ad ['ad] -n

  1. advertisement
  2. advertising
  3. advantage

AD -abbr

  1. active duty
  2. after date
  3. Alzheimer's disease
  4. anno Domini often printed in small capitals and often punctuated
  5. assembly district
  6. assistant director
  7. athletic director

ad- -prefix

  1. to : toward usu. ac- before c, k, or q
    • ac culturation
    and af- before f
    • af fluent
    and ag- before g
    • ag gradation
    and al- before l
    • al literation
    and ap- before p
    • ap portion
    and as- before s
    • as suasive
    and at- before t
    • at tune
    and ad- before other sounds but sometimes ad- even before one of the listed consonants
    • ad sorb
  2. near : adjacent to in this sense always in the form ad-
    • ad renal

Ada ['ā-də] -n

  1. a structured computer programming language

ADA -abbr

  1. American Dental Association
  2. Americans for Democratic Action
  3. average daily attendance
  4. Americans with Disabilities Act
  5. assistant district attorney

ad·age ['a-dij] -n

  1. a saying often in metaphorical form that embodies a common observation

ada·gio [ə-'dä-j(ē-,)ō, ä-, -zh(ē-,)ō] -adv or adj

  1. at a slow tempo used chiefly as a direction in music

adagio -n

  1. a musical composition or movement in adagio tempo
  2. a ballet duet by a man and woman or a mixed trio displaying difficult feats of balance, lifting, or spinning

Ad·am ['a-dəm] -n, adj

  1. the first man and father by Eve of Cain and Abel
  2. the unregenerate nature of man used esp. in the phrase the old Adam

Adam -adj

  1. of, relating to, or being an 18th century decorative style (as of furniture) characterized by straight lines, surface decoration, and conventional designs (as festooned garlands and medallions)

ad·a·mance ['a-də-mən(t)s] -n

  1. adamancy

ad·a·man·cy [-mən(t)-sē] -n

  1. the quality or state of being adamant : obstinacy

adamandeve [,a-də-mən(d)-'ēv] -n

  1. puttyroot

ad·a·mant ['a-də-mənt, -,mant] -n

  1. a stone (as a diamond) formerly believed to be of impenetrable hardness
  2. an unbreakable or extremely hard substance

adamant -adj, adv

  1. unshakable or insistent esp. in maintaining a position or opinion

ad·a·man·tine [,a-də-'man-,tēn, -,tīn, -'man-tᵊn] -adj

  1. made of or having the quality of adamant
  2. rigidly firm : unyielding
    • adamantine discipline
  3. resembling the diamond in hardness or luster

Adam's apple -n

  1. the projection in the front of the neck formed by the largest cartilage of the larynx

Adam's needle -n

  1. an often cultivated yucca ( Yucca filamentosa) of coastal pine barrens of the eastern U.S. with a basal rosette of sharp-tipped leaves having loose threads along the margins

adapt [ə-'dapt, a-] -vb, n

  1. to make fit (as for a specific or new use or situation) often by modification
  2. to become adapted

adapt·able [ə-'dap-tə-bəl, a-] -adj, n

  1. capable of being or becoming adapted

ad·ap·ta·tion [,a-,dap-'tā-shən, -dəp-] -n, adj, adv

  1. the act or process of adapting : the state of being adapted
  2. : adjustment to environmental conditions: as
  3. adjustment of a sense organ to the intensity or quality of stimulation
  4. modification of an organism or its parts that makes it more fit for existence under the conditions of its environment
  5. something that is adapted
  6. a composition rewritten into a new form

ad·ap·ta·tion·ist [,a-,dap-'tā-sh(ə-)nist, -dəp-] -adj, n

  1. explaining or seeking to explain the evolution of traits in terms of their adaptive function or survival value

adapt·er [ə-'dap-tər, a-] -n

  1. one that adapts
  2. a device for connecting two parts (as of different diameters) of an apparatus
  3. an attachment for adapting apparatus for uses not orig. intended

adap·tion [ə-'dap-shən, a-] -n

  1. adaptation

adap·tive [ə-'dap-tiv, a-] -adj, adv, n

  1. showing or having a capacity for or tendency toward adaptation

adaptive optics -n pl but sing or pl in constr

  1. a telescopic system that improves image resolution by compensating for distortions caused by atmospheric turbulence

adaptive radiation -n

  1. evolutionary diversification of a generalized ancestral form with production of a number of adaptively specialized forms

Adar [ä-'där, 'ä-] -n

  1. the 6th month of the civil year or the 12th month of the ecclesiastical year in the Jewish calendar

Adar Ri·shon [ä-,där-rē-'shōn] -n

  1. the intercalary month of the Jewish calendar that precedes Adar Sheni in leap years

Adar She·ni [ä-,där-shā-'nē] -n

  1. the month of the Jewish calendar that takes the place of Adar in leap years

ad·ax·i·al [(,)a-'dak-sē-əl] -adj

  1. situated on the same side as or facing the axis (as of an organ)
    • the adaxial or upper surface of a leaf

ADC -abbr

  1. aide-de-camp
  2. Aid to Dependent Children
  3. Air Defense Command
  4. assistant division commander

add ['ad] -vb, adj

  1. to join or unite so as to bring about an increase or improvement
    • add s 60 acres to his land
    • wine add s a creative touch to cooking
  2. to say further : append
  3. to combine (numbers) into an equivalent simple quantity or number
  4. to include as a member of a group
    • don't forget to add me in
  5. to perform addition
  6. to come together or unite by addition
  7. to serve as an addition
    • the movie will add to his fame
  8. to make an addition
    • add ed to her savings

ADD -abbr

  1. American Dialect Dictionary
  2. attention deficit disorder

ad·dax ['a-,daks] -n

  1. a large light-colored Saharan antelope ( Addax nasomaculatus) that has long spiralling horns

ad·dend ['a-,dend, ə-'dend] -n

  1. a number to be added to another

ad·den·dum [ə-'den-dəm] -n

  1. a thing added : addition
  2. a supplement to a book often used in pl. but sing. in constr.

ad·der ['a-dər] -n

  1. the common venomous viper ( Vipera berus) of Europe
  2. any of various snakes of the viper family
  3. any of several No. American snakes (as the hognose snakes) that are harmless but are popularly believed to be venomous

add·er ['a-dər] -n

  1. one that adds
  2. a device (as in a computer) that performs addition

ad·der'stongue ['a-dərz-,təŋ] -n

  1. any of a genus ( Ophioglossum,family Ophioglossaceae) of small ferns having a spore-bearing stalk resembling a serpent's tongue
  2. dogtooth violet

ad·dict [ə-'dikt] -vt

  1. to devote or surrender (oneself) to something habitually or obsessively
    • addict ed to gambling
  2. to cause addiction to a substance in (a person or animal)
  3. one who is addicted esp. to a substance
  4. devotee
    • a detective novel addict

ad·dic·tion [ə-'dik-shən, a-] -n

  1. the quality or state of being addicted
    • addiction to reading
  2. compulsive need for and use of a habit-forming substance (as heroin, nicotine, or alcohol) characterized by tolerance and by well-defined physiological symptoms upon withdrawal
  3. persistent compulsive use of a substance known by the user to be harmful

ad·dic·tive [-'dik-tiv] -adj

  1. causing or characterized by addiction
    • an addictive drug
    • an addictive personality

addin ['ad-,in] -adj, n

  1. being or able to be added to and enclosed within an existing system (as a computer)
    • an addin graphics board

