MERSION, m[.e]r'shun, _n._ Same as IMMERSION.
MERULIDAN, me-r[=oo]'li-dan, _n._ a bird of the thrush family (_Turdidæ_),
the typical genus of which is the MER'ULA. [_Merle_.]
MERYCISM, mer'i-sizm, _n._ rumination in the human species. [Gr.,
_m[=e]rykizein_, to chew the cud.]
MESAIL, mes'[=a]l, _n._ the vizor of a helmet, esp. when made in two parts.
MESAL, mes'al, _adj._ See MESIAL.
MÉSALLIANCE, m[=a]-zal-l[=e]-an(g)s', _n._ a marriage with a person of
lower rank or social condition. [Fr.]
MESARAIC, mes-a-r[=a]'ik, _adj._ mesenteric. [Gr. _mesos_, middle, _araia_,
the belly.]
MESEEMS, me-s[=e]mz', _v.impers._ it seems to me (used only in poetry).
[_Me_, the dative of _I_, and _seems_ used impersonally.]
MESEMBRYANTHEMUM, me-zem-bri-an'the-mum, _n._ a genus of succulent plants,
mostly belonging to South Africa. [Gr. _mes[=e]mbria_, midday--_mesos_,
middle, _h[=e]mera_, day, _anthemon_, a flower.]
MESENCEPHALON, mes-en-sef'a-lon, _n._ the mid-brain.--_adj._
MESENCEPHAL'IC.
MESENTERY, mes'en-t[.e]r-i, or mez'-, _n._ a membrane in the cavity of the
abdomen, attached to the backbone, and serving to keep the intestines in
their place.--_adj._ MESENTER'IC.--_n._ MESENTER[=I]'TIS, inflammation of
the mesentery. [L.,--Gr. _mesenterion_--_mesos_, middle, _enteron_,
intestines.]
MESFAITH, mes'f[=a]th, _n._ (_Tenn._) wrong faith, error of belief. [Fr.
_mes_--L. _mis_, wrong, and _faith_.]
MESH, mesh, _n._ the opening between the threads of a net: the threads and
knots which bound the opening: network.--_v.t._ to catch in a net: to
engage or interlock, as gear-teeth.--_v.i._ to become engaged thus.--_n._
MESH'-WORK, a network, web.--_adj._ MESH'Y, formed like network. [A.S.
_max_, a net; Ger. _masche_.]
MESIAL, m[=e]'zi-al, _adj._ pertaining to the middle: median--also MES'AL,
MES'IAN.--_advs._ MES'ALLY, MES'IALLY. [Gr. _mesos_, middle.]
MESMERISE, mez'm[.e]r-[=i]z, _v.t._ to induce an extraordinary state of the
nervous system, in which the operator is supposed to control the actions
and thoughts of the subject.--_n._ MESMEREE', one mesmerised.--_adjs._
MESMER'IC, -AL, of or relating to mesmerism.--_ns._ MESMERIS[=A]'TION;
MES'MERISER, MES'MERIST, one who mesmerises: MES'MERISM, act of
mesmerising. [From Friedrich Anton or Franz _Mesmer_, a German physician
(1733-1815), who first published his discovery in 1775.]
MESNE, m[=e]n, _adj._ intermediate: applied to a writ issued between the
beginning and end of a suit.--MESNE LORD, one who held land of a superior,
but had granted part of it to another person. [Norm. Fr. _mesne_, middle.]
MESOBLAST, mes'o-blast, _n._ the middle one of the three germinal layers of
any metazoic embryo between the epiblast and the hypoblast: the
mesoderm.--_adj._ MESOBLAS'TIC.
MESOCARP, mes'o-kärp, _n._ (_bot._) the middle one of the three layers of a
seed-vessel.
MESOCEPHALIC, mes-[=o]-s[=e]-fal'ik, _adj._ of medium breadth or
capacity--of the skull--also MESOCEPH'ALOUS.--_ns._ MESOCEPH'ALISM,
MESOCEPH'ALY.
MESODERM, mes'o-derm, _n._ Same as MESOBLAST.
