v ['vē] -n

  1. the 22d letter of the English alphabet
  2. a graphic representation of this letter
  3. a speech counterpart of orthographic v
  4. five
  5. a graphic device for reproducing the letter v
  6. one designated vesp. as the 22d in order or class
  7. something shaped like the letter V
  8. vector
  9. velocity
  10. verse
  11. verso
  12. versus
  13. very
  14. vice
  15. victory
  16. vide
  17. voice
  18. voltage
  19. volume
  20. vowel

V -abbr

  1. violence; violent
  2. volt
  3. vanadium

Va -abbr

  1. Virginia

VA -abbr

  1. Veterans Administration
  2. vice admiral
  3. Virginia
  4. visual aid
  5. volt-ampere

vac -abbr

  1. vacuum

va·can·cy ['vā-kən(t)-sē] -n

  1. an interval of leisure
  2. physical or mental inactivity or relaxation : idleness
  3. a vacating of an office, post, or piece of property
  4. the time such office or property is vacant
  5. a vacant office, post, or tenancy
  6. empty space : void
  7. an unoccupied site for an atom or ion in a crystal
  8. the state of being vacant : vacuity

va·cant ['vā-kənt] -adj, adv, n

  1. not occupied by an incumbent, possessor, or officer
    • a vacant office
    • vacant thrones
  2. being without content or occupant
    • a vacant seat on a bus
    • a vacant room
  3. free from activity or work : disengaged
    • vacant hours
  4. devoid of thought, reflection, or expression
    • a vacant smile
  5. not lived in
    • vacant houses
  6. not put to use
    • vacant land
  7. having no heir or claimant : abandoned
    • a vacant estate

va·cate ['vā-,kāt, vā-'] -vb

  1. to make legally void : annul
  2. to deprive of an incumbent or occupant
  3. to give up the incumbency or occupancy of
  4. to vacate an office, post, or tenancy

va·ca·tion [vā-'kā-shən, və-] -n

  1. a respite or a time of respite from something : intermission
  2. a scheduled period during which activity (as of a court or school) is suspended
  3. a period of exemption from work granted to an employee
  4. a period spent away from home or business in travel or recreation
    • had a restful vacation at the beach
  5. an act or an instance of vacating

vacation [-sh(ə-)niŋ] -vi, n

  1. to take or spend a vacation
    • vacation ed at the shore

va·ca·tion·ist [-sh(ə-)nist] -n

  1. a person taking a vacation : vacationer

va·ca·tion·land [-shən-,land] -n

  1. an area with recreational attractions and facilities for vacationers

vac·ci·nal ['vak-sə-nᵊl, vak-'sē-] -adj

  1. of or relating to vaccine or vaccination
    • a vaccine with vaccinal efficacy of 95 percent

vac·ci·nate ['vak-sə-,nāt] -vb, n

  1. to administer a vaccine to usu. by injection
  2. to perform or practice vaccination

vac·ci·na·tion [,vak-sə-'nā-shən] -n

  1. the act of vaccinating
  2. the scar left by vaccinating

vac·cine [vak-'sēn, 'vak-,] -n, adj

  1. a preparation of killed microorganisms, living attenuated organisms, or living fully virulent organisms that is administered to produce or artificially increase immunity to a particular disease

vac·ci·nee [,vak-sə-'nē] -n

  1. a vaccinated individual

vac·cin·ia [vak-'si-nē-ə] -n, adj

  1. a poxvirus (species Vaccinia virusof the genus Orthopoxvirus) that differs from but is closely related to the viruses causing smallpox and cowpox and that includes a strain of uncertain natural origin used in making vaccines against smallpox called also vaccinia virus
  2. a reaction to smallpox vaccine prepared from live vaccinia virus that may involve a rash, fever, headache, and body pain

vac·il·late ['va-sə-,lāt] -vi, adv, n

  1. to sway through lack of equilibrium
  2. fluctuate, oscillate
  3. to waver in mind, will, or feeling : hesitate in choice of opinions or courses

vac·il·la·tion [,va-sə-'lā-shən] -n

  1. an act or instance of vacillating
  2. inability to take a stand : irresolution, indecision

va·cu·i·ty [va-'kyü-ə-tē, və-] -n

  1. an empty space
  2. the state, fact, or quality of being vacuous
  3. something (as an idea) that is vacuous or inane

vac·u·o·lat·ed ['va-kyə-(,)wō-,lā-təd] -adj

  1. containing one or more vacuoles
    • vacuolated epithelial cells

vac·u·o·la·tion [,va-kyə-(,)wō-'lā-shən] -n

  1. the development or formation of vacuoles

vac·u·ole ['va-kyə-,wōl] -n, adj

  1. a small cavity or space in the tissues of an organism containing air or fluid
  2. a cavity or vesicle in the cytoplasm of a cell usu. containing fluid

vac·u·ous ['va-kyə-wəs] -adj, adv, n

  1. emptied of or lacking content
  2. marked by lack of ideas or intelligence : stupid, inane
    • a vacuous mind
    • a vacuous movie
  3. devoid of serious occupation : idle

vac·u·um ['va-(,)kyüm, -kyəm also -kyü-əm] -n

  1. emptiness of space
  2. a space absolutely devoid of matter
  3. a space partially exhausted (as to the highest degree possible) by artificial means (as an air pump)
  4. a degree of rarefaction below atmospheric pressure
  5. a state or condition resembling a vacuum : void
    • the power vacuum in Indochina after the departure of the French -- Norman Cousins
  6. a state of isolation from outside influences
    • people who live in a vacuum...so that the world outside them is of no moment -- W. S. Maugham
  7. a device creating or utilizing a partial vacuum
  8. vacuum cleaner

vacuum -adj

  1. of, containing, producing, or utilizing a partial vacuum
    • separated by means of vacuum distillation
  2. of or relating to a vacuum device or system
  3. to use a vacuum device (as a vacuum cleaner) on
    • vacuum the living room
  4. to draw or take in by or as if by suction
  5. to operate a vacuum device

vacuum bottle -n

  1. thermos

vacuum cleaner -n

  1. a household appliance for cleaning (as floors, carpets, or upholstery) by suction called also vacuum sweeper

vacuum flask -n

  1. thermos

vacuum gauge -n

  1. a gauge indicating degree of rarefaction below atmospheric pressure

vacuumpacked -adj

  1. having much of the air removed before being hermetically sealed

vacuum pan -n

  1. a tank with a vacuum pump for rapid evaporation and condensation (as of sugar syrup) by boiling at a low temperature

vacuum pump -n

  1. a pump for exhausting gas from an enclosed space

vacuum tube -n

  1. an electron tube evacuated to a high degree of vacuum

va·de me·cum [,vā-dē-'mē-kəm, ,vä-dē-'mā-] -n

  1. a book for ready reference : manual
  2. something regularly carried about by a person

