DIAGNOSIS, d[=i]-ag-n[=o]'sis, _n._ the distinguishing a disease by means
of its symptoms: a brief description:--_pl._ DIAGN[=O]'SES.--_v.t._
D[=I]'AGNOSE, to ascertain from symptoms, as a disease.--_adj._
D[=I]AGNOS'TIC, distinguishing: characteristic.--_n._ that by which
anything is known: a symptom.--_n.pl._ DIAGNOS'TICS, the branch of medicine
to which the skill in noting and interpreting symptoms belongs. [Gr.,
_dia_, between, _gn[=o]sis_--_gn[=o]nai_, to know.]
DIAGOMETER, d[=i]-a-gom'e-t[.e]r, _n._ a form of electroscope for
ascertaining conducting power. [Gr. _diagein_, to conduct, _metron_, a
measure.]
DIAGONAL, d[=i]-ag'o-nal, _adj._ through the corners, or from an angle to
an opposite angle of a four or many sided figure.--_n._ a straight line so
drawn.--_adv._ DIAG'ONALLY.--DIAGONAL SCALE, a scale for laying down small
fractions of the unit of measurement, the parallel lines drawn lengthwise
on its surface being divided into sections by lines drawn crosswise, and in
one end section being intersected by a series of other parallel lines drawn
obliquely at equal distances across them. [Fr.,--L. _diagonalis_, from Gr.
_diag[=o]nios_--_dia_, through, and _g[=o]nia_, a corner.]
DIAGRAM, d[=i]'a-gram, _n._ a figure or plan drawn in outline to illustrate
any statement: a record traced by an automatic indicator.--_adj._
DIAGRAMMAT'IC.--_adv._ DIAGRAMMAT'ICALLY.--_n._ D[=I]'AGRAPH, an instrument
for enabling unskilled persons to draw objects in outline.--_adj._
DIAGRAPH'IC. [L.,--Gr. _diagramma_--_dia_, round, _graphein_, to write.]
DIAHELIOTROPIC, d[=i]-a-h[=e]-li-[=o]-trop'ik, _adj._ (_bot._) turning
transversely to the light.--_n._ DIAHELIOT'ROPISM. [Gr. _dia_, across, and
_heliotropic_.]
DIAL, d[=i]'al, _n._ an instrument for showing the time of day by the sun's
shadow: a timepiece: the face of a watch or clock: a circular plate on
which a movable index shows the degree of pressure, &c.--_v.t._ to measure,
as with a dial.--_ns._ D[=I]'ALIST, a maker of dials: one skilled in
dialling; D[=I]'ALLING, the art of constructing dials: the science which
explains the measuring of time by the sun-dial: surveying by help of a
compass with sights, such as is called a 'miner's dial;' D[=I]AL-PLATE. [M.
E. _dial_--Low L. _dialis_, daily--L. _dies_, a day.]
DIALECT, d[=i]'a-lekt, _n._ a variety or form of a language peculiar to a
district: a non-literary vernacular: a peculiar manner of speaking.--_adj._
DIALECT'AL.--_adv._ DIALECT'ALLY.--_ns._ DIALECT'ICISM; DIALECTOL'OGIST;
DIALECTOL'OGY. [Through Fr. and L. from Gr. _dialektos_, speech, manner of
speech, peculiarity of speech--_dia_, between, _legein_, to speak.]
DIALECTIC, -AL, d[=i]-a-lek'tik, -al, _adj._ pertaining to dialect or to
discourse: pertaining to dialectics: logical.--_ns._ DIALEC'TIC,
DIALECT'ICS, art of discussing: that branch of logic which teaches the
rules and modes of reasoning.--_adv._ DIALEC'TICALLY.--_n._ DIALECTI'CIAN,
one skilled in dialectics, a logician. [Gr. _dialektikos_.]
DIALLAGE, d[=i]-al'a-j[=e], _n._ (_rhet._) a figure of speech by which
arguments, after having been considered from various points of view, are
all brought to bear upon one point. [Gr.]
