pl -abbr
- place
- plate
PL -abbr
- private line
- public law
- public library
pla·ca·ble ['pla-kə-bəl, 'plā-] -adj, n, adv
- easily placated : tolerant, tractable
plac·ard ['pla-kərd, -,kärd] -n
- a notice posted in a public place : poster
- a small card or metal plaque
- to cover with or as if with posters
- to post in a public place
- to announce by or as if by posting
pla·cate ['plā-,kāt, 'pla-] -vt, n, adv, adj
- to soothe or mollify esp. by concessions : appease
place ['plās] -n
- physical environment : space
- a way for admission or transit
- physical surroundings : atmosphere
- an indefinite region or expanse
- a building or locality used for a special purpose
- the three-dimensional compass of a material object
- a particular region, center of population, or location
- a building, part of a building, or area occupied as a home
- a particular part of a surface or body : spot
- : relative position in a scale or series: as
- position in a social scale
- a step in a sequence
- in the first place, it's none of your business
- a position at the conclusion of a competition
- a proper or designated niche or setting
- the place of education in society
- an appropriate moment or point
- this is not the place to discuss compensation -- Robert Moses
- a distinct condition, position, or state of mind
- the postfeminist generation is in a different place -- Betty Friedan
- an available seat or accommodation
- an empty or vacated position
- new ones will take their place
- the position of a figure in relation to others of a row or series
- the position of a digit within a numeral
- remunerative employment : job
- prestige accorded to one of high rank : status
- an endless quest for preferment and place -- Time
- a public square : plaza
- a small street or court
- second place at the finish (as of a horse race)
- to put in or as if in a particular place or position : set
- to present for consideration
- a question placed before the group
- to put in a particular state
- place a performer under contract
- to direct to a desired spot
- to cause (the voice) to produce free and well resonated singing or speaking tones
- to assign to a position in a series or category : rank
- estimate
- placed the value of the estate too high
- to identify by connecting with an associated context
- couldn't quite place her face
- police placed them at the crime scene
- to distribute in an orderly manner : arrange
- to appoint to a position
- to find a place (as a home or employment) for
- to give (an order) to a supplier
- to give an order for
- to try to establish a connection for
- to earn a given spot in a competition
- to come in second (as in a horse race)
pla·ce·bo [plə-'sē-(,)bō] -n
- a usu. pharmacologically inert preparation prescribed more for the mental relief of the patient than for its actual effect on a disorder
- an inert or innocuous substance used esp. in controlled experiments testing the efficacy of another substance (as a drug)
- something tending to soothe
placebo effect -n
- improvement in the condition of a patient that occurs in response to treatment but cannot be considered due to the specific treatment used
place·hold·er ['plās-,hōl-dər] -n
- a symbol in a mathematical or logical expression that may be replaced by the name of any element of a set
place·kick ['plās-,kik] -n
- the kicking of a ball (as a football) placed or held in a stationary position on the ground
placekick -vt, n
- to kick (a ball) from a stationary position
- to score by means of a placekick
place·less [-ləs] -adj, adv, n
- lacking a fixed location
- indistinguishable from other such places in appearance or character
- a placeless parking complex -- T. J. Jablonsky
place·man [-mən] -n
- a political appointee to a public office esp. in 18th century Britain
place mat -n
- a small often rectangular table mat on which a place setting is laid
place·ment ['plās-mənt] -n
- : an act or instance of placing: as
- an accurately hit ball (as in tennis) that an opponent cannot return
- the assignment of a person to a suitable place (as a job or a class in school)
- placekick
placement test -n
- a test usu. given to a student entering an educational institution to determine specific knowledge or proficiency in various subjects for the purpose of assignment to appropriate courses or classes
placename ['plās-,nām] -n
- the name of a geographic locality
pla·cen·ta [plə-'sen-tə] -n
- the vascular organ in mammals except monotremes and marsupials that unites the fetus to the maternal uterus and mediates its metabolic exchanges through a more or less intimate association of uterine mucosal with chorionic and usu. allantoic tissues
- an analogous organ in another animal
- a sporangium-bearing surface
- the part of the carpel bearing ovules
pla·cen·tal [plə-'sen-tᵊl] -adj
- of, relating to, having, or occurring by means of a placenta
- eutherian
placental -n
- a placental mammal : eutherian
pla·cen·ta·tion [,pla-sᵊn-'tā-shən, plə-,sen-] -n
- the arrangement of placentas and ovules in a plant ovary
- the development of the placenta and attachment of the fetus to the uterus during pregnancy
- the morphological type of a placenta
plac·er ['plā-sər] -n
- : one that places: as
- one that deposits or arranges
- one of the winners in a competition
- an alluvial, marine, or glacial deposit containing particles of valuable mineral and esp. of gold
place setting -n
- a set of dishes and flatware constituting a table service for one person
place value -n
- the value of the place of a digit in a numeral
plac·id ['pla-səd] -adj, n, adv
- serenely free of interruption or disturbance
- complacent
plack·et ['pla-kət] -n
- a slit in a garment (as a skirt) often forming the closure
- a pocket esp. in a woman's skirt
- petticoat
- woman
plac·o·derm ['pla-kə-,dərm] -n
- any of a class (Placodermi) of extinct chiefly Devonian fishes with an armor of bony plates and primitive jaw structures
plac·oid ['pla-,kȯid] -adj
- of, relating to, or being a scale of dermal origin with an enamel-tipped spine characteristic of the elasmobranchs
pla·gal ['plā-gəl] -adj
- having the keynote on the fourth scale step
- progressing from the subdominant chord to the tonic
plage ['pläzh] -n
- the beach of a seaside resort
- a bright region on the sun caused by the light emitted by clouds of calcium or hydrogen and often associated with a sunspot
pla·gia·rise ['plā-jə-,rīz also -jē-ə-] -vb, n
(variant of plagiarize)
- to steal and pass off (the ideas or words of another) as one's own : use (another's production) without crediting the source
- to commit literary theft : present as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing source
pla·gia·rism ['plā-jə-,ri-zəm also -jē-ə-] -n, adj
- an act or instance of plagiarizing
- something plagiarized
pla·gia·rize ['plā-jə-,rīz also -jē-ə-] -vb, n
- to steal and pass off (the ideas or words of another) as one's own : use (another's production) without crediting the source
- to commit literary theft : present as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing source
pla·gia·ry ['plā-jē-,er-ē, -jə-rē] -n
- one that plagiarizes
- plagiarism
pla·gio·clase ['plā-j(ē-)ə-,klās, 'pla-, -,klāz] -n
- a triclinic feldspar
- one having calcium or sodium in its composition
pla·gio·tro·pic [,plā-j(ē-)ə-'trō-pik, ,pla-, -'trä-] -adj
- having the longer axis inclined away from the vertical
plague ['plāg] -n
- a disastrous evil or affliction : calamity
- a destructively numerous influx
- an epidemic disease causing a high rate of mortality : pestilence
- a virulent contagious febrile disease that is caused by a bacterium ( Yersinia pestis) and that occurs in bubonic, pneumonic, and septicemic forms called also black death
- a cause of irritation : nuisance
- a sudden unwelcome outbreak
- to smite, infest, or afflict with or as if with disease, calamity, or natural evil
- to cause worry or distress to : hamper, burden
- to disturb or annoy persistently
plagu·ey ['plā-gē, 'ple-] -adj, adv
- causing irritation or annoyance : troublesome
plaice ['plās] -n
- any of various flatfishes
- a large European flounder ( Pleuronectes platessa) having red spots and used for food
plaid ['plad] -n, adj
- a rectangular length of tartan worn over the left shoulder as part of the Scottish national costume
- a twilled woolen fabric with a tartan pattern
- a fabric with a pattern of tartan or an imitation of tartan
- tartan
- a pattern of unevenly spaced repeated stripes crossing at right angles
plain ['plān] -vi
- complain
- an extensive area of level or rolling treeless country
- a broad unbroken expanse
- something free from artifice, ornament, or extraneous matter
- even, level
- lacking ornament : undecorated
- free of extraneous matter : pure
- free of impediments to view : unobstructed
- evident to the mind or senses : obvious
- it's perfectly plain that they will resist
- clear
- let me make my meaning plain
- marked by outspoken candor : free from duplicity or subtlety : blunt
- belonging to the masses : common
- lacking special distinction or affectation : ordinary
- characterized by simplicity : not complicated
- lacking beauty or ugliness
- in a plain manner : without obscurity or ambiguity
- saw them clearly and told you plain -- Amer. Documentation
- absolutely
- it plain galled me to pay fancy prices -- F. R. Buckley
plain·chant ['plān-,chant] -n
- plainsong
plain·clothes ['plān-'klō(th)z] -adj
- dressed in civilian clothes while on duty used esp. of a police officer
plain·clothes·man ['plān-'klō(th)z-mən, -,man] -n
- a plainclothes police officer
plainJane ['plān-'jān] -adj
- not fancy or glamorous : ordinary
plain Jane [-'jān] -n
- one that is plain
plainlaid ['plān-'lād] -adj
- consisting of three strands laid right-handed
Plain People -n
- members of any of various Protestant groups (as Mennonites) esp. in the U.S. who wear distinctively plain clothes and adhere to a simple and traditional style of life excluding many conveniences of modern technology
Plains ['plānz] -adj
- of or relating to No. American Indians of the Great Plains or to their culture
plain sailing -n
- easy progress over an unobstructed course