Ad·di·son's disease ['a-də-sənz-] -n

  1. a destructive disease marked by deficient adrenocortical secretion and characterized by extreme weakness, loss of weight, low blood pressure, gastrointestinal disturbances, and brownish pigmentation of the skin and mucous membranes

ad·di·tion [ə-'di-shən, a-] -n

  1. a part added (as to a building or residential section)
  2. the result of adding : increase
  3. the act or process of adding
  4. the operation of combining numbers so as to obtain an equivalent simple quantity
  5. direct chemical combination of substances into a single product

ad·di·tion·al [-'dish-nəl, -'di-shə-nᵊl] -adj

  1. existing by way of addition : added
    • additional information

ad·di·tion·al·ly [-'dish-nə-lē, -'di-shən-lē, 'di-shə-nᵊl-ē] -adv

  1. in or by way of addition : furthermore

ad·di·tive ['a-də-tiv] -adj, adv, n

  1. of, relating to, or characterized by addition
    • an additive process
  2. produced by addition
  3. characterized by, being, or producing effects (as drug responses or gene products) that when the causative factors act together are the sum of their individual effects

additive -n

  1. a substance added to another in relatively small amounts to effect a desired change in properties
    • food additive s

additive identity -n

  1. an identity element (as 0 in the group of whole numbers under the operation of addition) that in a given mathematical system leaves unchanged any element to which it is added

additive inverse -n

  1. a number that when added to a given number gives zero
    • the additive inverse of 4 is 4

ad·dle ['a-dᵊl] -adj

  1. rotten
  2. confused

addle ['ad-liŋ, 'a-dᵊl-iŋ] -vb

  1. to throw into confusion : confound
  2. to become rotten : spoil
  3. to become confused

ad·dle·pat·ed ['a-dᵊl-,pā-təd] -adj

  1. being mixed up : confused
  2. eccentric

addn -abbr

  1. addition

addnl -abbr

  1. additional

addon ['ad-,än, -,ȯn] -n

  1. : something added on: as
  2. a sum or amount added on
  3. something (as an accessory or added feature) that enhances the thing it is added to
    • computer hardware addon s
  4. being or able to be added on
    • an addon device
  5. able to be added to
    • addon certificates of deposit

ad·dress [ə-'dres, a- also 'a-,dres] -vb, n

  1. direct, aim
  2. to direct to go : send
  3. to direct the efforts or attention of (oneself)
    • will address himself to the problem
  4. to deal with : treat
    • intrigued by the chance to address important issues -- I. L. Horowitz
  5. to make ready
  6. dress
  7. to communicate directly
    • address es his thanks to his host
  8. to speak or write directly to
  9. to deliver a formal speech to
  10. to mark directions for delivery on
    • address a letter
  11. to consign to the care of another (as an agent or factor)
  12. to greet by a prescribed form
  13. to adjust the club preparatory to hitting (a golf ball)
  14. to identify (as a computer peripheral or memory location) by an address or a name for information transfer
  15. to direct one's speech or attentions
  16. dutiful and courteous attention esp. in courtship usu. used in pl.
  17. readiness and capability for dealing (as with a person or problem) skillfully and smoothly : adroitness
  18. a making ready
  19. a state of preparedness
  20. manner of bearing oneself
    • a man of rude address
  21. manner of speaking or singing : delivery
  22. a formal communication
  23. a prepared speech delivered to a special audience or on a special occasion
  24. a place where a person or organization may be communicated with
  25. directions for delivery on the outside of an object (as a letter or package)
  26. the designation of place of delivery placed between the heading and salutation on a business letter
  27. the designation of a computer account from which one can send or receive e-mail
  28. a preparatory position of the player and club in golf
  29. a location (as in the memory of a computer) where particular information is stored
  30. a series of usu. alphanumeric characters that specifies the storage location (as on a network or in a computer's memory) of particular information
    • an Internet address

ad·dress·able [ə-'dre-sə-bəl] -adj, n

  1. able to be addressed : directly accessible
    • addressable registers in a computer
  2. of or relating to a subscription television system that uses decoders addressable by the system operator

ad·dress·ee [,a-,dre-'sē, ə-] -n

  1. one to whom something is addressed

ad·duce [ə-'düs also -'dyüs] -vt, n

  1. to offer as example, reason, or proof in discussion or analysis

ad·duct [ə-'dəkt, a-] -vt

  1. to draw (as a limb) toward or past the median axis of the body
  2. to bring together (similar parts)
    • adduct the fingers
  3. a chemical addition product
    • adduct s form as carcinogenic metabolites bind to DNA

ad·duc·tion [ə-'dək-shən, a-] -n

  1. the action of adducting : the state of being adducted
  2. the act or action of adducing

ad·duc·tor [-'dək-tər] -n

  1. a muscle that draws a part toward the median line of the body or toward the axis of an extremity
  2. a muscle that closes the valves of a bivalve mollusk

add up -vi

  1. to come to the expected total
    • the bill doesn't add up
  2. to form an intelligible pattern : make sense
    • her story just doesn't add up
  3. amount used with to
    • the play adds up to a lot of laughs
  4. to amount to a lot
    • just a little each time, but it all adds up
  5. to form an opinion of
    • added him up at a glance

Ade·lie penguin [ə-'dā-lē-] -n

  1. a small antarctic penguin ( Pygoscelis adeliae) called also Adelie

aden- -comb form

  1. gland
    • aden ine
    : adenoid
    • adeno virus

ad·e·nine ['a-də-,nēn] -n

  1. a purine base C 5H 5N 5that codes hereditary information in the genetic code in DNA and RNA

ad·e·ni·tis [,a-də-'nī-təs] -n

  1. inflammation of a gland
  2. lymphadenitis

ad·e·no·car·ci·no·ma [,a-dᵊn-(,)ō-,kär-sə-'nō-mə] -n, adj

  1. a malignant tumor originating in glandular epithelium

ad·e·no·hy·poph·y·sis [-hī-'pä-fə-səs] -n, adj

  1. the anterior glandular lobe of the pituitary gland

ad·e·noid ['a-də-,nȯid, 'ad-,nȯid] -n

  1. either of two abnormally enlarged masses of lymphoid tissue at the back of the pharynx that usu. obstruct the nasal and ear passages
  2. such a mass when not abnormally enlarged usu. used in pl.