MESODIC, me-sod'ik, _adj._ (_pros._) pertaining to a system of different
form intervening between a strophe and its antistrophe.
MESOGASTRIC, mes-o-gas'trik, _adj._ of or belonging to the middle of the
stomach: denoting the membrane which sustains the stomach.
MESOPHLOEUM, mes-[=o]-fl[=e]'um, _n._ (_bot._) the middle or green layer of
bark.
MESOTHORAX, mes-o-th[=o]'raks, _n._ the middle one of the three segments of
an insect's thorax.--_adj._ MESOTHORAC'IC.
MESOZOIC, mes-o-z[=o]'ik, _adj._ of the _Secondary_ geological period,
including the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous systems. [Gr. _mesos_,
middle, _z[=o][=e]_, life.]
MESPRISE, mes-pr[=i]z', _n._ (_Spens._) contempt, scorn. [O. Fr.
_mespriser_, to despise--L. _minus_, less, _preti[=a]re_, to prize.]
MESQUITE, mes'k[=e]t, mes-k[=e]t', _n._ a leguminous tree or shrub of
America, with nutritious pods. [Sp.]
MESS, mes, _n._ a mixture disagreeable to the sight or taste: a medley:
disorder: confusion.--_v.t._ to make a mess of: to muddle.--_adj._ MESS'Y,
confused, untidy. [A form of _mash_.]
MESS, mes, _n._ a dish or quantity of food served up at one time: a number
of persons who take their meals together at the same table, esp. in the
army and navy: the take of fish at one time.--_v.t._ to supply with a
mess.--_v.i._ to eat of a mess: to eat at a common table. [O. Fr. _mes_
(Fr. _mets_), a dish--L. _mitt[)e]re_, _missum_, to send, in Low L. to
place.]
MESS, mes, _n._=mass.--MESS JOHN, a domestic chaplain.
MESSAGE, mes'[=a]j, _n._ any communication sent from one person to another:
an errand: an official communication, of advice, &c., as a President's
Message in the United States.--_n._ MESS'ENGER, the bearer of a message: a
forerunner: a light scudding cloud preceding a storm: a piece of paper,
&c., blown up the string to the kite: the secretary-bird: a rope or chain
by which cables were formerly connected to the capstan when heaving up the
anchor: (_Scots law_) an officer who executes the summonses of the Court of
Session, called a MESS'ENGER-AT-ARMS.--QUEEN'S, or KING'S, MESSENGER, an
officer who carries official despatches whether at home or abroad.
[Fr.,--Low L. _missaticum_--L. _mitt[)e]re_, _missum_, to send.]
MESSIAH, mes-s[=i]'a, _n._ the anointed One, the Christ--also
MESS[=I]'AS.--_n._ MESS[=I]'AHSHIP, the character and work of Christ as the
Saviour of the world.--_adj._ MESSIAN'IC, relating to the Messiah. [Heb.
_m[=a]sh[=i]ach_, anointed--_m[=a]shach_, to anoint.]
MESSIDOR, mes-si-d[=o]r', _n._ the tenth month of the French revolutionary
calendar, June 19th-July 18th. [Fr.,--L. _messis_, harvest, Gr. _d[=o]ron_,
a gift.]
MESSIEURS, plural of _Monsieur_ (q.v.).
MESSIN, mes'in, _n._ (_Scot._) a mongrel dog, a cur.--_adj._ mongrel. [Cf.
_Mastiff_.]
MESSMATE, mes'm[=a]t, _n._ one who eats at the same table. [_Mess_ and
_mate_.]
MESSUAGE, mes'w[=a]j, _n._ (_law_) a dwelling and offices with the
adjoining lands appropriated to the household: a mansion-house and grounds.
[O. Fr.,--Low L. _messuagium_--L. _mansa_, pa.p. of _man[=e]re_, to
remain.]
MESTEE, mes-t[=e]', _n._ the offspring of a white person and a quadroon.
[Cf. Fr. _métis_, mongrel.]
MESTIZO, mes-t[=e]'z[=o], _n._ the offspring of a person of mixed Spanish
and American Indian parentage, &c. [Sp.,--L. _mixtus_--_misc[=e]re_, to
mix.]
