduce
    • it go es to show
  46. to carry authority
    • what she said went
  47. to be acceptable, satisfactory, or adequate
    • anything go es here
  48. to hold true : be valid
    • the rule go es for you, too
  49. to empty the bladder or bowels
  50. to proceed along or according to : follow
    • if I were go ing his way
    • went the conventional route
  51. to travel through or along : traverse
    • went the length of the street
  52. to make a wager of : bet
    • go a dollar on the outcome
  53. to make an offer of : bid
    • willing to go 50 for the clock
  54. to assume the function or obligation of
    • promised to go bail for his friend
  55. to participate to the extent of
    • decided to go halves on the winnings
  56. yield, weigh
    • this fish go es ten pounds
  57. to put up with : tolerate
    • couldn't go the noise
  58. afford
    • can't go the price
  59. enjoy
    • I could go a soda
  60. to cause (a characteristic sound) to occur
    • the gun went bang
  61. say used chiefly in oral narration of speech
  62. to engage in
    • don't go telling everyone
  63. to have a record of
    • went 11-0 last season
  64. the act or manner of going
  65. the height of fashion : rage
    • elegant shawls labeled...quite the go -- R. S. Surtees
  66. an often unexpected turn of affairs : occurrence
  67. the quantity used or furnished at one time
    • you can obtain a go of brandy for sixpence -- C. B. Fairbanks
  68. energy, vigor
  69. a turn in an activity (as a game)
    • it's your go
  70. attempt, try
    • have a go at painting
  71. a spell of activity
    • finished the job at one go
  72. success
    • made a go of the business
  73. permission to proceed : go-ahead
    • gave the astronauts a go for another orbit
  74. functioning properly : being in good and ready condition
    • declared all systems go
  75. 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

  1. any of a family (Epitoniidae) of marine snails with usu. white shells
  2. one of the shells

wept ['wēp] -vb

(variant of weep)

  1. to express deep sorrow for usu. by shedding tears : bewail
    • weep ing the sins and errors of his youth -- Edward Gibbon
  2. to pour forth (tears) from the eyes
  3. to exude (a fluid) slowly : ooze
    • a tree weep ing sap
  4. to express passion (as grief) by shedding tears
  5. to give off or leak fluid slowly : ooze
  6. to flow sluggishly or in drops
  7. to droop over : bend

were ['bē] -vb

(variant of be)

  1. to equal in meaning : have the same connotation as : symbolize
    • God is love
    • January is the first month
    • let x be 10
  2. to have identity with
    • the first person I met was my brother
  3. to constitute the same class as
  4. to have a specified qualification or characterization
    • the leaves are green
  5. to belong to the class of
    • the fish is a trout
    used regularly in senses 1a through 1e as the copula of simple predication
  6. to have an objective existence : have reality or actuality : live
    • I think, therefore I am
  7. to have, maintain, or occupy a place, situation, or position
    • the book is on the table
  8. to remain unmolested, undisturbed, or uninterrupted used only in infinitive form
    • let him be
  9. to take place : occur
    • the concert was last night
  10. to come or go
    • has already been and gone
    • has never been to the circus
  11. belong, befall
  12. used with the past participle of transitive verbs as a passive-voice auxiliary
    • the money was found
    • the house is being built
  13. used as the auxiliary of the present participle in progressive tenses expressing continuous action
    • he is reading
    • I have been sleeping
  14. 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)
  15. used with the infinitive with to to express futurity, arrangement in advance, or obligation
    • I am to interview him today
    • she was to become famous

we're ['wir, 'wər, 'wē-ər]

  1. we are

weren't [(')wərnt, 'wər-ənt]

  1. were not

were·wolf ['wir-,wu̇lf, 'wer-, 'wər-] -n

  1. a person transformed into a wolf or capable of assuming a wolf's form

wer·gild ['wər-,gild] -n

  1. 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

  1. 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)

  1. to equal in meaning : have the same connotation as : symbolize
    • God is love
    • January is the first month
    • let x be 10
  2. to have identity with
    • the first person I met was my brother
  3. to constitute the same class as
  4. to have a specified qualification or characterization
    • the leaves are green
  5. to belong to the class of
    • the fish is a trout
    used regularly in senses 1a through 1e as the copula of simple predication
  6. to have an objective existence : have reality or actuality : live
    • I think, therefore I am
  7. to have, maintain, or occupy a place, situation, or position
    • the book is on the table
  8. to remain unmolested, undisturbed, or uninterrupted used only in infinitive form
    • let him be
  9. to take place : occur
    • the concert was last night
  10. to come or go
    • has already been and gone
    • has never been to the circus
  11. belong, befall
  12. used with the past participle of transitive verbs as a passive-voice auxiliary
    • the money was found
    • the house is being built
  13. used as the auxiliary of the present participle in progressive tenses expressing continuous action
    • he is reading
    • I have been sleeping
  14. 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)
  15. used with the infinitive with to to express futurity, arrangement in advance, or obligation
    • I am to interview him today
    • she was to become famous

wes·kit ['wes-kət] -n

  1. vest

Wes·ley·an·ism ['wes-lē-ə-,ni-zəm also 'wez-] -n, adj or n

  1. methodism
  2. the system of Arminian Methodism taught by John Wesley

west ['west] -adv

  1. to, toward, or in the west
  2. situated toward or at the west
    • the west exit
  3. coming from the west
    • a west wind
  4. the general direction of sunset : the direction to the left of one facing north
  5. the compass point directly opposite to east
  6. regions or countries lying to the west of a specified or implied point of orientation
  7. the noncommunist countries of Europe and America
  8. the end of a church opposite the chancel
  9. the one of four positions at 90-degree intervals that lies to the west or at the left of a diagram
  10. a person (as a bridge player) occupying this position during a specified activity