plains·man ['plānz-mən] -n
- an inhabitant of the plains
plain·song ['plān-,sȯŋ] -n
- a monophonic rhythmically free liturgical chant of any of various Christian rites
- gregorian chant
plain·spo·ken [-'spō-kən] -adj, n
- candid, frank
plaint ['plānt] -n
- lamentation, wail
- protest, complaint
plain·text ['plān-,tekst] -n
- the intelligible form of an encrypted text or of its elements
plain·tiff ['plān-təf] -n
- a person who brings a legal action
plain·tive ['plān-tiv] -adj, adv, n
- expressive of suffering or woe : melancholy
plainvanilla -adj
- lacking special features or qualities : basic
plain weave -n
- a weave in which the threads interlace alternately
plainwoven -adj
- made in plain weave
plait ['plāt, 'plat] -n
- pleat
- a braid of material (as hair or straw)
- pigtail
- pleat
- to interweave the strands or locks of : braid
- to make by plaiting
plait·ing ['plā-tiŋ] -n
- the interlacing of strands : braiding
plan ['plan] -n, adj, adv
- : a drawing or diagram drawn on a plane: as
- a top or horizontal view of an object
- a large-scale map of a small area
- a method for achieving an end
- an often customary method of doing something : procedure
- a detailed formulation of a program of action
- goal, aim
- an orderly arrangement of parts of an overall design or objective
- a detailed program (as for payment or the provision of some service)
- to arrange the parts of : design
- to devise or project the realization or achievement of
- to have in mind : intend
- to make plans
- to have a specified intention used with on
plan- -comb form
- flat
- flat and
pla·nar ['plā-nər, -,när] -adj, n
- of, relating to, or lying in a plane
- two-dimensional in quality
pla·nar·ia [plə-'ner-ē-ə] -n
- any of a genus ( Planaria) of 2-eyed planarian worms
- planarian
pla·nar·i·an [-ē-ən] -n
- triclad
- any of various dark-colored freshwater triclad flatworms (family Planariidae) with two eyespots and a triangular head
pla·na·tion [plā-'nā-shən] -n
- the condition or process of becoming flattened
plan·chet ['plan-chət] -n
- a metal disk to be stamped as a coin
- a small metal or plastic disk
plan·chette [plan-'shet] -n
- a small triangular or heart-shaped board supported on casters at two points and a vertical pencil at a third and believed to produce automatic writing when lightly touched by the fingers
- a similar board without a pencil
Planck's constant ['pläŋ(k)s-, 'plaŋ(k)s-] -n
- a constant that gives the unvarying ratio of the energy of a quantum of radiation to its frequency and that has an approximate value of 6.626 10 34Js symbol h
plane ['plān] -vb, n
- to make smooth or even : level
- to make smooth or even by use of a plane
- to remove by or as if by planing often used with away or off
- to work with a plane
- to do the work of a plane
- any of a genus ( Platanusof the family Platanaceae, the plane-tree family) of chiefly deciduous trees with large palmately lobed leaves, flowers in globose heads, and usu. scaling bark called also buttonwood plane tree sycamore
- a tool for smoothing or shaping a wood surface
- a surface in which if any two points are chosen a straight line joining them lies wholly in that surface
- a flat or level surface
- a level of existence, consciousness, or development
- on the intellectual plane
- one of the main supporting surfaces of an airplane
- airplane
- having no elevations or depressions : flat
- of, relating to, or dealing with geometric planes
- lying in a plane
- to fly while keeping the wings motionless
- to skim across the surface of the water
- to travel by airplane
plane angle -n
- an angle that for a given dihedral angle is formed by two intersecting lines each of which lies on a face of the dihedral angle and is perpendicular to the edge of the face
plane geometry -n
- a branch of elementary geometry that deals with plane figures
plane·load ['plān-,lōd] -n
- a load that fills an airplane
plane of polarization
- the plane in which the magnetic-vibration component of plane-polarized electromagnetic radiation lies
planepolarized -adj
- vibrating in a single plane
- plane-polarized light waves
pla·ner tree ['plā-nər-] -n
- a deciduous tree ( Planera aquatica) of the elm family growing chiefly in wet southeastern U.S. soils and having an oval ribbed nutlike drupe
plan·et ['pla-nət] -n, adj
- any of the seven celestial bodies sun, moon, Venus, Jupiter, Mars, Mercury, and Saturn that in ancient belief have motions of their own among the fixed stars
- any of the large bodies that revolve around the sun in the solar system
- a similar body associated with another star
- earth usu. used with the
- a celestial body held to influence the fate of human beings
- a person or thing of great importance : luminary
plane table -n
- an instrument consisting essentially of a drawing board on a tripod with a ruler pointed at the object observed and used for plotting the lines of a survey directly from observation
plan·e·tar·i·um [,pla-nə-'ter-ē-əm] -n
- a model or representation of the solar system
- an optical device for projecting various celestial images and effects
- a building or room housing such a projector
plan·e·tary ['pla-nə-,ter-ē] -adj
- of, relating to, being, or resembling a planet
- erratic, wandering
- having a motion like that of a planet
- immense
- the scope of this project has reached planetary proportions
- of, relating to, or belonging to the earth : terrestrial
- global, worldwide
- having or consisting of an epicyclic train of gear wheels
planetary nebula -n
- a usu. compact luminous ring-shaped nebula that is composed of matter which has been ejected from a hot star at its center
planetary science -n
- planetology
plan·e·tes·i·mal [,pla-nə-'te-sə-məl, -zə-məl] -n
- any of numerous small solid celestial bodies that may have existed at an early stage of the development of the solar system
planetesimal hypothesis -n
- a hypothesis in astronomy: the planets have evolved by aggregation from planetesimals
plan·et·oid ['pla-nə-,tȯid] -n, adj
- a small body resembling a planet
- asteroid
plan·et·ol·o·gy [,pla-nə-'tä-lə-jē] -n, adj
- a branch of astronomy that deals with the condensed matter of the solar system and esp. with the planets and their moons
plan·etstrick·en ['pla-nət-,stri-kən] -adj
- affected by the influence of a planet
- panic-stricken
planet wheel -n
- a gear wheel that revolves around the wheel with which it meshes in an epicyclic train
plan·et·wide ['pla-nət-'wīd] -adj
- extending throughout or involving an entire planet
plan·form ['plan-,fȯrm] -n
- the contour of an object (as an airplane) or mass as viewed from above
plan·gen·cy ['plan-jən(t)-sē] -n
- the quality or state of being plangent
plan·gent [-jənt] -adj, adv
- having a loud reverberating sound
- having an expressive and esp. plaintive quality
pla·nim·e·ter [plā-'ni-mə-tər, plə-] -n
- an instrument for measuring the area of a plane figure by tracing its boundary line
pla·ni·met·ric [,plā-nə-'me-trik] -adj, adv
- of, relating to, or made by means of a planimeter
- having no indications of relief
planing -adj
- having or being a hull designed to lift partially from the water's surface at high speeds
plan·ish ['pla-nish] -vt, n
- to smooth, toughen, and finish (metal) by hammering lightly
pla·ni·sphere ['plā-nə-,sfir] -n, adj
- a representation of the circles of the sphere on a plane
- a polar projection of the celestial sphere and the stars on a plane with adjustable circles or other appendages for showing celestial phenomena for any given time
plank ['plaŋk] -n
- a heavy thick board
- one 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters) thick and at least 8 inches (20 centimeters) wide
- an object made of a plank or planking
- planking
- an article in the platform of a political party
- a principal item of a policy or program
- to cover, build, or floor with planks
- to set down forcefully usu. used with down
- to cook and serve on a board
plank·ing ['plaŋ-kiŋ] -n
- the act or process of covering or fitting with planks
- a quantity of planks
plank·ter ['plaŋ(k)-tər] -n
- a planktonic organism
plank·ton ['plaŋ(k)-tən, -,tän] -n, adj
- the passively floating or weakly swimming usu. minute animal and plant life of a body of water
planning -n
- the act or process of making or carrying out plans
- the establishment of goals, policies, and procedures for a social or economic unit
pla·nocon·cave [,plā-nō-(,)kän-'kāv, -'kän-,] -adj
- flat on one side and concave on the other
pla·nocon·vex [-(,)kän-'veks, -'kän-,, -kən-'] -adj
- flat on one side and convex on the other
pla·nog·ra·phy [plā-'nä-grə-fē, plə-] -n, adj
- a process (as lithography) for printing from a plane surface
plan position indicator -n
- a radarscope having a sweep synchronized with a usu. rotating antenna so that the radar return can be used to find range and bearing
plant ['plant] -vb, adj
- to put or set in the ground for growth
- to set or sow with seeds or plants
- implant
- establish, institute
- colonize, settle
- to place (animals) in a new locality
- to stock with animals
- to place in or on the ground
- to place firmly or forcibly
- plant ed a hard blow on his chin
- conceal
- to covertly place for discovery, publication, or dissemination
- to plant something
- a young tree, vine, shrub, or herb planted or suitable for planting
- any of a kingdom (Plantae) of multicellular eukaryotic mostly photosynthetic organisms typically lacking locomotive movement or obvious nervous or sensory organs and possessing cellulose cell walls
- the land, buildings, machinery, apparatus, and fixtures employed in carrying on a trade or an industrial business
- a factory or workshop for the manufacture of a particular product
- power plant
- the total facilities available for production or service
- the buildings and other physical equipment of an institution
- an act of planting
- something or someone planted
Plan·tag·e·net [plan-'ta-jə-nət, -'taj-nət] -adj, n
- of or relating to a royal house ruling England from 1154 to 1485
plan·tain ['plan-tᵊn] -n
- any of a genus ( Plantagoof the family Plantaginaceae, the plantain family) of herbs with basal rosettes of usu. lanceolate or elliptical leaves and spikes of minute greenish flowers