adenoid -adj

  1. of or relating to the adenoids
  2. relating to, affected with, or associated with abnormally enlarged adenoids
    • a severe adenoid condition
    • adenoid facies

ad·e·noi·dal [,a-də-'nȯi-dᵊl] -adj

  1. exhibiting the characteristics (as snoring, mouth breathing, and voice nasality) of one affected with abnormally enlarged adenoids : adenoid
    • an adenoidal tenor
    not usu. used technically

ad·e·no·ma [,a-də-'nō-mə] -n, adj

  1. a benign tumor of a glandular structure or of glandular origin

aden·o·sine [ə-'de-nə-,sēn, -sən] -n

  1. a nucleoside C 10H 13N 5O 4that is a constituent of RNA and yields adenine and ribose on hydrolysis

adenosine diphosphate -n

  1. adp

adenosine mo·no·phos·phate [-,mä-nə-'fäs-,fāt, -,mō-] -n

  1. amp

adenosine 3,5monophosphate [-,thrē-,fīv-] -n

  1. cyclic amp

adenosine tri·phos·pha·tase [-trī-'fäs-fə-,tās, -,tāz] -n

  1. atpase

adenosine tri·phos·phate [-trī-'fäs-,fāt] -n

  1. atp

ad·e·no·vi·rus [,a-dᵊn-ō-'vī-rəs] -n, adj

  1. any of a family ( Adenoviridae) of DNA viruses orig. identified in human adenoid tissue, causing infections of the respiratory system, conjunctiva, and gastrointestinal tract, and including some capable of inducing malignant tumors in experimental animals

ad·e·nyl·ate cy·clase [ə-,de-nᵊl-ət-'sī-,klās, -,āt-, -,klāz; ,a-də-,ni-lət-, -ə-,lāt-] -n

  1. an enzyme that catalyzes the formation of cyclic AMP from ATP

ad·e·nyl cyclase ['a-də-,nil-] -n

  1. adenylate cyclase

ad·e·nyl·ic acid ['a-də-,ni-lik-] -n

  1. amp

ad·ept ['a-,dept, ə-'dept, a-'] -n

  1. a highly skilled or well-trained individual : expert
    • an adept at chess

adept [ə-'dept also 'a-,dept] -adj, adv, n

  1. thoroughly proficient : expert
    • adept at fixing cars

ad·e·qua·cy ['a-di-kwə-sē] -n

  1. the quality or state of being adequate

ad·e·quate [-kwət] -adj, adv, n

  1. sufficient for a specific requirement
    • adequate taxation of goods
  2. barely sufficient or satisfactory
    • her first performance was merely adequate
  3. lawfully and reasonably sufficient
    • adequate grounds for a lawsuit

ad eun·dem [,ad-ē-'ən-dəm] -adv or adj

  1. to, in, or of the same rank used esp. of the honorary granting of academic standing or a degree by a university to one whose actual work was done elsewhere

ADF -abbr

  1. automatic direction finder

ad fe·mi·nam [(')ad-'fe-mə-nəm, -,äm] -adj

  1. marked by or being an attack on a woman's character rather than an answer to the contentions made ad hominem

ADH -abbr

  1. antidiuretic hormone

ADHD -abbr

  1. attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder

ad·here [ad-'hir, əd-] -vb

  1. to give support or maintain loyalty
  2. accord
  3. to hold fast or stick by or as if by gluing, suction, grasping, or fusing
  4. to bind oneself to observance
    • adhere to the rules
  5. to cause to stick fast

ad·her·ence [-'hir-ən(t)s] -n

  1. the act, action, or quality of adhering
  2. steady or faithful attachment : fidelity

ad·her·ent [ad-'hir-ənt, əd-] -adj, adv

  1. able or tending to adhere
  2. connected or associated with esp. by contract
  3. adnate

adherent -n

  1. : one that adheres: as
  2. a follower of a leader, party, or profession
  3. a believer in or advocate esp. of a particular idea or church

ad·he·sion [ad-'hē-zhən, əd-] -n, adj

  1. steady or firm attachment : adherence
  2. the action or state of adhering
  3. the abnormal union of separate tissue surfaces by new fibrous tissue resulting from an inflammatory process
  4. the newly formed uniting tissue
  5. agreement to join
    • adhesion of all nations to a copyright convention
  6. the molecular attraction exerted between the surfaces of bodies in contact

ad·he·sive [-'hē-siv, -ziv] -adj, adv, n

  1. tending to remain in association or memory
  2. tending to adhere or cause adherence
  3. prepared for adhering

adhesive -n

  1. an adhesive substance (as glue or cement)
  2. a postage stamp with a gummed back

adhesive binding [-,bau̇nd] -n, adj

  1. perfect binding

adhesive tape -n

  1. tape coated on one side with an adhesive mixture
  2. one used for covering wounds

ad hoc ['ad-'häk, -'hōk; 'äd-'hōk] -adv

  1. for the particular end or case at hand without consideration of wider application
  2. concerned with a particular end or purpose
    • an ad hoc investigating committee
  3. formed or used for specific or immediate problems or needs
    • ad hoc solutions
  4. fashioned from whatever is immediately available : improvised
    • large ad hoc parades and demonstrations -- Nat Hentoff

ad ho·mi·nem [(')ad-'hä-mə-,nem, -nəm] -adj

  1. appealing to feelings or prejudices rather than intellect
  2. marked by or being an attack on an opponent's character rather than by an answer to the contentions made

ad hominem -adv

  1. in an ad hominem manner
    • was arguing ad hominem

adi·a·bat·ic [,a-dē-ə-'ba-tik, ,ā-,dī-ə-] -adj, adv

  1. occurring without loss or gain of heat
    • adiabatic expansion of a gas

adieu [ə-'dü, a-, -'dyü] -n

  1. farewell often used interjectionally

ad in·fi·ni·tum [,ad-,in-fə-'nī-təm also ,äd-] -adv or adj

  1. without end or limit

ad int -abbr

  1. ad interim

ad in·ter·im ['ad-'in-tə-rəm, -,rim also 'äd-] -adv

  1. for the intervening time : temporarily

ad interim -adj

  1. made or serving ad interim

adi·os [,ä-dē-'ōs, ,a-] -interj

  1. used to express farewell

adip- -comb form

  1. fat
    • adipo cyte

adip·ic acid [ə-'di-pik-] -n

  1. a white crystalline dicarboxylic acid C 6H 10O 4formed by oxidation of various fats and also made synthetically for use esp. in the manufacture of nylon

ad·i·po·cere ['a-də-pə-,sir] -n

  1. a waxy substance consisting chiefly of fatty acids and calcium soaps that is formed during decomposition of dead body fat in moist or wet anaerobic conditions

ad·i·po·cyte ['a-di-pō-,sīt] -n

  1. fat cell

ad·i·pose ['a-də-,pōs] -adj, n

  1. of or relating to animal fat
  2. fat

adipose tissue -n

  1. connective tissue in which fat is stored and which has the cells distended by droplets of fat