MET, _pa.t._ and _pa.p._ of _meet_.
METABASIS, me-tab'a-sis, _n._ a change, as in treatment or remedies: a
transition.--_adj._ METABAT'IC. [Gr., _meta_, beyond, _bainein_, to go.]
METABOLISM, me-tab'o-lizm, _n._ a general term for the chemical changes of
living matter: retrograde metamorphosis, catabolism: complete
metamorphosis, as in _Diptera_, &c.--_adj._ METABOL'IC, undergoing complete
metamorphosis: polymorphic: exhibiting metabolism.--_v.t._ METAB'OLISE.
[Gr. _metabol[=e]_, change.]
METACARPAL, met-a-kär'pal, _adj._ pertaining to the part of the hand
between the wrist and the fingers, the METACAR'PUS: denoting the foreleg of
a horse between knee and fetlock joint.
METACENTRE, met-a-sen't[.e]r, _n._ that point in a floating body slightly
displaced from equilibrium through which the resultant upward pressure of
the fluid always passes.
METACHRONISM, me-tak'ron-izm, _n._ an error made by placing an event after
its real time. [Fr.,--Gr. _metachronos_--_meta_, beyond, _chronos_, time.]
METACHROSIS, met-a-kr[=o]'sis, _n._ colour-change, as of a chameleon.
METACISM. See MYTACISM.
METAGE, m[=e]t'[=a]j, _n._ measurement of coal: price of measurement.
[_Mete_.]
METAGENESIS, met-a-jen'e-sis, _n._ (_biol._) a kind of alteration of
generations in which a series of generations of unlike forms come between
the egg and the parent type.--_adj._ METAGENET'IC.
METAGNOSTIC, met-ag-nos'tik, _adj._ transcending present knowledge.--_n._
one who holds that there is a supreme being, but that he transcends
knowledge.--_n._ METAGNOS'TICISM.
METAIRIE, m[=e]-t[=a]'r[=e], _n._ a piece of land cultivated for a share of
the produce. [Fr. See METAYER.]
METAL, met'al, _n._ an opaque substance, possessing a peculiar lustre,
fusibility, conductivity for heat and electricity, &c., such as gold, &c.:
courage or spirit (now spelt _mettle_): intrinsic quality: the number and
power of guns carried by a ship-of-war: broken stones used for macadamised
roads: (_pl._) the rails of a railroad.--_v.t._ to put metal on, as a
road.--_n._ METALIC'ITY.--_adjs._ MET'ALLED, covered with metal, as a road;
METAL'LIC, pertaining to, or like, a metal: consisting of metal.--_adv._
METAL'LICALLY.--_adjs._ METALLIF'EROUS, producing or yielding metals;
METAL'LIFORM, having the form of metals: like metal; MET'ALLINE, pertaining
to a metal: consisting of, or mixed with, metal.--_ns._ MET'ALLING,
road-metal, broken stones; METALLIS[=A]'TION.--_v.t._ MET'ALLISE, to form
into metal: to give to a substance its metallic properties.--_ns._
MET'ALLIST, a worker in metals: one who is skilled in metals: an advocate
of the use of metal as currency; METAL'LOGRAPH, a print produced by
metallographic process.--_adj._ METALLOGRAPH'IC--_ns._ METALLOG'RAPHIST;
METALLOG'RAPHY, an account or description of metals: a process for
utilising metal plates in a manner similar to lithographic stones: a
process of imitating the grain of wood on metals; MET'ALLOID, one of the
metallic bases of the fixed alkalies and alkaline earths: any of the
elements which are non-metallic in the chemical sense of being able to
replace hydrogen in an acid, and thus forming a salt: one of the
inflammable non-metallic elements (sulphur, phosphorus, &c.).--_adjs._
MET'ALLOID, METALLOID'AL, pertaining to, or of the nature of, the
metalloids.--_ns._ METAL'LOPHONE, a kind of piano, having graduated metal
bars in place of strings: a musical instrument, differing from the
xylophone in having metal instead of wooden bars; MET'ALLOTHERAPY, the
treatment of disease by the external application of metals.--METALLIC
OXIDE, a compound of metal and oxygen; METALLIC SALTS, salts having a metal
or metallic oxide for base.--BASE METALS, lead, zinc, copper, iron; FUSIBLE
METAL, a metallic alloy that fuses at a very low temperature--usually of
lead, tin, and bismuth; LIGHT METALS, those whose specific gravity is less
than 5; NOBLE, or PERFECT, METALS, gold, silver, platinum, so called
because they keep their lustre when exposed to the air. [Fr.,--L.