plantain -n
- a banana plant ( Musa paradisiaca)
- the angular greenish starchy fruit of the plantain that is a staple food in the tropics when cooked
plantain lily -n
- hosta
plan·tar ['plan-tər, -,tär] -adj
- of or relating to the sole of the foot
plan·ta·tion [plan-'tā-shən] -n
- a usu. large group of plants and esp. trees under cultivation
- a settlement in a new country or region
- a place that is planted or under cultivation
- an agricultural estate usu. worked by resident labor
plant·er ['plan-tər] -n
- : one that cultivates plants: as
- farmer
- one who owns or operates a plantation
- a planting machine or implement
- one who settles or founds a place and esp. a new colony
- a container in which ornamental plants are grown
planter's punch -n
- a punch of rum, lime or lemon juice, sugar, water, and sometimes bitters
plant food -n
- food
- fertilizer
plant hormone -n
- an organic substance other than a nutrient that in minute amounts modifies a plant physiological process
- one produced by a plant and active elsewhere than at the site of production
plan·ti·grade ['plan-tə-,grād] -adj, n
- walking on the sole with the heel touching the ground
plant·ing ['plan-tiŋ] -n
- an area where plants are grown for commercial or decorative purposes
- the plants cultivated in such an area
plant kingdom -n
- a basic group of natural objects that includes all living and extinct plants
plant·let ['plant-lət] -n
- a small or young plant
plant louse -n
- aphid
- any of various small insects (as a jumping plant louse) of similar habits
plan·to·cra·cy [plan-'tä-krə-sē] -n
- a ruling class made up of planters
- government by planters
plants·man ['plants-mən, -,man] -n
- a person skilled with plants : an expert gardener or horticulturist
plan·u·la ['plan-yə-lə] -n
- the very young usu. flattened oval or oblong free-swimming ciliated larva of a coelenterate
plaque ['plak] -n
- an ornamental brooch
- the badge of an honorary order
- a flat thin piece (as of metal) used for decoration
- a commemorative or identifying inscribed tablet
- a localized abnormal patch on a body part or surface
- a sticky usu. colorless film on teeth that is formed by and harbors bacteria
- an atherosclerotic lesion
- a histopathologic lesion of brain tissue that is characteristic of Alzheimer's disease and consists of a dense proteinaceous core composed primarily of beta-amyloid that is often surrounded and infiltrated by a cluster of degenerating axons and dendrites
- a clear area in a bacterial culture produced by viral destruction of cells
plash ['plash] -n
- splash
- to cause a splashing or spattering effect
- to break the surface of (water) : splash
plasm ['pla-zəm] -n
- plasma
plasm- -comb form
- plasma
plas·ma ['plaz-mə] -n, adj
- a green faintly translucent quartz
- the fluid part of blood, lymph, or milk as distinguished from suspended material
- blood plasma
- the juice that can be expressed from muscle
- protoplasm
- a collection of charged particles (as in the atmospheres of stars or in a metal) containing about equal numbers of positive ions and electrons and exhibiting some properties of a gas but differing from a gas in being a good conductor of electricity and in being affected by a magnetic field
- a display (as a television screen) consisting of discrete cells of plasma sandwiched between two layers of glass and electrodes such that each cell emits light when it receives an electric current
plasma cell -n
- a lymphocyte that is a mature antibody-secreting B cell
plas·ma·gel ['plaz-mə-,jel] -n
- gelated cytoplasm
- the outer firm zone of a pseudopodium
plas·ma·gene [-,jēn] -n
- a self-replicating extranuclear determiner of hereditary characteristics
plasma jet -n
- a stream of very hot ionized plasma
- a device for producing such a stream
plas·ma·lem·ma [,plaz-mə-'le-mə] -n
- plasma membrane
plasma membrane -n
- a semipermeable limiting layer of cell protoplasm called also cell membrane
plas·ma·phe·re·sis [,plaz-mə-fə-'rē-səs, -'fer-ə-səs] -n
- a process for removing blood plasma without depleting the donor or patient of other blood constituents (as red blood cells) by separating out the plasma from the whole blood and returning the rest to the donor's or patient's circulatory system
plas·ma·sol ['plaz-mə-,säl, -,sȯl, -,sōl] -n
- cytoplasm in the form of a sol esp. in a pseudopodium or amoeboid cell
plasma torch -n
- a device that heats a gas by electrical means to form a plasma for high-temperature operations (as melting metal)
plas·mid ['plaz-məd] -n
- an extrachromosomal ring of DNA esp. of bacteria that replicates autonomously
plas·min [-mən] -n
- a proteolytic enzyme that dissolves the fibrin of blood clots
plas·min·o·gen [plaz-'mi-nə-jən] -n
- the precursor of plasmin that is found in blood plasma and serum
plas·mo·des·ma [,plaz-mə-'dez-mə] -n
- one of the cytoplasmic strands passing through openings in some plant cell walls and forming connections with adjacent cells
plas·mo·di·um [plaz-'mō-dē-əm] -n
- a motile multinucleate mass of protoplasm resulting from fusion of uninucleate amoeboid cells
- an organism (as a stage of a slime mold) that consists of such a structure
- syncytium
- a sporozoan parasite (genus Plasmodium) that is the causative agent of malaria
plas·mog·a·my [plaz-'mä-gə-mē] -n
- fusion of the cytoplasm of two or more cells as distinguished from fusion of nuclei
plas·mol·y·sis [plaz-'mä-lə-səs] -n, adj
- shrinking of the cytoplasm away from the wall of a living cell due to outward osmotic flow of water
plas·mo·lyze ['plaz-mə-,līz] -vb
- to subject to plasmolysis
- to undergo plasmolysis
plas·ter ['plas-tər] -n, adj
- a medicated or protective dressing that consists of a film (as of cloth or plastic) spread with a usu. medicated substance
- something applied to heal and soothe
- a pasty composition (as of lime, water, and sand) that hardens on drying and is used for coating walls, ceilings, and partitions
plaster [-t(ə-)riŋ] -vb, n
- to overlay or cover with plaster : coat
- to apply a plaster to
- to cover over or conceal as if with a coat of plaster
- to apply as a coating or incrustation
- to smooth down with a sticky or shiny substance
- to fasten or apply tightly to another surface
- to treat with plaster of paris
- to affix to or place on esp. conspicuously or in quantity
- to inflict heavy damage or loss on esp. by a concentrated or unremitting attack
- to apply plaster
plas·ter·board ['plas-tər-,bȯrd] -n
- drywall
plaster cast -n
- a sculptor's model in plaster of paris
- a rigid dressing of gauze impregnated with plaster of paris
plastered -adj
- drunk, intoxicated
plastering -n
- a coating of or as if of plaster
- a decisive defeat
plaster of par·is [-'pa-rəs]
- a white powdery slightly hydrated calcium sulfate CaSO 4H 2O or 2CaSO 4H 2O made by calcining gypsum and used chiefly for casts and molds in the form of a quick-setting paste with water
plaster saint -n
- a person without human failings
plas·ter·work ['plas-tər-,wərk] -n
- plastering often ornate in design used to finish architectural constructions
plas·tic ['plas-tik] -adj
- formative, creative
- capable of being molded or modeled
- capable of adapting to varying conditions : pliable
- ecologically plastic animals
- sculptural
- made or consisting of a plastic
- capable of being deformed continuously and permanently in any direction without rupture
- of, relating to, or involving plastic surgery
- having a quality suggestive of mass-produced plastic goods
- artificial
- relating to, characterized by, or exhibiting neural plasticity
plastic ['plas-ti-kē] -n, adj
- a plastic substance
- any of numerous organic synthetic or processed materials that are mostly thermoplastic or thermosetting polymers of high molecular weight and that can be made into objects, films, or filaments
- credit cards used for payment called also plastic money
plas·ti·cal·ly ['plas-ti-k(ə-)lē] -adv
- in a plastic manner
- with respect to plastic qualities
plastic art -n
- art (as sculpture or bas-relief) characterized by modeling : three-dimensional art
- visual art (as painting, sculpture, or film) esp. as distinguished from art that is written (as poetry or music) often used in pl.
plastic foam -n
- expanded plastic
Plas·ti·cine ['plas-tə-,sēn] -trademark
- used for a plastic modeling paste
plas·tic·i·ty [pla-'sti-sə-tē] -n
- the quality or state of being plastic
- capacity for being molded or altered
- the ability to retain a shape attained by pressure deformation
- the capacity of organisms with the same genotype to vary in developmental pattern, in phenotype, or in behavior according to varying environmental conditions
- the capacity for continuous alteration of the neural pathways and synapses of the living brain and nervous system in response to experience or injury
plas·ti·cize ['plas-tə-,sīz] -vt, n
- to make plastic
- to treat with a plastic
- a plasticized mattress cover
plas·ti·ciz·er ['plas-tə-,sī-zər] -n
- one that plasticizes
- a chemical added esp. to rubbers and resins to impart flexibility, workability, or stretchability
plastic money -n
- plastic
plastic surgeon -n
- a specialist in plastic surgery
plastic surgery -n
- surgery concerned with the repair, restoration, or improvement of lost, injured, defective, or misshapen body parts
plas·tic·ware ['plas-tik-,wer] -n
- articles made of plastic
plas·tid ['plas-təd] -n, adj
- any of various cytoplasmic organelles (as an amyloplast or chloroplast) of photosynthetic cells that serve in many cases as centers of special metabolic activities
plas·ti·sol ['plas-tə-,säl, -,sȯl] -n
- a substance consisting of a mixture of a resin and a plasticizer that can be molded, cast, or made into a continuous film by application of heat
plas·to·cy·a·nin [,plas-tō-'sī-ə-nən] -n
- a copper-containing protein that acts as an intermediary in photosynthetic electron transport
plas·to·qui·none [,plas-(,)tō-kwi-'nōn, -'kwi-,] -n
- a plant substance that is related to vitamin K and plays a role in photosynthetic phosphorylation
plas·tral ['plas-trəl] -adj
- of or relating to a plastron
plas·tron ['plas-trən] -n
- a metal breastplate formerly worn under the hauberk