DIALLAGE, d[=i]'al-[=a]j, _n._ a mineral nearly allied to augite, brown,
gray, or green in colour, laminated in structure, with a metallic lustre
when broken across.--_adjs._ DIALLAG'IC, DIAL'LAGOID. [Gr. _diallag[=e]_,
change--_dia_, between, _allassein_, to change--_allos_, other.]
DIALOGITE, d[=i]-al'[=o]-j[=i]t, _n._ a rose-red carbonate of
manganese--also _Rhodochrosite_.
DIALOGUE, d[=i]'a-log, _n._ conversation between two or more persons, esp.
of a formal or imaginary nature.--_v.i._ and _v.t._ (_Shak._) to put into
dialogue form.--_adjs._ DIALOG'IC, DIALOGIST'IC, -AL (-loj-), in the form
of a dialogue.--_v.i._ DIAL'OGISE ('oj-), to discourse in dialogue.--_n._
DIAL'OGIST ('oj-), a speaker in, or writer of, a dialogue. [Fr.,--L.
_dialogus_--Gr. _dialogos_, a conversation--_dialegesthai_, to discourse.]
DIALURIC, d[=i]-a-l[=u]'rik, _adj._ pertaining to alloxan and uric
acid.--_n._ DIAL[=U]'RATE, a salt of dialuric acid.
DIALYSIS, d[=i]-al'i-sis, _n._ (_chem._) the separation of substances by
diffusion through a membranous septum or partition: diæresis:
dissolution:--_pl._ DIAL'YSES.--_adj._ DIALYS'ABLE.--_v.t._ D[=I]'ALYSE, to
separate by dialysis.--_n._ D[=I]'ALYSER.--_adj._ DIALYT'IC. [Gr.
_dialysis_--_dia_, asunder, _lyein_, to loose.]
DIAMAGNETIC, d[=i]-a-mag-net'ik, _adj._ cross-magnetic--applied to any
substance, such as a rod of bismuth or glass, which, when suspended between
the poles of a magnet, arranges itself across the line joining the poles (a
rod of iron or of sealing-wax so held arranges itself parallel to the line
joining the poles, and is said to be _Paramagnetic_).--_adv._
DIAMAGNET'ICALLY.--_n._ DIAMAG'NETISM, the form of magnetic action
possessed by diamagnetic bodies: the branch of magnetism which deals with
diamagnetic phenomena. [Gr. _dia_, through, _magn[=e]t[=e]s_, _magn[=e]s_,
a magnet.]
DIAMANTIFEROUS, d[=i]-a-man-tif'er-us, _adj._ yielding diamonds. [Fr.
_diamantifère_.]
DIAMESOGAMOUS, d[=i]-a-me-sog'a-mus, _adj._ (_bot._) fertilised by
intermediary means.
DIAMETER, d[=i]-am'e-t[.e]r, _n._ the measure through or across: a straight
line passing through the centre of a circle or other figure, terminated at
both ends by the circumference.--_adjs._ DIAM'ETRAL, DIAMET'RIC, -AL, in
the direction of a diameter: pertaining to the diameter: like the opposite
ends of the diameter (as in _diametrical opposition_).--_advs._
DIAM'ETRALLY, in a diametral manner; DIAMET'RICALLY, exactly.--TACTICAL
DIAMETER, the space covered by a steamer in turning 180° out of her
original course. [Through Fr. and L. from Gr. _diametros_--_dia_, through,
_metrein_, to measure.]
DIAMOND, d[=i]'a-mond, _n._ the most valuable of all gems, and the hardest
of all substances: a four-sided figure with two obtuse and two acute
angles: one of the four suits of cards: one of the smallest kinds of
English printing type.--_adj._ resembling diamonds: made of diamonds:
marked with diamonds: lozenge-shaped, rhombic.--_ns._ D[=I]'AMOND-BEE'TLE,
a beautiful sparkling South American weevil; D[=I]'AMOND-CUT'TING,
diamond-setting; D[=I]'AMOND-DRILL, an annular borer whose bit is set with
borts; D[=I]'AMOND-DUST, D[=I]'AMOND-POW'DER, the powder made by the
friction of diamonds on one another in the course of polishing.--_adjs._
D[=I]'AMONDED, furnished with diamonds; DIAMONDIF'EROUS, yielding
diamonds.--_n._ D[=I]'AMOND-WHEEL, a wheel covered with diamond-dust and
oil for polishing diamonds and other precious stones.--DIAMOND CUT DIAMOND,
the case of an encounter between two very sharp persons.--ROUGH DIAMOND, an
uncut diamond: a person of great worth, though of rude exterior and
unpolished manners. [M. E. _adamaunt_--O. Fr. _adamant_--L. _adamanta_,
accus. of _adamas_--Gr. _adamas_, _adamantos_, adamant--_a_, not,
_damaein_, to tame.]