Ad·i·ron·dack chair [,a-də-'rän-,dak-] -n

  1. a wooden lawn chair with a high slatted back, broad arms, and a seat that is lower in the back than the front

ad·it ['a-dət] -n

  1. a nearly horizontal passage from the surface in a mine

ADIZ -abbr

  1. air defense identification zone

adj -abbr

  1. adjective
  2. adjunct
  3. adjustment
  4. adjutant

ad·ja·cen·cy [ə-'jā-sᵊn(t)-sē] -n

  1. something that is adjacent
  2. the quality or state of being adjacent : contiguity

ad·ja·cent [ə-'jā-sᵊnt] -adj, adv

  1. not distant : nearby
    • the city and adjacent suburbs
  2. having a common endpoint or border
    • adjacent lots
    • adjacent sides of a triangle
  3. immediately preceding or following
  4. having the vertex and one side in common

ad·jec·ti·val [,a-jik-'tī-vəl] -adj, adv

  1. adjective
  2. characterized by the use of adjectives

ad·jec·tive ['a-jik-tiv also 'a-jə-tiv] -adj, adv

  1. of, relating to, or functioning as an adjective
    • an adjective clause
  2. not standing by itself : dependent
  3. requiring or employing a mordant
    • adjective dyes
  4. procedural
    • adjective law

adjective -n

  1. a word belonging to one of the major form classes in any of numerous languages and typically serving as a modifier of a noun to denote a quality of the thing named, to indicate its quantity or extent, or to specify a thing as distinct from something else

ad·join [ə-'jȯin, a-] -vb

  1. to add or attach by joining
  2. to lie next to or in contact with
  3. to be close to or in contact with one another

ad·join·ing -adj

  1. touching or bounding at a point or line

ad·joint ['a-,jȯint] -n

  1. the transpose of a matrix in which each element is replaced by its cofactor

ad·journ [ə-'jərn] -vb

  1. to suspend indefinitely or until a later stated time
  2. to suspend a session indefinitely or to another time or place
  3. to move to another place

ad·journ·ment [-mənt] -n

  1. the act of adjourning
  2. the state or interval of being adjourned

ad·judge [ə-'jəj] -vt

  1. to decide or rule upon as a judge : adjudicate
  2. to pronounce judicially : rule
  3. sentence, condemn
  4. to hold or pronounce to be : deem
    • adjudge the book a success
  5. to award or grant judicially in a case of controversy

ad·ju·di·cate [ə-'jü-di-,kāt] -vb, adj, n

  1. to settle judicially
  2. to act as judge

ad·ju·di·ca·tion [ə-,jü-di-'kā-shən] -n

  1. the act or process of adjudicating
  2. a judicial decision or sentence
  3. a decree in bankruptcy

ad·junct ['a-,jəŋ(k)t] -n, adj

  1. something joined or added to another thing but not essentially a part of it
  2. a word or word group that qualifies or completes the meaning of another word or other words and is not itself a main structural element in its sentence
  3. an adverb or adverbial (as heartilyin They ate heartily or at noonin We left at noon) attached to the verb of a clause esp. to express a relation of time, place, frequency, degree, or manner
  4. an associate or assistant of another
  5. an adjunct faculty member at a college or university
  6. adjuvant

adjunct ['a-,jəŋ(k)-tlē, -,jəŋk-lē] -adj, adv

  1. added or joined as an accompanying object or circumstance
  2. attached in a subordinate or temporary capacity to a staff
    • an adjunct professor

ad·junc·tion [a-'jəŋ(k)-shən] -n

  1. the act or process of adjoining

ad·ju·ra·tion [,a-jə-'rā-shən] -n, adj

  1. a solemn oath
  2. an earnest urging or advising

ad·jure [ə-'ju̇r] -vt

  1. to command solemnly under or as if under oath or penalty of a curse
  2. to urge or advise earnestly

ad·just [ə-'jəst] -vb, n, adj

  1. : to bring to a more satisfactory state:
  2. settle, resolve
  3. rectify
  4. to make correspondent or conformable : adapt
  5. to bring the parts of to a true or more effective relative position
    • adjust a carburetor
  6. to reduce to a system : regulate
  7. to determine the amount to be paid under an insurance policy in settlement of (a loss)
  8. to adapt or conform oneself (as to new conditions)
  9. to achieve mental and behavioral balance between one's own needs and the demands of others

adjustable rate mortgage -n

  1. a mortgage having an interest rate which is usu. initially lower than that of a mortgage with a fixed rate but is adjusted periodically according to the cost of funds to the lender

ad·just·ed -adj

  1. accommodated to suit a particular set of circumstances or requirements
  2. having achieved an often specified and usu. harmonious relationship with the environment or with other individuals
    • a well- adjusted schoolchild

ad·just·er [ə-'jəs-tər] -n

  1. one that adjusts
  2. an insurance agent who investigates personal or property damage and makes estimates for effecting settlements

ad·just·ment [ə-'jəs(t)-mənt] -n, adj

  1. the act or process of adjusting
  2. a settlement of a claim or debt in a case in which the amount involved is uncertain or full payment is not made
  3. the state of being adjusted
  4. a means (as a mechanism) by which things are adjusted one to another
  5. a correction or modification to reflect actual conditions

ad·ju·tan·cy ['a-jə-tən(t)-sē] -n

  1. the office or rank of an adjutant

ad·ju·tant ['a-jə-tənt] -n

  1. a staff officer in the army, air force, or marine corps who assists the commanding officer and is responsible esp. for correspondence
  2. one who helps : assistant

adjutant general -n

  1. the chief administrative officer of an army who is responsible esp. for the administration and preservation of personnel records
  2. the chief administrative officer of a major military unit (as a division or corps)

ad·ju·vant ['a-jə-vənt] -adj

  1. serving to aid or contribute : auxiliary
  2. assisting in the prevention, amelioration, or cure of disease
    • adjuvant chemotherapy following surgery

adjuvant -n

  1. : one that helps or facilitates: as
  2. an ingredient (as in a prescription or a solution) that modifies the action of the principal ingredient
  3. something (as a drug or method) that enhances the effectiveness of medical treatment
    • used chemotherapy as an adjuvant to surgery
  4. a substance (as one added to a vaccine) enhancing the immune response to an antigen

ADL -abbr

  1. activities of daily living
  2. Anti-Defamation League

Ad·le·ri·an [äd-'lir-ē-ən, ad-] -adj

  1. of, relating to, or being a theory and technique of psychotherapy emphasizing the importance of feelings of inferiority, a will to power, and overcompensation in neurotic processes

adlib ['ad-'lib] -vb, n

  1. to deliver spontaneously
  2. to improvise esp. lines or a speech
  3. spoken, composed, or performed without preparation

ad lib -adv

  1. in accordance with one's wishes
  2. without restraint or limit

ad li·bi·tum [(,)ad-'li-bə-təm] -adv

  1. ad lib
    • rats fed ad libitum

ad libitum -adj

  1. omissible according to a performer's wishes used as a direction in music

ad loc -abbr

  1. to or at the place

adm -abbr

  1. administration; administrative

ADM -abbr

  1. admiral

ad·man ['ad-,man] -n

  1. a person who writes, solicits, or places advertisements

ad·mass ['ad-,mas] -n

  1. mass-media advertising
  2. the society influenced by it

ad·mea·sure [ad-'me-zhər, -'mā-] -vt

  1. to determine the proper share of : apportion

ad·mea·sure·ment [-'me-zhər-mənt, -'mā-] -n

  1. determination and apportionment of shares
  2. determination or comparison of dimensions
  3. dimensions, size