- a quilted pad worn in fencing practice to protect the chest, waist, and the side on which the weapon is held
- the ventral part of the shell of a tortoise or turtle consisting typically of nine symmetrically placed bones overlaid by horny plates
- a trimming like a bib for a woman's dress
- dickey
- a thin film of air held by water-repellent hairs of some aquatic insects
plat ['plat] -vt
- plait
- plait
- a small piece of ground (as a lot or quadrat) : plot
- a plan, map, or chart of a piece of land with actual or proposed features (as lots)
- the land represented
- to make a plat of
- plateau
- platoon
plat·an ['pla-tᵊn] -n
- plane
plat du jour [,plä-də-'zhu̇r, ,pla-] -n
- a dish that is featured by a restaurant on a particular day
plate ['plāt] -n, adj
- a smooth flat thin piece of material
- forged, rolled, or cast metal in sheets usu. thicker than inch (6 millimeters)
- a very thin layer of metal deposited on a surface of base metal by plating
- one of the broad metal pieces used in armor
- armor of such plates
- a thin relatively flat anatomical part (as a lamina of bone) of an animal body
- scute
- the thin under portion of the forequarter of beef
- the fatty back part
- home plate
- any of the large movable segments into which the earth's lithosphere is divided according to the theory of plate tectonics
- a silver coin
- precious metal
- silver bullion
- domestic hollowware made of or plated with gold, silver, or base metals
- a shallow usu. circular vessel from which food is eaten or served
- a quantity to fill a plate : plateful
- a main course served on a plate
- food and service supplied to one person
- a prize given to the winner in a contest
- a horse race in which the contestants compete for a prize of fixed value rather than stakes
- a dish or pouch passed during collections
- a flat glass or plastic dish used chiefly for culturing microorganisms
- a prepared surface from which printing is done
- a sheet of material (as glass or plastic) coated with a light-sensitive photographic emulsion
- a metallic grid with its interstices filled with active material that forms one of the structural units of a battery
- license plate
- a horizontal structural member that provides bearing and anchorage esp. for the trusses of a roof or the rafters
- the part of a denture that fits to the mouth
- denture
- a full-page illustration often on different paper from the text pages
- a schedule of matters to deal with
- have a lot on my plate now
- : to cover or equip with plate: as
- to provide with armor plate
- to cover with an adherent layer mechanically, chemically, or electrically
- to deposit (as a layer) on a surface
- to make a printing surface from or for
- to fix or secure with a plate
- to cause (as a runner) to score in baseball
- to arrange (food) on a plate
pla·teau [pla-'tō, 'pla-,] -n
- a usu. extensive land area having a relatively level surface raised sharply above adjacent land on at least one side : tableland
- a similar undersea feature
- a region of little or no change in a graphic representation
- a relatively stable level, period, or condition
- a level of attainment or achievement
plateau -vi
- to reach a level, period, or condition of stability or maximum attainment
plate·ful ['plāt-,fu̇l] -n
- a quantity to fill a plate
- a generous helping
- a large number or amount
plate·glass ['plāt-'glas, -,glas] -adj
- of, relating to, or being the British universities founded in the latter half of the 20th century
plate glass -n
- rolled, ground, and polished sheet glass
plate·let ['plāt-lət] -n
- a minute flattened body (as of ice or a mineral)
- a minute colorless disklike body of mammalian blood that assists in blood clotting by adhering to other platelets and to damaged epithelium called also blood platelet, thrombocyte
plate·mak·er ['plāt-,mā-kər] -n
- a machine for making printing plates and esp. offset printing plates
plat·en ['pla-tᵊn] -n
- a flat plate
- one that exerts or receives pressure (as in a printing press)
- the roller of a typewriter or printer
plat·er ['plā-tər] -n
- one that plates
- a horse that runs chiefly in plate races
- a racehorse that competes in the lowest grade of races
plate rail -n
- a rail or narrow shelf along the upper part of a wall for holding plates or ornaments
plat·er·esque [,pla-tə-'resk] -adj
- of, relating to, or being a 16th century Spanish architectural style characterized by elaborate ornamentation suggestive of silver plate
plate tectonics -n pl but sing in constr, adj
- a theory in geology: the lithosphere of the earth is divided into a small number of plates which float on and travel independently over the mantle and much of the earth's seismic activity occurs at the boundaries of these plates
- the process and dynamics of tectonic plate movement
- a similar process on a body other than earth
plat·form ['plat-,fȯrm] -n
- plan, design
- a declaration of the principles on which a group of persons stands
- a declaration of principles and policies adopted by a political party or a candidate
- a usu. raised horizontal flat surface
- a raised flooring
- a device or structure incorporating or providing a platform
- such a structure on legs used for offshore drilling (as for oil)
- a place or opportunity for public discussion
- a usu. thick layer (as of cork) between the inner sole and outer sole of a shoe
- a shoe having such a sole
- a vehicle (as a satellite or aircraft) used for a particular purpose or to carry a usu. specified kind of equipment
- operating system
- the computer architecture and equipment using a particular operating system
platform balance -n
- a balance having a platform on which objects are weighed called also platform scale
platform rocker -n
- a chair that rocks on a stable platform
platform tennis -n
- a variation of paddle tennis that is played on a platform enclosed by a wire fence
pla·ti·na [plə-'tē-nə] -n
- platinum
plating -n
- the act or process of plating
- a coating of metal plates
- a thin coating of metal
plat·i·nize ['pla-tə-,nīz] -vt
- to cover, treat, or combine with platinum or a compound of platinum
plat·i·no·cy·a·nide [,pla-tə-nō-'sī-ə-,nīd] -n
- a fluorescent complex salt formed by the union of a compound of platinum and cyanide with another cyanide
plat·i·num ['plat-nəm, 'pla-tə-nəm] -n
- a precious grayish-white noncorroding ductile malleable heavy metallic element that fuses with difficulty and is used esp. in chemical ware and apparatus, as a catalyst, and in dental and jewelry alloys
- a moderate gray
platinum -adj
- qualifying for a platinum record
platinum blonde -n
- a person whose hair is of a pale silvery-blonde color
- the color of the hair of a platinum blonde
platinum record -n
- a platinum phonograph record awarded to a singer or group whose album has sold at least one million copies
plat·i·tude ['pla-tə-,tüd, -,tyüd] -n
- the quality or state of being dull or insipid
- a banal, trite, or stale remark
plat·i·tu·di·nal [,pla-tə-'tüd-nəl, -'tyüd-; -'tü-də-nəl, -'tyü-] -adj
- platitudinous
plat·i·tu·di·nar·i·an [-,tü-də-'ner-ē-ən, -,tyü-] -n
- one given to the use of platitudes
plat·i·tu·di·nize [-'tü-də-,nīz, -'tyü-] -vi
- to utter platitudes
plat·i·tu·di·nous [-'tüd-nəs, -'tyüd-; -'tü-də-nəs, -'tyü-] -adj, adv
- having the characteristics of a platitude : full of platitudes
pla·ton·ic [plə-'tä-nik, plā-] -adj, adv
- of, relating to, or characteristic of Plato or Platonism
- relating to or based on platonic love
- experiencing or professing platonic love
- of, relating to, or being a relationship marked by the absence of romance or sex
- nominal, theoretical
platonic love -n
- love conceived by Plato as ascending from passion for the individual to contemplation of the universal and ideal
- a close relationship between two persons in which sexual desire is nonexistent or has been suppressed or sublimated
Pla·to·nism ['plā-tə-,ni-zəm] -n, adj
- the philosophy of Plato stressing esp. that actual things are copies of transcendent ideas and that these ideas are the objects of true knowledge apprehended by reminiscence
- neoplatonism
- platonic love
Pla·to·nize ['plā-tə-,nīz] -vb
- to adopt, imitate, or conform to Platonic opinions
- to explain in accordance with or adapt to Platonic doctrines
- idealize
pla·toon [plə-'tün, pla-] -n
- a subdivision of a company-sized military unit normally consisting of two or more squads or sections
- a group of persons sharing a common characteristic or activity
- a group of football players who are trained for either offense or defense and are sent into or withdrawn from the game as a body
platoon -vt
- to play (one player) alternately with another player in the same position (as on a baseball team)
- to alternate with another player at the same position
- to use alternate players at the same position
platoon sergeant -n
- a noncommissioned officer in the army ranking above a staff sergeant and below a first sergeant
Platt·deutsch ['plat-,dȯich, 'plät-] -n
- the Low German speech of northern Germany comprising several dialects
plat·ter ['pla-tər] -n
- a large plate used esp. for serving meat
- plate
- a phonograph record
platy ['plā-tē] -adj
- resembling a plate
- consisting of plates or flaky layers used chiefly of soil or mineral formations
- either of two tropical American freshwater live-bearers ( Xiphophorus maculatusand X. variatus) that have a highly variable often brilliant color and are popular aquarium fishes called also platy*fish -fish
platy·hel·minth [,pla-ti-'hel-,min(t)th] -n, adj
- flatworm
platy·pus ['pla-ti-pəs, -,pu̇s] -n
- a small carnivorous aquatic monotreme mammal ( Ornithorhynchus anatinus) of eastern Australia and Tasmania that has a fleshy bill resembling that of a duck, dense fur, webbed feet, and a broad flattened tail called also duck-billed platypus
plat·yr·rhine ['pla-ti-,rīn] -adj, n
- of, relating to, or being any of a division (Platyrrhina) of arboreal New World monkeys characterized by a broad nasal septum, usu. 36 teeth, and often a prehensile tail
- having a short broad nose
plau·dit ['plȯ-dət] -n
- an act or round of applause
- enthusiastic approval usu. used in pl.