_metallum_--Gr. _metallon_, a mine, a metal.]
METALEPSIS, met-a-lep'sis, _n._ (_rhet._) a compound figure that consists
in uniting two or more different tropes in the same word, or in so using a
word as to suggest two or three different figures by it.--_adjs._
METALEP'TIC, -AL. [Gr.]
METALLURGY, met'al-ur-ji, _n._ the art of working metals: the art of
separating metals from their ores.--_adj._ METALLUR'GIC, pertaining to
metallurgy.--_n._ MET'ALLURGIST, one who works metals: one skilled in
metallurgy. [Gr. _metallon_, a metal, _ergon_, work.]
METAMERISM, met'a-me-rizm, _n._ (_chem._) a particular form of isomerism,
seen in substances having the same molecular formula, but in which _all_
the atoms in the molecule are not directly united: (_zool._) segmentation
of the body of an animal along the primary axis, producing a series of
homologous parts.--_adjs._ MET'AM[=E]RAL, METAMER'IC.--_n._ MET'AMERE. [Gr.
_meta_, after, _meros_, a part.]
METAMORPHIC, met-a-mor'fik, _adj._ subject to change of form: (_geol._)
applied to the alteration undergone by rocks under heat, pressure, &c., so
that they assume a crystalline or semi-crystalline structure.--_ns._
METAMOR'PHISM, state or quality of being metamorphic; METAMOR'PHIST, one
who believes that the body of Christ merged into the Deity when He
ascended.--_v.t._ METAMOR'PHOSE, to transform.--_n._ METAMOR'PHOSIS, change
of shape, transformation: the frequent transformation of human beings to
beasts, stones, trees, &c.--an essential part of folklore everywhere: the
marked change which some living beings undergo in the course of their
growth, as caterpillar to insect, tadpole to frog, &c.:--_pl._
METAMOR'PHOSES. [Gr. _metamorph[=o]sis_--_meta_, expressing change,
_morph[=e]_, form.]
METAPHERY, me-taf'e-ri, _n._ (_bot._) the transposition of various floral
organs. [Gr.: see METAPHOR.]
METAPHOR, met'a-fur, _n._ a transference of meaning, the putting of one
thing for another which it only resembles, as when words are said to be
bitter: an implicit simile.--_adjs._ METAPHOR'IC, -AL, pertaining to, or
containing, metaphor: figurative.--_adv._ METAPHOR'ICALLY.--_ns._
METAPHOR'ICALNESS; MET'APHORIST.--MIXED METAPHOR, an expression in which
two or more metaphors are confused, where one only is capable of being
intelligibly evolved or conceived objectively, as Cromwell's 'God has
kindled a seed in this nation.' [Fr.,--Gr.
_metaphora_--_metapherein_--_meta_, over, _pherein_, to carry.]
METAPHRASE, met'a-fr[=a]z, _n._ a translation from one language into
another word for word--opp. to _Paraphrase_: a repartee--also
METAPH'RASIS.--_n._ MET'APHRAST, one who translates word for word.--_adj._
METAPHRAS'TIC, literal in translation. [Gr. _metaphrasis_--_meta_, over,
_phrasis_, a speaking.]
METAPHYSICS, met-a-fiz'iks, _n.sing._ the science which investigates the
first principles of nature and thought: ontology or the science of
being.--_adj._ METAPHYS'ICAL, pertaining to metaphysics; abstract.--_adv._
METAPHYS'ICALLY.--_n._ METAPHYSIC'IAN, one versed in metaphysics. [From
certain works of Aristotle to be studied after his physics--Gr. _meta_,
after, _physika_, physics--_physis_, nature.]