DIANA, di-[=a]'na, or d[=i]-an'a, _n._ an ancient Italian goddess of light,
the moon-goddess, representative of chastity and hunting, afterwards
identified with the Greek Artemis.--DIANA OF THE EPHESIANS, a goddess of
fertility worshipped at _Ephesus_.
DIANDRIA, d[=i]-an'dri-a, _n._ a class of plants in the Linnæan system
having two stamens.--_n._ DIAN'DER, a plant with two stamens.--_adjs._
DIAN'DRIAN, DIAN'DROUS. [Gr. _dis_, twice, double, _an[=e]r_, _andros_, a
man.]
DIANODAL, d[=i]-a-n[=o]'dal, _adj._ (_math._) passing through a node.
DIANOETIC, d[=i]-a-n[=o]-et'ik, _adj._ capable of thought, thinking:
belonging to the ratiocinative faculties of the mind. [Gr.
_diano[=e]tikos_--_dia_, through, _noein_, to think.]
DIANTHUS, d[=i]-an'thus, _n._ the genus of herbaceous flowers to which
carnations and pinks belong. [Gr. _dianth[=e]s_--_dis_, _di-_, two,
_anthos_, a flower.]
DIAPASON, d[=i]-a-p[=a]'zon, _n._ a whole octave: a harmony: a full volume
of various sounds in concord: correct pitch: the two foundation-stops of an
organ (_open_ and _stopped diapason_)--(_Spens._) D[=I]'APASE. [Gr. _dia_,
through, and _pas[=o]n_, gen. pl. of _pas_, all--part of the Gr. phrase,
_dia pas[=o]n chord[=o]n symph[=o]nia_, concord through all the notes.]
DIAPEDESIS, d[=i]-a-pe-d[=e]'sis, _n._ (_physiol._) the migration of white
blood-corpuscles through the walls of the blood-vessels without apparent
rupture.--_adj._ DIAPEDET'IC. [Gr., _dia_, through, _p[=e]dan_, to leap.]
DIAPENTE, d[=i]-a-pen't[=e], _n._ (_mus._) the interval of a fifth: a
composition in pharmacy of five ingredients. [Gr.]
[Illustration]
DIAPER, d[=i]'a-p[.e]r, _n._ unbleached linen cloth woven in slightly
defined figures, used for towels, &c.: a pattern for ornamentation, woven,
not coloured, in textiles: a floral or geometric pattern in low relief in
architecture, often repeated over a considerable surface.--_v.t._ to
variegate with figures, as diaper.--_n._ D[=I]'APERING. [O. Fr. _diaspre_,
_diapre_--Low L. _diasprus_--Byzantine Gr. _diaspros_, _dia_, through,
_aspros_, white.]
DIAPHANOUS, d[=i]-af'a-nus, _adj._ shining or appearing through,
transparent, clear--also DIAPHAN'IC.--_ns._ D[=I]'APHANE, a diaphanous
figured silk fabric; DIAPHANOM'ETER, an instrument for testing the
transparency of the air; DIAPHAN'OSCOPE, a darkened box for viewing
transparent positive photographs; DIAPHAN'OTYPE, a picture produced by
colouring on the back a positive lightly printed on translucent paper, and
placing this exactly over a strong duplicate print.--_adv._
DIAPH'ANOUSLY.--_ns._ DIAPH'ANOUSNESS, DIAPHAN[=E]'ITY. [Gr.
_diaphanes_--_dia_, through, and _phainein_, to show, shine.]
DIAPHONICS, d[=i]-a-fon'iks, _n._ Same as DIACOUSTICS. [Gr. _dia_, through,
_phon[=e]_, sound.]
