g ['jē] -n

  1. the 7th letter of the English alphabet
  2. a graphic representation of this letter
  3. a speech counterpart of orthographic g
  4. the fifth tone of a C-major scale
  5. a graphic device for reproducing the letter g
  6. one designated gesp. as the seventh in order or class
  7. acceleration of gravity
  8. a unit of force that is equal to the force exerted by gravity on a body at rest and is used to indicate the force to which a body is subjected when undergoing acceleration
  9. a sum of 1000
  10. something shaped like the letter G
  11. acceleration of gravity; gravity
  12. game
  13. gauge
  14. gelding
  15. gender
  16. good
  17. gram

G -abbr

  1. German
  2. giga-
  3. guanine
  4. Gulf
  5. used to certify that a motion picture is of such a nature that persons of all ages may be allowed admission

ga -abbr

  1. gauge

Ga -abbr

  1. Georgia
  2. gallium

GA -abbr

  1. Gamblers Anonymous
  2. general agent
  3. general assembly
  4. general average
  5. general of the army
  6. Georgia

GAAP -abbr

  1. generally accepted accounting principles

gab ['gab] -vi, n

  1. to talk in a rapid or thoughtless manner : chatter
  2. talk
  3. idle talk
  4. gabardine

GABA -abbr

  1. gamma-aminobutyric acid

gab·ar·dine ['ga-bər-,dēn] -n

  1. gaberdine
  2. a firm hard-finish durable fabric (as of wool or rayon) twilled with diagonal ribs on the right side
  3. a garment of gabardine

gab·ble ['ga-bəl] -vb, n

  1. to talk fast or foolishly : jabber
  2. to utter inarticulate or animal sounds
  3. to say with incoherent rapidity : babble

gab·bro ['ga-(,)brō] -n, adj

  1. a granular igneous rock composed essentially of calcic plagioclase, a ferromagnesian mineral, and accessory minerals

gab·by ['ga-bē] -adj

  1. talkative, garrulous

ga·belle [gə-'bel] -n

  1. a tax on salt levied in France prior to 1790

gab·er·dine ['ga-bər-,dēn] -n

  1. a long loose outer garment worn in medieval times and associated esp. with Jews since the 16th century
  2. gabardine

gab·fest ['gab-,fest] -n

  1. an informal gathering for general talk
    • political gabfest s
  2. an extended conversation

ga·bi·on ['gā-bē-ən, 'ga-] -n

  1. a basket or cage filled with earth or rocks and used esp. in building a support or abutment

ga·ble ['gā-bəl] -n, adj

  1. the vertical triangular end of a building from cornice or eaves to ridge
  2. the similar end of a gambrel roof
  3. the end wall of a building
  4. a triangular part or structure

gable roof -n

  1. a double-sloping roof that forms a gable at each end

gab·oon [gä-'bün, gə-] -n

  1. spittoon

Ga·bri·el ['gā-brē-əl] -n

  1. one of the four archangels named in Hebrew tradition

ga·by ['gā-bē] -n

  1. simpleton

gad ['gad] -n

  1. a chisel or pointed iron or steel bar for loosening ore or rock
  2. a long stick
  3. to be on the go without a specific aim or purpose usu. used with about
  4. used as a mild oath

Gad ['gad] -n

  1. a son of Jacob and the traditional eponymous ancestor of one of the tribes of Israel

gad·about ['ga-də-,bau̇t] -n, adj

  1. a person who flits about in social activity

gad·a·rene ['ga-də-,rēn] -adj

  1. headlong, precipitate
    • a gadarene rush to the cities

gad·fly ['gad-,flī] -n

  1. any of various flies (as a horsefly, botfly, or warble fly) that bite or annoy livestock
  2. a person who stimulates or annoys esp. by persistent criticism

gad·get ['ga-jət] -n, adj

  1. an often small mechanical or electronic device with a practical use but often thought of as a novelty

ga·doid ['gā-,dȯid, 'ga-] -adj, n

  1. resembling or related to the cods

gad·o·lin·ite ['ga-də-lə-,nīt] -n

  1. a black or brown mineral that is a source of rare earths and consists of a silicate esp. of iron, beryllium, yttrium, cerium, and erbium

gad·o·lin·i·um [,ga-də-'li-nē-əm] -n

  1. a magnetic metallic element of the rare-earth group occurring in combination in gadolinite and several other minerals

ga·droon [gə-'drün] -n, vt

  1. the ornamental notching or carving of a rounded molding
  2. a short often oval fluting or reeding used in decoration

gad·wall ['gad-,wȯl] -n

  1. a grayish-brown medium-sized dabbling duck ( Anas strepera)

gad·zook·ery [gad-'zü-kə-rē, -'zu̇-] -n

  1. the use of archaisms (as in a historical novel)

gad·zooks [gad-'züks, -'zu̇ks] -interj

  1. used as a mild oath

Gaea ['jē-ə] -n

  1. the Greek earth goddess and mother of the Titans

Gael ['gāl] -n

  1. a Scottish Highlander
  2. a Celtic esp. Gaelic-speaking inhabitant of Ireland, Scotland, or the Isle of Man

Gael·ic ['gā-lik, 'ga-, 'gä-] -adj, n

  1. of or relating to the Gaels and esp. the Celtic Highlanders of Scotland
  2. of, relating to, or constituting the Goidelic speech of the Celts in Ireland, the Isle of Man, and the Scottish Highlands

Gael·tacht ['gāl-tək̲t] -n

  1. any of the Irish-speaking regions remaining in Ireland

gaff ['gaf] -n

  1. a spear or spearhead for taking fish or turtles
  2. a handled hook for holding or lifting heavy fish
  3. a metal spur for a gamecock
  4. a butcher's hook
  5. a climbing iron or its steel point used by a telephone lineman
  6. the spar on which the head of a fore-and-aft sail is extended
  7. gaffe
  8. to strike or secure with a gaff
  9. to fit (a gamecock) with a gaff
  10. a cheap theater or music hall
  11. something painful or difficult to bear : ordeal usu. used in the phrase stand the gaff
  12. persistent raillery or criticism
  13. rough treatment : abuse
  14. hoax, fraud
  15. gimmick, trick
  16. deceive, trick
  17. fleece
  18. to fix for the purpose of cheating
    • gaff the dice

gaffe ['gaf] -n

  1. a social or diplomatic blunder
  2. a noticeable mistake

gaf·fer ['ga-fər] -n

  1. an old man
  2. foreman, overseer
  3. employer
  4. a head glassblower
  5. a lighting electrician on a motion-picture or television set

gafftop·sail ['gaf-'täp-,sāl, -səl] -n

  1. a usu. triangular topsail with its foot extended upon the gaff

gag ['gag] -vb, n

  1. to restrict use of the mouth of by inserting a gag
  2. to prevent from exercising freedom of speech or expression
  3. to pry or hold open with a gag
  4. to provide or write quips or pranks for
    • gag a show
  5. to choke or cause to retch
  6. choke
  7. to suffer a throat spasm that makes swallowing or breathing difficult
  8. retch
  9. to be unable to endure something : balk
  10. to make quips
  11. something thrust into the mouth to keep it open or to prevent speech or outcry
  12. an official check or restraint on debate or free speech
    • a gag rule
  13. a laugh-provoking remark or act
  14. prank, trick

ga·ga ['gä-(,)gä] -adj

  1. crazy, foolish
  2. marked by wild enthusiasm : infatuated, doting

ga·ga·ku [gä-'gä-(,)kü] -n

  1. the ancient court music of Japan

gage ['gāj] -n

  1. a token of defiance
  2. a glove or cap cast on the ground to be taken up by an opponent as a pledge of combat
  3. something deposited as a pledge of performance
  4. pledge
  5. stake, risk

gage ['gāj] -n

(variant of gauge)

  1. : a measurement (as of linear dimension) according to some standard or system: as
  2. the distance between the rails of a railroad
  3. the size of a shotgun barrel's inner diameter nominally expressed as the number of lead balls each just fitting that diameter required to make a pound
    • a 12- gauge shotgun
  4. the thickness of a thin material (as sheet metal or plastic film)
  5. the diameter of a slender object (as wire or a hypodermic needle)
  6. the fineness of a knitted fabric expressed by the number of loops per unit width
  7. dimensions, size
  8. measure
    • surveys are a gauge of public sentiment
  9. : an instrument for or a means of measuring or testing: as
  10. an instrument for measuring a dimension or for testing mechanical accuracy
  11. an instrument with a graduated scale or dial for measuring or indicating quantity
  12. relative position of a ship with reference to another ship and the wind
  13. a function introduced into a field equation to produce a convenient form of the equation but having no observable physical consequences
  14. to measure precisely the size, dimensions, or other measurable quantity of
  15. to determine the capacity or contents of
  16. estimate, judge
    • hard to gauge his moods
  17. to check for conformity to specifications or limits
  18. to measure off or set out

gag·gle ['ga-gəl] -n

  1. flock
  2. a flock of geese when not in flight
  3. a group, aggregation, or cluster lacking organization
    • a gaggle of reporters and photographers
  4. an indefinite number
    • participated in a gaggle of petty crimes

gag·man ['gag-,man] -n

  1. a gag writer
  2. comedian

gag order -n

  1. a judicial ruling barring public disclosure or discussion (as by the press) of information related to a case
  2. a similar nonjudicial prohibition against the release of confidential information or against public discussion of a sensitive matter

gag·ster ['gag-stər] -n

  1. gagman
  2. one who plays practical jokes

gahn·ite ['gä-,nīt] -n

  1. a usu. dark green mineral consisting of an oxide of zinc and aluminum

Gaia ['gī-ə] -n

  1. the hypothesis that the living and nonliving components of earth function as a single system in such a way that the living component regulates and maintains conditions (as the temperature of the ocean or composition of the atmosphere) so as to be suitable for life
  2. this system regarded as a single organism

gai·ety ['gā-ə-tē] -n

  1. merrymaking
  2. festive activity often used in pl.
  3. high spirits : merriment
  4. elegance, finery

gai·jin ['gī-(,)jēn, -(,)jin] -n

  1. a foreigner in Japan

gail·lar·dia [gə-'lär-d(ē-)ə] -n

  1. any of a genus ( Gaillardia) of American composite herbs with showy flower heads called also blanketflower

gai·ly ['gā-lē] -adv

  1. in a gay manner : marked by gaiety

gain ['gān] -n

  1. resources or advantage acquired or increased : profit
    • made substantial gain s last year
  2. the act or process of gaining
  3. an increase in amount, magnitude, or degree
    • a gain in efficiency
  4. the increase (as of voltage or signal intensity) caused by an amplifier
  5. the ratio of output over input
  6. the signal-gathering ability of an antenna
  7. to acquire or get possession of usu. by industry, merit, or craft
    • gain an advantage
    • he stood to gain a fortune
  8. to win in competition or conflict
    • the troops gain ed enemy territory
  9. to arrive at : reach, attain
    • gain ed the river that night
  10. traverse, cover
    • gain ed 10 yards on the play
  11. to get by a natural development or process
    • gain strength
  12. to establish a specific relationship with
    • gain a friend
  13. to make an increase of (a specified amount)
    • gain ed three percent in the past month
  14. to increase in (a particular quality)
    • gain momentum
  15. to win to one's side : persuade
    • gain adherents to a cause
  16. to cause to be obtained or given : attract
    • gain attention
  17. to run fast by the amount of
    • the clock gain s a minute a day
  18. to get advantage : profit
    • hoped to gain by the deal
  19. increase
    • the day was gain ing in warmth
  20. to increase in weight
  21. to improve in health or ability
  22. to run fast
  23. to get closer to something pursued usu. used with on or upon

gain·ful ['gān-fəl] -adj, adv, n

  1. productive of gain : profitable
    • gainful employment

gain·giv·ing ['gān-,gi-viŋ, ,gān-'] -n

  1. misgiving

gain·say [,gān-'sā] -vt, n

  1. to declare to be untrue or invalid
  2. contradict, oppose

gait ['gāt] -n

  1. a manner of walking or moving on foot
  2. a sequence of foot movements (as a walk, trot, pace, or canter) by which a horse or a dog moves forward
  3. a manner or rate of movement or progress
    • the leisurely gait of summer
  4. to train (a horse or a dog) to use a particular gait or set of gaits
  5. to lead (a show dog) before a judge to display carriage and movement
  6. to walk with a particular gait

gait·ed ['gā-təd] -adj

  1. having a particular gait or so many gaits
    • slow- gaited
    • a 3- gaited horse

gai·ter ['gā-tər] -n

  1. a cloth or leather leg covering reaching from the instep to above the ankle or to mid-calf or knee
  2. an overshoe with fabric upper
  3. an ankle-high shoe with elastic gores in the sides

gal ['gal] -n

  1. girl, woman
  2. a unit of acceleration equivalent to one centimeter per second per second used esp. for values of gravity
  3. gallery
  4. gallon