- received the plaudit s of the critics
plau·si·bil·i·ty [,plȯ-zə-'bi-lə-tē] -n
- the quality or state of being plausible
- something plausible
plau·si·ble ['plȯ-zə-bəl] -adj, n, adv
- superficially fair, reasonable, or valuable but often specious
- superficially pleasing or persuasive
- a swindler..., then a quack, then a smooth, plausible gentleman -- R. W. Emerson
- appearing worthy of belief
- the argument was both powerful and plausible
plau·sive ['plȯ-ziv, -siv] -adj
- manifesting praise or approval
- pleasing
- specious
play ['plā] -n
- swordplay
- game, sport
- the conduct, course, or action of a game
- : a particular act or maneuver in a game: as
- the action during an attempt to advance the ball in football
- the action in which a player is put out in baseball
- the action in which cards are played after bidding in a card game
- the moving of a piece in a board game (as chess)
- one's turn in a game
- sexual intercourse
- amorous flirtation : dalliance
- recreational activity
- the spontaneous activity of children
- absence of serious or harmful intent : jest
- the act or an instance of playing on words or speech sounds
- gaming, gambling
- an act, way, or manner of proceeding : maneuver
- that was a play to get your fingerprints -- Erle Stanley Gardner
- deal, venture
- the state of being active, operative, or relevant
- other motives surely come into play -- M. R. Cohen
- several issues are at play
- brisk, fitful, or light movement
- the gem presented a dazzling play of colors
- free or unimpeded motion (as of a part of a machine)
- the length or measure of such motion
- scope or opportunity for action
- a function of an electronic device that causes a recording to play
- emphasis or publicity esp. in the news media
- wished the country received a better play in the American press -- Hugh MacLennan
- a move or series of moves calculated to arouse friendly feelings usu. used with make
- made a big play for the girl -- Will Herman
- the stage representation of an action or story
- a dramatic composition : drama
- to engage in sport or recreation : frolic
- to have sexual relations
- to have promiscuous or illicit sexual relations usu. used in the phrase play around
- to move aimlessly about : trifle
- to toy or fiddle around with something
- to deal or behave frivolously or mockingly : jest
- to deal in a light, speculative, or sportive manner
- to make use of double meaning or of the similarity of sound of two words for stylistic or humorous effect
- to take advantage
- flutter, frisk
- to move or operate in a lively, irregular, or intermittent manner
- to move or function freely within prescribed limits
- to produce a stream
- to perform music
- to sound in performance
- to emit sounds
- to reproduce recorded sounds
- to act in a dramatic production
- show, run
- what's play ing at the theater
- to be suitable for dramatic performance
- to act with special consideration so as to gain favor, approval, or sympathy
- might play to popular prejudices to serve his political ends -- V. L. Parrington
often used in the phrase play up to - to produce a specified impression in performance
- a movie that play s like a sitcom
- to engage or take part in a game
- to perform in a position in a specified manner
- the outfielders were play ing deep
- to perform an action during one's turn in a game
- gamble
- to behave or conduct oneself in a specified way
- to feign a specified state or quality
- to take part in or assent to some activity : cooperate
- play along with his scheme
- to act so as to prove advantageous to another usu. used in the phrase play into the hands of
- to gain approval : go over
- her idea did not play well
- to engage in or occupy oneself with
- to engage in (an activity) as a game
- to deal with, handle, or manage
- exploit, manipulate
- to pretend to engage in the activities of
- to amount to by one's efforts
- play ed an important role in their success
- to perform or execute for amusement or to deceive or mock
- wreak
- to use or introduce as a political or rhetorical strategy
- play the national security card
- to put on a performance of (a play)
- to act in the character or part of
- to act or perform in
- to perform or act the part of
- to contend against in or as if in a game
- to use as a contestant in a game
- the coach did not play him
- to perform the duties associated with (a certain position)
- to guard or move into position to defend against (an opponent) in a specified manner
- to wager in a game : stake
- to make wagers on
- to speculate on or in
- to operate on the basis of
- to put into action in a game
- to remove (a playing card) from one's hand and place usu. faceup on a table in one's turn either as part of a scoring combination or as one's contribution to a trick
- to catch or pick up (a batted ball) : field
- play ed the ball bare-handed
- to direct the course of (as a ball) : hit
- play ed a wedge shot to the green
- to cause (a ball or puck) to rebound
- play ed the ball off the backboard
- to perform (music) on an instrument
- to perform music on
- to perform music of (a certain composer)
- to cause (as a radio or phonograph) to emit sounds
- to cause the recorded sound or image of (as a record or a magnetic tape) to be reproduced
- wield, ply
- to discharge, fire, or set off with continuous effect
- play ed the hose on the burning building
- to cause to move or operate lightly and irregularly or intermittently
- to keep (a hooked fish) in action
pla·ya ['plī-ə] -n
- the flat-floored bottom of an undrained desert basin that becomes at times a shallow lake
play·act ['plā-,akt] -vb, n
- act out
- to take part in theatrical performances esp. as a professional
- to make believe
- to engage in theatrical or insincere behavior
playaction pass -n
- a pass play in football in which the quarterback fakes a handoff before passing the ball called also play-action
play·back ['plā-,bak] -n
- an act or instance of reproducing recorded sound or pictures often immediately after recording
play back -vt
- to perform a playback of (a usu. recently recorded disc or tape)
play·bill ['plā-,bil] -n
- a bill advertising a play and usu. announcing the cast
Playbill -trademark
- used for a theater program
play·book [-,bu̇k] -n
- one or more plays in book form
- a notebook containing diagrammed football plays
- a stock of usual tactics or methods
- straight from his opponent's political playbook
play·boy [-,bȯi] -n
- a man who lives a life devoted chiefly to the pursuit of pleasure
playbyplay ['plā-,bī-,plā, ,plā-,bī-'] -adj, n
- being or giving a running commentary on a sports event
- a radio playbyplay announcer
- relating each event as it occurs
play·date ['plā-,dāt] -n
- a play session for small children arranged in advance by their parents
play down -vt
- to attach little importance to : minimize
played out -adj
- worn out or used up
- tired out : spent
play·er ['plā-ər] -n
- : one that plays: as
- a person who plays a game
- musician
- actor
- a device that reproduces recorded material (as video images or music) from a usu. specified medium
- one actively involved esp. in a competitive field or process : participant
player piano -n
- a piano containing a mechanism by which it plays automatically
play·fel·low ['plā-,fe-(,)lō] -n
- playmate
play·field [-,fēld] -n
- a playground for outdoor athletics
play·ful ['plā-fəl] -adj, adv, n
- full of play : frolicsome, sportive
- humorous, jocular
play·girl [-,gər(-ə)l] -n
- a woman who lives a life devoted chiefly to the pursuit of pleasure
play·go·er [-,gō-ər] -n
- a person who frequently attends plays
play·ground [-,grau̇nd] -n
- a piece of land used for and usu. equipped with facilities for recreation esp. by children
- an area known or suited for activity of a specified sort
play·group ['plā-,grüp] -n
- an informal gathering of preschool children organized for the purpose of play and companionship
play·house [-,hau̇s] -n
- theater
- a small house for children to play in
play·ing card ['plā-iŋ-] -n
- one of a set of 24 to 78 thin rectangular pieces of cardboard or plastic marked on one side to show its rank and suit and used in playing any of numerous games
playing field -n
- a field for various games
- the part of a field officially marked off for play
- a set of conditions for competition usu. used in such phrases as a level playing field
play·land ['plā-,land] -n
- playground
play·let [-lət] -n
- a short play
play·list [-,list] -n
- a list of recordings to be played on the air by a radio station
- a similar list used for organizing a personal digital music collection
play·mak·er [-,mā-kər] -n, n or adj
- a player who leads the offense for a team (as in basketball or hockey)
play·mate [-,māt] -n
- a companion in play
playoff ['plā-,ȯf] -n
- a final contest or series of contests to determine the winner between contestants or teams that have tied
- a series of contests played after the end of the regular season to determine a championship often used in pl.
play off -vt
- to set in opposition for one's own gain
- to set in contrast
- to complete the playing of (an interrupted contest)
- to break (a tie) by a play-off
play out -vt
- to perform to the end
- use up, finish
- unreel, unfold
- played out a length of line -- Gordon Webber
- to become spent or exhausted
- develop, unfold
play·pen ['plā-,pen] -n
- a portable usu. collapsible enclosure in which a baby or young child may play called also play yard
play·room [-,rüm, -,ru̇m] -n
- a room equipped for children to play in
play·suit [-,süt] -n
- a sports and play outfit for women or children that consists usu. of a blouse and shorts
play therapy -n
- psychotherapy in which a child is encouraged to reveal feelings and conflicts in play rather than by verbalization
play·thing ['plā-,thiŋ] -n
- toy
- toy
play·time [-,tīm] -n
- a time for play or diversion
play up -vt
- emphasize
- exaggerate, overemphasize
play·wear ['plā-,wer] -n
- informal clothing worn for leisure activities
play·wright ['plā-,rīt] -n
- a person who writes plays
play·writ·ing [-,rī-tiŋ] -n
- the writing of plays
pla·za ['pla-zə, 'plä-] -n
- a public square in a city or town
- an open area usu. located near urban buildings and often featuring walkways, trees and shrubs, places to sit, and sometimes shops
- a place on a thoroughfare (as a turnpike) at which all traffic must temporarily stop (as to pay tolls)
- an area adjacent to an expressway which has service facilities (as a restaurant, gas station, and restrooms)
- shopping center
PLC -abbr
- public limited company
plea ['plē] -n
- a legal suit or action
- : an allegation made by a party in support of a cause: as
- an allegation of fact
- a defendant's answer to a plaintiff's declaration in common-law practice
- an accused person's answer to a charge or indictment in criminal practice
- a plea of guilty to an indictment
- something offered by way of excuse or justification
- left early with the plea of a headache
- an earnest entreaty : appeal
- their plea for understanding must be answered
plea bar·gain·ing [-,bär-gə-niŋ] -n, vi
- the negotiation of an agreement between a prosecutor and a defendant whereby the defendant is permitted to plead guilty to a reduced charge
pleach ['plēch, 'plāch] -vt
- interlace, plait
plead ['plēd] -vb, adj, n, adv
- to argue a case or cause in a court of law
- to make an allegation in an action or other legal proceeding
- to answer the previous pleading of the other party by denying facts therein stated or by alleging new facts
- to conduct pleadings
- to make a plea of a specified nature
- to argue for or against a claim
- to entreat or appeal earnestly
- to maintain (as a case or cause) in a court of law or other tribunal
- to allege in or by way of a legal plea
- to offer as a plea usu. in defense, apology, or excuse
pleading -n
- advocacy of a cause in a court of law
- one of the formal usu. written allegations and counter allegations made alternately by the parties in a legal action or proceeding
- the action or process performed by the parties in presenting such formal allegations until a single point at issue is produced
- the introduction of one of these allegations and esp. the first one
- the body of rules according to which these allegations are framed
- the act or an instance of making a plea
- a sincere entreaty
pleas·ance ['ple-zᵊn(t)s] -n
- a feeling of pleasure : delight
- a pleasant rest or recreation place usu. attached to a mansion
pleas·ant ['ple-zᵊnt] -adj, adv, n
- having qualities that tend to give pleasure : agreeable
- having or characterized by pleasing manners, behavior, or appearance
pleas·ant·ry [-zᵊn-trē] -n
- a humorous act or remark : jest
- an agreeable playfulness in conversation : banter
- a polite social remark
please ['plēz] -vb, n
- to afford or give pleasure or satisfaction
- like, wish
- to have the kindness
- will you please to enter the carriage -- Charles Dickens
- to give pleasure to : gratify
- to be the will or pleasure of
- may it please Your Majesty
- used as a function word to express politeness or emphasis in a request
- used as a function word to express polite affirmation
- used as a function word to express scornful disagreement, disapproval, or disbelief
- you believe that? Oh, please
pleasing [-lē] -adj, adv, n
- giving pleasure : agreeable
- the sun's pleasing warmth
plea·sur·able ['plezh-rə-bəl, 'plāzh-; 'ple-zhə-, 'plā-] -adj, n, adv
- pleasant, gratifying
plea·sure ['ple-zhər, 'plā-] -n
- desire, inclination
- wait upon his pleasure -- Shak.
