I*mes"a*tin (?), n. [Imide + isatin.] (Chem.) A dark yellow,
crystalline substance, obtained by the action of ammonia on isatin.
Im"ide (?), n. (Chem.) A compound with, or derivative of, the imido
group; specif., a compound of one or more acid radicals with the imido
group, or with a monamine; hence, also, a derivative of ammonia, in
which two atoms of hydrogen have been replaced by divalent basic or
acid radicals; -- frequently used as a combining form; as, succinimide.
Im"i*do (?), a. (Chem.) Pertaining to, containing, or combined with,
the radical NH, which is called the imido group.
Imido acid, an organic acid, consisting of one or more acid radicals so
united with the imido group that it contains replaceable acid hydrogen,
and plays the part of an acid; as, uric acid, succinimide, etc., are
imido acids.
Im`it*a*bil"i*ty (?), n. [See Imitable.] The quality of being imitable.
Norris.
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Im"i*ta*ble (?), a. [L. imitabilis: cf. F. imitable. See Imitate.] 1.
Capable of being imitated or copied.
The characters of man placed in lower stations of life are more
usefull, as being imitable by great numbers.
Atterbury.
2. Worthy of imitation; as, imitable character or qualities. Sir W.
Raleigh.
Im"i*ta*ble*ness, n. The state or quality of being imitable; worthness
of imitation.
Im"i*tan*cy (?), n. [From L. imitans, p. pr. of imitare.] Tendency to
imitation. [R.] Carlyle.
Im"i*tate (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Imitated (?); p. pr. & vb. n.
Imitating (?).] [L. imitatus, p. p. of imitari to imitate; of unknown
origin. Cf. Image.] 1. To follow as a pattern, model, or example; to
copy or strive to copy, in acts, manners etc.
Despise wealth and imitate a dog.
Cowlay.
2. To produce a semblance or likeness of, in form, character, color,
qualities, conduct, manners, and the like; to counterfeit; to copy.
A place picked out by choice of best alive The Nature's work by art
can imitate.
Spenser.
This hand appeared a shining sword to weild, And that sustained an
imitated shield.
Dryden.
3. (Biol.) To resemble (another species of animal, or a plant, or
inanimate object) in form, color, ornamentation, or instinctive habits,
so as to derive an advantage thereby; sa, when a harmless snake
imitates a venomous one in color and manner, or when an odorless insect
imitates, in color, one having secretion offensive to birds.
Im"i*ta"tion (?), n. [L. imitatio: cf. F. imitation.] 1. The act of
imitating.
Poesy is an art of imitation, . . . that is to say, a representing,
counterfeiting, or figuring forth.
Sir P. Sidney.
2. That which is made or produced as a copy; that which is made to
resemble something else, whether for laudable or for fraudulent
purposes; likeness; resemblance.
Both these arts are not only true imitations of nature, but of the
best nature.
Dryden.
3. (Mus.) One of the principal means of securing unity and consistency
in polyphonic composition; the repetition of essentially the same
melodic theme, phrase, or motive, on different degrees of pitch, by one
or more of the other parts of voises. Cf. Canon.
4. (Biol.) The act of condition of imitating another species of animal,
or a plant, or unanimate object. See Imitate, v. t., 3.
Imitation is often used adjectively to characterize things which have a
deceptive appearance, simulating the qualities of a superior article;
-- opposed to real or genuine; as, imitation lace; imitation bronze;
imitation modesty, etc.
Im`i*ta"tion*al (?), a. Pertaining to, or employed in, imitation; as,
imitational propensities.
Im"i*ta*tive (?), a. [L. imitavitus: cf. F. imitatif.] 1. Inclined to
imitate, copy, or follow; imitating; exhibiting some of the qualities
or characteristics of a pattern or model; dependent on example; not
original; as, man is an imitative being; painting is an imitative art.