VADM -abbr

  1. vice admiral

va·dose ['vā-,dōs] -adj

  1. of, relating to, or being water or solutions in the earth's crust above the permanent groundwater level

vag- -comb form

  1. vagus nerve
    • vag al
    • vago tomy

vag·a·bond ['va-gə-,bänd] -adj

  1. moving from place to place without a fixed home : wandering
  2. of, relating to, or characteristic of a wanderer
  3. leading an unsettled, irresponsible, or disreputable life

vagabond [-,bän-dij] -n

  1. one leading a vagabond life
  2. vagrant, tramp
  3. to wander in the manner of a vagabond : roam about

va·gal ['vā-gəl] -adj, adv

  1. of, relating to, mediated by, or being the vagus nerve

va·gar·i·ous [vā-'ger-ē-əs, və-, -'gar-] -adj, adv

  1. marked by vagaries : capricious, whimsical

va·ga·ry ['vā-gə-rē; və-'ger-ē, vā-; also 'va-gə-rē] -n

  1. an erratic, unpredictable, or extravagant manifestation, action, or notion

vag·ile ['va-jəl, -,jī(-ə)l] -adj, n

  1. free to move about
    • vagile organisms

va·gi·na [və-'jī-nə] -n

  1. a canal in a female mammal that leads from the uterus to the external orifice of the genital canal
  2. a canal that is similar in function or location to the vagina and occurs in various animals other than mammals

vag·i·nal ['va-jə-nᵊl] -adj, adv

  1. of or relating to a theca
  2. of, relating to, or affecting the genital vagina

vag·i·nis·mus [,va-jə-'niz-məs] -n

  1. a painful spasmodic contraction of the vagina

vag·i·ni·tis [,va-jə-'nī-təs] -n

  1. inflammation of the vagina or of a sheath (as a tendon sheath)

vag·i·no·sis [,va-jə-'nō-səs] -n

  1. a disease or infection of the vagina
  2. bacterial vaginosis

va·got·o·my [vā-'gä-tə-mē] -n

  1. surgical division of the vagus nerve

va·go·to·nia [,vā-gə-'tō-nē-ə] -n, adj

  1. excessive excitability of the vagus nerve resulting typically in vasomotor instability, constipation, and sweating

va·gran·cy ['vā-grən(t)-sē] -n

  1. vagary
  2. the state or action of being vagrant
  3. the offense of being a vagrant

va·grant ['vā-grənt] -n

  1. one who has no established residence and wanders idly from place to place without lawful or visible means of support
  2. one (as a prostitute or drunkard) whose conduct constitutes statutory vagrancy
  3. wanderer, rover

vagrant -adj, adv

  1. wandering about from place to place usu. with no means of support
  2. having a fleeting, wayward, or inconstant quality
    • a vagrant impulse
  3. having no fixed course : random
    • a vagrant breeze

va·grom ['vā-grəm] -adj

  1. vagrant

vague ['vāg] -adj, adv, n

  1. not clearly expressed : stated in indefinite terms
    • vague accusations
  2. not having a precise meaning
    • a vague term of abuse
  3. not clearly defined, grasped, or understood : indistinct
    • only a vague notion of what's needed
  4. slight
    • a vague hint of a thickening waistline
    • hasn't the vaguest idea
  5. not clearly felt or sensed : somewhat subconscious
    • a vague longing
  6. not thinking or expressing one's thoughts clearly or precisely
    • vague about dates and places
  7. lacking expression : vacant
    • vague eyes
    • a vague stare
  8. not sharply outlined : hazy
    • met by vague figures with shaded torchlights -- Earle Birney

va·gus nerve ['vā-gəs-] -n

  1. either of the 10th pair of cranial nerves that arise from the medulla and supply chiefly the viscera esp. with autonomic sensory and motor fibers called also vagus

vail ['vāl] -vt

  1. to lower often as a sign of respect or submission

vain ['vān] -adj, adv, n

  1. having no real value : idle, worthless
    • vain pretensions
  2. marked by futility or ineffectualness : unsuccessful, useless
    • vain efforts to escape
  3. foolish, silly
  4. having or showing undue or excessive pride in one's appearance or achievements : conceited

vain·glo·ri·ous [,vān-'glȯr-ē-əs] -adj, adv, n

  1. marked by vainglory : boastful

vain·glo·ry ['vān-,glȯr-ē, ,vān-'] -n

  1. excessive or ostentatious pride esp. in one's achievements
  2. vain display or show : vanity

vair ['ver] -n

  1. the bluish-gray and white fur of a squirrel prized for ornamental use in medieval times

Vaish·na·va ['vīsh-nə-və] -n, adj

  1. a member of a major Hindu sect devoted to the cult of Vishnu

Vaish·ya ['vīsh-yə, 'vī-shə] -n

  1. a Hindu of an upper caste traditionally assigned to commercial and agricultural occupations

val -abbr

  1. value; valued

va·lance ['va-lən(t)s, 'vā-] -n, adj

  1. a drapery hung along the edge of a bed, table, altar, canopy, or shelf
  2. a short drapery or wood or metal frame used as a decorative heading to conceal the top of curtains and fixtures

vale ['vāl] -n

  1. valley, dale
  2. world
    • this vale of tears

val·e·dic·tion [,va-lə-'dik-shən] -n

  1. an act of bidding farewell
  2. valedictory

val·e·dic·to·ri·an [-,dik-'tȯr-ē-ən] -n

  1. the student usu. having the highest rank in a graduating class who delivers the valedictory address at the commencement exercises

val·e·dic·to·ry [-'dik-t(ə-)rē] -adj

  1. of or relating to a valediction : expressing or containing a farewell

valedictory -n

  1. an address or statement of farewell or leave-taking
  2. valediction

va·lence ['vā-lən(t)s] -n

  1. the degree of combining power of an element as shown by the number of atomic weights of a monovalent element (as hydrogen) with which the atomic weight of the element will combine or for which it can be substituted or with which it can be compared
  2. relative capacity to unite, react, or interact (as with antigens or a biological substrate)
  3. the degree of attractiveness an individual, activity, or thing possesses as a behavioral goal
    • the relative potency of the valence s of success and failure -- Leon Festinger

valence band -n

  1. the range of permissible energy values that are the highest energies an electron can have and still be associated with a particular atom of a solid material

valence electron -n

  1. a single electron or one of two or more electrons in the outer shell of an atom that is responsible for the chemical properties of the atom

Va·len·cia orange [və-'len-ch(ē-)ə, -len(t)-sē-ə] -n

  1. a sweet orange of a juicy thin-skinned cultivar grown in the U.S. called also Valencia

Va·len·ci·ennes [və-,len(t)-sē-'en(z), ,va-lən-sē-] -n

  1. a fine bobbin lace

val·en·tine ['va-lən-,tīn] -n

  1. a sweetheart chosen or complimented on Valentine's Day
  2. a gift or greeting sent or given esp. to a sweetheart on Valentine's Day
  3. a greeting card sent on this day
  4. something (as a movie or piece of writing) expressing uncritical praise or affection : tribute