- a state of gratification
- sensual gratification
- frivolous amusement
- a source of delight or joy
pleasure ['plezh-riŋ, 'plāzh-; 'ple-zhə-, 'plā-] -vb
- to give pleasure to : gratify
- to give sexual pleasure to
- to take pleasure : delight
- to seek pleasure
pleasure dome -n
- a place of pleasurable entertainment or recreation : resort
plea·sure·less ['ple-zhər-ləs, 'plā-] -adj
- giving no pleasure
pleasure principle -n
- a tendency for individual behavior to be directed toward immediate satisfaction of instinctual drives and immediate relief from pain or discomfort
pleat ['plēt] -vt, n
- fold
- to arrange in pleats
- plait
- a fold in cloth made by doubling material over on itself
- something resembling such a fold
pleath·er ['ple-thər] -n
- a plastic fabric made to look like leather
pleb ['pleb] -n
- plebeian
plebe ['plēb] -n
- a freshman at a military or naval academy
ple·be·ian [pli-'bē-ən] -n
- a member of the Roman plebs
- one of the common people
plebeian -adj, adv
- of or relating to plebeians
- crude or coarse in manner or style : common
pleb·i·scite ['ple-bə-,sīt, -sət also -,sēt] -n, adj
- a vote by which the people of an entire country or district express an opinion for or against a proposal esp. on a choice of government or ruler
plebs ['plebz, 'pleps] -n
- the general populace
- the common people of ancient Rome
ple·cop·ter·an [pli-'käp-tə-rən] -n, adj
- stone fly
plec·trum ['plek-trəm] -n
- pick
pledge ['plej] -n
- a bailment of a chattel as security for a debt or other obligation without involving transfer of title
- the chattel so delivered
- the contract incidental to such a bailment
- the state of being held as a security or guaranty
- something given as security for the performance of an act
- a token, sign, or earnest of something else
- a gage of battle
- toast
- a binding promise or agreement to do or forbear
- a promise to join a fraternity, sorority, or secret society
- a person who has so promised
- to make a pledge of
- pawn
- to drink to the health of
- to bind by a pledge
- to promise the performance of by a pledge
pledg·ee [ple-'jē] -n
- one to whom a pledge is given
pled·get ['ple-jət] -n
- a compress or pad used to apply medication to or absorb discharges (as from a wound)
ple·iad ['plē-əd, 'plā-, -,ad, chiefly Brit 'plī-] -n
- a group of usu. seven illustrious or brilliant persons or things
Pleiad -n
- any of the Pleiades
Ple·ia·des ['plē-ə-,dēz, 'plā-, chiefly Brit 'plī-] -n pl
- the seven daughters of Atlas turned into a group of stars in Greek mythology
- a conspicuous cluster of stars in the constellation Taurus that includes six stars in the form of a very small dipper
plein air [,plān-'er; ple-'ner] -adj, n
- of or relating to painting in outdoor daylight
- of or relating to a branch of impressionism that attempts to represent outdoor light and air
pleio- -comb form
- more
pleio·tro·pic [,plī-ə-'trō-pik, -'trä-] -adj, n
- producing more than one effect
- having multiple phenotypic expressions
Pleis·to·cene ['plīs-tə-,sēn] -adj, n
- of, relating to, or being the earlier epoch of the Quaternary or the corresponding series of rocks
ple·na·ry ['plē-nə-rē, 'ple-] -adj
- complete in every respect : absolute, unqualified
- fully attended or constituted by all entitled to be present
plenary indulgence -n
- a remission of the entire temporal punishment for sin
ple·nip·o·tent [pli-'ni-pə-tənt] -adj
- plenipotentiary
plen·i·po·ten·tia·ry [,ple-nə-pə-'ten(t)-sh(ə-)rē, -shē-,er-ē] -adj
- invested with full power
- of or relating to a plenipotentiary
plenipotentiary -n
- a person and esp. a diplomatic agent invested with full power to transact business
plen·ish ['ple-nish] -vt
- equip
plen·i·tude ['ple-nə-,tüd, -,tyüd] -n
- the quality or state of being full : completeness
- a great sufficiency : abundance
plen·i·tu·di·nous [,ple-nə-'tüd-nəs, -'tyüd-; -'tü-də-nəs, -'tyü-] -adj
- characterized by plenitude
plen·te·ous ['plen-tē-əs] -adj, adv, n
- fruitful, productive
- a plenteous harvest -- J. G. Frazer
usu. used with in or of - the seasons had been plenteous in corn -- George Eliot
- constituting or existing in plenty
- plenteous grace with thee is found -- Charles Wesley
plen·ti·ful ['plen-ti-fəl] -adj, adv, n
- containing or yielding plenty
- characterized by, constituting, or existing in plenty
plen·ti·tude ['plen-tə-,tüd, -,tyüd] -n
- plenitude
plen·ty ['plen-tē] -n
- a full or more than adequate amount or supply
- had plenty of time to finish the job
- a large number or amount
- the quality or state of being copious : plentifulness
plenty -adj
- plentiful in amount, number, or supply
- if reasons were as plenty as blackberries -- Shak.
- ample
- plenty work to be done -- Time
- more than sufficiently : to a considerable degree
- the nights were plenty cold -- F. B. Gipson
ple·num ['ple-nəm, 'plē-] -n
- a space or all space every part of which is full of matter
- an air-filled space in a structure
- one that receives air from a blower for distribution (as in a ventilation system)
- a general assembly of all members esp. of a legislative body
- the quality or state of being full
ple·och·ro·ism [plē-'ä-krə-,wi-zəm] -n, adj
- the property of a crystal of showing different colors when viewed by light polarized in different directions
pleo·mor·phic [,plē-ə-'mȯr-fik] -adj, n
- able to assume different forms : polymorphic
ple·o·nasm ['plē-ə-,na-zəm] -n, adj, adv
- the use of more words than those necessary to denote mere sense (as in the man he said) : redundancy
- an instance or example of pleonasm
ple·o·pod ['plē-ə-,päd] -n
- an abdominal limb of a crustacean
ple·ro·cer·coid [,plir-ō-'sər-,kȯid] -n
- the solid elongate infective larva of some tapeworms usu. occurring in the muscles of fishes
ple·si·o·saur ['plē-sē-ə-,sȯr, -zē-] -n
- any of an order or suborder (Plesiosauria) of large carnivorous marine reptiles of the Mesozoic with dorsoventrally flattened bodies and limbs modified into flippers
pleth·o·ra ['ple-thə-rə] -n, adj
- a bodily condition characterized by an excess of blood and marked by turgescence and a florid complexion
- excess, superfluity
- profusion, abundance
ple·thys·mo·gram [ple-'thiz-mə-,gram, plə-] -n
- a tracing made by a plethysmograph
ple·thys·mo·graph [-,graf] -n, adj, adv
- an instrument for determining and registering variations in the size of an organ, limb, or part resulting from changes in the amount of blood present or passing through it
pleu·ra ['plu̇r-ə] -n, adj
- the delicate serous membrane that lines each half of the thorax of mammals and is folded back over the surface of the lung of the same side
pleu·ri·sy ['plu̇r-ə-sē] -n, adj
- inflammation of the pleura that is typically characterized by sudden onset, painful and difficult respiration, and exudation of fluid or fibrinous material into the pleural cavity
pleu·ro·pneu·mo·nia [,plu̇r-ȯ-nu̇-'mō-nyə, -ȯ-nyu̇-] -n
- combined inflammation of the pleura and lungs
- an acute febrile and often fatal respiratory disorder of cattle, goats, sheep, and related animals caused by a mycoplasma ( Mycoplasma mycoides)
pleuropneumonialike organism -n
- mycoplasma
pleus·ton ['plü-stən, -,stän] -n, adj
- organisms living in the thin surface layer existing at the air-water interface of a body of water
plex ['pleks] -n
- multiplex
plex·i·form ['plek-sə-,fȯrm] -adj
- of, relating to, or having the form or characteristics of a plexus
Plex·i·glas ['plek-si-,glas] -trademark
- used for acrylic plastic sheets
plex·us ['plek-səs] -n
- a network of anastomosing or interlacing blood vessels or nerves
- an interwoven combination of parts or elements in a structure or system
plf -abbr
- plaintiff
pli·able ['plī-ə-bəl] -adj, n, adv
- supple enough to bend freely or repeatedly without breaking
- yielding readily to others : complaisant
- adjustable to varying conditions
pli·an·cy ['plī-ən(t)-sē] -n
- the quality or state of being pliant
pli·ant ['plī-ənt] -adj, adv, n
- pliable
- easily influenced : yielding
- suitable for varied uses
pli·ca ['plī-kə] -n
- a fold or folded part
- a groove or fold of skin
pli·cate ['plī-,kāt] -adj
- folded lengthwise like a fan
- having the surface thrown up into or marked with parallel ridges
pli·ca·tion [plī-'kā-shən] -n
- the act or process of folding : the state of being folded
- fold
plie [plē-'ā] -n
- a bending of the knees outward by a ballet dancer with the back held straight
pli·ers ['plī(-ə)rz] -n pl but sing or pl in constr
- a small pincers for holding small objects or for bending and cutting wire
plight ['plīt] -vt, n
- to put or give in pledge : engage
- a solemnly given pledge : engagement
- an unfortunate, difficult, or precarious situation
plim·soll ['plim(p)-səl, 'plim-,sȯl] -n
- sneaker
Plimsoll mark -n
- a load line or a set of load-line markings on an oceangoing cargo ship called also Plimsoll line
plink ['pliŋk] -vb, n
- to make a tinkling sound
- to shoot at random targets in an informal and noncompetitive manner
- to cause to make a tinkling sound
- to shoot at esp. in a casual manner
- a tinkling metallic sound
plinth ['plin(t)th] -n
- the lowest member of a base : subbase
- a block upon which the moldings of an architrave or trim are stopped at the bottom
- a usu. square block serving as a base
- any of various bases or lower parts
- a course of stones forming a continuous foundation or base course
Pli·o·cene ['plī-ə-,sēn] -adj, n
- of, relating to, or being the latest epoch of the Tertiary or the corresponding series of rocks
pliqueajour [,plēk-(,)ä-'zhu̇r] -n
- a style of enameling in which usu. transparent enamels are fused into the openings of a metal filigree to produce an effect suggestive of stained glass
plis·kie ['plis-kē] -n
- practical joke, trick
plis·se [pli-'sā] -n
- a fabric with a plisse finish
- a textile finish of permanently puckered designs formed by treating with a sodium hydroxide solution
PLO -abbr
- Palestine Liberation Organization
plod ['pläd] -vb, n, adv
- to work laboriously and monotonously : drudge
- to walk heavily or slowly : trudge
- to proceed slowly or tediously