DIAPHORETIC, d[=i]-a-fo-ret'ik, _adj._ promoting perspiration.--_n._ a
sudorific or medicine that increases perspiration.--_n._ DIAPHOR[=E]'SIS,
perspiration artificially induced. [Gr.,--_diaphorein_, to carry
off--_dia_, through, _pherein_, to bear.]
DIAPHRAGM, d[=i]'a-fram, _n._ a thin partition or dividing membrane: the
midriff, a structure separating the chest from the abdomen: a metal plate
with a central hole, for cutting off side-rays in a camera, &c.--_adjs._
DIAPHRAGMAT'IC, DIAPHRAG'MAL.--_n._ DIAPHRAGMAT[=I]'TIS, inflammation of
the diaphragm. [Gr. _diaphragma_--_dia_, across, _phragnynai_, to fence.]
DIAPHYSIS, d[=i]-af'i-sis, _n._ (_bot._) an abnormal elongation of the axis
of a flower or of an inflorescence: (_anat._) the continuity of a bone
between its two ends. [Gr. _dia_, through, _phyesthai_, to grow.]
DIAPLASIS, d[=i]-ap'la-sis, _n._ (_surg._) reduction, of a dislocation,
&c.--_adj._ DIAPLAS'TIC. [Gr.]
DIAPNOIC, d[=i]-ap-n[=o]'ik, _adj._ producing slight perspiration--also
DIAPNOT'IC--_n._ a mild diaphoretic.
DIAPOSITIVE, d[=i]-a-poz'i-tiv, _n._ a transparent photographic positive,
such as a lantern slide.
DIAPYETIC, d[=i]-a-p[=i]-et'ik, _adj._ producing suppuration.--_n._ a
medicine with this property.--_n._ DIAPY[=E]'SIS, suppuration. [Gr.]
DIARCHY, d[=i]'ar-ki, _n._ a form of government in which two persons are
jointly vested with supreme power--less correctly D[=I]'NARCHY. [Formed
from Gr. _di-_, two, _archein_, to rule.]
DIARRHOEA, DIARRHEA, d[=i]-a-r[=e]'a, _n._ a persistent purging or
looseness of the bowels.--_adjs._ DIARRHOE'AL, DIARRHOE'IC, DIARRHOET'IC
(also -RH[=E]'AL, -RH[=E]'IC, -RHET'IC). [Gr. _diarroia_--_dia_, through,
and _rhein_, to flow.]
DIARTHROSIS, d[=i]-ar-thr[=o]'sis, _n._ the general name for all forms of
articulation which admit of the motion of one bone upon another, free
arthrosis--including _Enarthrosis_, _Ginglymus_, and _Cyclarthrosis_. [Gr.]
DIARY, d[=i]'a-ri, _n._ a daily record: a journal.--_adjs._ DI[=A]'RIAL,
DI[=A]'RIAN.--_v.t._ or _v.i._ D[=I]'ARISE.--_n._ D[=I]'ARIST, one who
keeps a diary. [L. _diarium_.]
DIASCORDIUM, d[=i]-a-skor'di-um, _n._ an electuary prepared with scordium
or water-germander. [Gr. _dia_, through, and _skordion_.]
DIASKEUAST, d[=i]-as-kew'ast, _n._ a reviser: an interpolator.--_n._
DIASKEU'ASIS, reviewing. [Gr. _diaskeuazein_, to make ready--_dia_,
through, _skeuos_, a tool.]
DIASPORA, d[=i]-as'por-a, _n._ dispersion, used collectively for the
dispersed Jews after the Babylonian captivity, and also in the apostolic
age for the Jews living outside of Palestine. [Gr. _dia_, through,
_speirein_, to scatter.]
DIASPORE, d[=i]'a-sp[=o]r, _n._ a grayish, infusible hydrate of aluminium.
DIASTALTIC, d[=i]-a-stal'tik, _adj._ (_Greek mus._) dilated, extended:
bold. [Gr., _diastellein_, to expand.]
DIASTASE, d[=i]'as-t[=a]s, _n._ a peculiar ferment developed during the
germination of all seeds, which has the power of converting starch into
dextrine and then into sugar.--_adj._ DIASTAT'IC--_adv._ DIASTAT'ICALLY.