Valentine's Day -n

  1. February 14 observed in honor of St. Valentine and as a time for sending valentines

val·er·ate ['va-lə-,rāt] -n

  1. a salt or ester of valeric acid

va·le·ri·an [və-'lir-ē-ən] -n

  1. any of a genus ( Valerianaof the family Valerianaceae, the valerian family) of perennial herbs and shrubs many of which possess medicinal properties
  2. a preparation of the dried rhizome and roots of the garden heliotrope ( Valeriana officinalis) used esp. formerly as a carminative and sedative

va·le·ric acid [və-'lir-ik-, -'ler-] -n

  1. any of four isomeric fatty acids C 5H 10O 2or a mixture of these
  2. a liquid acid of disagreeable odor obtained from valerian or made synthetically and used esp. in organic synthesis

va·let ['va-lət, 'va-(,)lā, va-'lā] -n

  1. a man's male servant who performs personal services (as taking care of clothing)
  2. an employee (as of a hotel or a public facility) who performs personal services for customers
  3. a device (as a rack or tray) for holding clothing or personal effects

valet -vt

  1. to serve as a valet

va·let de cham·bre [(,)va-,lā-də-'shäⁿbrᵊ] -n

  1. valet

valet parking -n

  1. a service that provides parking of motor vehicles by an attendant

val·e·tu·di·nar·i·an [,va-lə-,tü-də-'ner-ē-ən, -,tyü-] -n

  1. a person of a weak or sickly constitution
  2. one whose chief concern is his or her ill health

valetudinarian -adj

  1. of, relating to, or characteristic of a valetudinarian : sickly, weak

val·e·tu·di·nar·i·an·ism [-ē-ə-,ni-zəm] -n

  1. the condition or state of mind of a valetudinarian

val·e·tu·di·nary [-'tü-də-'ner-ē, -'tyü-] -adj

  1. valetudinarian

valetudinary -n

  1. valetudinarian

val·gus ['val-gəs] -adj, n

  1. of, relating to, or being a deformity in which an anatomical part is turned outward away from the midline of the body to an abnormal degree
    • a valgus heel
    • valgus deformity of the big toe
  2. varus used of the knee

Val·hal·la [val-'ha-lə also väl-'hä-] -n

  1. the great hall in Norse mythology where heroes slain in battle are received
  2. a place of honor, glory, or happiness : heaven
    • an academic's Valhalla

val·iance ['val-yən(t)s] -n

  1. valor

val·ian·cy [-yən(t)-sē] -n

  1. valor

val·iant ['val-yənt] -adj, adv, n

  1. possessing or acting with bravery or boldness : courageous
    • valiant soldiers
  2. marked by, exhibiting, or carried out with courage or determination : heroic
    • valiant feats

valiant -n

  1. a valiant person

val·id ['va-ləd] -adj, n, adv

  1. having legal efficacy or force
  2. executed with the proper legal authority and formalities
    • a valid contract
  3. well-grounded or justifiable : being at once relevant and meaningful
    • a valid theory
  4. logically correct
    • a valid argument
    • valid inference
  5. appropriate to the end in view : effective
    • every craft has its own valid methods
  6. conforming to accepted principles of sound biological classification

val·i·date ['va-lə-,dāt] -vt

  1. to make legally valid : ratify
  2. to grant official sanction to by marking
    • validated her passport
  3. to confirm the validity of (an election)
  4. to declare (a person) elected
  5. to support or corroborate on a sound or authoritative basis
    • experiments designed to validate the hypothesis
  6. to recognize, establish, or illustrate the worthiness or legitimacy of
    • validate his concerns

val·i·da·tion [,va-lə-'dā-shən] -n

  1. an act, process, or instance of validating
  2. the determination of the degree of validity of a measuring device

va·line ['va-,lēn, 'vā-] -n

  1. a crystalline essential amino acid C 5H 11NO 2that is one of the building blocks of plant and animal proteins

va·lise [və-'lēs] -n

  1. suitcase

Val·ium ['va-lē-əm, 'val-yəm] -trademark

  1. used for a preparation of diazepam

Val·ky·rie [val-'kir-ē also val-'kī-rē, 'val-kə-rē] -n

  1. any of the maidens of Odin who choose the heroes to be slain in battle and conduct them to Valhalla

val·late ['va-,lāt] -adj

  1. having a raised edge surrounding a depression
    • vallate papillae of the tongue

val·lec·u·la [va-'le-kyə-lə, və-] -n, adj

  1. an anatomical groove, channel, or depression
  2. one between the base of the tongue and the epiglottis

val·ley ['va-lē] -n

  1. an elongate depression of the earth's surface usu. between ranges of hills or mountains
  2. an area drained by a river and its tributaries
  3. a low point or condition
  4. hollow, depression
  5. the place of meeting of two slopes of a roof that form on the plan a reentrant angle

valley fever -n

  1. coccidioidomycosis

Valley girl -n

  1. an adolescent girl from the San Fernando Valley
  2. one whose values, mannerisms, and esp. speech patterns resemble those of such a girl

Va·lois ['val-,wä, val-'] -adj

  1. of or relating to the French royal house that ruled from 1328 to 1589

va·lo·nia [və-'lō-nē-ə, -nyə] -n

  1. dried acorn cups esp. from a Eurasian evergreen oak ( Quercus macrolepissyn. Q. aegilops) used in tanning or dressing leather

val·or ['va-lər] -n

  1. strength of mind or spirit that enables a person to encounter danger with firmness : personal bravery

val·o·rize ['va-lə-,rīz] -vt, n

  1. to enhance or try to enhance the price, value, or status of by organized and usu. governmental action
    • using subsidies to valorize coffee
  2. to assign value or merit to : validate

val·or·ous ['va-lə-rəs] -adj, adv

  1. valiant

val·our ['va-lər] -n

(variant of valor)

  1. strength of mind or spirit that enables a person to encounter danger with firmness : personal bravery

val·po·li·cel·la [,väl-,pō-lə-'che-lə, ,val-] -n

  1. a dry red Italian table wine

Val·sal·va maneuver [val-'sal-və-] -n

  1. a forceful attempt at expiration when the airway is closed at some point
  2. a conscious attempt made while holding the nostrils closed and keeping the mouth shut (as for the purpose of adjusting middle ear pressure) called also Valsalva

valse ['väls] -n

  1. waltz
  2. a concert waltz

valu·able ['val-yə-bəl, -yə-wə-bəl, -yü-ə-] -adj, n, adv

  1. having monetary value
  2. worth a good price
  3. having desirable or esteemed characteristics or qualities
    • valuable friendships
  4. of great use or service
    • valuable advice

valuable -n

  1. a usu. personal possession (as jewelry) of relatively great monetary value usu. used in pl.