- the movie just plod s along
- to tread slowly or heavily along or over
ploi·dy ['plȯi-dē] -n
- degree of repetition of the basic number of chromosomes
plonk ['pləŋk] -vb, n
(variant of plunk)
- to pluck or hit so as to produce a quick, hollow, metallic, or harsh sound
- to set down suddenly : plump
- to make a plunking sound
- to drop abruptly : dive
- to come out in favor of someone or something : plump used with for
plop ['pläp] -vb, n
- to fall, drop, or move suddenly with a sound like that of something dropping into water
- to allow the body to drop heavily usu. used with down
- plopped down on the couch
- to set, drop, or throw heavily
- to place or set carelessly or hastily
- plopped the money into stocks
plo·sion ['plō-zhən] -n
- explosion
plo·sive ['plō-siv] -n, adj
- stop
plot ['plät] -n, adj
- a small area of planted ground
- a small piece of land in a cemetery
- a measured piece of land : lot
- ground plan, plat
- the plan or main story (as of a movie or literary work)
- a secret plan for accomplishing a usu. evil or unlawful end : intrigue
- a graphic representation (as a chart)
- to make a plot, map, or plan of
- to mark or note on or as if on a map or chart
- to lay out in plots
- to locate (a point) by means of coordinates
- to locate (a curve) by plotted points
- to represent (an equation) by means of a curve so constructed
- to plan or contrive esp. secretly
- to invent or devise the plot of (as a movie or a literary work)
- to form a plot : scheme
- to be located by means of coordinates
- the data plot at a single point
plot·line ['plät-,līn] -n
- plot
plot·tage ['plä-tij] -n
- the area included in a plot of land
plot·ter ['plä-tər] -n
- : one that plots: as
- a person who schemes or conspires
- a contriver of a literary plot
- a device for plotting
- an instrument that graphs computer output
plot·ty ['plä-tē] -adj, n
- marked by intricacy of plot or intrigue
plough ['plau̇] -n
(variant of plow)
- an implement used to cut, lift, and turn over soil esp. in preparing a seedbed
- any of various devices (as a snowplow) operating like a plow
- to turn, break up, or work with a plow
- to make (as a furrow) with a plow
- to cut into, open, or make furrows or ridges in with or as if with a plow
- to cleave the surface of or move through (water)
- whales plow ing the ocean
- to clear away snow from with a snowplow
- to spend or invest (money) in substantial amounts used with into
- plow s most of her income into mutual funds
- to use a plow
- to bear or admit of plowing
- to move in a way resembling that of a plow
- the car plow ed into a fence
- to proceed steadily and laboriously
- had to plow through a stack of letters
plough·man's lunch ['plau̇-mənz-] -n
- a cold lunch served esp. in an English pub typically including bread, cheese, and pickled onions
plo·ver ['plə-vər, 'plō-] -n
- any of a family (Charadriidae) of shorebirds that differ from the sandpipers in having a short hard-tipped bill and usu. a stouter more compact build
- any of various birds (as a turnstone or sandpiper) related to the plovers
plow ['plau̇] -n
- an implement used to cut, lift, and turn over soil esp. in preparing a seedbed
- any of various devices (as a snowplow) operating like a plow
- to turn, break up, or work with a plow
- to make (as a furrow) with a plow
- to cut into, open, or make furrows or ridges in with or as if with a plow
- to cleave the surface of or move through (water)
- whales plow ing the ocean
- to clear away snow from with a snowplow
- to spend or invest (money) in substantial amounts used with into
- plow s most of her income into mutual funds
- to use a plow
- to bear or admit of plowing
- to move in a way resembling that of a plow
- the car plow ed into a fence
- to proceed steadily and laboriously
- had to plow through a stack of letters
plow back ['plau̇-,bak] -vt, n
- to reinvest (profits) in a business
plow·boy ['plau̇-,bȯi] -n
- a boy who leads the team drawing a plow
- a country youth
plow·man [-mən, -,man] -n
- a man who guides a plow
- a farm laborer
plow·share ['plau̇-,sher] -n
- a part of a plow that cuts the furrow
plow under -vt
- to cause to disappear : bury, overwhelm
ploy ['plȯi] -n
- escapade, frolic
- a tactic intended to embarrass or frustrate an opponent
- a devised or contrived move : stratagem
- a ploy to get her to open the door -- Robert B. Parker
pls -abbr
- please
PLSS -abbr
- portable life-support system
PLU -abbr
- price lookup
pluck ['plək] -vb, n
- to pull or pick off or out
- to remove something (as hairs) from by or as if by plucking
- rob, fleece
- to move, remove, or separate forcibly or abruptly
- pluck ed the child from the middle of the street
- to pick, pull, or grasp at
- to play by sounding the strings with the fingers or a pick
- to make a sharp pull or twitch
- an act or instance of plucking or pulling
- the heart, liver, lungs, and trachea of a slaughtered animal esp. as an item of food
- courageous readiness to fight or continue against odds : dogged resolution
plucky ['plə-kē] -adj, adv, n
- spirited, brave
plug ['pləg] -n
- a piece used to fill a hole : stopper
- an obtruding or obstructing mass of material resembling a stopper
- a flat compressed cake of tobacco
- a small core or segment removed from a larger object
- something inferior
- an inferior often aged or unsound horse
- hydrant, fireplug
- spark plug
- an artificial fishing lure used primarily for casting and made with one or more sets of gang hooks
- : any of various devices resembling or functioning like a plug: as
- a male fitting for making an electrical connection to a live circuit by insertion in a receptacle (as an outlet)
- a device for connecting electric wires to a jack
- a piece of favorable publicity or a favorable mention usu. incorporated in general matter
- to stop, make tight, or secure by inserting a plug
- to remedy (a deficiency) as if by inserting a plug
- trying to plug the gaps in their understanding
- to hit with a bullet : shoot
- to advertise or publicize insistently
- to become plugged usu. used with up
- to work doggedly and persistently
- plugged away at her homework
- to fire shots
plug and play -n, adj
- a feature of a computer system by which peripherals are automatically detected and configured by the operating system
plugged -adj
- altered by the insertion of a plug of base metal
- closed by or as if by a plug : obstructed
pluggedin ['pləgd-'in] -adj
- technologically or socially informed and connected
plug hat -n
- a man's stiff hat (as a bowler or top hat)
plugin ['pləg-,in] -adj
- designed to be connected to an electric circuit by plugging in
- something that plugs in
- a small piece of software that supplements a larger program (as a browser)
plug in -vi
- to establish an electric circuit by inserting a plug
- to attach or connect to an electric receptacle (as an outlet)
plug·o·la [(,)plə-'gō-lə] -n
- incidental advertising on radio or television that is not purchased like regular advertising
plugug·ly ['pləg-,əg-lē] -n
- thug, tough
- one hired to intimidate
plum ['pləm] -n, adj
- any of various trees and shrubs (genus Prunus) of the rose family with globular to oval smooth-skinned edible fruits that are drupes with oblong seeds
- the fruit
- any of various trees with edible fruits resembling plums
- the fruit
- a raisin when used in desserts
- sugarplum
- something superior or very desirable
- something desirable given in return for a favor
- a dark reddish purple
plum·age ['plü-mij] -n, adj
- the feathers of a bird
plumb ['pləm] -n
- a lead weight attached to a line and used to indicate a vertical direction
- straight down or up : vertically
- to a complete degree : absolutely
- you're plumb crazy, she remarked, with easy candor -- Harper's Weekly
- in a direct manner : exactly
- without interval of time : immediately
- to weight with lead
- to measure the depth of with a plumb
- to examine minutely and critically
- plumb ing the book's complexities
- to adjust or test by a plumb line
- to seal with lead
- to supply with or install as plumbing
- to work as a plumber
- exactly vertical or true
- thorough, complete
plum·ba·go [,pləm-'bā-(,)gō] -n
- any of a genus ( Plumbagoof the family Plumbaginaceae, the plumbago family) of chiefly tropical herbs and shrubs with alternate leaves and spikes of showy flowers
- graphite
plumb bob -n
- the metal bob of a plumb line
plumb·er ['plə-mər] -n
- a dealer or worker in lead
- one who installs, repairs, and maintains piping, fittings, and fixtures involved in the distribution and use of water in a building
- a person whose job is to prevent or put an end to leaks of sensitive information
plumber's helper -n
- plunger called also plumber's friend
plumber's snake -n
- a long flexible rod or cable usu. of steel that is used to free clogged pipes
plumb·ing ['plə-miŋ] -n
- the act of using a plumb
- a plumber's occupation or trade
- the apparatus (as pipes and fixtures) concerned in the distribution and use of water in a building
- an internal system that resembles plumbing
- one consisting of conduits or channels for conveying fluids
plum·bism ['pləm-,bi-zəm] -n
- lead poisoning esp. when chronic
plumb line -n
- a line (as of cord) that has at one end a weight (as a plumb bob) and is used esp. to determine verticality
- a line directed to the center of gravity of the earth : a vertical line
plume ['plüm] -n
- : a feather of a bird: as
- a large conspicuous or showy feather
- contour feather
- plumage
- a cluster of distinctive feathers
- material (as a feather, cluster of feathers, or a tuft of hair) worn as an ornament
- a token of honor or prowess : prize
- : something resembling a feather (as in shape, appearance, or lightness): as
- a plumose appendage of a plant
- an elongated and usu. open and mobile column or band (as of smoke, exhaust gases, or blowing snow)
- an animal structure having a main shaft bearing many hairs or filamentous parts
- a full bushy tail