Ad·me·tus [ad-'mē-təs] -n

  1. a king of Pherae who is saved by Apollo from his fated death when his wife Alcestis offers to die in his place

admin -abbr

  1. administration; administrative

ad·min·is·ter [əd-'mi-nə-stər] -vb, adj, n

  1. to manage or supervise the execution, use, or conduct of
    • administer a trust fund
  2. to mete out : dispense
    • administer punishment
  3. to give ritually
    • administer the last rites
  4. to give remedially
    • administer a dose of medicine
  5. to perform the office of administrator
  6. to furnish a benefit : minister
    • administer to an ailing friend
  7. to manage affairs

ad·min·is·trate [-,strāt] -vb

  1. administer

ad·min·is·tra·tion [əd-,mi-nə-'strā-shən, (,)ad-] -n

  1. performance of executive duties : management
  2. the act or process of administering
  3. the execution of public affairs as distinguished from policy-making
  4. a body of persons who administer
  5. a group constituting the political executive in a presidential government
  6. a governmental agency or board
  7. the term of office of an administrative officer or body

ad·min·is·tra·tive [əd-'mi-nə-,strā-tiv, -strə-] -adj, adv

  1. of or relating to administration or an administration : executive

administrative county -n

  1. a British local administrative unit often not coincident with an older county

administrative law -n

  1. law dealing with the establishment, duties, and powers of and available remedies against authorized agencies in the executive branch of the government

ad·min·is·tra·tor [əd-'mi-nə-,strā-tər, -,strā-,tȯr] -n

  1. a person legally vested with the right of administration of an estate
  2. one who administers esp. business, school, or governmental affairs
  3. a priest appointed to administer a diocese or parish temporarily

ad·min·is·tra·trix [-,mi-nə-'strā-triks] -n

  1. a woman who is an administrator esp. of an estate

ad·mi·ra·ble ['ad-m(ə-)rə-bəl] -adj, n, adv

  1. deserving the highest esteem : excellent
  2. exciting wonder : surprising

ad·mi·ral ['ad-m(ə-)rəl] -n

  1. the commander in chief of a navy
  2. flag officer
  3. a commissioned officer in the navy or coast guard who ranks above a vice admiral and whose insignia is four stars
  4. flagship
  5. any of several brightly colored nymphalid butterflies

admiral of the fleet

  1. the highest-ranking officer of the British navy

ad·mi·ral·ty ['ad-m(ə-)rəl-tē] -n

  1. the executive department or officers formerly having general authority over British naval affairs
  2. the court having jurisdiction over questions of maritime law
  3. the system of law administered by admiralty courts

ad·mi·ra·tion [,ad-mə-'rā-shən] -n

  1. wonder
  2. an object of esteem
  3. delighted or astonished approbation

ad·mire [əd-'mī(-ə)r] -vb, n, adv

  1. to regard with admiration
  2. to marvel at
  3. to like very much
    • I would admire to know why not -- A. H. Lewis

ad·mis·si·ble [əd-'mi-sə-bəl, ad-] -adj, n

  1. capable of being allowed or conceded : permissible
    • evidence legally admissible in court
  2. capable or worthy of being admitted
    • admissible to the university

ad·mis·sion [əd-'mi-shən, ad-] -n, adj

  1. the act or process of admitting
  2. the state or privilege of being admitted
  3. a fee paid at or for admission
  4. the granting of an argument or position not fully proved
  5. acknowledgment that a fact or statement is true

ad·mit [əd-'mit, ad-] -vb

  1. to allow scope for : permit
    • admit s no possibility of misunderstanding
  2. to concede as true or valid
    • admitted making a mistake
  3. to allow entry (as to a place, fellowship, or privilege)
    • an open window had admitted rain
    • admitted to the club
  4. to accept into a hospital as an inpatient
    • he was admitted last night for chest pains
  5. to give entrance or access
  6. allow, permit
    • admit s of two interpretations
  7. to make acknowledgment used with to

ad·mit·tance [əd-'mi-tᵊn(t)s, ad-] -n

  1. the act or process of admitting
  2. permission to enter
  3. the reciprocal of the impedance of a circuit

ad·mit·ted·ly [əd-'mi-təd-lē, ad-] -adv

  1. as has been or must be admitted
    • an admittedly inadequate treatment
  2. it must be admitted
    • admittedly, we took a chance

ad·mix [ad-'miks] -vt

  1. to mix in

ad·mix·ture [ad-'miks-chər] -n

  1. the action of mixing
  2. the fact of being mixed
  3. something added by mixing
  4. a product of mixing : mixture

ad·mon·ish [ad-'mä-nish] -vt, n, adv

  1. to indicate duties or obligations to
  2. to express warning or disapproval to esp. in a gentle, earnest, or solicitous manner
  3. to give friendly earnest advice or encouragement to

ad·mo·ni·tion [,ad-mə-'ni-shən] -n

  1. gentle or friendly reproof
  2. counsel or warning against fault or oversight

ad·mon·i·to·ry [əd-'mä-nə-,tȯr-ē] -adj, adv

  1. expressing admonition : warning

ad·nate ['ad-,nāt] -adj, n

  1. grown to a usu. unlike part esp. along a margin
    • a calyx adnate to the ovary

ad nau·se·am [ad-'nȯ-zē-əm also -,am] -adv

  1. to a sickening or excessive degree

ad·nexa [ad-'nek-sə] -n pl, adj

  1. conjoined, subordinate, or associated anatomical parts

ado [ə-'dü] -n

  1. heightened fuss or concern : to-do
  2. time-wasting bother over trivial details
    • wrote the paper without further ado
  3. trouble, difficulty

ado·be [ə-'dō-bē] -n, adj

  1. a brick or building material of sun-dried earth and straw
  2. a structure made of adobe bricks
  3. a heavy clay used in making adobe bricks
  4. alluvial or playa clay in desert or arid regions

ado·bo [ə-'dō-bō, ä-'thō-bō] -n

  1. a Philippine dish of fish or meat usu. marinated in a sauce containing vinegar and garlic, browned in fat, and simmered in the marinade

ad·o·les·cence [,a-də-'le-sᵊn(t)s] -n

  1. the state or process of growing up
  2. the period of life from puberty to maturity terminating legally at the age of majority
  3. a stage of development (as of a language or culture) prior to maturity

ad·o·les·cent [-sᵊnt] -n

  1. one that is in the state of adolescence

adolescent -adj, adv

  1. of, relating to, or being in adolescence
  2. emotionally or intellectually immature