[Gr. _diastasis_, division--_dia_, through, _histanai_, _st[=e]nai_, to
stand.]
DIASTASIS, d[=i]-as'ta-sis, _n._ (_surg._) separation of bones without
fracture. [Gr.]
DIASTEMA, d[=i]-a-st[=e]'ma, _n._ a natural space between two consecutive
teeth, or series of teeth.--_adj._ DIASTEMAT'IC. [Gr.]
DIASTOLE, d[=i]-as'to-l[=e], _n._ dilation of the heart, auricles, and
arteries--opp. to _Systole_, or contraction of the same: the protracting of
a short syllable, as before a pause.--_adj._ DIASTOL'IC. [Gr.
_diastol[=e]_--_dia_, asunder, and _stellein_, to place.]
DIASTYLE, d[=i]'a-st[=i]l, _adj._ (_archit._) marked by wide
intercolumniation. [Gr.]
DIATESSARON, d[=i]-a-tes'a-r[=o]n, _n._ a harmony of the four gospels, esp.
the earliest, that of Tatian (prob. 110-180 A.D.): (_mus._) the interval of
a fourth: an electuary of four ingredients. [Gr., for _dia tessar[=o]n_,
through, or composed of four.]
DIATHERMAL, d[=i]-a-th[.e]r'mal, _adj._ letting heat through, permeable by
radiating heat--also DIATHER'MANOUS, DIATHER'MOUS, DIATHER'MIC.--_ns._
DIATHER'MANCE, -CY. [Gr. _dia_, through, _thermos_, heat.]
DIATHESIS, d[=i]-ath'e-sis, _n._ a particular condition or habit of body,
esp. one predisposing to certain diseases: a habit of mind.--_adj._
DIATHET'IC. [Gr.,--_dia_, asunder, _tithenai_, to place.]
DIATOM, d[=i]'a-tom, _n._ one of an order of microscopic unicellular algæ,
of the _Diatomaceæ_.--_adj._ DIATOM[=A]'CEOUS.--_n._ DIAT'OMITE,
diatomaceous earth. [Gr. _diatomos_--_dia_, through, _temnein_, to cut.]
DIATOMIC, d[=i]-a-tom'ik, _adj._ consisting of two atoms. [Gr. _di-_,
_dis_, two, and _atom_.]
DIATOMOUS, d[=i]-at'[=o]-mus, _adj._ having crystals with one distinct
diagonal cleavage.
DIATONIC, d[=i]-a-ton'ik, _adj._ proceeding by the tones and intervals of
the natural scale in music.--_adv._ DIATON'ICALLY. [Gr.,--_dia_, through,
_tonos_, tone.]
DIATRIBE, d[=i]'a-tr[=i]b, _n._ a continued discourse or disputation: an
invective harangue.--_n._ D[=I]'ATR[=I]BIST, a writer or utterer of such.
[Gr. _diatrib[=e]_--_dia_, through, _tribein_, to rub, wear away.]
DIB, dib, _v.i._ to dip, as in angling:--_pr.p._ dib'bing; _pa.p._ dibbed.
[A form of _dab_.]
DIB, dib, _n._ one of the small bones of a sheep's leg: (_pl._) a
children's game, played by throwing up such small bones or stones
(DIB'-STONES) from the palm and catching them on the back of the
hand--(_Scot._) _Chuckie-stanes_, or _Chucks_: (_slang_) money.
DIBASIC, d[=i]-b[=a]'sik, _adj._ having two bases: of acids, with two atoms
of hydrogen replaceable by a base or bases. [Gr. _di-_, two, and _basic_.]
DIBBLE, dib'l, _n._ a pointed tool used for making holes to put seed or
plants in--also DIBB'ER.--_v.t._ DIBB'LE, to plant with a dibble.--_v.i._
to make holes: to dip, as in angling.--_n._ DIBB'LER. [Freq. of _dib_, a
form of _dab_.]
DIBRANCHIATA, d[=i]-brang-ki-[=a]'ta, _n._ one of the two orders of
cephalopoda, having two gills.--_adj._ DIBRAN'CHIATE. [Gr._ di-_, two,
_branchia_, gills.]
