A"re*al (&?;), a. [Cf. L. arealis, fr. area.] Of or pertaining to an area; as, areal interstices (the areas or spaces inclosed by the reticulate vessels of leaves).
A*rear" (&?;), v. t. & i. [AS. rran. See Rear.] To raise; to set up; to stir up. [Obs.]
A*rear", adv. [See Arrear, adv.] Backward; in or to the rear; behindhand. Spenser.
||A*re"ca (&?;), n. [Canarese adiki: cf. Pg. & Sp. areca.] (Bot.) A genus of palms, one species of which produces the areca nut, or betel nut, which is chewed in India with the leaf of the Piper Betle and lime.
A*reek" (&?;), adv. & a. [Pref. a- + reek.] In a reeking condition. Swift.
Ar`e*fac"tion (&?;), n. [L. arefacere to dry.] The act of drying, or the state of growing dry.
The arefaction of the earth.
Sir M. Hale.
Ar"e*fy (&?;), v. t. [L. arere to be dry + -fly.] To dry, or make dry. Bacon.
A*re"na (&?;), n.; pl. E. Arenas (&?;); L. Arenæ (&?;). [L. arena, harena, sand, a sandy place.] 1. (Rom. Antiq.) The area in the central part of an amphitheater, in which the gladiators fought and other shows were exhibited; -- so called because it was covered with sand.
2. Any place of public contest or exertion; any sphere of action; as, the arenaof debate; the arena of life.