Ado·nai [,ä-də-'nȯi, -'nī] -n

  1. used in place of YHWH as a name of the God of the Hebrews during prayer recitation

Ado·nis [ə-'dä-nəs, -'dō-] -n

  1. a youth loved by Aphrodite who is killed at hunting by a wild boar and restored to Aphrodite from Hades for a part of each year
  2. a very handsome young man

adopt [ə-'däpt] -vb, n, adj

  1. to take by choice into a relationship
  2. to take voluntarily (a child of other parents) as one's own child
  3. to take up and practice or use
    • adopt ed a moderate tone
  4. to accept formally and put into effect
    • adopt a constitutional amendment
  5. to choose (a textbook) for required study in a course
  6. to adopt a child
    • couples choosing to adopt
  7. to sponsor the care and maintenance of
    • adopt a highway

adopt·ee [ə-,däp-'tē] -n

  1. one who is adopted

adop·tion [ə-'däp-shən] -n

  1. the act of adopting : the state of being adopted

adop·tion·ism [-shə-,ni-zəm] -n

  1. the doctrine that Jesus of Nazareth became the Son of God by adoption

adop·tive [ə-'däp-tiv] -adj, adv

  1. made or acquired by adoption
    • the adoptive father
  2. of or relating to adoption

ador·able [ə-'dȯr-ə-bəl] -adj, n, adv

  1. worthy of being adored
  2. extremely charming
    • an adorable child

ad·o·ra·tion [,a-də-'rā-shən] -n

  1. the act of adoring : the state of being adored

adore [ə-'dȯr] -vt, n, adv

  1. to worship or honor as a deity or as divine
  2. to regard with loving admiration and devotion
    • adored his wife
  3. to be very fond of
    • adore s pecan pie

adorn [ə-'dȯrn] -vt

  1. to enhance the appearance of esp. with beautiful objects
  2. to enliven or decorate as if with ornaments
    • people of fashion who adorn ed the Court

adorn·ment [-mənt] -n

  1. the action of adorning : the state of being adorned
  2. something that adorns

ADP [,ā-(,)dē-'pē] -n

  1. a nucleotide C 10H 15N 5O 10P 2composed of adenosine and two phosphate groups that is formed in living cells as an intermediate between ATP and AMP and that is reversibly converted to ATP for the storing of energy by the addition of a high-energy phosphate group called also adenosine diphosphate

ad rem [(,)ad-'rem] -adv or adj

  1. to the point or purpose : relevantly

adren- -comb form

  1. adrenal glands
    • adreno cortical
  2. adrenaline
    • adren ergic

ad·re·nal [ə-'drē-nᵊl] -adj

  1. of, relating to, or derived from the adrenal glands or their secretions
    • adrenal steroids

adrenal -n

  1. adrenal gland

ad·re·nal·ec·to·my [ə-,drē-nə-'lek-tə-mē] -n, adj

  1. surgical removal of an adrenal gland

adrenal gland -n

  1. either of a pair of complex endocrine organs near the anterior medial border of the kidney consisting of a mesodermal cortex that produces glucocorticoid, mineralocorticoid, and androgenic hormones and an ectodermal medulla that produces epinephrine and norepinephrine called also adrenal suprarenal gland

Adren·a·lin [ə-'dre-nə-lən] -trademark

  1. used for a preparation of levorotatory epinephrine

adren·a·line [ə-'dre-nə-lən] -n

  1. epinephrine often used in nontechnical contexts
    • the fans were jubilant, raucous, their adrenaline running high -- W. P. Kinsella

adren·al·ized [ə-'dre-nə-līzd] -adj

  1. filled with a sudden rush of energy : excited

ad·ren·er·gic [,a-drə-'nər-jik] -adj, adv

  1. liberating, activated by, or involving adrenaline or a substance like adrenaline
    • an adrenergic nerve
  2. resembling adrenaline esp. in physiological action
    • adrenergic drugs

ad·re·no·chrome [ə-'drē-nō-,krōm] -n

  1. a red-colored mixture of quinones derived from epinephrine by oxidation

ad·re·no·cor·ti·cal [ə-,drē-nō-'kȯr-ti-kəl] -adj

  1. of, relating to, or derived from the cortex of the adrenal glands

ad·re·no·cor·ti·co·ste·roid [-,kȯr-ti-kō-'stir-,ȯid also -'ster-] -n

  1. a steroid obtained from, resembling, or having physiological effects like those of the adrenal cortex

ad·re·no·cor·ti·co·tro·pic [ə-'drē-nō-,kȯr-ti-kō-'trō-pik] -adj

  1. acting on or stimulating the adrenal cortex
    • adrenocorticotropic activity

adrenocorticotropic hormone -n

  1. acth

ad·re·no·cor·ti·co·tro·pin [-'trō-pən] -n

  1. acth

ad·re·no·leu·ko·dys·tro·phy [-,lü-kō-'dis-trə-fē] -n

  1. a rare demyelinating disease of the central nervous system that is inherited as a sex-linked recessive trait chiefly affecting males in childhood and that is characterized by progressive blindness, deafness, tonic spasms, and mental deterioration abbr. ALD

adrift [ə-'drift] -adv or adj

  1. without motive power and without anchor or mooring
    • a boat adrift on the sea
  2. without ties, guidance, or security
    • people morally adrift
  3. free from restraint or support

adroit [ə-'drȯit] -adj, adv, n

  1. having or showing skill, cleverness, or resourcefulness in handling situations
    • an adroit leader
    • adroit maneuvers

ad·sci·ti·tious [,ad-sə-'ti-shəs] -adj

  1. derived or acquired from something extrinsic

ad·sorb [ad-'sȯrb, -'zȯrb] -vb, adj, n

  1. to take up and hold by adsorption
  2. to become adsorbed

ad·sor·bate [ad-'sȯr-bət, -'zȯr-, -,bāt] -n

  1. an adsorbed substance

ad·sor·bent [-bənt] -n, adj

  1. a usu. solid substance that adsorbs another substance

ad·sorp·tion [ad-'sȯrp-shən, -'zȯrp-] -n, adj

  1. the adhesion in an extremely thin layer of molecules (as of gases, solutes, or liquids) to the surfaces of solid bodies or liquids with which they are in contact

ad·u·lar·ia [,a-jə-'ler-ē-ə, ,a-dyə-] -n

  1. a transparent or translucent orthoclase

ad·u·la·tion [,a-jə-'lā-shən, -dyə, -də-] -n, vt, adj

  1. excessive or slavish admiration or flattery

adult [ə-'dəlt, 'a-,dəlt] -adj, n, adv

  1. fully developed and mature : grown-up
  2. of, relating to, intended for, or befitting adults
    • an adult approach to a problem
  3. dealing in or with explicitly sexual material
    • adult bookstores
    • adult movies
  4. one that is adult
  5. a human being after an age (as 21) specified by law