DICACITY, dik-as'i-ti, _n._ raillery, pert speech.--_adj._ DIC[=A]'CIOUS.
[L. _dicax_, sarcastic.]
DICAST, DIKAST, d[=i]'kast, _n._ one of the 6000 Athenians annually chosen
to act as judges.--_n._ DICAS'TERY, their court. [Gr. _dikast[=e]s_,
_dik[=e]_, justice.]
DICATALECTIC, d[=i]-kat-a-lek'tik, _adj._ doubly catalectic, both at the
middle and end of the verse. [Gr. _di-_, double. See CATALECTIC.]
DICE, _pl._ of DIE, 2 (q.v.).--_v.i._ to play with dice.
DICE-COAL, d[=i]s'-k[=o]l, _n._ a kind of coal which readily splits into
cubical pieces.
DICENTRA, d[=i]-sen'tra, _n._ a genus of plants including the flower
Bleeding-heart (_D. spectabilis_).--Also DIEL'YTRA. [Gr. _di-_, double,
_kentron_, a point.]
DICEPHALOUS, d[=i]-sef'a-lus, _adj._ two-headed. [Gr. _dikephalos_--_di-_,
double, _kephal[=e]_, a head.]
DICHASTASIS, d[=i]-kas'ta-sis, _n._ spontaneous subdivision.--_adj._
DICHAS'TIC. [Gr.]
DICHLAMYDEOUS, d[=i]-kla-mid'[=e]-us, _adj._ having both a calyx and a
corolla.
DICHOGAMY, d[=i]-kog'a-mi, _n._ an arrangement for preventing the
self-fertilisation of hermaphrodite flowers, the stamens and stigmas
ripening at different times.--_adj._ DICHOG'AMOUS. [Gr. _dicha_, in two,
_gamos_, marriage.]
DICHORD, d[=i]'kord, _n._ an ancient two-stringed lute.
DICHOTOMY, d[=i]-kot'o-mi, _n._ a division into two parts.--_v.t._ and
_v.i._ DICHOT'OMISE.--_adj._ DICHOT'OMOUS.--_adv._ DICHOT'OMOUSLY. [Gr.,
from _dicha_, in two, and _temnein_, to cut.]
DICHROISM, d[=i]'kr[=o]-izm, _n._ the property of showing different colours
when viewed in different directions exhibited by doubly refracting
crystals.--_adjs._ DICHR[=O]'IC, DICHROIS'TIC.--_n._ D[=I]'CHROSCOPE, an
instrument for testing the dichroism of crystals.--_adj._ DICHROSCOP'IC.
DICHROMATISM, d[=i]-kr[=o]'ma-tizm, _n._ (_zool._) the quality of
presenting, in different individuals, two different colours or systems of
colouration.--_adj._ DICHROMAT'IC.
DICHROMISM, d[=i]-kr[=o]'mizm, _n._ an inability to distinguish more than
two of the primary colours.--_adj._ DICHR[=O]'MIC.
DICHT, diht, _v.t._ (_Scot._) to wipe.
DICK, dik, _n._ (_slang_) fine words, for _Dictionary_: for _Declaration_,
as 'to take one's dick,' and prob. 'up to dick' = excellent, also properly.
DICKENS, dik'enz, _n._ the deuce, the devil, as in 'What the
dickens.'--PLAY THE DICKENS WITH, to play the deuce with. [For _devil_,
confused with _Dickon_ = Richard.]
DICKER, dik'[.e]r, _n._ (_Amer._) petty trade by barter, &c.--_v.i._ to
haggle. [Prob. the obs. _dicker_, the number ten, esp. of hides or skins.]
DICKEY, DICKY, dik'i, _n._ a leathern apron for a gig, &c.: the driver's
seat in a carriage: a seat for servants at the back of a carriage: a false
shirt-front. [Perh. from _dick_, a prov. Eng. word for a leathern apron;
Prob. Dut. _dek_, a cover.]
DICKY, DICKEY, dik'i, _n._ (_East Anglian_) an ass.--_n._ DICK'Y-BIRD, a
small bird. [From _Dick_, familiar of Richard--like _Jack_, in jackass.]