valuable consideration -n

  1. an equivalent or compensation having value that is given for something acquired or promised (as money or marriage) and that may consist either in a benefit accruing to one party or a loss falling upon the other

val·u·ate ['val-yə-,wāt] -vt

  1. to place a value on : appraise

val·u·a·tion [,val-yə-'wā-shən] -n, adj, adv

  1. the act or process of valuing
  2. appraisal of property
  3. the estimated or determined market value of a thing
  4. judgment or appreciation of worth or character

val·u·a·tor ['val-yə-,wā-tər] -n

  1. one that valuates
  2. one that appraises

val·ue ['val-(,)yü] -n, adj

  1. a fair return or equivalent in goods, services, or money for something exchanged
  2. the monetary worth of something : market price
  3. relative worth, utility, or importance
    • a good value at the price
    • the value of base stealing in baseball
    • had nothing of value to say
  4. a numerical quantity that is assigned or is determined by calculation or measurement
    • let x take on positive value s
    • a value for the age of the earth
  5. the relative duration of a musical note
  6. relative lightness or darkness of a color : luminosity
  7. the relation of one part in a picture to another with respect to lightness and darkness
  8. something (as a principle or quality) intrinsically valuable or desirable
    • sought material value s instead of human value s -- W. H. Jones
  9. denomination

value [-yə-wər] -vt, n

  1. to estimate or assign the monetary worth of : appraise
    • value a necklace
  2. to rate or scale in usefulness, importance, or general worth : evaluate
  3. to consider or rate highly : prize, esteem
    • value s your opinion

val·ueadd·ed ['val-(,)yü-'a-dəd] -adj

  1. of, relating to, or being a product whose value has been increased esp. by special manufacturing, marketing, or processing
    • valueadded goods

valueadded tax -n

  1. an incremental excise that is levied on the value added at each stage of the processing of a raw material or the production and distribution of a commodity and that typically has the impact of a sales tax on the ultimate consumer

val·ued ['val-(,)yüd, -yəd] -adj

  1. having a value or values esp. of a specified kind or number often used in combination
    • real- valued

val·uefree ['val-(,)yü-'frē] -adj

  1. making or having no value judgments
    • valuefree distinctions
    • valuefree instruction

value judgment -n

  1. a judgment assigning a value (as good or bad) to something

va·lu·ta [və-'lü-tə, -(,)tä] -n

  1. the agreed upon or exchange value of a currency
  2. foreign exchange

val·vate ['val-,vāt] -adj

  1. having valves or parts resembling a valve
  2. meeting at the edges without overlapping
    • valvate sepals

valve ['valv] -n, adj

  1. a leaf of a folding or double door
  2. a bodily structure (as the mitral valve) that closes temporarily a passage or orifice or permits movement of fluid in one direction only
  3. any of numerous mechanical devices by which the flow of liquid, gas, or loose material in bulk may be started, stopped, or regulated by a movable part that opens, shuts, or partially obstructs one or more ports or passageways
  4. the movable part of such a device
  5. a device in a brass instrument for quickly channeling air flow through an added length of tube in order to change the fundamental tone by some definite interval
  6. electron tube
  7. one of the distinct usu. hinged and movable pieces of which the shell of some shell-bearing animals (as lamellibranch mollusks, brachiopods, and barnacles) consists
  8. one of the segments or pieces into which a dehiscing capsule or legume separates
  9. the portion of various anthers (as of the barberry) resembling a lid
  10. one of the two encasing membranes of a diatom

val·vu·la ['val-vyə-lə] -n

  1. a small valve or fold

val·vu·lar ['val-vyə-lər] -adj

  1. resembling or functioning as a valve
  2. opening by valves
  3. of, relating to, or affecting a valve esp. of the heart
    • valvular heart disease

val·vu·li·tis [,val-vyə-'lī-təs] -n

  1. inflammation of a valve esp. of the heart

va·moose [və-'müs, va-] -vi

  1. to depart quickly

vamp -n

  1. the part of a shoe upper or boot upper covering esp. the forepart of the foot and sometimes also extending forward over the toe or backward to the back seam of the upper
  2. a short introductory musical passage often repeated several times (as in vaudeville) before a solo or between verses
  3. to provide (a shoe) with a new vamp
  4. to piece (something old) with a new part : patch
    • vamp up old sermons
  5. invent, fabricate
    • vamp up an excuse
  6. to play a musical vamp
  7. improvise, extemporize
  8. a woman who uses her charm or wiles to seduce and exploit men
  9. to practice seductive wiles on
  10. to act like a vamp
    • vamp ing for the camera

vam·pire ['vam-,pī(-ə)r] -n, adj

  1. the reanimated body of a dead person believed to come from the grave at night and suck the blood of persons asleep
  2. one who lives by preying on others
  3. a woman who exploits and ruins her lover
  4. vampire bat

vampire bat -n

  1. any of several Central and So. American bats ( Desmodus rotundus, Diaemus youngi,and Diphylla ecaudataof the subfamily Desmodontinae of the family Phyllostomidae) that feed on the blood of birds and mammals and esp. domestic animals and that are sometimes vectors of disease and esp. of rabies
  2. any of several other bats (as of the families Megadermatidae and Phyllostomidae) that do not feed on blood but are sometimes reputed to do so

vam·pir·ism [-,pī(-ə)r-,i-zəm] -n

  1. belief in vampires
  2. the actions of a vampire

vampy ['vam-pē] -adj

  1. of or relating to a vamp : vampish
  2. risque
    • a vampy minidress

van ['van] -n

  1. a winnowing device (as a fan)
  2. wing
  3. vanguard
  4. a usu. enclosed wagon or motortruck used for transportation of goods or animals
  5. caravan
  6. a multipurpose enclosed motor vehicle having a boxlike shape, rear or side doors, and side panels often with windows
  7. a detachable passenger cabin transportable by aircraft or truck
  8. an enclosed railroad freight or baggage car
  9. to transport by van

van·a·date ['va-nə-,dāt] -n

  1. a salt derived from vanadium pentoxide and containing pentavalent vanadium

va·na·di·um [və-'nā-dē-əm] -n

  1. a silvery-grayish malleable ductile metallic element obtained from minerals and used esp. to form alloys and in catalysts

vanadium pentoxide -n

  1. a yellowish-red crystalline compound V 2O 5used esp. in glass manufacture and as a catalyst

Van Al·len belt [van-'a-lən-] -n

  1. a belt of intense radiation in the magnetosphere composed of energetic charged particles trapped by the earth's magnetic field
  2. a similar belt surrounding another planet

va·nas·pa·ti [və-'nəs-pə-tē, -'näs-] -n

  1. a hydrogenated vegetable fat used as a butter substitute in India

van·co·my·cin [,vaŋ-kə-'mī-sᵊn] -n

  1. an antibiotic C 66H 75Cl 2N 9O 24derived from an actinomycete ( Amycolatopsis orientalissyn. Streptomyces orientalis) that is effective against gram-positive bacteria and is used chiefly in the form of its hydrochloride esp. against staphylococci resistant to methicillin

van·dal ['van-dᵊl] -n, adj

  1. a member of a Germanic people who lived in the area south of the Baltic Sea between the Vistula and the Oder rivers, overran Gaul, Spain, and northern Africa in the fourth and fifth centuries a.d., and in 455 sacked Rome
  2. one who willfully or ignorantly destroys, damages, or defaces property belonging to another or to the public

van·dal·ise ['van-də-,līz] -vt, n

(variant of vandalize)