METAPHYTA, met-a-f[=i]'ta, _n.pl._ many-celled plants, in contrast to the
single-celled _Protophytes_.
METAPLASIA, met-a-pl[=a]'si-a, _n._ the direct conversion of one form of an
adult tissue into another--also METAP'LASIS.--_n._ MET'APLASM, a
grammatical change in a word by adding or dropping a letter. [Gr. _meta_,
over, _plasis_--_plassein_, to form.]
METAPOPHYSIS, met-a-pof'i-sis, _n._ (_anat._) a dorsolateral apophysis on
the anterior articular process of a vertebra. [Gr. _meta_, after,
_apophysis_, a process.]
METASTASIS, me-tas'ta-zis, _n._ a change in nature, form, or quality; a
change from one part to another, as a disease: (_bot._) metabolism.--_adj._
METASTAT'IC. [Gr.,--_methist[=e]mi_, I change place.]
METATARSAL, met-a-tär'sal, _adj._ belonging to the front part of the foot,
behind the toes, nearly the same as the instep in man.--_n._ METATAR'SUS.
[Gr. _meta_, beyond, _tarsos_, the flat of the foot.]
METATHESIS, me-tath'es-is, _n._ (_gram._) a change of place of the letters
or syllables of a word.--_adjs._ METATHET'IC, -AL. [Gr.,--_metatithenai_,
to transpose--_meta_, over, _tithenai_, to place.]
METATHORAX, met-a-th[=o]'raks, _n._ the third segment of an insect's
thorax.--_adj._ METATHORAC'IC.
METATOME, met'a-t[=o]m, _n._ (_archit._) the space between two dentils.
METAYER, me-t[=a]'y[.e]r, _n._ a farmer who pays, instead of money rent, a
fixed proportion of the crops.--_n._ MET[=A]'YAGE, this system. [Fr.,--Low
L. _medietarius_--L. _medietas_, the half--_medius_, middle.]
METAZOA, met-a-z[=o]'a, _n.pl._ many-celled animals possessing cellular
differentiation:--opp. to single-celled _Protozoa_.--_adjs._ METAZ[=O]'AN,
METAZ[=O]'IC.--_n.sing._ MET'AZ[=O]ON. [Gr. _meta_, after, _z[=o]on_,
animal.]
METE, m[=e]t, _v.t._ to measure.--_ns._ METE'WAND, a measuring-stick;
METE'YARD (_B._), a yard or rod for meting or measuring. [A.S. _metan_;
Ger. _messen_.]
METEMPIRIC, -AL, met-em-pir'ik, -al, _adj._ beyond or outside of
experience:--opp. to _Empirical_ or _Experiential_.--_ns._ METEMPIR'ICISM;
METEMPIR'ICIST.
METEMPSYCHOSIS, me-temp-si-k[=o]'sis, _n._ the passing of the soul after
death into some other body, whether that of a human being or of an
animal:--_pl._ METEMPSYCH[=O]'SES. [Gr.,--_meta_, expressing change,
_empsych[=o]sis_, an animating--_en_, in, _psych[=e]_, soul.]
METENSOMATOSIS, met-en-s[=o]-ma-t[=o]'sis, _n._ transference of the
elements of one body into another.
METEOR, m[=e]'te-or, _n._ one of numberless small bodies travelling through
space, continually being encountered by the earth on its orbital path, and
then revealed to our observation as aerolites, fire-balls, or
shooting-stars: formerly used of any appearance in the atmosphere, as
clouds, rain: (_fig._) anything that for a time dazzles or strikes with
wonder.--_adj._ METEOR'IC, pertaining to, or consisting of, meteors:
proceeding from a meteor: flashing like a meteor: influenced by the
weather.--_ns._ M[=E]'TEOROGRAPH, an instrument by which several
meteorological elements are recorded in combination; METEOR'OLITE,
M[=E]'TEORITE, a meteoric stone.--_adjs._ METEOROLOG'IC, -AL.--_ns._
METEOROL'OGIST; one skilled in meteorology; METEOROL'OGY, that department
of physics which treats of the phenomena of the atmosphere as regards
weather and climate.--_adj._ M[=E]'T[=E]OROUS (_Milt._), having the nature
of a meteor.--METEORIC IRON, iron as found in meteoric stones; METEORIC
SHOWERS, showers of meteors or shooting-stars; METEORIC STONES, aerolites.