Gal -abbr

  1. Galatians

ga·la ['gā-lə, 'ga-, 'gä-] -n, adj

  1. a festive celebration
  2. a public entertainment marking a special occasion
  3. a medium-sized apple with crisp yellowish-white sweet flesh and a red skin or a golden skin with red striping

ga·la·bia [gə-'lä-b(ē-)ə] -n

  1. djellaba

galact- -comb form

  1. milk
    • galacto rrhea
  2. related to galactose
    • galacto semia

ga·lac·tic [gə-'lak-tik] -adj

  1. of or relating to a galaxy and esp. the Milky Way galaxy
  2. huge
    • a galactic sum of money

ga·lac·tor·rhea [gə-,lak-tə-'rē-ə] -n

  1. a spontaneous flow of milk from the nipple

ga·lac·tos·amine [gə-,lak-'tō-sə-,mēn, -zə-] -n

  1. an amino derivative C 6H 13O 5N of galactose that occurs in cartilage

ga·lac·tose [gə-'lak-,tōs, -,tōz] -n

  1. a sugar C 6H 12O 6less soluble and less sweet than glucose

ga·lac·to·semia [gə-,lak-tə-'sē-mē-ə] -n, adj

  1. a metabolic disorder that is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait and in which galactose accumulates in the blood due to deficiency of an enzyme catalyzing its conversion to glucose

ga·lac·to·si·dase [gə-,lak-'tō-sə-,dās, -zə-,dāz] -n

  1. an enzyme (as lactase) that hydrolyzes a galactoside

ga·lac·to·side [gə-'lak-tə-,sīd] -n

  1. a glycoside that yields galactose on hydrolysis

ga·lac·to·syl [gə-'lak-tə-,sil] -n

  1. a glycosyl radical C 6H 11O 5 that is derived from galactose

ga·lact·uron·ic acid [gə-,lak-tu̇-'rä-nik-, -tyu̇-] -n

  1. a crystalline aldehyde-acid C 6H 10O 7that occurs esp. in polymerized form in pectin

ga·la·go [gə-'lā-(,)gō, -'lä-] -n

  1. bush baby

ga·lah [gə-'lä] -n

  1. a pink-breasted Australian cockatoo ( Eolophus roseicapillussyn. Cacatua roseicapilla) that is sometimes a pest in wheat-growing areas and is often kept as a cage bird

Gal·a·had ['ga-lə-,had] -n

  1. the knight of the Round Table who successfully seeks the Holy Grail
  2. one who is pure, noble, and unselfish

ga·lan·ga [gə-'läŋ-gə] -n

  1. galangal

gal·an·gal ['ga-lən-,gal, -liŋ-] -n

  1. either of two eastern Asian perennial herbs ( Alpinia galangaand A. officinarum) of the ginger family with dark green sword-shaped leaves and pungent aromatic rhizomes
  2. the fresh, dried, or ground rhizome of a galangal used in cookery as a spice and in medicine

gal·an·tine ['ga-lən-,tēn] -n

  1. a cold dish consisting of boned meat or fish that has been stuffed, poached, and covered with aspic

Gal·a·tea [,ga-lə-'tē-ə] -n

  1. a female figure sculpted by Pygmalion and given life by Aphrodite in fulfillment of his prayer

Ga·la·tians [gə-'lā-shənz] -n pl but sing in constr

  1. an argumentative letter of St. Paul written to the Christians of Galatia and included as a book in the New Testament

galavant ['ga-lə-,vant] -vi

(variant of gallivant)

  1. to go about usu. ostentatiously or indiscreetly with members of the opposite sex
  2. to travel, roam, or move about for pleasure

ga·lax ['gā-,laks] -n

  1. an evergreen herb ( Galax urceolatasyn. G. aphyllaof the order Diapensiales) of the southeastern U.S. that has glossy leaves and is related to the heaths (order Ericales)

gal·axy ['ga-lək-sē] -n

  1. milky way galaxy used with the
  2. any of the very large groups of stars and associated matter that are found throughout the universe
  3. an assemblage of brilliant or notable persons or things
    • a galaxy of artists
  4. world
    • remained galaxies apart on the issue -- Newsweek

gal·ba·num ['gal-bə-nəm, 'gȯl-] -n

  1. a yellowish to green or brown aromatic bitter gum resin derived from several Asian plants (as Ferula galbaniflua) and used in incense

gale ['gāl] -n

  1. : a strong current of air:
  2. a wind from 32 to 63 miles per hour (about 51 to 102 kilometers per hour)
  3. fresh gale
  4. breeze
  5. an emotional outburst
    • gale s of laughter

ga·lea ['gā-lē-ə] -n

  1. : an anatomical part suggesting a helmet

ga·le·na [gə-'lē-nə] -n

  1. a bluish-gray cubic mineral with metallic luster consisting of lead sulfide and constituting the principal ore of lead

ga·len·i·cal [gə-'le-ni-kəl, gā-] -n

  1. a medicine prepared by extracting one or more active constituents of a plant

ga·lere [ga-'ler] -n

  1. a group of people having an attribute in common

ga·lette [gə-'let] -n

  1. a flat round cake of pastry often topped with fruit
  2. a food prepared and served in the shape of a flat round cake
    • a galette of potatoes

gal Friday -n

  1. girl friday

Gal·i·le·an [,ga-lə-'lē-ən, -'lā-] -adj

  1. of, relating to, or discovered by Galileo Galilei
    • Galilean satellites

gal·i·lee ['ga-lə-,lē] -n

  1. a chapel or porch at the entrance of an English church

gal·in·gale ['ga-lən-,gāl, -liŋ-] -n

  1. an Old World sedge ( Cyperus longus)
  2. any of various other sedges of the same genus
  3. galangal

galiot ['ga-lē-ət] -n

(variant of galliot)

  1. a small swift galley formerly used in the Mediterranean
  2. a long narrow shallow-draft Dutch merchant sailing ship

gall ['gȯl] -n

  1. bile
  2. bile obtained from an animal and used in the arts or medicine
  3. something bitter to endure
  4. bitterness of spirit : rancor
  5. brazen boldness coupled with impudent assurance and insolence
  6. a skin sore caused by chronic irritation
  7. a cause or state of exasperation
  8. flaw
  9. to fret and wear away by friction : chafe
    • the loose saddle gall ed the horse's back
    • the gall ing of a metal bearing
  10. irritate, vex
    • sarcasm gall s her
  11. to become sore or worn by rubbing
  12. seize
  13. an abnormal outgrowth of plant tissue usu. due to insect or mite parasites or fungi and sometimes forming an important source of tannin

Gal·la ['ga-lə] -n

  1. oromo

gal·la·mine tri·eth·io·dide ['ga-lə-,mēn-,trī-,e-'thī-ə-,dīd] -n

  1. a substituted ammonium salt C 30H 60I 3N 3O 3that is used to produce muscle relaxation esp. during anesthesia called also gallamine

gal·lant [gə-'lant, gə-'länt, 'ga-lənt] -n

  1. a young man of fashion
  2. ladies' man
  3. suitor
  4. paramour
  5. showy in dress or bearing : smart
  6. splendid, stately
    • a gallant ship
  7. spirited, brave
    • gallant efforts against the enemy
  8. nobly chivalrous and often self-sacrificing
  9. courteously and elaborately attentive esp. to ladies
  10. to pay court to (a lady) : attend
    • used to gallant her in his youth -- Washington Irving
  11. to manipulate (a fan) in a modish manner
  12. to pay court to ladies

gal·lant·ry ['ga-lən-trē] -n

  1. gallant appearance
  2. an act of marked courtesy
  3. courteous attention to a lady
  4. amorous attention or pursuit
  5. spirited and conspicuous bravery

gal·late ['ga-,lāt, 'gȯ-] -n

  1. a salt or ester of gallic acid

gall·blad·der ['gȯl-,bla-dər] -n

  1. a membranous muscular sac in which bile from the liver is stored

gal·le·ass ['ga-lē-əs] -n

  1. a large fast galley used esp. as a warship by Mediterranean countries in the 16th and 17th centuries and having both sails and oars but usu. propelled chiefly by rowing

gal·le·on ['ga-lē-ən] -n

  1. a heavy square-rigged sailing ship of the 15th to early 18th centuries used for war or commerce esp. by the Spanish

gal·le·ria [,ga-lə-'rē-ə] -n

  1. a roofed and usu. glass-enclosed promenade or court (as at a mall)

gal·lery ['ga-lə-rē, 'gal-rē] -n, adj

  1. a roofed promenade : colonnade
  2. corridor
  3. an outdoor balcony
  4. porch, veranda
  5. a platform at the quarters or stern of a ship
  6. a long and narrow passage, apartment, or corridor
  7. a subterranean passageway in a cave or military mining system
  8. a working drift or level in mining
  9. an underground passage made by a mole or ant or a passage made in wood by an insect (as a beetle)
  10. a room or building devoted to the exhibition of works of art
  11. an institution or business exhibiting or dealing in works of art
  12. collection, aggregation
    • the rich gallery of characters in this novel -- H. S. Canby
  13. a structure projecting from one or more interior walls (as of an auditorium or church) to accommodate additional people
  14. the highest balcony in a theater commonly having the cheapest seats
  15. the part of a theater audience seated in the top gallery
  16. the undiscriminating general public
  17. the spectators at a sporting event (as a tennis or golf match)
  18. a small ornamental barrier or railing (as along the edge of a table or shelf)
  19. a photographer's studio

gallery forest -n

  1. a forest growing along a watercourse in a region otherwise devoid of trees

gal·lery·go·er ['ga-lə-rē-,gō(-ə)r, 'gal-rē-] -n

  1. one who frequently goes to art galleries

ga·lle·ta [gə-'ye-tə, gī-'e-tə] -n

  1. either of two perennial grasses ( Hilaria rigidaand H. jamesiisyn. Pleuraphis rigidaand P. jamesii) chiefly of the southwestern U.S. and Mexico used for forage

gal·ley ['ga-lē] -n

  1. : a ship or boat propelled solely or chiefly by oars: as
  2. a long low ship used for war and trading esp. in the Mediterranean Sea from the Middle Ages to the 19th century
  3. galleass
  4. a warship of classical antiquity
  5. a large open boat (as a gig) formerly used in England
  6. the kitchen and cooking apparatus esp. of a ship or airplane
  7. an oblong tray to hold esp. a single column of set type
  8. a proof of typeset matter esp. in a single column before being made into pages

gal·leywest [,ga-lē-'west] -adv

  1. into destruction or confusion
    • was knocked galleywest

gall·fly ['gȯl-,flī] -n

  1. an insect (as a gall wasp) that deposits its eggs in plants causing the formation of galls in which the larvae feed

gal·liard ['gal-yərd] -adj

  1. gay, lively

galliard -n

  1. a sprightly dance with five steps to a phrase popular in the 16th and 17th centuries