  1. to subject to vandalism : damage

van·dal·ism ['van-də-,li-zəm] -n

  1. willful or malicious destruction or defacement of public or private property

van·dal·is·tic [,van-də-'lis-tik] -adj

  1. of or relating to vandalism

van·dal·ize ['van-də-,līz] -vt, n

  1. to subject to vandalism : damage

van·da orchid ['van-də-] -n

  1. any of a large genus ( Vanda) of eastern Asian epiphytic orchids often grown for their loose racemes of showy flowers called also vanda

Van de Graaff generator ['van-də-,graf-] -n

  1. an apparatus for the production of electrical discharges at high voltage commonly consisting of an insulated hollow conducting sphere that accumulates in its interior the charge continuously conveyed from a source of direct current by an endless belt of flexible nonconducting material

van der Waals forces ['van-dər-,wȯlz-, 'vän-dər-,välz-] -n pl

  1. the relatively weak attractive forces that act on neutral atoms and molecules and that arise because of the electric polarization induced in each of the particles by the presence of other particles

Van·dyke [van-'dīk, vən-] -n, adj

  1. a wide collar with a deeply indented edge
  2. one of several V-shaped points forming a decorative edging
  3. a border of such points
  4. a trim pointed beard

Vandyke brown -n

  1. a natural brown-black pigment of organic matter obtained from bog earth or peat or lignite deposits
  2. any of various synthetic brown pigments

vane ['vān] -n, adj

  1. a movable device attached to an elevated object (as a spire) for showing the direction of the wind
  2. one that is changeable or inconstant
  3. a thin flat or curved object that is rotated about an axis by a flow of fluid or that rotates to cause a fluid to flow or that redirects a flow of fluid
    • the vane s of a windmill
  4. the web or flat expanded part of a feather
  5. a feather fastened to the shaft near the nock of an arrow

van·guard ['van-,gärd also 'vaŋ-] -n

  1. the troops moving at the head of an army
  2. the forefront of an action or movement

va·nil·la [və-'ni-lə, -'ne-] -n

  1. vanilla bean
  2. a commercially important extract of the vanilla bean that is used esp. as a flavoring
  3. any of a genus ( Vanilla) of tropical American climbing epiphytic orchids

vanilla -adj

  1. flavored with vanilla
  2. lacking distinction : plain, ordinary, conventional

vanilla bean -n

  1. the long capsular fruit of a vanilla (esp. Vanilla planifolia) that is an important article of commerce

van·il·lin ['va-nə-lən] -n

  1. a crystalline phenolic aldehyde C 8H 8O 3that is extracted from vanilla beans or prepared synthetically and is used esp. in flavoring and in perfumery

Va·nir ['vä-,nir] -n pl

  1. a race of Norse gods who warred against and later reconciled with the Aesir

van·ish ['va-nish] -vb, n

  1. to pass quickly from sight : disappear
  2. to pass completely from existence
  3. to assume the value zero
  4. to cause to disappear

vanishing cream ['va-ni-shiŋ-] -n

  1. a cosmetic preparation that is used chiefly as a foundation for face powder

van·ish·ing·ly ['va-ni-shiŋ-lē] -adv

  1. so as to be almost nonexistent or invisible
    • the difference is vanishingly small

vanishing point -n

  1. a point at which receding parallel lines seem to meet when represented in linear perspective
  2. a point at which something disappears or ceases to exist

van·i·ty ['va-nə-tē] -n

  1. something that is vain, empty, or valueless
  2. the quality or fact of being vain
  3. inflated pride in oneself or one's appearance : conceit
  4. a fashionable trifle or knickknack
  5. compact
  6. a small case or handbag for toilet articles used by women
  7. dressing table
  8. a bathroom cabinet containing a sink and usu. having a countertop

vanity -adj

  1. of, relating to, or being a work (as a book or recording) whose production cost is paid by the author or artist
  2. of, relating to, or being a showcase for a usu. famous performer or artist who is often also the project's creator or driving force
    • write, direct, and star in a vanity film

vanity fair -n

  1. a scene or place characterized by frivolity and ostentation

vanity plate -n

  1. a license plate bearing letters or numbers designated by the owner of the vehicle called also vanity license plate

vanity press -n

  1. a publishing house that publishes books at the author's expense called also vanity publisher

van·ner ['va-nər] -n

  1. a person who owns a usu. customized van

van·pool ['van-,pül] -n

  1. an arrangement by which a group of people commute to work in a van

van·quish ['vaŋ-kwish, 'van-] -vt, adj, n

  1. to overcome in battle : subdue completely
  2. to defeat in a conflict or contest
  3. to gain mastery over (an emotion, passion, or temptation)
    • vanquish your fear

van·tage ['van-tij] -n

  1. benefit, gain
  2. superiority in a contest
  3. a position giving a strategic advantage, commanding perspective, or comprehensive view
  4. advantage

vantage point -n

  1. a position or standpoint from which something is viewed or considered
  2. point of view

van·ward ['van-wərd] -adj, adv

  1. located in the vanguard : advanced

va·pid ['va-pəd, 'vā-] -adj, adv, n

  1. lacking liveliness, tang, briskness, or force : flat, dull
    • a gossipy, vapid woman, obsessed by her own elegance -- R. F. Delderfield
    • London was not all vapid dissipation -- V. S. Pritchett

va·pid·i·ty [va-'pi-də-tē, vā-, və-] -n

  1. the quality or state of being vapid
  2. something vapid

va·por ['vā-pər] -n

  1. diffused matter (as smoke or fog) suspended floating in the air and impairing its transparency
  2. a substance in the gaseous state as distinguished from the liquid or solid state
  3. a substance (as gasoline, alcohol, mercury, or benzoin) vaporized for industrial, therapeutic, or military uses
  4. a mixture (as the explosive mixture in an internal combustion engine) of such a vapor with air
  5. something unsubstantial or transitory : phantasm
  6. a foolish or fanciful idea
  7. exhalations of bodily organs (as the stomach) held to affect the physical or mental condition
  8. a depressed or hysterical nervous condition

vapor [-p(ə-)riŋ] -vi, n

  1. to rise or pass off in vapor
  2. to emit vapor
  3. to indulge in bragging, blustering, or idle talk

vapor barrier -n

  1. a layer of material (as roofing paper or polyethylene film) used to retard or prevent the absorption of moisture into a construction (as a wall or floor)

va·po·ret·to [,vä-pə-'re-(,)tō] -n

  1. a motorboat serving as a canal bus in Venice, Italy

vaporing -n

  1. the act or speech of one that vapors
  2. an idle, extravagant, or high-flown expression or speech usu. used in pl.

va·por·ise ['vā-pə-,rīz] -vb, adj, n

(variant of vaporize)