[Gr. _mete[=o]ron_--_meta_, beyond, _e[=o]ra_, anything
suspended--_aeirein_, to lift.]
METER, a form of _metre_.
METER, m[=e]'t[.e]r, _n._ one who, or that which, measures, esp. an
apparatus for recording automatically the quantity of a fluid passing
through it, as in _gas-meter_, _water-meter_, &c.--_v.t._ to measure by a
meter.--_n._ M[=E]'TERAGE.--DRY METER, a gas-meter with bellows-like
apparatus and no liquid. [_Metre_.]
METHANE, meth'[=a]n, _n._ marsh-gas, the simplest hydrocarbon, found
wherever the decomposition of vegetable matter is taking place under water,
also in coal-mines, forming when mixed with air the deadly fire-damp.--_n._
METHANOM'ETER.
METHEGLIN, meth-eg'lin, _n._ mead, a fermented liquor made from
honey.--_n._ METHER (-th'-) a vessel for mead. [W. _meddyglyn_--_medd_,
mead, _llyn_, liquor.]
METHINKS, me-thingks', (_B._) METHINK'ETH, _v.impers._ it seems to me: I
think:--_pa.t._ methought (me-thawt'). [A.S. _mé thyncth_, it seems to me.
_Þyncan_, to seem, is often confused with _Þencan_, to think. Cf. Ger.
_dünken_, to seem, _denken_, to think.]
METHOD, meth'ud, _n._ the mode or rule of accomplishing an end: orderly
procedure: manner: orderly arrangement: system, rule, classification:
manner of performance: an instruction-book systematically
arranged.--_adjs._ METHOD'IC, -AL, arranged with method: disposed in a just
and natural manner: formal.--_adv._ METHOD'ICALLY.--_v.t._ METH'ODISE, to
reduce to method: to dispose in due order.--_ns._ METH'ODISM, the
principles and practice of the Methodists; METH'ODIST, one who observes
method: one of a sect of Christians founded by John Wesley (1703-91), noted
for the strictness of its discipline: one who is very strict in
religion.--_adjs._ METHODIST'IC, -AL, resembling the Methodists: strict in
religious matters.--_adv._ METHODIST'ICALLY.--_n._ METHODOL'OGY, the
science of method in scientific procedure. [Fr.,--L. _methodus_--Gr.
_methodos_--_meta_, after, _hodos_, a way.]
METHOMANIA, meth-o-m[=a]'ni-a, _n._ morbid craving for alcohol. [Gr.
_methy_, drink, _mania_, madness.]
METHOUGHT. See METHINKS.
METHUSELAH, me-th[=u]'ze-la, _n._ a patriarch said to have lived 969 years
(Gen. v. 27): any very aged person.
METHYL, meth'il, _n._ (_chem._) the name given to the hypothetical radical
of methylic alcohol or wood spirit.--_n._ METH'YLENE, a highly inflammable
and volatile liquid, obtained by the destructive distillation of
wood.--_adj._ METHYL'IC, denoting alcohol obtained by the destructive
distillation of wood.--METHYLATED SPIRIT, a mixture of nine parts of
alcohol with one of pyroxylic or wood spirit (to prevent people drinking
it), used for spirit-lamps, varnishes, &c. [Gr. _meta_, after, with,
_hyl[=e]_, wood.]
METHYSIS, meth'i-sis, _n._ (_path._) drunkenness.--_adj._ METHYS'TIC,
intoxicating. [Gr.]
METIC, met'ik, _n._ an immigrant, a resident alien. [Gr. _meta_, over,
_oikos_, a house.]
METICULOUS, m[=e]-tik'[=u]-lus, _adj._ (_arch._) timid, over
careful.--_adv._ METIC'ULOUSLY. [L. _metus_, fear.]