Gal·lic ['ga-lik] -adj

  1. of or relating to Gaul or France

gal·li·ca ['ga-li-kə] -n, often cap

  1. a compact fragrant European rose ( Rosa gallica) having usu. pink, red, or crimson flowers that yield an oil used esp. in perfumery

gal·lic acid ['ga-lik-, 'gȯ-lik-] -n

  1. a white crystalline acid C 7H 6O 5found widely in plants or combined in tannins and used esp. in dyes and as a photographic developer

Gal·li·can ['ga-li-kən] -adj, n

  1. gallic
  2. of or relating to Gallicanism

Gal·li·can·ism [-kə-,ni-zəm] -n

  1. a movement originating in France and advocating administrative independence from papal control for the Roman Catholic Church in each nation

gal·li·cism ['ga-lə-,si-zəm] -n

  1. a characteristic French idiom or expression appearing in another language
  2. a French trait

gal·li·cize [-,sīz] -vt, n

  1. to cause to conform to a French mode or idiom

gal·li·gas·kins [,ga-li-'gas-kənz] -n pl

  1. loose wide hose or breeches worn in the 16th and 17th centuries
  2. very loose trousers
  3. leggings

gal·li·mau·fry [,ga-lə-'mȯ-frē] -n

  1. hodgepodge
    • a gallimaufry of opinions

gal·li·na·ceous [,ga-lə-'nā-shəs] -adj

  1. of or relating to an order (Galliformes) of heavy-bodied largely terrestrial birds including the pheasants, turkeys, grouse, and the common domestic chicken

gall·ing ['gȯ-liŋ] -adj, adv

  1. markedly irritating : vexing
    • a most galling defeat

gal·li·nip·per ['ga-lə-,ni-pər] -n

  1. any of various insects (as a large mosquito or crane fly)

gal·li·nule ['ga-lə-,nül, -,nyül] -n

  1. : any of several aquatic birds of the rail family with long thin feet and a platelike frontal area on the head: as
  2. moorhen
  3. one ( Porphyrula martinica) found from the southern U.S. to Argentina that is purplish blue with olive-green upperparts, a red and yellow bill, and a light blue frontal area

gal·li·ot ['ga-lē-ət] -n

  1. a small swift galley formerly used in the Mediterranean
  2. a long narrow shallow-draft Dutch merchant sailing ship

gal·li·pot ['ga-li-,pät] -n

  1. a small usu. ceramic vessel
  2. druggist

gal·li·um ['ga-lē-əm] -n

  1. a bluish-white metallic element obtained esp. as a by-product in refining various ores and used esp. in semiconductors and optoelectronic devices

gallium arsenide -n

  1. a synthetic compound GaAs used esp. as a semiconducting material

gal·li·vant ['ga-lə-,vant] -vi

  1. to go about usu. ostentatiously or indiscreetly with members of the opposite sex
  2. to travel, roam, or move about for pleasure

gall midge -n

  1. any of numerous minute dipteran flies (family Cecidomyiidae) most of which cause gall formation in plants

gall mite -n

  1. any of various minute 4-legged mites (family Eriophyidae) that form galls on plants

gall·nut ['gȯl-,nət] -n

  1. a gall resembling a nut

gal·lon ['ga-lən] -n

  1. a unit of liquid capacity equal to 231 cubic inches or four quarts

gal·lon·age ['ga-lə-nij] -n

  1. amount in gallons

gal·loon [gə-'lün] -n

  1. a narrow trimming (as of lace or braid with metallic threads) having both edges scalloped

gal·lop ['ga-ləp] -vi, n

  1. to progress or ride at a gallop
  2. to run fast
  3. to cause to gallop
  4. to transport at a gallop

gallop -n

  1. a bounding gait of a quadruped
  2. a fast natural 3-beat gait of the horse
  3. a ride or run at a gallop
  4. a stretch of land suitable for galloping horses
  5. a rapid or hasty progression or pace

gal·lo·pade [,ga-lə-'pād, -'päd] -n

  1. galop

Gal·lo·phile ['ga-lə-,fī(-ə)l] -adj, n

  1. francophile

gal·lop·ing ['ga-lə-piŋ] -adj

  1. progressing, developing, or increasing rapidly
    • galloping inflation
    • a galloping farce
    • galloping alcoholism

Gal·loRo·mance [,ga-lō-rō-'man(t)s, -rə-; -'rō-,man(t)s] -n

  1. the Romance speech that developed out of the spoken Latin of Transalpine Gaul

Gal·lo·way ['ga-lə-,wā] -n

  1. any of a breed of hardy medium-sized hornless chiefly black beef cattle native to southwestern Scotland

gal·low·glass ['ga-lō-,glas] -n

  1. a mercenary or retainer of an Irish chief
  2. an armed Irish foot soldier

gal·lows ['ga-(,)lōz, -ləz, in sense 3 also -ləs] -n

  1. a frame usu. of two upright posts and a transverse beam from which criminals are hanged called also gallows tree
  2. the punishment of hanging
  3. a structure consisting of an upright frame with a crosspiece
  4. suspender

gallows -adj

  1. deserving the gallows

gallows bird -n

  1. a person who deserves hanging

gallows humor -n

  1. humor that makes fun of a life-threatening, disastrous, or terrifying situation

gall·stone ['gȯl-,stōn] -n

  1. a calculus (as of cholesterol) formed in the gallbladder or biliary passages

gal·lus ['ga-ləs] -n

  1. suspender usu. used in pl.

gal·lused ['ga-ləst] -adj

  1. wearing galluses

gall wasp -n

  1. any of a family (Cynipidae) of hymenopterous gallflies

gal·ly ['ga-lē] -vt

  1. frighten, terrify

Ga·lois theory [(,)gal-'wä-, 'gal-,wä-] -n

  1. a part of the theory of mathematical groups concerned esp. with the conditions under which a solution to a polynomial equation with coefficients in a given mathematical field can be obtained in the field by the repetition of operations and the extraction of nth roots

ga·loot [gə-'lüt] -n

  1. fellow
  2. one who is strange or foolish

ga·lop ['ga-ləp, ga-'lō] -n

  1. a lively dance in duple measure
  2. the music of a galop

ga·lore [gə-'lȯr] -adj

  1. abundant, plentiful used postpositively
    • bargains galore

ga·losh [gə-'läsh] -n, adj

  1. a shoe with a heavy sole
  2. a high overshoe worn esp. in snow and slush

ga·lumph [gə-'ləm(p)f] -vi

  1. to move with a clumsy heavy tread

gal·van·ic [gal-'va-nik] -adj, adv

  1. of, relating to, or producing a direct current of electricity
    • a galvanic cell
  2. having an electric effect : intensely exciting
    • a galvanic performance
  3. produced as if by an electric shock
    • had a galvanic effect on the audience

galvanic skin response -n

  1. a change in the electrical resistance of the skin that is a physiochemical response to emotional arousal which increases sympathetic nervous system activity

gal·va·nise ['gal-və-,nīz] -vb, n

(variant of galvanize)

  1. to subject to the action of an electric current esp. for the purpose of stimulating physiologically
    • galvanize a muscle
  2. to stimulate or excite as if by an electric shock
    • an issue that would galvanize public opinion
  3. to coat (iron or steel) with zinc
  4. to immerse in molten zinc to produce a coating of zinc-iron alloy
  5. to react as if stimulated by an electric shock
    • they galvanized into action

gal·va·nism ['gal-və-,ni-zəm] -n

  1. a direct current of electricity esp. when produced by chemical action
  2. the therapeutic use of direct electric current (as for pain relief)
  3. vital or forceful activity

gal·va·nize ['gal-və-,nīz] -vb, n

  1. to subject to the action of an electric current esp. for the purpose of stimulating physiologically
    • galvanize a muscle
  2. to stimulate or excite as if by an electric shock
    • an issue that would galvanize public opinion
  3. to coat (iron or steel) with zinc
  4. to immerse in molten zinc to produce a coating of zinc-iron alloy
  5. to react as if stimulated by an electric shock
    • they galvanized into action

galvano- -comb form

  1. galvanic current
    • galvano meter

gal·va·nom·e·ter [,gal-və-'nä-mə-tər] -n, adj

  1. an instrument for detecting or measuring a small electric current by movements of a magnetic needle or of a coil in a magnetic field

gal·va·no·scope [gal-'va-nə-,skōp, 'gal-və-nə-] -n

  1. an instrument for detecting the presence and direction of an electric current by the deflection of a magnetic needle

gam ['gam] -n

  1. leg
  2. a visit or friendly conversation at sea or ashore esp. between whalers
  3. a school of whales
  4. to engage in a gam
  5. to have a gam with
  6. to spend or pass (as time) talking

gama grass ['ga-mə-] -n

  1. a tall coarse American grass ( Tripsacum dactyloides) valuable for forage

ga·may [ga-'mā, 'ga-,mā] -n

  1. a light dry red table wine made from the same grape used for French Beaujolais
    • gamay rose
  2. the grape

gam·ba ['gäm-bə, 'gam-] -n

  1. viola da gamba

gam·ba·do [gam-'bā-(,)dō] -n

  1. a horseman's legging

gambado -n

  1. a spring of a horse
  2. caper, gambol

gam·bier ['gam-,bir] -n

  1. a yellowish catechu that is obtained from a tropical southeast Asian woody vine ( Uncaria gambir) of the madder family and is used for chewing with the betel nut and for tanning and dyeing

gam·bit ['gam-bət] -n

  1. a chess opening in which a player risks one or more pawns or a minor piece to gain an advantage in position
  2. a remark intended to start a conversation or make a telling point
  3. topic
  4. a calculated move : stratagem

gam·ble ['gam-bəl] -vb, n

  1. to play a game for money or property
  2. to bet on an uncertain outcome
  3. to stake something on a contingency : take a chance
  4. to risk by gambling : wager
  5. venture, hazard

gamble -n

  1. an act having an element of risk
  2. something chancy
  3. the playing of a game of chance for stakes

gam·boge [gam-'bōj, -'büzh] -n

  1. an orange to brown gum resin from southeast Asian trees (genus Garcinia) of the Saint-John's-wort family that is used as a yellow pigment and cathartic
  2. a strong yellow

gam·bol ['gam-bəl] -vi

  1. to skip about in play : frisk, frolic

gambol -n

  1. a skipping or leaping about in play

gam·brel ['gam-brəl] -n

  1. a stick or iron for suspending slaughtered animals

gambrel roof -n

  1. a roof with a lower steeper slope and an upper less steep one on each of its two sides

gam·bu·sia [gam-'bü-zh(ē-)ə, -'byü-] -n

  1. any of a genus ( Gambusia) of live-bearers (family Poeciliidae) including some introduced as exterminators of mosquito larvae in warm freshwaters

game ['gām] -n, adj

  1. activity engaged in for diversion or amusement : play
  2. the equipment for a game
  3. often derisive or mocking jesting : fun, sport
    • make game of a nervous player
  4. a procedure or strategy for gaining an end : tactic
  5. an illegal or shady scheme or maneuver : racket
  6. a physical or mental competition conducted according to rules with the participants in direct opposition to each other
  7. a division of a larger contest
  8. the number of points necessary to win
  9. points scored in certain card games (as in all fours) by a player whose cards count up the highest
  10. the manner of playing in a contest
  11. the set of rules governing a game
  12. a particular aspect or phase of play in a game or sport
    • a football team's kicking game
  13. organized athletics
  14. a field of gainful activity : line
    • the newspaper game
  15. any activity undertaken or regarded as a contest involving rivalry, strategy, or struggle
    • the dating game
    • the game of politics
  16. the course or period of such an activity
    • got into aviation early in the game
  17. area of expertise : specialty
    • comedy is not my game
  18. animals under pursuit or taken in hunting
  19. wild animals hunted for sport or food
  20. the flesh of game animals
  21. pluck
  22. a target or object esp. of ridicule or attack often used in the phrase fair game
  23. to play for a stake
  24. to lose or squander by gambling
  25. to take dishonest advantage of : cheat
    • game the tax system
  26. having or showing a resolute unyielding spirit
    • game to the end
  27. willing or ready to proceed
    • were game for anything
  28. of or relating to game
    • game laws
  29. lame
    • a game leg

game ball -n

  1. a ball (as a football) presented to a player or coach in recognition of an outstanding contribution to a team victory

game bird -n

  1. a bird that may be legally hunted according to the laws esp. of a state of the U.S.