  1. to convert (as by the application of heat or by spraying) into vapor
  2. to cause to become dissipated
  3. to destroy by or as if by converting into vapor
    • a tank vaporized by a shell
  4. to become vaporized
  5. vapor

va·por·ish ['vā-p(ə-)rish] -adj, n

  1. resembling or suggestive of vapor
  2. given to fits of the vapors

va·por·ize ['vā-pə-,rīz] -vb, adj, n

  1. to convert (as by the application of heat or by spraying) into vapor
  2. to cause to become dissipated
  3. to destroy by or as if by converting into vapor
    • a tank vaporized by a shell
  4. to become vaporized
  5. vapor

va·por·iz·er ['vā-pə-,rī-zər] -n

  1. : one that vaporizes: as
  2. atomizer
  3. a device for converting water or a medicated liquid into a vapor for inhalation

vapor lock -n

  1. partial or complete interruption of flow of a fluid (as fuel in an internal combustion engine) caused by the formation of bubbles of vapor in the feeding system

va·por·ous ['vā-p(ə-)rəs] -adj, adv, n

  1. consisting or characteristic of vapor
  2. producing vapors : volatile
  3. containing or obscured by vapors : misty
  4. ethereal, unsubstantial
  5. consisting of or indulging in vaporings

vapor pressure -n

  1. the pressure exerted by a vapor that is in equilibrium with its solid or liquid form called also vapor tension

vapor trail -n

  1. contrail

va·por·ware ['vā-pər-,wer] -n

  1. a computer-related product that has been widely advertised but has not and may never become available

va·pory ['vā-p(ə-)rē] -adj

  1. vaporous, misty

va·pour ['vā-pər] -n

(variant of vapor)

  1. diffused matter (as smoke or fog) suspended floating in the air and impairing its transparency
  2. a substance in the gaseous state as distinguished from the liquid or solid state
  3. a substance (as gasoline, alcohol, mercury, or benzoin) vaporized for industrial, therapeutic, or military uses
  4. a mixture (as the explosive mixture in an internal combustion engine) of such a vapor with air
  5. something unsubstantial or transitory : phantasm
  6. a foolish or fanciful idea
  7. exhalations of bodily organs (as the stomach) held to affect the physical or mental condition
  8. a depressed or hysterical nervous condition

va·que·ro [vä-'ker-(,)ō] -n

  1. herdsman, cowboy

var -abbr

  1. variable
  2. variation
  3. various

va·ra ['vär-ə] -n

  1. a Texas unit of length equal to 33.33 inches (84.66 centimeters)

vari- -comb form

  1. varied : diverse
    • vari colored
  2. variation : variability
    • vario meter

var·ia ['ver-ē-ə] -n pl

  1. miscellany
  2. a literary miscellany

var·i·able ['ver-ē-ə-bəl] -adj, n, adv

  1. able or apt to vary : subject to variation or changes
    • variable winds
    • variable costs
  2. fickle, inconstant
  3. characterized by variations
  4. having the characteristics of a variable
  5. not true to type : aberrant used of a biological group or character

variable -n

  1. a quantity that may assume any one of a set of values
  2. a symbol representing a variable
  3. something that is variable
  4. variable star

variable rate mortgage -n

  1. adjustable rate mortgage

variable star -n

  1. a star whose brightness changes usu. in more or less regular periods

var·i·ance ['ver-ē-ən(t)s] -n

  1. the fact, quality, or state of being variable or variant : difference, variation
    • yearly variance in crops
  2. the fact or state of being in disagreement : dissension, dispute
  3. a disagreement between two parts of the same legal proceeding that must be consonant
  4. a license to do some act contrary to the usual rule
    • a zoning variance
  5. the square of the standard deviation

var·i·ant ['ver-ē-ənt] -adj

  1. variable
  2. manifesting variety, deviation, or disagreement
  3. varying usu. slightly from the standard form
    • variant readings
    • variant spellings

variant -n

  1. : one of two or more persons or things exhibiting usu. slight differences: as
  2. one that exhibits variation from a type or norm
  3. one of two or more different spellings (as laborand labour) or pronunciations (as of economicsek-, ek-) of the same word
  4. one of two or more words (as geographicand geographical) or word elements (as mon-and mono-) of essentially the same meaning differing only in the presence or absence of an affix

variant CreutzfeldtJakob disease -n

  1. a fatal prion disease that is held to be a variant of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease caused by the prion associated with bovine spongiform encephalopathy and contracted by consuming infected beef or beef products abbr. vCJD called also variant CJD

var·i·ate ['ver-ē-,āt, -ət] -n

  1. random variable

var·i·a·tion [,ver-ē-'ā-shən] -n, adj, adv

  1. the act or process of varying : the state or fact of being varied
  2. an instance of varying
  3. the extent to which or the range in which a thing varies
  4. declination
  5. a change of algebraic sign between successive terms of a sequence
  6. a measure of the change in data, a variable, or a function
  7. the repetition of a musical theme with modifications in rhythm, tune, harmony, or key
  8. divergence in the structural or functional characteristics of an organism from the species or population norm or average
  9. something (as an individual or group) that exhibits variation
  10. a solo dance in classic ballet
  11. a repetition in modern ballet of a movement sequence with changes

var·i·cel·la [,va-rə-'se-lə] -n

  1. chicken pox

var·i·co·cele ['va-rə-kō-,sēl] -n

  1. a varicose enlargement of the veins of the spermatic cord

vari·col·ored ['ver-i-,kə-lərd] -adj

  1. having various colors : variegated
    • a varicolored butterfly
  2. of various colors

var·i·cose ['va-rə-,kōs] -adj

  1. abnormally swollen or dilated
    • varicose veins
  2. affected with varicose veins
    • varicose legs

var·i·cos·i·ty [,va-rə-'kä-sə-tē] -n

  1. varix
  2. the quality or state of being abnormally or markedly swollen or dilated

varied -adj, adv

  1. various, diverse
    • many and varied comments
  2. variegated

var·ie·gate ['ver-ē-ə-,gāt, 'ver-i-,gāt] -vt, n

  1. to diversify in external appearance esp. with different colors : dapple
  2. to enliven or give interest to by means of variety

variegated -adj

  1. having discrete markings of different colors
    • variegated leaves
  2. varied

variegated cutworm -n

  1. a widespread noctuid moth ( Peridroma saucia) whose larva is destructive to crops

var·ie·ga·tion [,ver-ē-ə-'gā-shən, ,ver-i-'gā-] -n

  1. the act of variegating : the state of being variegated
  2. diversity of colors

var·i·er ['ver-ē-ər] -n

  1. one that varies

va·ri·e·tal [və-'rī-ə-tᵊl] -adj

  1. of, relating to, or characterizing a variety
    • varietal names
  2. being a variety in distinction from an individual or species
  3. of, relating to, or producing a varietal

varietal -n

  1. a wine bearing the name of the principal grape from which it is made

va·ri·e·ty [və-'rī-ə-tē] -n

  1. the quality or state of having different forms or types : multifariousness
  2. a number or collection of different things esp. of a particular class : assortment
  3. something differing from others of the same general kind : sort
  4. any of various groups of plants or animals ranking below a species : subspecies
  5. variety show