adult education -n

  1. continuing education

adul·ter·ant [ə-'dəl-t(ə-)rənt] -n, adj

  1. an adulterating substance or agent

adul·ter·ate [ə-'dəl-tə-,rāt] -vt, n

  1. to corrupt, debase, or make impure by the addition of a foreign or inferior substance or element
  2. to prepare for sale by replacing more valuable with less valuable or inert ingredients
  3. being adulterated : spurious
  4. tainted with adultery : adulterous

adul·ter·a·tion [ə-,dəl-tə-'rā-shən] -n

  1. the process of adulterating : the condition of being adulterated
  2. an adulterated product

adul·ter·er [ə-'dəl-tər-ər] -n

  1. a person who commits adultery
  2. a man who commits adultery

adul·ter·ess [ə-'dəl-t(ə-)rəs] -n

  1. a woman who commits adultery

adul·ter·ine [ə-'dəl-tə-,rīn, -,rēn] -adj

  1. marked by adulteration : spurious
  2. illegal
  3. born of adultery

adul·ter·ous [ə-'dəl-t(ə-)rəs] -adj, adv

  1. relating to, characterized by, or given to adultery
    • an adulterous affair
    • an adulterous wife

adul·tery [ə-'dəl-t(ə-)rē] -n

  1. voluntary sexual intercourse between a married man and someone other than his wife or between a married woman and someone other than her husband
  2. an act of adultery

adulton·set diabetes [ə-'dəlt-'än-,set-] -n

  1. type 2 diabetes

ad·um·brate ['a-dəm-,brāt, a-'dəm-] -vt, n, adj, adv

  1. to foreshadow vaguely : intimate
  2. to suggest, disclose, or outline partially
    • adumbrate a plan
  3. overshadow, obscure

adust [ə-'dəst] -adj

  1. scorched, burned
  2. of a sunburned appearance
  3. of a gloomy appearance or disposition

adv -abbr

  1. adverb
  2. against
  3. advertisement; advertising
  4. advisory

ad val -abbr

  1. ad valorem

ad va·lo·rem [,ad-və-'lȯr-əm] -adj

  1. imposed at a rate percent of value
    • ad valorem tax on goods

ad·vance [əd-'van(t)s] -vb, n

  1. to accelerate the growth or progress of
    • advance a cause
  2. to bring or move forward
    • advance a pawn
  3. to raise to a higher rank
  4. to lift up : raise
  5. to bring forward in time
  6. to make earlier
    • advance the date of the meeting
  7. to bring forward for notice, consideration, or acceptance : propose
    • advance an idea
  8. to supply or furnish in expectation of repayment
    • advance a loan
  9. to raise in rate : increase
    • advance the rent
  10. to move forward : proceed
    • an advancing army
  11. to make progress : increase
    • advance in age
  12. to rise in rank, position, or importance
    • advance through the ranks
  13. to rise in rate or price
    • advancing wages

advance -n

  1. a moving forward
  2. progress in development
    • mistaking material advance for spiritual enrichment -- H. J. Laski
  3. a progressive step : improvement
    • an advance in medical technique
  4. a rise in price, value, or amount
  5. a first step or approach made
    • her attitude discouraged all advance s
  6. a provision of something (as money or goods) before a return is received
  7. the money or goods supplied
  8. made, sent, or furnished ahead of time
    • advance sales
  9. going or situated before
    • an advance party of soldiers

ad·vanced -adj

  1. far on in time or course
    • a man advanced in years
  2. being beyond others in progress or ideas
    • tastes a bit too advanced for the times
  3. being beyond the elementary or introductory
    • advanced chemistry
  4. greatly developed beyond an initial stage
    • the most advanced scientific methods
    • advanced weapons systems
  5. much evolved from an early ancestral type
    • bees and other advanced insects
    • advanced traits

advanced degree -n

  1. a university degree (as a master's or doctor's degree) higher than a bachelor's

advance directive -n

  1. a legal document (as a living will) signed by a competent person to provide guidance for medical and health-care decisions (as the termination of life support or organ donation) in the event the person becomes incompetent to make such decisions

Advanced level -n

  1. a level

advance man -n

  1. an employee who makes arrangements and handles publicity in advance of an appearance or engagement by the employer (as a political candidate or a circus)

ad·vance·ment [əd-'van(t)-smənt] -n

  1. : the action of advancing : the state of being advanced:
  2. promotion or elevation to a higher rank or position
  3. progression to a higher stage of development
  4. an improved feature : improvement

ad·van·tage [əd-'van-tij] -n

  1. superiority of position or condition
    • higher ground gave the enemy the advantage
  2. a factor or circumstance of benefit to its possessor
    • lacked the advantage s of an education
  3. benefit, gain
  4. benefit resulting from some course of action
    • a mistake which turned out to our advantage
  5. interest
  6. the first point won in tennis after deuce

advantage -vt

  1. to give an advantage to : benefit

advantaged -adj

  1. having or providing an advantage and esp. a social or financial advantage over others
    • an advantaged position
    • advantaged children

ad·van·ta·geous [,ad-,van-'tā-jəs, -vən-] -adj, adv, n

  1. giving an advantage : favorable
    • an advantageous opportunity

ad·vec·tion [ad-'vek-shən] -n, vt, adj

  1. the usu. horizontal movement of a mass of fluid (as air or an ocean current)
  2. transport (as of pollutants or plankton) by such movement

Ad·vent ['ad-,vent, chiefly Brit -vənt] -n

  1. the period beginning four Sundays before Christmas and observed by some Christians as a season of prayer and fasting
  2. the coming of Christ at the Incarnation
  3. second coming
  4. a coming into being or use
    • the Advent of spring
    • the Advent of pasteurization
    • the Advent of personal computers

Ad·vent·ism ['ad-,ven-,ti-zəm] -n, adj or n

  1. the doctrine that the second coming of Christ and the end of the world are near at hand
  2. the principles and practices of Seventh-Day Adventists

ad·ven·ti·tia [,ad-vən-'ti-shə, -(,)ven-] -n, adj

  1. an external chiefly connective tissue covering of an organ
  2. the external coat of a blood vessel

ad·ven·ti·tious [,ad-(,)ven-'ti-shəs, -vən-] -adj, adv

  1. coming from another source and not inherent or innate
    • a Federal house without adventitious later additions
  2. arising or occurring sporadically or in other than the usual location
    • adventitious roots

ad·ven·tive [ad-'ven-tiv] -adj, n

  1. introduced but not fully naturalized
    • an adventive weed
  2. adventitious