game·cock ['gām-,käk] -n

  1. a rooster of the domestic chicken trained for fighting

game face -n

  1. a look of intense determination on the face of a game player

game fish -n

  1. a fish of a family (Salmonidae) including salmons, trouts, chars, and whitefishes
  2. sport fish
  3. a fish made a legal catch by law

game hen -n

  1. an immature domestic hen weighing usu. less than two pounds and used esp. for roasting
    • a Cornish game hen

game·keep·er ['gām-,kē-pər] -n

  1. a person in charge of the breeding and protection of game animals or birds on a private preserve

gam·elan ['ga-mə-,lan, -,län] -n

  1. an Indonesian orchestra made up esp. of percussion instruments (as gongs, xylophones, and drums)

game of chance

  1. a game (as a dice game) in which chance rather than skill determines the outcome

game plan -n, vi

  1. a strategy for achieving an objective

game point -n

  1. a situation (as in tennis) in which one player will win the game by winning the next point
  2. the point itself

gam·er ['gā-mər] -n

  1. a player who is game
  2. an athlete who relishes competition
  3. a person who plays games
  4. a person who regularly plays computer or video games

game show -n

  1. a television program on which contestants compete for prizes in a game (as a quiz)

games·man ['gāmz-mən, -,man] -n

  1. one who practices gamesmanship
  2. one who plays games

games·man·ship ['gāmz-mən-,ship] -n

  1. the art or practice of winning games by questionable expedients without actually violating the rules
  2. the use of ethically dubious methods to gain an objective

game·some ['gām-səm] -adj, adv, n

  1. merry, frolicsome

game·ster ['gām-stər] -n

  1. one who plays games
  2. gambler

gamet- -comb form

  1. gamete
    • gameto phore

gam·etan·gi·um [,ga-mə-'tan-jē-əm] -n

  1. a cell or organ (as of an alga, fern, or fungus) in which gametes are developed

gam·ete ['ga-,mēt also gə-'mēt] -n, adj, adv

  1. a mature male or female germ cell usu. possessing a haploid chromosome set and capable of initiating formation of a new diploid individual by fusion with a gamete of the opposite sex

gamete in·tra·fal·lo·pi·an transfer [-,in-trə-fə-'lō-pē-ən-] -n

  1. a method of assisting reproduction in cases of infertility that involves obtaining eggs from an ovary, mixing them with sperm, and inserting them into a fallopian tube by a laparoscope abbr. GIFT called also gamete intrafallopian tube transfer

game theory -n

  1. the analysis of a situation involving conflicting interests (as in business or military strategy) in terms of gains and losses among opposing players

ga·me·to·cyte [gə-'mē-tə-,sīt] -n

  1. a cell (as of a protozoan causing malaria) that divides to produce gametes

ga·me·to·gen·e·sis [gə-,mē-tə-'je-nə-səs, ,ga-mə-tə-] -n, adj

  1. the production of gametes

ga·me·to·phore [gə-'mē-tə-,fȯr] -n

  1. a modified branch (as of a moss) bearing gametangia

ga·me·to·phyte [gə-'mē-tə-,fīt] -n, adj

  1. the haploid multicellular individual or generation of a plant with alternation of generations that begins with a haploid spore, produces gametes by mitotic division, and ends with fertilization producing a diploid zygote and that constitutes the visibly dominant form in mosses and algae, exists as an independent plant body in ferns and their relatives, and is reduced to a microscopic or rudimentary state in seed plants

gam·in ['ga-mən] -n

  1. a boy who hangs around on the streets : urchin
  2. gamine

ga·mine [ga-'mēn, 'ga-,mēn] -n

  1. a girl who hangs around on the streets
  2. a small playfully mischievous girl

gamine -adj

  1. of, relating to, or suggesting a gamine

gaming -n

  1. the practice of gambling
  2. the playing of games that simulate actual conditions (as of business or war) esp. for training or testing purposes
  3. the playing of video games

gam·ma ['ga-mə] -n

  1. the 3d letter of the Greek alphabet
  2. the degree of contrast of a developed photographic image or of a video image
  3. a unit of magnetic flux density equal to one nanotesla
  4. gamma ray
    • gamma counter
  5. microgram

gamma -adj

  1. of, relating to, or being one of three or more closely related chemical substances
  2. third in position in the structure of an organic molecule from a particular group or atom symbol

gam·maami·no·bu·tyr·ic acid [,ga-mə-ə-,mē-(,)nō-byü-'tir-ik-, ,ga-mə-,a-mə-(,)nō-] -n

  1. an amino acid C 4H 9NO 2that is a neurotransmitter which induces inhibition of postsynaptic neurons

gamma camera -n

  1. a camera that detects the radiation from a radioactive tracer injected into the body and is used esp. in medical diagnostic scanning

gamma globulin -n

  1. a protein fraction of blood rich in antibodies
  2. a sterile solution of gamma globulin from pooled human blood administered esp. for passive immunity against measles, German measles, infectious hepatitis, or poliomyelitis

gamma hy·droxy·bu·ty·rate [-hī-,dräk-sē-'byü-tə-,rāt] -n

  1. ghb

gamma interferon -n

  1. an interferon that is produced by T cells, regulates the immune response, and in a form produced by recombinant DNA technology is used esp. to control infections due to inability of white blood cells to destroy certain bacteria and fungi

Gamma Knife -trademark

  1. used for a medical device that emits a highly focused beam of gamma radiation

gamma radiation -n

  1. radiation composed of gamma rays

gamma ray -n

  1. a photon emitted spontaneously by a radioactive substance
  2. a photon of higher energy than that of an X ray usu. used in plural

gam·mer ['ga-mər] -n

  1. an old woman

gam·mon ['ga-mən] -n

  1. ham
  2. a side of bacon
  3. the lower end of a side of bacon

gammon -n

  1. backgammon
  2. the winning of a backgammon game before the loser removes any men from the board
  3. to beat by scoring a gammon
  4. to talk gammon
  5. pretend, feign
  6. deceive, fool
  7. talk intended to deceive

gam·my ['ga-mē] -adj

  1. lame, game

gam·ut ['ga-mət] -n

  1. the whole series of recognized musical notes
  2. an entire range or series
    • ran the gamut from praise to contempt

gamy ['gā-mē] -adj, adv, n

  1. brave, plucky used esp. of animals
  2. having the flavor of game
  3. having the flavor of game near tainting
  4. smelly
  5. sordid, scandalous
    • gave us all the gamy details
  6. corrupt, disreputable
    • a gamy character
  7. sexually suggestive : racy
    • gamy witticisms

gan ['gin] -vb

(variant of gin)

  1. begin
  2. : any of various tools or mechanical devices: as
  3. a snare or trap for game
  4. cotton gin
  5. snare
  6. to separate (cotton fiber) from seeds and waste material
  7. to come up with : generate usu. used with up
    • gin up enthusiasm
  8. if
  9. a colorless alcoholic beverage made from distilled or redistilled neutral grain spirits flavored with juniper berries and aromatics (as anise and caraway seeds)
  10. gin rummy
  11. the act of laying down a full hand of matched cards in gin rummy

ga·nache [(,)gä-'näsh, gə-] -n

  1. a sweet creamy chocolate mixture used esp. as a filling or frosting

gan·ci·clo·vir [gan-'sī-klə-(,)vir] -n

  1. an antiviral drug C 9H 13N 5O 4related to acyclovir and used esp. to treat cytomegalovirus retinitis in immunocompromised individuals

Gan·da ['gan-də, 'gän-] -n

  1. a member of a Bantu-speaking people of Uganda
  2. luganda

gan·der ['gan-dər] -n

  1. an adult male goose
  2. simpleton

gander -n

  1. look, glance
    • take a gander

gan·dy dancer ['gan-dē-] -n

  1. a laborer in a railroad section gang
  2. an itinerant or seasonal laborer

ga·nef ['gä-nəf] -n

  1. thief, rascal

Ga·ne·lon [,ga-nə-'lōⁿ] -n

  1. the traitor in the Charlemagne romances who is responsible for the death of Roland

gang ['gaŋ] -vi

  1. go
  2. a set of articles : outfit
    • a gang of oars
  3. a combination of similar implements or devices arranged for convenience to act together
    • a gang of saws
  4. : group: as
  5. a group of persons working together
  6. a group of persons working to unlawful or antisocial ends
  7. a band of antisocial adolescents
  8. a group of persons having informal and usu. close social relations
    • watching TV with the gang
  9. to assemble or operate simultaneously as a group
  10. to arrange in or produce as a gang
  11. to attack in a gang
  12. to move or act as a gang

gang·bang ['gaŋ-,baŋ] -vi

  1. to participate in a gang bang
  2. to participate in esp. violent gang activity
  3. to subject to a gang bang

gang bang -n

  1. copulation by several persons in succession with the same passive partner
  2. gang rape

gang·bang·er ['gaŋ-,baŋ-ər] -n

  1. a member of a street gang

gang·bust·er ['gaŋ-,bəs-tər] -n

  1. one engaged in the aggressive breakup of organized criminal gangs

gangbusters -adj, adv

  1. outstandingly excellent or successful
    • a gangbusters ballplayer

gang·er ['gaŋ-ər] -n

  1. the foreman of a gang of workers

gang hook -n

  1. two or three fishhooks with their shanks joined together

gang·land ['gaŋ-,land, -lənd] -n

  1. the world of organized crime
    • a gangland killing

gan·gling ['gaŋ-gliŋ, -glən] -adj

  1. loosely and awkwardly built : lanky

gan·gli·on ['gaŋ-glē-ən] -n, adj

  1. a small cystic tumor connected either with a joint membrane or tendon sheath
  2. a mass of nerve tissue containing cell bodies of neurons external to the brain or spinal cord
  3. nucleus
  4. something likened to a nerve ganglion
    • a ganglion of cables and wires

gan·gli·o·side ['gaŋ-glē-ə-,sīd] -n

  1. any of a group of glycolipids that yield a hexose sugar on hydrolysis and are found esp. in the plasma membrane of cells of the gray matter