variety meat -n

  1. an edible part (as the liver or tongue) of a slaughter animal other than skeletal muscle

variety show -n

  1. a theatrical entertainment of successive separate performances (as of songs, dances, skits, and acrobatic feats)

variety store -n

  1. a retail store that carries a wide variety of merchandise esp. of low unit value

va·ri·o·la [və-'rī-ə-lə; ,ver-ē-'ō-lə] -n

  1. smallpox
  2. its causative poxvirus (species Variola virusof the genus Orthopoxvirus)

var·i·om·e·ter [,ver-ē-'ä-mə-tər] -n

  1. an instrument for measuring magnetic declination
  2. an aeronautical instrument for indicating rate of climb

var·i·o·rum [,ver-ē-'ȯr-əm] -n

  1. an edition or text with notes by different persons
  2. an edition containing variant readings of the text

variorum -adj

  1. relating to or being a variorum
    • a variorum edition
  2. variant
    • variorum readings

var·i·ous ['ver-ē-əs] -adj, n

  1. variable, inconstant
  2. varicolored
    • birds of various plumage
  3. of differing kinds : multifarious
  4. dissimilar in nature or form : unlike
  5. having a number of different aspects or characteristics
    • a various place
  6. of an indefinite number greater than one
    • stop at various towns
  7. individual, separate
    • rate increases granted in the various states

various -pron, pl in constr

  1. an indefinite number of separate individuals greater than one
    • have read various of her essays

var·i·ous·ly -adv

  1. in various ways : at various times
    • was variously occupied teaching, farming, and clerking
  2. by various designations
    • known variously as principal, headmaster, and rector

vari·sized ['ver-i-,sīzd] -adj

  1. of various sizes

va·ris·tor [va-'ris-tər, ve-] -n

  1. an electrical resistor whose resistance depends on the applied voltage

var·ix ['va-riks] -n

  1. an abnormally dilated and lengthened vein, artery, or lymph vessel
  2. a varicose vein

var·let ['vär-lət] -n

  1. attendant, menial
  2. a knight's page
  3. a base unprincipled person : knave

var·let·ry [-lə-trē] -n

  1. rabble

var·mint ['vär-mənt] -n

  1. an animal considered a pest
  2. one classed as vermin and unprotected by game law
  3. a contemptible person : rascal
  4. person, fellow

var·nish ['vär-nish] -n, adj

  1. a liquid preparation that when applied to a surface dries to form a hard lustrous typically transparent coating
  2. the covering or glaze given by the application of varnish
  3. something that suggests varnish by its gloss
  4. a coating (as of deposits in an internal combustion engine) comparable to varnish
  5. outside show : gloss
  6. a liquid nail polish

varnish ['vär-ni-shər] -vt, n

  1. to apply varnish to
  2. to cover or conceal (as something unpleasant) with something that gives an attractive appearance : gloss
  3. adorn, embellish

varnish tree -n

  1. any of various trees yielding a milky juice from which in some cases varnish or lacquer is prepared
  2. an Asian tree ( Rhus vernicifluasyn. Toxicodendron vernicifluum) of the cashew family

var·roa mite ['va-rə-wə-] -n

  1. an Asian mite ( Varroa jacobsonisyn. V. destructor) that is a serious bloodsucking parasite of honeybees

var·si·ty ['vär-sə-tē, -stē] -n

  1. university
  2. the principal squad representing a university, college, school, or club esp. in a sport
  3. regular

Var·so·vi·an [,vär-'sō-vē-ən] -n

  1. a native or resident of Warsaw, Poland

Var·u·na ['va-rə-nə] -n

  1. a chief Vedic god responsible for natural and moral order in the cosmos

var·us ['ver-əs] -adj, n

  1. of, relating to, or being a deformity in which an anatomical part is turned inward toward the midline of the body to an abnormal degree
    • a varus heel
  2. valgus used of the knee

varve ['värv] -n, adj

  1. a pair of layers of alternately finer and coarser silt or clay believed to comprise an annual cycle of deposition in a body of still water

vary ['ver-ē] -vb, adv

  1. to make a partial change in : make different in some attribute or characteristic
  2. to make differences between items in : diversify
  3. to present under new aspects
    • vary the rhythm and harmonic treatment
  4. to exhibit or undergo change
    • the sky was constantly vary ing
  5. deviate, depart
  6. to take on successive values
    • y varies inversely with x
  7. to exhibit divergence in structural or physiological characters from the typical form

varying hare -n

  1. snowshoe hare

vas ['vas] -n, adj

  1. an anatomical vessel : duct

vas- -comb form

  1. : vessel: as
  2. blood vessel
    • vaso motor
  3. vas deferens
    • vas ectomy
  4. vascular and
    • vaso vagal
  5. vasomotor
    • vaso active

vas·cu·lar ['vas-kyə-lər] -adj, n

  1. of or relating to a channel for the conveyance of a body fluid (as blood of an animal or sap of a plant) or to a system of such channels
  2. supplied with or made up of such channels and esp. blood vessels
    • a vascular tumor
    • a vascular system
  3. marked by vigor and ardor : passionate

vascular bundle -n

  1. a strand of specialized vascular tissue of higher plants consisting mostly of xylem and phloem

vascular cylinder -n

  1. stele

vas·cu·lar·i·za·tion [,vas-kyə-lə-rə-'zā-shən] -n

  1. the process of becoming vascular
  2. abnormal or excessive formation of blood vessels (as in the retina or on the cornea)

vascular plant -n

  1. a plant having a specialized conducting system that includes xylem and phloem : tracheophyte

vascular ray -n

  1. a band of usu. parenchymatous cells partly in the xylem and partly in the phloem of a plant root or stem that conducts fluids radially and appears in a cross section like a spoke of a wheel

vascular tissue -n

  1. plant tissue concerned mainly with conduction
  2. the specialized tissue of higher plants consisting essentially of phloem and xylem

vas·cu·la·ture ['vas-kyə-lə-,chu̇r, -,tyu̇r, -,tu̇r] -n

  1. the blood vessels or arrangement of blood vessels in an organ or part

vas·cu·li·tis [,vas-kyə-'lī-təs] -n

  1. inflammation of a blood or lymph vessel

vas·cu·lum ['vas-kyə-ləm] -n

  1. a usu. metal and commonly cylindrical or flattened covered box used in collecting plants

vas def·er·ens ['vas-'de-fə-rənz, -,renz] -n

  1. a sperm-carrying duct esp. of a higher vertebrate that in the human male is a thick-walled tube about two feet (0.61 meters) long that begins at and is continuous with the tail of the epididymis and eventually joins the duct of the seminal vesicle to form the ejaculatory duct

vase [US oftenest 'vās; Canad usu & US also 'vāz; Brit usu, Canad also, & US sometimes 'väz] -n, adj

  1. a usu. round vessel of greater depth than width used chiefly as an ornament or for holding flowers

va·sec·to·mize [və-'sek-tə-,mīz, vā-'zek-] -vt

  1. to perform a vasectomy on

va·sec·to·my [-tə-mē] -n

  1. surgical division or resection of all or part of the vas deferens usu. to induce sterility