Advent Sunday -n

  1. the first Sunday in Advent

ad·ven·ture [əd-'ven-chər] -n

  1. an undertaking usu. involving danger and unknown risks
  2. the encountering of risks
    • the spirit of adventure
  3. an exciting or remarkable experience
    • an adventure in exotic dining
  4. an enterprise involving financial risk

adventure [-'ven-ch(ə-)riŋ] -vb

  1. to expose to danger or loss : venture
  2. to venture upon : try
  3. to proceed despite risk
  4. to take the risk

ad·ven·tur·er [əd-'ven-ch(ə-)rər] -n

  1. : one that adventures: as
  2. soldier of fortune
  3. one that engages in risky commercial enterprises for profit
  4. one who seeks unmerited wealth or position esp. by playing on the credulity or prejudice of others

ad·ven·ture·some [əd-'ven-chər-səm] -adj, n

  1. inclined to take risks : venturesome

ad·ven·tur·ess [əd-'ven-ch(ə-)rəs] -n

  1. a female adventurer
  2. one who seeks position or livelihood by questionable means

ad·ven·tur·ism [əd-'ven-chə-,ri-zəm] -n, adj

  1. improvisation or experimentation (as in politics or military or foreign affairs) in the absence or in defiance of accepted plans or principles

ad·ven·tur·ous [əd-'ven-ch(ə-)rəs] -adj, adv, n

  1. disposed to seek adventure or to cope with the new and unknown
    • an adventurous explorer
  2. innovative
    • an adventurous artistic style
  3. characterized by unknown dangers and risks
    • an adventurous journey

ad·verb ['ad-,vərb] -n

  1. a word belonging to one of the major form classes in any of numerous languages, typically serving as a modifier of a verb, an adjective, another adverb, a preposition, a phrase, a clause, or a sentence, expressing some relation of manner or quality, place, time, degree, number, cause, opposition, affirmation, or denial, and in English also serving to connect and to express comment on clause content

adverb -adj

  1. adverbial

ad·ver·bi·al [ad-'vər-bē-əl] -adj, n, adv

  1. of, relating to, or having the function of an adverb

ad ver·bum [(,)ad-'vər-bəm] -adv

  1. to a word : verbatim

ad·ver·sar·i·al [,ad-və(r)-'ser-ē-əl, -'se-rē-] -adj

  1. of, relating to, or characteristic of an adversary or adversary procedures : adversary

ad·ver·sary ['ad-və(r)-,ser-ē, -,se-rē] -n

  1. one that contends with, opposes, or resists : enemy

adversary -adj

  1. of, relating to, or involving an adversary
  2. having or involving antagonistic parties or opposing interests
    • divorce can be an adversary proceeding

ad·ver·sa·tive [əd-'vər-sə-tiv, ad-] -adj, n, adv

  1. expressing antithesis, opposition, or adverse circumstance
    • the adversative conjunction but

ad·verse [ad-'vərs, 'ad-,] -adj, adv, n

  1. acting against or in a contrary direction : hostile
    • hindered by adverse winds
  2. opposed to one's interests
    • an adverse verdict
    • heard testimony adverse to their position
  3. unfavorable
    • adverse criticism
  4. causing harm : harmful
    • adverse drug effects
  5. opposite in position

ad·ver·si·ty [ad-'vər-sə-tē] -n

  1. a state, condition, or instance of serious or continued difficulty or adverse fortune

ad·vert [ad-'vərt] -vi

  1. to turn the mind or attention used with to
    • advert ed to the speaker
  2. to call attention in the course of speaking or writing : make reference used with to
    • advert ed to foreign-language sources
  3. advertisement

ad·ver·tence [ad-'vər-tᵊn(t)s] -n

  1. the action or process of adverting : attention
  2. advertency

ad·ver·ten·cy [-tᵊn(t)-sē] -n

  1. the quality or state of being advertent : heedfulness
  2. advertence

ad·ver·tent [-tᵊnt] -adj, adv

  1. giving attention : heedful

ad·ver·tise ['ad-vər-,tīz] -vb, n

  1. to make something known to : notify
  2. to make publicly and generally known
    • advertising their readiness to make concessions
  3. to announce publicly esp. by a printed notice or a broadcast
  4. to call public attention to esp. by emphasizing desirable qualities so as to arouse a desire to buy or patronize : promote
  5. to issue or sponsor advertising
    • advertise for a secretary

ad·ver·tise·ment [,ad-vər-'tīz-mənt; əd-'vər-təz-mənt, -tə-smənt] -n

  1. the act or process of advertising
  2. a public notice
  3. one published in the press or broadcast over the air

ad·ver·tis·ing -n

  1. the action of calling something to the attention of the public esp. by paid announcements
  2. advertisements
    • the magazine contains much advertising
  3. the business of preparing advertisements for publication or broadcast

ad·ver·to·ri·al [,ad-vər-'tȯr-ē-əl] -n

  1. an advertisement that imitates editorial format

ad·vice [əd-'vīs] -n

  1. recommendation regarding a decision or course of conduct : counsel
    • he shall have power, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to make treaties -- U.S. Constitution
  2. information or notice given usu. used in pl.
  3. an official notice concerning a business transaction

ad·vis·able [əd-'vī-zə-bəl] -adj, n, adv

  1. fit to be advised or done : prudent

ad·vise [əd-'vīz] -vb, n

  1. to give advice to : counsel
    • advise her to try a drier climate
  2. caution, warn
    • advise them of the consequences
  3. recommend
    • advise prudence
  4. to give information or notice to : inform
    • advise them of their rights
  5. to give advice
    • advise on legal matters
  6. to take counsel : consult
    • advise with friends

ad·vised [əd-'vīzd] -adj, adv

  1. thought out : considered often used in combination
    • ill- advised plans

ad·vis·ee [əd-,vī-'zē] -n

  1. one who is advised

ad·vise·ment [əd-'vīz-mənt] -n

  1. careful consideration : deliberation
    • take a matter under advisement
  2. the act or process of advising (as a college student)

ad·vi·so·ry [əd-'vīz-rē, -'vī-zə-] -adj

  1. having or exercising power to advise
    • an advisory council
  2. containing or giving advice

advisory -n

  1. a report giving information (as on the weather) and often recommending action to be taken

ad·vo·ca·cy ['ad-və-kə-sē] -n

  1. the act or process of advocating or supporting a cause or proposal

advocacy journalism -n

  1. journalism that advocates a cause or expresses a viewpoint

ad·vo·cate ['ad-və-kət, -,kāt] -n

  1. one that pleads the cause of another
  2. one that pleads the cause of another before a tribunal or judicial court
  3. one that defends or maintains a cause or proposal
  4. one that supports or promotes the interests of another
  5. to plead in favor of

ad·vow·son [əd-'vau̇-zᵊn] -n

  1. the right in English law of presenting a nominee to a benefice

advt -abbr

  1. advertisement

ady·nam·ic [,ā-(,)dī-'na-mik, ,a-də-'na-] -adj

  1. characterized by or causing a loss of strength or function
    • adynamic ileus

ad·y·tum ['a-də-təm] -n

  1. the innermost sanctuary in an ancient temple open only to priests : sanctum

adze ['adz] -n

  1. a cutting tool that has a thin arched blade set at right angles to the handle and is used chiefly for shaping wood

ad·zu·ki [ad-'zü-kē] -n

  1. adzuki bean

adzuki bean -n

  1. an annual bushy leguminous plant ( Vigna angularissyn. Phaseolus angularis) widely grown in Japan and China for its seeds which are used as food and to produce a flour
  2. its seed