gan·gly ['gaŋ-glē] -adj

  1. gangling

gang·plank ['gaŋ-,plaŋk] -n

  1. a movable bridge used in boarding or leaving a ship at a pier

gang·plow [-,plau̇] -n

  1. a plow designed to turn two or more furrows at one time

gang rape -n, vt

  1. rape of one person by several attackers in succession

gang·rel ['gaŋ-(ə-)rəl] -n

  1. vagrant

gan·grene ['gaŋ-,grēn, gaŋ-', 'gan-,, gan-'] -n, adj

  1. local death of soft tissues due to loss of blood supply
  2. pervasive decay or corruption : rot
    • moral gangrene

gangrene -vb

  1. to make gangrenous
  2. to become gangrenous

gang·sta ['gaŋ(k)-stə] -n

  1. a member of an urban street gang
  2. a performer of gangsta rap

gangsta rap -n

  1. rap music with lyrics explicitly portraying the violence and drug use of urban gang life and typically expressing hostility toward whites, women, and civil authority

gang·ster ['gaŋ-stər] -n, adj

  1. a member of a gang of criminals : racketeer

gangtackle ['gaŋ-,ta-kəl] -vt

  1. to bring down (a ballcarrier in football) with several tacklers

gangue ['gaŋ] -n

  1. the worthless rock or vein matter in which valuable metals or minerals occur

gang up -vi

  1. to make a joint assault
    • ganged up on him and beat him up
  2. to combine for a specific purpose
    • ganged up to raise prices
  3. to exert group pressure
    • ganged up against the boss

gang·way ['gaŋ-,wā] -n

  1. passageway
  2. a temporary way of planks
  3. either of the sides of the upper deck of a ship
  4. the opening by which a ship is boarded
  5. gangplank
  6. aisle
  7. a cross aisle dividing the front benches from the backbenches in the British House of Commons
  8. an aisle in the British House of Commons that separates government and opposition benches
  9. a clear passage through a crowd often used as an interjection

gan·is·ter ['ga-nə-stər] -n

  1. a fine-grained quartzite used in the manufacture of refractory brick

gan·ja ['gän-jə, 'gan-] -n

  1. a potent and selected preparation of marijuana used esp. for smoking
  2. marijuana

gan·net ['ga-nət] -n

  1. any of a genus ( Morusof the family Sulidae, the gannet family) of large fish-eating seabirds that breed in colonies chiefly on offshore islands

gan·oid ['ga-,nȯid] -adj

  1. of, having, or being fish scales consisting of bone and an outer shiny layer resembling enamel
  2. relating to or being fish with ganoid scales

ganoid -n

  1. a fish (as a sturgeon or gar) with ganoid scales

gante·lope ['gant-,lōp] -n

  1. gauntlet

gantlet ['gȯnt-lət, 'gänt-] -n, adj

(variant of gauntlet)

  1. a glove worn with medieval armor to protect the hand
  2. any of various protective gloves used esp. in industry
  3. an open challenge (as to combat) used in phrases like throw down the gauntlet
  4. a dress glove extending above the wrist

gan·try ['gan-trē] -n

  1. a frame for supporting barrels
  2. : a frame structure raised on side supports so as to span over or around something: as
  3. a platform made to carry a traveling crane and supported by towers or side frames running on parallel tracks
  4. a movable structure with platforms at different levels used for erecting and servicing rockets before launching
  5. a structure spanning several railroad tracks and displaying signals for each

Gan·y·mede ['ga-ni-,mēd] -n

  1. a beautiful youth in classical mythology carried off to Olympus to be the cupbearer of the gods

GAO -abbr

  1. General Accounting Office; Government Accountability Office

gaol ['jāl] -n

(variant of jail)

  1. a place of confinement for persons held in lawful custody
  2. such a place under the jurisdiction of a local government (as a county) for the confinement of persons awaiting trial or those convicted of minor crimes
  3. confinement in a jail
    • sentenced to jail
  4. to confine in or as if in a jail

gap ['gap] -n, adj

  1. a break in a barrier (as a wall, hedge, or line of military defense)
  2. an assailable position
  3. a mountain pass
  4. ravine
  5. spark gap
  6. a separation in space
  7. an incomplete or deficient area
    • a gap in her knowledge
  8. a break in continuity : hiatus
  9. a break in the vascular cylinder of a plant where a vascular trace departs from the central cylinder
  10. lack of balance : disparity
    • the gap between imports and exports
  11. a wide difference in character or attitude
    • the generation gap
  12. a problem caused by some disparity
    • a communication gap
    • credibility gap
  13. to make an opening in
  14. to adjust the space between the electrodes of (a spark plug)
  15. to fall or stand open

gape ['gāp sometimes 'gap] -vi, adv

  1. to open the mouth wide
  2. to open or part widely
    • holes gaped in the pavement
  3. to gaze stupidly or in openmouthed surprise or wonder
  4. yawn
  5. : an act of gaping:
  6. yawn
  7. an openmouthed stare
  8. an unfilled space or extent
  9. the median margin-to-margin length of the open mouth
  10. the line along which the mandibles of a bird close
  11. the width of an opening
  12. a disease of birds and esp. young birds in which gapeworms invade and irritate the trachea
  13. a fit of yawning

gap·er ['gā-pər sometimes 'ga-pər] -n

  1. one that gapes
  2. any of several large sluggish burrowing clams (families Myacidae and Mactridae) including several used for food

gape·worm ['gāp-,wərm sometimes 'gap-] -n

  1. a nematode worm ( Syngamus trachea) that causes gapes in birds

gaping -adj

  1. wide open
    • a gaping hole

gap junction -n

  1. an area of contact between adjacent cells characterized by modification of the plasma membranes for intercellular communication or transfer of low molecular-weight substances

gapped scale -n

  1. a musical scale derived from a larger system of tones by omitting certain tones

gaptoothed ['gap-,tütht] -adj

  1. having gaps between the teeth

gar ['gär] -interj

  1. used as a mild oath in the phrase by gar
  2. : any of various fishes that have an elongate body resembling that of a pike and long narrow jaws: as
  3. needlefish
  4. any of several predaceous No. American freshwater bony fishes (family Lepisosteidae) with heavy ganoid scales
  5. garage

GAR -abbr

  1. Grand Army of the Republic

ga·rage [gə-'räzh, -'räj; Canad also -'razh, -'raj; Brit usu 'ga-(,)räzh, -(,)räj, -rij] -n

  1. a shelter or repair shop for automotive vehicles
  2. a cabinet with a vertical rolling door that is used for storing a small kitchen appliance

garage -vt

  1. to keep or put in a garage

garage band -n

  1. an amateur rock band typically holding its rehearsals in a garage and usu. having only a local audience

ga·rage·man [-,man] -n

  1. a person who works in a garage

garage sale -n

  1. a sale of used household or personal articles (as furniture, tools, or clothing) held on the seller's own premises

ga·ram ma·sa·la [gä-'räm-mə-'sä-lə] -n

  1. a pungent and aromatic mixture of ground spices used in Indian cooking

Ga·rand rifle [gə-'rand-, 'ga-rənd-] -n

  1. m1 rifle

garb ['gärb] -n

  1. fashion, manner
  2. a style of apparel
  3. outward form : appearance
  4. to cover with or as if with clothing

gar·bage ['gär-bij] -n

  1. food waste
  2. discarded or useless material
  3. trash
  4. inaccurate or useless data

gar·bage·man [-,man] -n

  1. one who collects and hauls away garbage

gar·ban·zo [gär-'bän-(,)zō, also -'ban-] -n

  1. chickpea

garbanzo bean -n

  1. chickpea

gar·ble ['gär-bəl] -vt, n

  1. cull
  2. to sift impurities from
  3. to so alter or distort as to create a wrong impression or change the meaning
    • garble a story
  4. to introduce textual error into (a message) by inaccurate encipherment, transmission, or decipherment

garble -n

  1. the impurities removed from spices in sifting
  2. an act or an instance of garbling

gar·board ['gär-,bȯrd] -n

  1. the strake next to a ship's keel

gar·boil [-,bȯi(-ə)l] -n

  1. a confused disordered state : turmoil

gar·bol·o·gy [gär-'bä-lə-jē] -n

  1. the study of modern culture through the analysis of what is thrown away as garbage

gar·on [gär-'sōⁿ] -n

  1. waiter

gar·da ['gär-də] -n

  1. a police officer in the Republic of Ireland

gardeman·ger [,gärd-,mäⁿ-'zhā] -n

  1. a cook who specializes in the preparation of cold foods (as meats, fish, and salads)

gar·den ['gär-dᵊn] -n

  1. a plot of ground where herbs, fruits, flowers, or vegetables are cultivated
  2. a rich well-cultivated region
  3. a container (as a window box) planted with usu. a variety of small plants
  4. a public recreation area or park usu. ornamented with plants and trees
    • a botanical garden
  5. an open-air eating or drinking place
  6. a large hall for public entertainment

garden ['gär-də-niŋ, 'gärd-niŋ] -vb, n

  1. to lay out or work in a garden
  2. to make into a garden
  3. to ornament with gardens
  4. of, relating to, used in, or frequenting a garden
  5. of a kind grown in the open as distinguished from one more delicate
    • garden plant
  6. commonly found : garden-variety

garden apartment -n

  1. a multiple-unit low-rise dwelling having considerable lawn or garden space

garden city -n

  1. a planned residential community with park and planted areas

garden cress -n

  1. an annual herb ( Lepidium sativum) of the mustard family sometimes cultivated for its pungent basal leaves

garden heliotrope -n

  1. a tall rhizomatous Old World valerian ( Valeriana officinalis) widely cultivated for its fragrant tiny flowers and for its roots which yield the drug valerian

gar·de·nia [gär-'dē-nyə] -n

  1. any of a large genus ( Gardenia) of Old World tropical trees and shrubs of the madder family with showy fragrant white or yellow flowers

Garden of Eden

  1. eden

garden rocket -n

  1. arugula

gardenvariety -adj

  1. ordinary, commonplace

garde·robe ['gär-,drōb] -n

  1. a wardrobe or its contents
  2. a private room : bedroom
  3. privy

gar·dy·loo [,gär-dē-'lü] -interj

  1. used in Edinburgh as a warning cry when it was customary to throw slops from the windows into the streets

Gar·eth ['ga-rəth] -n

  1. a knight of the Round Table and nephew of King Arthur

gar·fish ['gär-,fish] -n

  1. gar

Gar·gan·tua [gär-'gan(t)-sh(ə-)wə] -n

  1. a gigantic king in Rabelais's Gargantuahaving a great capacity for food and drink

gar·gan·tuan [-wən] -adj

  1. tremendous in size, volume, or degree : gigantic, colossal
    • gargantuan waterfalls

gar·gle ['gär-gəl] -vb

  1. to hold (a liquid) in the mouth or throat and agitate with air from the lungs
  2. to cleanse or disinfect (the oral cavity) in this manner
  3. to utter with a gargling sound
  4. to use a gargle
  5. to speak or sing as if gargling

gargle -n

  1. a liquid used in gargling
  2. a sound of or like that of gargling

gar·goyle ['gär-,gȯi(-ə)l] -n, adj

  1. a spout in the form of a grotesque human or animal figure projecting from a roof gutter to throw rainwater clear of a building
  2. a grotesquely carved figure
  3. a person with an ugly face

gar·i·bal·di [,gar-ə-'bȯl-dē] -n

  1. a woman's blouse copied from the red shirt worn by the Italian patriot Garibaldi