Vas·e·line ['va-sə-,lēn, ,va-sə-'] -trademark

  1. used for petroleum jelly

va·so·ac·tive [,vā-zō-'ak-tiv] -adj, n

  1. affecting the blood vessels esp. in respect to the degree of their relaxation or contraction

va·so·con·stric·tion [-kən-'strik-shən] -n

  1. narrowing of the lumen of blood vessels

va·so·con·stric·tive [-'strik-tiv] -adj

  1. inducing vasoconstriction

va·so·con·stric·tor [-tər] -n

  1. an agent (as a sympathetic nerve fiber or a drug) that induces or initiates vasoconstriction

va·so·di·la·tion [-dī-'lā-shən, -də-] -n

  1. widening of the lumen of blood vessels

va·so·di·la·tor [-dī-'lā-tər, -'dī-,lā-] -n

  1. an agent (as a parasympathetic nerve fiber or a drug) that induces or initiates vasodilation

va·so·mo·tor [,vā-zə-'mō-tər] -adj

  1. of, relating to, or being nerves or centers controlling the size of blood vessels

va·so·pres·sin [,vā-zō-'pre-sᵊn] -n

  1. a polypeptide hormone secreted by the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland or obtained synthetically that increases blood pressure and decreases urine flow called also antidiuretic hormone

va·so·pres·sor [-'pre-sər] -adj, n

  1. causing a rise in blood pressure by exerting a vasoconstrictor effect

va·so·spasm ['vā-zō-,spa-zəm] -n, adj

  1. sharp and often persistent contraction of a blood vessel reducing its lumen and blood flow

va·so·to·cin [,vā-zə-'tō-sᵊn] -n

  1. a polypeptide pituitary hormone of most vertebrates below mammals that has properties similar to oxytocin and vasopressin

va·so·va·gal [,vā-zō-'vā-gəl] -adj

  1. relating to, involving, or caused by action of the vagus nerve on blood vessel dilation and heart rate
    • vasovagal syncope

vas·sal ['va-səl] -n, adj

  1. a person under the protection of a feudal lord to whom he has vowed homage and fealty : a feudal tenant
  2. one in a subservient or subordinate position

vas·sal·age ['va-sə-lij] -n

  1. a position of subordination or submission (as to a political power)
  2. the state of being a vassal
  3. the homage, fealty, or services due from a vassal

vast ['vast] -adj, adv, n

  1. very great in size, amount, degree, intensity, or esp. in extent or range
    • vast knowledge
    • a vast expanse
  2. a boundless space
    • the vast of heaven -- John Milton

vas·ti·tude ['vas-tə-,tüd, -,tyüd] -n

  1. immensity, vastness

vasty ['vas-tē] -adj

  1. vast
    • call spirits from the vasty deep -- Shak.

vat ['vat] -n

  1. a large vessel (as a cistern, tub, or barrel) esp. for holding liquors in an immature state or preparations for dyeing or tanning
  2. a liquor containing a dye converted into a soluble reduced colorless or weakly colored form that on textile material steeped in the liquor and exposed to the air is converted by oxidation to the original insoluble dye and precipitated in the fiber
  3. to put into or treat in a vat

VAT -abbr

  1. value-added tax

vat dye -n

  1. a water-insoluble generally fast dye used in the form of a vat liquor called also vat color

vatdyed ['vat-'dīd] -adj

  1. dyed with one or more vat dyes

vat·ic ['va-tik] -adj

  1. prophetic, oracular

Vat·i·can ['va-ti-kən] -n, adj

  1. the papal headquarters in Rome
  2. the papal government

va·tic·i·nal [və-'ti-sə-nəl, va-] -adj

  1. prophetic

va·tic·i·nate [-sə-,nāt] -vb, n

  1. prophesy, predict

va·tic·i·na·tion [-,ti-sə-'nā-shən] -n

  1. prediction
  2. the act of prophesying

vaude·ville ['vȯd-vəl, 'väd-, 'vōd-, -,vil; 'vȯ-də-, 'vä-, 'vō-] -n, n or adj

  1. a light often comic theatrical piece frequently combining pantomime, dialogue, dancing, and song
  2. stage entertainment consisting of various acts (as performing animals, comedians, or singers)

Vau·dois [vō-'dwä, 'vō-,] -n pl

  1. waldenses

vault ['vȯlt] -n, adj

  1. an arched structure of masonry usu. forming a ceiling or roof
  2. something (as the sky) resembling a vault
  3. an arched or dome-shaped anatomical structure
    • the cranial vault
  4. a space covered by an arched structure
  5. an underground passage or room
  6. an underground storage compartment
  7. a room or compartment for the safekeeping of valuables
  8. a burial chamber
  9. a prefabricated container usu. of metal or concrete into which a casket is placed at burial
  10. to form or cover with or as if with a vault : arch
  11. to leap vigorously
  12. to execute a leap using the hands or a pole
  13. to do or achieve something as if by a leap
    • vault ed to sudden prominence
  14. to leap over
  15. to leap over by or as if by aid of the hands or a pole
  16. an act of vaulting : leap

vault·ed ['vȯl-təd] -adj

  1. built in the form of a vault : arched
  2. covered with a vault

vault·er [-tər] -n

  1. one that vaults
  2. an athlete who competes in the pole vault

vault·ing [-tiŋ] -n

  1. vaulted construction

vaulting [-tiŋ-lē] -adj, adv

  1. reaching or stretching for the heights
    • vaulting ambition
    • a vaulting imagination
  2. designed for use in vaulting or in gymnastic exercises
    • a vaulting block

vaulting horse -n

  1. a gymnastics apparatus used in vaulting that consists of a padded rectangular or cylindrical form supported in a horizontal position above the floor
  2. an event in which vaults are made over a vaulting horse

vaunt ['vȯnt, 'vänt] -vb, n, adv

  1. to make a vain display of one's own worth or attainments : brag
  2. to call attention to pridefully and often boastfully
    • people who vaunt their ingenuity
  3. a vainglorious display of what one is or has or has done
  4. a bragging assertive statement

vauntcou·ri·er [vȯnt-'ku̇r-ē-ər, vänt-, -'kər-ē-, -'kə-rē-] -n

  1. forerunner

vaunt·ed ['vȯn-təd, 'vän-] -adj

  1. highly or widely praised or boasted about
    • his own much vaunted ferocity -- Calvin Tomkins

vaunt·ful ['vȯnt-fəl, 'vänt-] -adj

  1. vainglorious, boastful

vaunty ['vȯn-tē, 'vän-] -adj

  1. proud, boastful, vain

vav ['väv, 'vȯv] -n

(variant of waw)

  1. the 6th letter of the Hebrew alphabet

vav·a·sor ['va-və-,sȯr, -,su̇r] -n

  1. a feudal tenant ranking directly below a baron

va·ward ['vau̇-,ȯrd, -,wȯrd] -n

  1. the foremost part : forefront
    • the vaward of our youth -- Shak.