west·bound ['wes(t)-,bau̇nd] -adj

  1. traveling or heading west

west by north

  1. a compass point that is one point north of due west : N7845W

west by south

  1. a compass point that is one point south of due west : S7845W

west·er ['wes-tər] -vi

  1. to turn or move westward
    • the half moon wester s low -- A. E. Housman

west·er·ly ['wes-tər-lē] -adj or adv

  1. situated toward or belonging to the west
    • the westerly end of the farm
  2. coming from the west
    • a westerly breeze

westerly -n

  1. a wind from the west

west·ern ['wes-tərn] -adj

  1. coming from the west
    • a western storm
  2. lying toward the west
  3. : of, relating to, or characteristic of a region conventionally designated West: as
  4. steeped in or stemming from the Greco-Roman traditions
    • Western culture
  5. of or relating to the noncommunist countries of Europe and America
  6. of or relating to the American West
    • Western clothes
  7. of or relating to the Roman Catholic or Protestant segment of Christianity
    • Western liturgies

western -n

  1. one that is produced in or characteristic of a western region and esp. the western U.S.
  2. 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

  1. 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

  1. a native or inhabitant of the West
  2. a native or resident of the western part of the U.S.
  3. one advocating the adoption of western European culture esp. in 19th century Russia

western hemisphere -n

  1. 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)

  1. conversion to or adoption of western traditions or techniques

west·ern·i·za·tion [,wes-tər-nə-'zā-shən] -n

  1. conversion to or adoption of western traditions or techniques

west·ern·ize ['wes-tər-,nīz] -vb, n

  1. to imbue with qualities native to or associated with a western region and esp. the noncommunist countries of Europe and America
  2. to become westernized

western omelet -n

  1. an omelet made usu. with diced ham, green pepper, and onion called also Denver omelet

western red cedar -n

  1. a large arborvitae ( Thuja plicata) chiefly of the Pacific Northwest with reddish-brown bark and wood called also red cedar
  2. the wood of the western red cedar

western saddle -n

  1. 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

  1. a sandwich filled with a western omelet called also Denver sandwich

western swing -n

  1. swing music played typically on country-music instruments (as guitar, fiddle, or steel guitar)

West Germanic -n

  1. a subdivision of the Germanic languages including English, Frisian, Dutch, and German

West Highland white terrier -n

  1. any of a breed of small white long-coated terriers developed in Scotland

West·ie ['wes-tē] -n

  1. west highland white terrier

west·ing ['wes-tiŋ] -n

  1. westerly progress : a going westward

West Nile -n

  1. west nile virus

West Nile encephalitis -n

  1. a severe form of West Nile virus marked by encephalitis

West Nile fever -n

  1. west nile virus

West Nile virus -n

  1. 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
  2. the illness caused by West Nile virus

westnorthwest -n

  1. a compass point that is two points north of due west : N6730W

West·pha·lian ham [wes(t)-'fāl-yən-, -'fā-lē-ən-] -n

  1. a ham of distinctive flavor produced by smoking with juniper brush

West Saxon -n

  1. a member or a descendant of the Saxons who occupied England largely south of the Thames, west of the Downs, and east of Dartmoor
  2. a dialect of Old English used as the chief literary dialect in England before the Norman Conquest

westsouthwest -n

  1. a compass point that is two points south of due west : S6730W

west·ward ['wes-twərd] -adv or adj, adv

  1. toward the west

westward -n

  1. westward direction or part
    • sail to the westward

wet ['wet] -adj, adv, n

  1. consisting of, containing, covered with, or soaked with liquid (as water)
  2. containing appreciable quantities of readily condensable hydrocarbons
  3. rainy
    • wet weather
  4. still moist enough to smudge or smear
    • wet paint
  5. drunk
    • a wet driver
  6. having or advocating a policy permitting the manufacture and sale of alcoholic beverages
    • a wet county
    • a wet candidate
  7. preserved in liquid
  8. employing or done by means of or in the presence of water or other liquid
    • wet extraction of copper
  9. overly sentimental
  10. lacking strength of character : weak, spineless
  11. belonging to the moderate or liberal wing of the Conservative party
  12. water
  13. moisture, wetness
  14. rainy weather : rain
  15. an advocate of a policy of permitting the sale of intoxicating liquors
  16. one who is wet
  17. to make wet
  18. to urinate in or on
    • wet his pants
  19. to become wet
  20. urinate

wet·back ['wet-,bak] -n

  1. a Mexican who enters the U.S. illegally

wet bar -n

  1. a bar for mixing drinks (as in a home) that contains a sink with running water

wet blanket -n

  1. one that quenches or dampens enthusiasm or pleasure

wet down -vt

  1. to dampen by sprinkling with water

wet dream -n

  1. an erotic dream culminating in orgasm and in the male accompanied by ejaculation of semen
  2. an exceedingly pleasurable or exciting experience, situation, or fantasy

weth·er ['we-thər] -n

  1. a male sheep castrated before sexual maturity
  2. a castrated male goat

wet·land ['wet-,land, -lənd] -n

  1. 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

  1. to act as wet nurse to
  2. to give constant and often excessive care to

wet nurse -n

  1. a woman who cares for and suckles children not her own

wet suit -n

  1. 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

  1. the quality or state of being wettable : the degree to which something can be wet

wet·ta·ble ['we-tə-bəl] -adj

  1. capable of being wetted

wetting agent -n

  1. 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

  1. somewhat wet : moist

wet·ware ['wet-,wer] -n

  1. the human brain or a human being considered esp. with respect to human logical and computational capabilities

wet wash -n

  1. laundry returned damp and not ironed

we've ['wēv]

  1. we have