Ga·ri·fu·na [,gä-rē-'fü-nə] -n

  1. a member of a people of African and American Indian descent that live mainly along the Caribbean coast of northern Central America called also Black Carib
  2. the Arawakan language containing many Cariban elements spoken by the Garifunas

ga·rigue [gə-'rēg] -n

  1. a low open scrubland with many evergreen shrubs, low trees, aromatic herbs, and bunchgrasses found in poor or dry soil in the Mediterranean region

gar·ish ['ger-ish] -adj, adv, n

  1. clothed in vivid colors
  2. excessively or disturbingly vivid
    • garish colors
    • garish imagery
  3. offensively or distressingly bright : glaring
  4. tastelessly showy : flashy

gar·land ['gär-lənd] -n

  1. a circular or spiral arrangement of intertwined material (as flowers or leaves)
  2. anthology, collection

garland -vt

  1. to form into a garland
  2. to adorn with or as if with a garland

gar·lic ['gär-lik] -n, adj

  1. a European allium ( Allium sativum) widely cultivated for its pungent compound bulbs much used in cookery
  2. allium
  3. a bulb of garlic

garlic chive -n

  1. a perennial allium ( Allium tuberosum) native to southeastern Asia but widely cultivated for its garlic-flavored stems, leaves, buds, and flower heads usu. used in pl. called also Chinese chive

gar·licked ['gär-likt] -adj

  1. containing or prepared with garlic

garlic salt -n

  1. a seasoning of ground dried garlic and salt

gar·ment ['gär-mənt] -n

  1. an article of clothing

garment -vt

  1. to clothe with or as if with a garment

garment bag -n

  1. a bag used by travelers that folds in half and has a center handle for easy carrying

gar·ner ['gär-nər] -vt

  1. to gather into storage
  2. to deposit as if in a granary
    • volumes in which he has garner ed the fruits of his lifetime labors -- Reinhold Niebuhr
  3. to acquire by effort : earn
  4. accumulate, collect

gar·net ['gär-nət] -n, adj

  1. a brittle and more or less transparent usu. red silicate mineral that has a vitreous luster, occurs mainly in crystals but also in massive form and in grains, is found commonly in gneiss and mica schist, and is used as a semiprecious stone and as an abrasive
  2. a variable color averaging a dark red

garnet paper -n

  1. an abrasive paper with crushed garnet as the abrasive

gar·ni·er·ite ['gär-nē-ə-,rīt] -n

  1. a soft mineral consisting of hydrous nickel magnesium silicate and constituting an important ore of nickel

gar·nish ['gär-nish] -vt

  1. decorate, embellish
  2. to add decorative or savory touches to (food or drink)
  3. to equip with accessories : furnish
  4. garnishee

garnish -n

  1. embellishment, ornament
  2. something (as lemon wedges or parsley) used to garnish food or drink
  3. an unauthorized fee formerly extorted from a new inmate of an English jail
  4. a similar payment required of a new worker

gar·nish·ee [,gär-nə-'shē] -n

  1. a person who is served with a legal process of garnishment

garnishee -vt

  1. to serve with a garnishment
  2. to take (as a debtor's wages) by legal authority

gar·nish·ment ['gär-nish-mənt] -n

  1. ornament, garnish
  2. a legal summons or warning concerning the attachment of property to satisfy a debt
  3. a stoppage of a specified sum from wages to satisfy a creditor or a legal obligation (as child support)

gar·ni·ture ['gär-ni-chər, -nə-,chu̇r] -n

  1. embellishment, trimming
  2. a set of decorative objects (as vases, urns, or clocks)

gar·pike ['gär-,pīk] -n

  1. gar

gar·ret ['ger-ət, 'ga-rət] -n

  1. a room or unfinished part of a house just under the roof

gar·ri·son ['ger-ə-sən, 'ga-rə-] -n

  1. a military post
  2. a permanent military installation
  3. the troops stationed at a garrison

garrison [-s(ə-)niŋ] -vt

  1. to station troops in
  2. to assign as a garrison
  3. to occupy with troops

garrison cap -n

  1. a visorless folding cap worn as part of a military uniform

Gar·ri·son finish ['ga-rə-sən-] -n

  1. a finish in which the winner comes from behind at the end

garrison house -n

  1. a house fortified against attack
  2. blockhouse
  3. a house having the second story overhanging the first in the front

garrison state -n

  1. a state organized to serve primarily its own need for military security
  2. a state maintained by military power

gar·ron ['ga-rən, gə-'rȯn] -n

  1. a small sturdy workhorse

gar·rote [gə-'rät, -'rōt; 'ger-ət, 'ga-rət] -n

  1. a method of execution by strangulation
  2. the apparatus used
  3. an implement (as a wire with a handle at each end) for strangulation

garrote -vt, n

  1. to strangle with or as if with a garrote

gar·ru·li·ty [gə-'rü-lə-tē, ga-] -n

  1. the quality or state of being garrulous

gar·ru·lous ['ger-ə-ləs, 'ga-rə- also 'ger-yə-] -adj, adv, n

  1. given to prosy, rambling, or tedious loquacity : pointlessly or annoyingly talkative
  2. wordy
    • garrulous speeches

gar·ter ['gär-tər] -n

  1. a band worn to hold up a stocking or sock
  2. a band worn to hold up a shirt sleeve
  3. a strap hanging from a girdle or corset to support a stocking
  4. the British Order of the Garter
  5. the blue velvet garter that is its badge
  6. membership in the order

garter -vt

  1. to support with or as if with a garter

garter snake -n

  1. any of a genus ( Thamnophis) of harmless viviparous American snakes with longitudinal stripes on the back

garth ['gärth] -n

  1. a small yard or enclosure : close

gar·vey ['gär-vē] -n

  1. a small scow esp. of the New Jersey coast

gas ['gas] -n

  1. a fluid (as air) that has neither independent shape nor volume but tends to expand indefinitely
  2. a combustible gas or gaseous mixture for fuel or lighting
  3. natural gas
  4. a gaseous product of digestion
  5. discomfort from this
  6. a gas or gaseous mixture used to produce anesthesia
  7. a substance that can be used to produce a poisonous, asphyxiating, or irritant atmosphere
  8. empty talk : bombast
  9. gasoline
  10. the accelerator pedal of an automotive vehicle
  11. driving force : energy
    • I was young, and full of gas -- H. L. Mencken
    • ran out of gas in the seventh inning
  12. something that gives pleasure : delight
    • the party was a gas
  13. to talk idly or garrulously
  14. to give off gas
  15. to fill the tank (as of an automobile) with gasoline usu. used with up
  16. to supply with gas or esp. gasoline
    • gas up the car
  17. to treat chemically with gas
  18. to poison or otherwise affect adversely with gas
  19. to please greatly

gas·bag ['gas-,bag] -n

  1. a bag for holding gas
  2. an idle or garrulous talker

gas chamber -n

  1. a chamber in which prisoners are executed by poison gas

gas chromatograph -n

  1. an instrument used to separate a sample into components in gas chromatography

gas chromatography -n, adj

  1. chromatography in which the sample mixture is vaporized and injected into a stream of carrier gas (as nitrogen or helium) moving through a column containing a stationary phase composed of a liquid or particulate solid and is separated into its component compounds according to their affinity for the stationary phase

gas·con ['gas-kən] -n, adj

  1. a native of Gascony
  2. the Romance speech of Gascony
  3. a boastful swaggering person

gas·co·nade [,gas-kə-'nād] -n, vi

  1. bravado, boasting

gas·eous ['ga-sē-əs, 'ga-shəs] -adj, n

  1. having the form of or being gas
  2. of or relating to gases
  3. lacking substance or solidity
  4. gassy
    • trick phrases and gaseous circumlocutions -- Edwin Newman

gas fitter -n

  1. a worker who installs or repairs gas pipes and appliances

gas gangrene -n

  1. progressive gangrene marked by impregnation of the dead and dying tissue with gas and caused by one or more toxin-producing clostridia

gasguz·zler ['gas-'gəz-lər, -'gə-zə-] -n, adj

  1. a usu. large automobile that gets relatively poor mileage

gash ['gash] -n

  1. a deep long cut in flesh
  2. a deep narrow depression or cut
    • cut a gash through the forest
    • a gash in the hull
  3. to make a gash in
  4. to make a gash : cut
  5. knowing, witty
  6. well-dressed : trim

gas·hold·er ['gas-,hōl-dər] -n

  1. a container for gas
  2. a huge cylindrical tank for storing fuel gas under pressure

gas·house [-,hau̇s] -n

  1. gasworks

gas·i·fi·ca·tion [,ga-sə-fə-'kā-shən] -n

  1. conversion into gas
  2. conversion of coal into natural gas

gas·i·fy ['ga-sə-,fī] -vb, n

  1. to convert into gas
    • gasify coal
  2. to become gaseous

gas·ket ['gas-kət] -n

  1. a material (as rubber) or a part (as an O-ring) used to make a joint fluid-tight

gas·kin ['gas-kən] -n

  1. hose, breeches
  2. a part of the hind leg of a quadruped between the stifle and the hock

gas·light ['gas-,līt, -'līt] -n

  1. light made by burning illuminating gas
  2. a gas flame
  3. a gas lighting fixture

gasliquid chromatography -n, adj

  1. gas chromatography in which the stationary phase is a liquid

gas·lit [-,lit, -'lit] -adj

  1. illuminated by gaslight

gas log -n

  1. a hollow perforated imitation log used as a gas burner in a fireplace

gas mask -n

  1. a mask connected to a chemical air filter and used to protect the face and lungs from toxic gases
  2. respirator

gas·o·gene ['ga-sə-,jēn] -n

  1. a portable apparatus for carbonating liquids
  2. an apparatus carried by a vehicle to produce gas for fuel by partial burning of charcoal or wood

gas·o·hol ['ga-sə-,hȯl] -n

  1. a fuel consisting of a blend usu. of 10 percent ethanol and 90 percent gasoline

gas oil -n

  1. a hydrocarbon oil used as a fuel oil
  2. a petroleum distillate intermediate in boiling range and viscosity between kerosene and lubricating oil

gas·olier [,ga-sə-'lir] -n

  1. a gaslight chandelier

gas·o·line ['ga-sə-,lēn, ,ga-sə-' also -zə-] -n, adj

  1. a volatile flammable liquid hydrocarbon mixture used as a fuel esp. for internal combustion engines and usu. blended from several products of natural gas and petroleum

gas·om·e·ter [ga-'sä-mə-tər] -n

  1. gasholder
  2. a laboratory apparatus for holding and measuring gases

gasoperated -adj

  1. using part of the force of expanding propellant gases to operate the action

gasp ['gasp] -vb, n

  1. to catch the breath convulsively and audibly (as with shock)
  2. to breathe laboriously
  3. to utter in a gasping manner

gasp·er ['gäs-pə(r)] -n

  1. cigarette

gas plant -n

  1. fraxinella

gas ring -n

  1. a ring-shaped portable gas burner for cooking

gassed ['gast] -adj

  1. drunk

gas·ser ['ga-sər] -n

  1. something outstanding

gas station -n

  1. a retail station for servicing motor vehicles esp. with gasoline and oil called also service station

gas·sy ['ga-sē] -adj, adv, n

  1. full of or containing gas
  2. having the characteristics of gas
  3. characterized by many words but little content : emptily verbose

gast ['gast] -vt

  1. scare
    • gast ed by the noise I made, full suddenly he fled -- Shak.