- any of several columns of molten rock rising from the earth's lower mantle that are theorized to drive tectonic plate movement and to underlie hot spots
- to provide or deck with feathers
- to array showily
- to indulge (oneself) in pride with an obvious or vain display of self-satisfaction
- to preen and arrange the feathers of (itself)
- to preen and arrange (feathers)
plumed -adj
- provided with or adorned with or as if with a plume often used in combination
plume·let ['plüm-lət] -n
- a small tuft or plume
plu·me·ria [plü-'mir-ē-ə] -n
- frangipani
plum·met ['plə-mət] -n
- plumb
- plumb line
plummet -vi
- to fall perpendicularly
- to drop sharply and abruptly
plum·my ['plə-mē] -adj
- full of plums
- choice, desirable
- got a plummy role in the movie
- having a plum color
- rich and mellow often to the point of affectation
plu·mose ['plü-,mōs] -adj
- having feathers or plumes : feathered
- feathery
plump ['pləmp] -vb
- to drop, sink, or come in contact suddenly or heavily
- plump ed down in the chair
- to favor or decide in favor of someone or something strongly or emphatically used with for
- to drop, cast, or place suddenly or heavily
- to give support and favorable publicity to
- a sudden plunge, fall, or blow
- the sound made by a plump
- with a sudden or heavy drop
- straight down
- straight ahead
- without qualification : directly
- group, flock
- a plump of ducks rose at the same time -- H. D. Thoreau
- to make plump
- to become plump
- having a full rounded usu. pleasing form
- ample, abundant
plump·en ['pləm-pən] -vb
- plump
plump·er ['pləm-pər] -n
- an object carried in the mouth to fill out the cheeks
plumper -n
- a vote for only one candidate when two or more are to be elected to the same office
plump·ly ['pləm-plē] -adv
- in a plump way
plumply -adv
- in a wholehearted manner and without hesitation or circumlocution : forthrightly
plump·ness ['pləmp-nəs] -n
- the quality or state of being plump
plumpness -n
- freedom from hesitation or circumlocution
plum pudding -n
- a rich boiled or steamed pudding containing fruits and spices
plum tomato -n
- a small oblong tomato
plu·mule ['plü-(,)myül] -n
- the primary bud of a plant embryo usu. situated at the apex of the hypocotyl and consisting of leaves and an epicotyl
- a down feather
plumy ['plü-mē] -adj
- downy
- having or resembling plumes
plun·der ['plən-dər] -vb, n
- to take the goods of by force (as in war) : pillage, sack
- invaders plunder ed the town
- to take by force or wrongfully : steal, loot
- plunder ed artifacts from the tomb
- to make extensive use of as if by plundering : use or use up wrongfully
- to commit robbery or looting
plunder -n
- an act of plundering : pillaging
- something taken by force, theft, or fraud : loot
- personal or household effects
plun·der·ous [-d(ə-)rəs] -adj
- given to plundering
plunge ['plənj] -vb
- to cause to penetrate or enter quickly and forcibly into something
- to cause to enter a state or course of action usu. suddenly, unexpectedly, or violently
- plunged the nation into economic depression
- to thrust or cast oneself into or as if into water
- to become pitched or thrown headlong or violently forward and downward
- to move oneself in such a manner
- plunged off the embankment
- to act with reckless haste : enter suddenly or unexpectedly
- plunges into project after project
- to bet or gamble heavily and recklessly
- to descend or dip suddenly
- the stock's value plunged
- an act or instance of plunging : dive
- swim
plung·er ['plən-jər] -n
- : one that plunges: as
- diver
- a reckless gambler or speculator
- a sliding reciprocating piece driven by or against fluid pressure
- piston
- a piece with a motion like that of a ram or piston
- a rubber suction cup on a handle used to free plumbing traps and waste outlets of obstructions
plunk ['pləŋk] -vb, n
- to pluck or hit so as to produce a quick, hollow, metallic, or harsh sound
- to set down suddenly : plump
- to make a plunking sound
- to drop abruptly : dive
- to come out in favor of someone or something : plump used with for
plunk down -vi
- to drop abruptly : settle into position
- to put down usu. firmly or abruptly
- plunked the items down on the counter
- to settle (oneself) into position
- plunked himself down on the bench
- to pay out
- reluctant to plunk down the money for a new car
plu·per·fect [,plü-'pər-fikt] -adj, n
- past perfect
- utterly perfect or complete
plu·ral ['plu̇r-əl] -adj, n, adv
- of, relating to, or constituting a class of grammatical forms usu. used to denote more than one or in some languages more than two
- relating to, consisting of, or containing more than one or more than one kind or class
plu·ral·ism ['plu̇r-ə-,li-zəm] -n, adj or n, adj, adv
- the holding of two or more offices or positions (as benefices) at the same time
- the quality or state of being plural
- a theory that there are more than one or more than two kinds of ultimate reality
- a theory that reality is composed of a plurality of entities
- a state of society in which members of diverse ethnic, racial, religious, or social groups maintain an autonomous participation in and development of their traditional culture or special interest within the confines of a common civilization
- a concept, doctrine, or policy advocating this state
plu·ral·i·ty [plu̇-'ra-lə-tē] -n
- the state of being plural
- the state of being numerous
- a large number or quantity
- pluralism
- a benefice held by pluralism
- a number greater than another
- an excess of votes over those cast for an opposing candidate
- a number of votes cast for a candidate in a contest of more than two candidates that is greater than the number cast for any other candidate but not more than half the total votes cast
plu·ral·ize ['plu̇r-ə-,līz] -vt, n
- to make plural or express in the plural form
plu·rip·o·tent [plu̇-'ri-pə-tənt] -adj
- not fixed as to developmental potentialities
- capable of differentiating into one of many cell types
plus ['pləs] -adj
- algebraically positive
- having, receiving, or being in addition to what is anticipated
- falling high in a specified range
- greater than that specified
- possessing a specified quality to a high degree
- electrically positive
- relating to or being a particular one of the two mating types that are required for successful fertilization in sexual reproduction in some lower plantlike organisms (as a fungus)
- plus sign
- an added quantity
- a positive factor or quality
- surplus
- increased by : with the addition of
- besides used chiefly in speech and casual writing
- plus all this, as a sedative it has no equal -- Groucho Marx
- and
- the Smyth Report, plus an idea and some knowledge of bureaucracy, were all I needed -- Pat Frank
- eats alone, a hot beef sandwich plus a BLT plus apple pie -- Garrison Keillor
- in addition to which
- it's also pretty on my open shelves, plus it smells good -- Nikki Giovanni
plus fours -n pl
- loose sports knickers made four inches longer than ordinary knickers
plush ['pləsh] -n
- a fabric with an even pile longer and less dense than velvet pile
- relating to, resembling, or made of plush
- notably luxurious
- rich, full
- the plush sound of his saxophone playing
plushy ['plə-shē] -adj, n
- having the texture of or covered with plush
- luxurious, showy
plus/minus sign -n
- the sign used to indicate a quantity (as 2 in the square root of 4 is 2) taking on both an algebraically positive value and its negative and to indicate a plus or minus quantity (as 4 in the population age was 30 4 years) called also plus/minus symbol
plus or minus -adj
- indicating a quantity whose algebraically positive and negative values serve to bracket a range of values either alone or when added to and subtracted from a given number
- measured with an accuracy of plus or minus 3 feet
- more or less, approximately
- a dance for singles plus or minus age 30
plus·sage ['plə-sij] -n
- an amount over and above another amount
plus sign -n
- a sign denoting addition or a positive quantity
Plu·to ['plü-(,)tō] -n
- the Greek god of the underworld
- a dwarf planet occupying an orbit that crosses the orbit of Neptune
plu·toc·ra·cy [plü-'tä-krə-sē] -n, adj, adv
- government by the wealthy
- a controlling class of the wealthy
plu·ton ['plü-,tän] -n
- a typically large body of intrusive igneous rock
plu·to·ni·an [plü-'tō-nē-ən] -adj
- of, relating to, or characteristic of Pluto or the lower world : infernal
plu·ton·ic [plü-'tä-nik] -adj
- formed by solidification of magma deep within the earth and crystalline throughout
- plutonian
plu·to·ni·um [plü-'tō-nē-əm] -n
- a radioactive metallic element similar chemically to uranium that is formed as the isotope 239 by decay of neptunium and found in minute quantities in pitchblende, that undergoes slow disintegration with the emission of an alpha particle to form uranium 235, and that is fissionable with slow neutrons to yield atomic energy
plu·vi·al ['plü-vē-əl] -adj
- of or relating to rain
- characterized by abundant rain
- resulting from the action of rain
pluvial -n
- a prolonged period of wet climate
ply ['plī] -vb
- to use or wield diligently
- to practice or perform diligently
- to keep furnishing or supplying something to
- to make a practice of rowing or sailing over or on
- to go or travel regularly over, on, or through
- to apply oneself steadily
- to go or travel regularly
- one of several layers (as of cloth) usu. sewn or laminated together
- one of the strands in a yarn
- one of the veneer sheets forming plywood
- a layer of a paper or cardboard
- inclination, bias
- to twist together
Plym·outh Rock ['pli-məth-] -n
- any of a U.S. breed of medium-sized single-combed domestic chickens raised for eggs and meat
plyo·met·rics [,plī-ə-'me-triks] -n pl but sing or pl in constr, adj
- exercise involving repeated rapid stretching and contracting of muscles (as by jumping and rebounding) to increase muscle power
ply·wood ['plī-,wu̇d] -n
- a structural material consisting of sheets of wood glued or cemented together with the grains of adjacent layers arranged at right angles or at a wide angle