gas·ter ['gas-tər] -n

  1. the enlarged part of the abdomen behind the pedicel in hymenopterous insects (as ants)

gas·tight ['gas-'tīt] -adj, n

  1. impervious to gas

gast·ness ['gas(t)-nəs] -n

  1. fright, terror

gastr- -comb form

  1. stomach
    • gastr ectomy
  2. gastric and
    • gastro intestinal

gas·trec·to·my [ga-'strek-tə-mē] -n

  1. surgical removal of all or part of the stomach

gas·tric ['gas-trik] -adj

  1. of or relating to the stomach

gastric bypass -n

  1. a surgical bypass operation that typically involves reducing the size of the stomach and reconnecting the smaller stomach to bypass the first portion of the small intestine so as to restrict food intake and reduce caloric absorption in cases of severe obesity

gastric gland -n

  1. any of various glands in the walls of the stomach that secrete gastric juice

gastric juice -n

  1. a thin watery acid digestive fluid secreted by glands in the mucous membrane of the stomach

gastric ulcer -n

  1. a peptic ulcer situated in the stomach

gas·trin ['gas-trən] -n

  1. any of various polypeptide hormones that are secreted by the gastric mucosa and induce secretion of gastric juice

gas·tri·tis [ga-'strī-təs] -n

  1. inflammation esp. of the mucous membrane of the stomach

gas·troc·ne·mi·us [,gas-(,)träk-'nē-mē-əs, -trək-] -n

  1. the largest and most superficial muscle of the calf of the leg arising by two heads from the condyles of the femur and attaching to a tendon that becomes part of the Achilles tendon

gas·tro·du·o·de·nal [,gas-trō-,d(y)ü-ə-'dē-nᵊl, -d(y)u̇-'ä-də-nəl] -adj

  1. of, relating to, or involving the stomach and the duodenum

gas·tro·en·ter·i·tis [,gas-trō-,en-tə-'rī-təs] -n

  1. inflammation of the lining membrane of the stomach and the intestines characterized esp. by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and cramps

gas·tro·en·ter·ol·o·gy [-,en-tə-'rä-lə-jē] -n, adj

  1. a branch of medicine concerned with the structure, functions, diseases, and pathology of the stomach and intestines

gas·tro·esoph·a·ge·al ['gas-trō-i-,sä-fə-'jē-əl] -adj

  1. of, relating to, or involving the stomach and esophagus

gastroesophageal reflux -n

  1. backward flow of the contents of the stomach into the esophagus that is due to malfunctioning of a sphincter at the lower end of the esophagus and results esp. in heartburn

gas·tro·in·tes·ti·nal [,gas-trō-in-'tes-tə-nᵊl, -'tes(t)-nəl] -adj

  1. of, relating to, affecting, or including both stomach and intestine
    • gastrointestinal tract

gas·tro·lith ['gas-trə-,lith] -n

  1. a stone or pebble ingested by an animal and functioning to grind food in gastric digestion

gas·tro·nome ['gas-trə-,nōm] -n

  1. a lover of good food
  2. one with a serious interest in gastronomy

gas·tro·nom·i·cal·ly [,gas-trə-'nä-mi-k(ə-)lē] -adv

  1. from the standpoint of gastronomy
    • gastronomically fashionable
  2. toward gastronomy
    • gastronomically inclined

gas·tron·o·mist [ga-'strä-nə-mist] -n

  1. gastronome

gas·tron·o·my [-mē] -n, adj

  1. the art or science of good eating
  2. culinary customs or style

gas·tro·pod ['gas-trə-,päd] -n, adj

  1. any of a large class (Gastropoda) of mollusks (as snails and slugs) usu. with a univalve shell or none and a distinct head bearing sensory organs

gas·tro·scope ['gas-trə-,skōp] -n, adj

  1. an endoscope for viewing the interior of the stomach

gas·tro·trich ['gas-trə-,trik] -n

  1. any of a phylum (Gastrotricha) of minute aquatic pseudocoelomate animals that usu. have a spiny or scaly cuticle and cilia on the ventral surface

gas·tro·vas·cu·lar [,gas-trō-'vas-kyə-lər] -adj

  1. functioning in both digestion and circulation
    • the gastrovascular cavity of a coelenterate

gas·tru·la ['gas-trə-lə] -n, adj

  1. an early metazoan embryo in which the ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm are established either by invagination of the blastula (as in fish and amphibians) to form a multilayered cellular cup with a blastopore opening into the archenteron or by differentiation of the blastodisc (as in reptiles, birds, and mammals) and inward cellular migration

gas·tru·la·tion [,gas-trə-'lā-shən] -n, vi

  1. the process of becoming or of forming a gastrula

gas turbine -n

  1. an internal combustion engine in which expanding gases from the combustion chamber drive the blades of a turbine

gas·works ['gas-,wərks] -n pl but sing or pl in constr

  1. a plant for manufacturing gas and esp. illuminating gas

gat ['get, ÷'git] -vb

(variant of get)

  1. to gain possession of
  2. to receive as a return : earn
    • he got a bad reputation for carelessness
  3. to obtain by concession or entreaty
    • get your mother's permission to go
  4. to become affected by (a disease or bodily condition) : catch
    • got measles from his sister
  5. to seek out and obtain
    • hoped to get dinner at the inn
  6. to obtain and bring where wanted or needed
    • get a pencil from the desk
  7. beget
  8. to cause to come or go
    • quickly got his luggage through customs
  9. to cause to move
    • get it out of the house
  10. to cause to be in a certain position or condition
    • got his feet wet
  11. to make ready : prepare
    • get breakfast
  12. to be subjected to
    • got a bad fall
  13. to receive by way of punishment
  14. to suffer a specified injury to
    • got my nose broken
  15. to achieve as a result of military activity
  16. to obtain or receive by way of benefit or advantage
    • he got little for his trouble
    • get the better of an enemy
  17. seize
  18. overcome
  19. to have an emotional effect on
    • the final scene always get s me
  20. irritate
    • the delays were starting to get her
  21. puzzle
  22. to take vengeance on
  23. kill
  24. hit
  25. to prevail on : cause
    • finally got them to tidy up their room
  26. have used in the present perfect tense form with present meaning
    • I've got no money
  27. to have as an obligation or necessity used in the present perfect tense form with present meaning
    • you have got to come
  28. to find out by calculation
    • get the answer to a problem
  29. memorize
    • got the verse by heart
  30. hear
  31. understand
    • he got the joke
  32. to establish communication with
  33. to put out in baseball
  34. deliver
    • the car get s 20 miles to the gallon
  35. to succeed in coming or going : to bring or move oneself
    • get away to the country
    • got into the car
  36. to reach or enter into a certain condition
    • got to sleep after midnight
  37. to make progress
    • hasn't gotten far with the essay
  38. to acquire wealth
  39. to be able
    • never got to go to college
  40. to come to be often used with following present participle
    • got talking about old times
  41. to succeed in becoming : become
    • how to get clear of all the debts I owe -- Shak.
  42. to become involved
    • people who get into trouble with the law
  43. to leave immediately
    • told them to get
  44. used with the past participle of transitive verbs as a passive voice auxiliary
    • they got caught in the act
  45. : something begotten:
  46. offspring
  47. the entire progeny of a male animal
  48. lineage
  49. a return of a difficult shot in a game (as tennis)
  50. a document of release from obligation in Jewish law
  51. a bill of divorce
  52. a religious divorce by Jewish law

gate ['gāt] -n

  1. an opening in a wall or fence
  2. a city or castle entrance often with defensive structures (as towers)
  3. the frame or door that closes a gate
  4. a movable barrier (as at a grade crossing)
  5. a means of entrance or exit
  6. starting gate
  7. an area (as at a railroad station or an airport) for departure or arrival
  8. a space between two markers through which a competitor must pass in the course of a slalom race
  9. a door, valve, or other device for controlling the passage esp. of a fluid
  10. an electronic switch that allows or prevents the flow of current in a circuit
  11. an electrode in a field-effect transistor that modulates the current flowing through the transistor according to the voltage applied to the electrode
  12. a device (as in a computer) that outputs a signal when specified input conditions are met
    • logic gate
  13. a molecule or part of a molecule that acts (as by a change in conformation) in response to a stimulus to permit or block passage (as of ions) through a cell membrane
  14. dismissal
    • gave him the gate
  15. the total admission receipts or the number of spectators (as at a sports event)
  16. to confine to a campus or dormitory
  17. to supply with a gate
  18. to control with a gate
  19. way, path
  20. method, style

ga·teau [(,)gä-'tō] -n

  1. food baked or served in the form of a cake
    • eggplant gateau
  2. a rich or fancy cake

gatecrash·er ['gāt-,kra-shər] -n, vb

  1. a person who enters, attends, or participates without ticket or invitation

gated -adj

  1. having or controlled by a gate
    • a gated entrance
  2. designed to restrict entrance usu. by means of physical barriers, a private security force, and a controlled gate
    • gated communities

gate·fold [-,fōld] -n

  1. foldout
  2. one with a single fold that opens out like a gate

gate·house [-,hau̇s] -n

  1. a building or house connected or associated with a gate

gate·keep·er [-,kē-pər] -n

  1. one that tends or guards a gate
  2. a person who controls access

gate·leg table ['gāt-,leg-, -,lāg-] -n

  1. a table with drop leaves supported by movable paired legs

gate·post ['gāt-,pōst] -n

  1. the post to which a gate is hung or the one against which it closes

gate·way [-,wā] -n

  1. an opening for a gate
  2. gate

gateway drug -n

  1. a drug (as alcohol or marijuana) whose use is thought to lead to the use of and dependence on a harder drug (as cocaine or heroin)

gath·er ['ga-thər also 'ge-] -vb, n

  1. to bring together : collect
    • tried to gather a crowd
    • gather ed firewood
  2. pick, harvest
    • gather flowers
  3. to pick up or amass as if by harvesting
    • gather ing ideas for the project
  4. to scoop up or take up from a resting place
    • gather ed the child up in his arms
  5. to serve as an attraction for : accumulate
    • books gather ing dust
  6. to effect the collection of
    • gather contributions
  7. to summon up
    • gather ed his courage
  8. to gain by gradual increase
    • gather speed
  9. to prepare (as oneself) by mustering strength
  10. to gain or regain control of
    • gather ed his wits
  11. to reach a conclusion often intuitively from hints or through inferences
    • I gather that you want to leave
  12. to pull (fabric) along a line of stitching so as to draw into puckers
  13. to draw about or close to something
    • gather ing her cloak about her
  14. to bring together the parts of
    • gather ed her hair into a ponytail
  15. to assemble (the signatures of a book) in sequence for binding
  16. to haul in
    • the sailors gather ed the sails
  17. to come together in a body
  18. to cluster around a focus of attraction
  19. to swell and fill with pus
  20. grow, increase
    • the gather ing crisis

gather -n

  1. : something gathered: as
  2. a puckering in cloth made by gathering
  3. a mass of molten glass collected for use in glassblowing
  4. an act or instance of gathering

gathering -n

  1. assembly, meeting
  2. a suppurating swelling : abscess
  3. the collecting of food or raw materials from the wild
  4. collection, compilation
  5. a gather in cloth

Gat·ling gun ['gat-liŋ-] -n

  1. a machine gun with a revolving cluster of barrels fired once each per revolution

ga·tor ['gā-tər] -n

  1. alligator

Gats·by·esque [,gats-bē-'esk] -adj

  1. resembling or characteristic of the title character or the world of the novel The Great Gatsbyby F. Scott Fitzgerald

GATT -abbr

  1. General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade

gauche ['gōsh] -adj, adv, n

  1. lacking social experience or grace
  2. not tactful : crude
    • it would be gauche to mention the subject
  3. crudely made or done
    • a gauche turn of phrase
  4. not planar
    • gauche conformation of molecules

gau·che·rie [,gō-sh(ə-)'rē] -n

  1. a tactless or awkward act

Gau·cher's disease [(,)gō-'shāz-] -n

  1. a rare hereditary disorder of lipid metabolism caused by an enzyme deficiency and characterized by enlargement of the spleen and liver, bone lesions, and neurological impairment

gau·cho ['gau̇-(,)chō] -n

  1. a cowboy of the So. American pampas

gaud ['gȯd, 'gäd] -n

  1. ornament, trinket

gaud·ery ['gȯ-də-rē, 'gä-] -n

  1. showy ornamentation
  2. personal finery

gau·dy ['gȯ-dē, 'gä-] -adj, adv, n

  1. ostentatiously or tastelessly ornamented
  2. marked by extravagance or sometimes tasteless showiness : outlandish
    • gaudy lies
    • gaudy claims
  3. exceptional
    • a gaudy batting average

gaudy -n

  1. a feast or entertainment esp. in the form of an annual college dinner at a British university

gauffer [also 'gō-] -vt, n

(variant of goffer)

  1. to crimp, plait, or flute (as linen or lace) esp. with a heated iron

gauge ['gāj] -n

  1. : a measurement (as of linear dimension) according to some standard or system: as
  2. the distance between the rails of a railroad
  3. the size of a shotgun barrel's inner diameter nominally expressed as the number of lead balls each just fitting that diameter required to make a pound
    • a 12- gauge shotgun
  4. the thickness of a thin material (as sheet metal or plastic film)
  5. the diameter of a slender object (as wire or a hypodermic needle)
  6. the fineness of a knitted fabric expressed by the number of loops per unit width
  7. dimensions, size
  8. measure
    • surveys are a gauge of public sentiment
  9. : an instrument for or a means of measuring or testing: as
  10. an instrument for measuring a dimension or for testing mechanical accuracy
  11. an instrument with a graduated scale or dial for measuring or indicating quantity
  12. relative position of a ship with reference to another ship and the wind
  13. a function introduced into a field equation to produce a convenient form of the equation but having no observable physical consequences
  14. to measure precisely the size, dimensions, or other measurable quantity of
  15. to determine the capacity or contents of
  16. estimate, judge
    • hard to gauge his moods
  17. to check for conformity to specifications or limits
  18. to measure off or set out

gauged ['gājd] -adj

  1. dressed to size

gaug·er ['gā-jər] -n

  1. one that gauges
  2. an exciseman who inspects dutiable bulk goods

gauge theory -n

  1. any of several theories in physics that explain the transmission of a fundamental force between two interacting particles by the exchange of an elementary particle

Gaul ['gȯl] -n

  1. a Celt of ancient Gaul
  2. frenchman

gau·lei·ter ['gau̇-,lī-tər] -n

  1. a district leader in Nazi Germany who served as a provincial governor
  2. a subordinate political official resembling a Nazi gauleiter in function or in autocratic manner
  3. a person with an arrogant overbearing outlook or manner

Gaul·ish ['gȯ-lish] -adj

  1. of or relating to the Gauls or their language or land

Gaulish -n

  1. the Celtic language of the ancient Gauls

Gaull·ism ['gō-,li-zəm, 'gȯ-] -n, adj or n

  1. a French political movement during World War II led by Charles de Gaulle in opposition to the Vichy regime
  2. a postwar French political movement led by Charles de Gaulle

gault ['gȯlt] -n

  1. a heavy thick clay soil

gaum ['gȯm, 'gäm] -vt

  1. smudge, smear

gaunt ['gȯnt, 'gänt] -adj, adv, n

  1. excessively thin and angular
    • a long gaunt face
  2. barren, desolate

gaunt·let ['gȯnt-lət, 'gänt-] -n, adj

  1. a glove worn with medieval armor to protect the hand
  2. any of various protective gloves used esp. in industry
  3. an open challenge (as to combat) used in phrases like throw down the gauntlet
  4. a dress glove extending above the wrist

gauntlet -n

  1. a double file of men facing each other and armed with clubs or other weapons with which to strike at an individual who is made to run between them used with run
  2. a line, series, or assemblage
  3. one that poses some sort of ordeal
    • a gauntlet of autograph-seekers
  4. a severe trial : ordeal
    • ran the gauntlet of criticism and censure

gaur ['gau̇(-ə)r] -n

  1. a large wild ox ( Bos gaurus) of India and southeast Asia with a broad forehead and short thick curved horns

gauss ['gau̇s] -n

  1. the centimeter-gram-second unit of magnetic flux density that is equal to 1 10 4tesla

Gauss·ian ['gau̇-sē-ən] -adj

  1. being or having the shape of a normal curve or a normal distribution

Gaussian curve -n

  1. normal curve

Gaussian distribution -n

  1. normal distribution

gauze ['gȯz] -n, adj, adv

  1. a thin often transparent fabric used chiefly for clothing or draperies
  2. a loosely woven cotton surgical dressing
  3. a firm woven fabric of metal or plastic filaments
  4. haze

gauzy ['gȯ-zē] -adj

  1. made of or resembling gauze
    • gauzy wings
  2. marked by vagueness, elusiveness, or fuzziness
    • his gauzy memory of the events
    • a gauzy melody
  3. tending to be or make romantic
    • gauzy optimism

ga·vage [gə-'väzh, gä-] -n

  1. introduction of material into the stomach by a tube

gave ['giv] -vb

(variant of give)

  1. to make a present of
    • give a doll to a child
  2. to grant or bestow by formal action
    • the law give s citizens the right to vote
  3. to accord or yield to another
    • gave him her confidence
  4. to put into the possession of another for his or her use
    • gave me his phone number
  5. to administer as a sacrament
  6. to administer as a medicine
  7. to commit to another as a trust or responsibility and usu. for an expressed reason
  8. to transfer from one's authority or custody
    • the sheriff gave the prisoner to the warden
  9. to execute and deliver
    • all employees must give bond
  10. to convey to another
    • give them my regards
  11. to offer to the action of another : proffer
    • gave her his hand
  12. to yield (oneself) to a man in sexual intercourse
  13. to present in public performance
    • give a concert
  14. to present to view or observation
    • gave the signal to start
  15. to provide by way of entertainment
    • give a party
  16. to propose as a toast
  17. to designate as a share or portion : allot
    • all the earth to thee and to thy race I give -- John Milton
  18. to make assignment of (a name)
  19. to set forth as an actual or hypothetical datum
    • give the dimensions of the room
  20. to attribute in thought or utterance : ascribe
    • gave the credit to you
  21. to yield as a product, consequence, or effect : produce
    • cows give milk
    • 84 divided by 12 give s 7
  22. to bring forth : bear
  23. to yield possession of by way of exchange : pay
  24. to dispose of for a price : sell
  25. to deliver by some bodily action
    • gave him a push
  26. to carry out (as a bodily movement)
    • gave a cynical smile
  27. to inflict as punishment
  28. to award by formal verdict
    • judgment was given against the plaintiff
  29. to offer for consideration, acceptance, or use
    • give s no reason for his absence
  30. to suffer the loss of : sacrifice
  31. to offer as appropriate or due esp. to something higher or more worthy
    • gave his spirit to God
  32. to apply freely or fully : devote
    • gave themselves to their work
  33. to offer as a pledge
    • I give you my word
  34. to cause one to have or receive
    • mountains always gave him pleasure
  35. to cause a person to catch by contagion, infection, or exposure
  36. to allow one to have or take
    • give me time
  37. to lead or attempt to lead used with an infinitive
    • you gave me to understand you'd be late
  38. to care to the extent of
    • didn't give a hoot
  39. to make gifts or presents
  40. to yield to physical force or strain
  41. to collapse from the application of force or pressure
  42. to undergo or submit to change
    • for the strike to be settled, something has to give
  43. to afford a view or passage : open
    • the window give s onto the terrace
  44. to enter wholeheartedly into an activity
  45. to be happening
    • wants to know what give s
  46. capacity or tendency to yield to force or strain : flexibility
  47. the quality or state of being springy

gav·el ['ga-vəl] -n

  1. rent or tribute in medieval England

gavel -n

  1. a mallet used (as by a presiding officer or auctioneer) for commanding attention or confirming an action (as a vote or sale)
  2. to bring or force by use of a gavel
    • gavel ed the audience to silence

gav·el·kind ['ga-vəl-,kīnd] -n

  1. a tenure of land existing chiefly in Kent from Anglo-Saxon times until 1925 and providing for division of an intestate's estate equally among the sons or other heirs

gaveltogavel -adj

  1. extending from the beginning to the end of a meeting or session
    • gaveltogavel television coverage

ga·vi·al ['gā-vē-əl] -n

  1. gharial

ga·votte [gə-'vät] -n, vi

  1. a dance of French peasant origin marked by the raising rather than sliding of the feet
  2. a tune for the gavotte in moderately quick time

Ga·wain [gə-'wān, 'gä-,wān, 'gau̇-ən] -n

  1. a knight of the Round Table and nephew of King Arthur

gawk ['gȯk] -n

  1. a clumsy stupid person : lout
  2. to gape or stare stupidly

gawk·ish ['gȯ-kish] -adj, adv, n

  1. gawky

gawky ['gȯ-kē] -adj, adv, n

  1. awkward, clumsy
    • a gawky adolescent

gawp ['gȯp, 'gäp] -vi, n

  1. gawk

gay ['gā] -adj, adv, n

  1. happily excited : merry
    • in a gay mood
  2. keenly alive and exuberant : having or inducing high spirits
    • a bird's gay spring song
  3. bright, lively
    • gay sunny meadows
  4. brilliant in color
  5. given to social pleasures
  6. licentious
  7. homosexual
    • gay men
  8. of, relating to, or used by homosexuals
    • the gay rights movement
    • a gay bar
  9. homosexual
  10. a homosexual male

gay·dar ['gā-,där] -n

  1. the ability to recognize homosexuals through observation or intuition

gayety ['gā-ə-tē] -n

(variant of gaiety)

  1. merrymaking
  2. festive activity often used in pl.
  3. high spirits : merriment
  4. elegance, finery

gaz -abbr

  1. gazette

ga·za·nia [gə-'zā-nē-ə, -nyə] -n

  1. any of a genus ( Gazania) of So. African composite herbs often cultivated for their brightly colored flowers

ga·zar [gə-'zär] -n

  1. a silk organza

gaze ['gāz] -vi, n

  1. to fix the eyes in a steady intent look often with eagerness or studious attention
  2. a fixed intent look

ga·ze·bo [gə-'zē-(,)bō also -'zā-] -n

  1. belvedere
  2. a freestanding roofed structure usu. open on the sides

gaze·hound ['gāz-,hau̇nd] -n

  1. sighthound

ga·zelle [gə-'zel] -n

  1. any of numerous small to medium graceful and swift African and Asian antelopes ( Gazellaand related genera)

ga·zette [gə-'zet] -n

  1. newspaper
  2. an official journal
  3. an announcement in an official gazette

gazette -vt

  1. to announce or publish in a gazette
  2. to announce the appointment or status of in an official gazette

gaz·et·teer [,ga-zə-'tir] -n

  1. journalist, publicist
  2. a geographical dictionary
  3. a book in which a subject is treated esp. in regard to geographic distribution and regional specialization

ga·zil·lion [gə-'zil-yən] -n, adj

  1. zillion

ga·zil·lion·aire [gə-,zil-yə-'ner, -'zil-yə-,] -n

  1. zillionaire

gazogene ['ga-sə-,jēn] -n

(variant of gasogene)

  1. a portable apparatus for carbonating liquids
  2. an apparatus carried by a vehicle to produce gas for fuel by partial burning of charcoal or wood

ga·zoo [gə-'zü] -n

  1. wazoo

gaz·pa·cho [gəz-'pä-(,)chō, gə-'spä-] -n

  1. a spicy soup that is usu. made from chopped raw vegetables (as tomato, onion, pepper, and cucumber) and that is served cold