DICLINIC, d[=i]-klin'ik, _adj._ (_crystal._) having two of the
intersections of the axes oblique.--Also D[=I]'CLINATE, D[=I]'CLINOUS.
DICLINOUS, d[=i]'kli-nus, _adj._ having the stamens and pistils in separate
flowers.--_n._ D[=I]'CLINISM. [Gr. _di-_, asunder, and _klin[=e]_, a bed.]
DICOCCOUS, d[=i]-kok'us, _adj._ (_bot._) formed of two cocci.
DICOELOUS, d[=i]-s[=e]'lus, _adj._ cupped or hollowed at both ends.
DICOTYLEDON, d[=i]-kot-i-l[=e]'don, _n._ a plant having two
seed-lobes.--_adj._ DICOTYL[=E]'DONOUS. [Gr. _di-_, two, and _cotyledon_.]
DICROTIC, d[=i]-krot'ik, _adj._ double-beating--also D[=I]'CROTOUS.--_n._
D[=I]'CROTISM. [Gr., _di-_, two, _krotos_, beat.]
DICTATE, dik't[=a]t, _v.t._ to tell another what to say or write: to
communicate with authority: to point out: to command--(_arch._ DICT).--_n._
an order, rule, or direction: impulse.--_ns._ DICT[=A]'TION, act, art, or
practice of dictating: overbearing command; DICT[=A]'TOR, one invested for
a time with absolute authority--originally an extraordinary Roman
magistrate:--_fem._ DICT[=A]'TRESS, DICT[=A]TRIX.--_adj._ DICTAT[=O]'RIAL,
like a dictator: absolute: authoritative.--_adv._ DICTAT[=O]'RIALLY.--_ns._
DICT[=A]'TORSHIP, DIC'TATURE.--_adj._ DIC'TATORY. [L. _dict[=a]re_,
_-[=a]tum_--_dic[)e]re_, to say.]
DICTION, dik'shun, _n._ a saying or speaking: manner of speaking or
expressing: choice of words: style. [L., from _dic[)e]re_, _dictum_, to
say.]
DICTIONARY, dik'shun-a-ri, _n._ a book containing the words of a language
alphabetically arranged, with their meanings, etymology, &c.: a lexicon: a
work containing information on any department of knowledge, alphabetically
arranged. [Low L. _dictionarium_. See DICTION.]
DICTUM, dik'tum, _n._ something said: a saying: an authoritative
saying:--_pl._ DIC'TA. [L.]
DICTYOGEN, dik'ti-o-jen, _n._ a plant with net-veined leaves. [Gr.
_diktyon_, a net; _-gen[=e]s_, producing.]
DICYNODONT, di-sin'o-dont, _n._ an extinct reptile, allied to tortoises on
one hand and mammals on the other. [Formed from Gr. _di-_, two, _cy[=o]n_,
dog, and _odous_, _odontos_, tooth.]
DID, did, DIDST, didst, _pa.t._ of DO.
DIDACHE, did'a-k[=e], _n._ the Teaching of the Twelve Apostles (see under
APOSTLE). [Gr., 'teaching.']
DIDACTIC, -AL, di-dak'tik, -al, _adj._ fitted or intended to teach:
instructive: perceptive.--_adv._ DIDAC'TICALLY.--_n._
DIDAC'TICISM.--_n.pl._ DIDACTICS, the art or science of teaching. [Gr.
_didaktikos_--_didaskein_, to teach; akin to L. _doc-[=e]re_,
_disc-[)e]re_.]
DIDACTYL, d[=i]-dak'til, _adj._ having only two digits--also
DIDAC'TYLOUS.--_n._ DIDAC'TYL, an animal with two toes only on each foot.
DIDAPPER, did'ap-[.e]r, _n._ a water-bird that is constantly dipping or
diving under water--also called the _Dabchick_. [A compound of _dive_ and
_dapper_ (which is a variant of _dipper_). See DIP and DIVE.]
DIDASCALIC, did-as-kal'ik, _adj._ didactic.
DIDDER, did'[.e]r, _v.i._ (_prov._) to shake.
DIDDLE, did'l, _v.t._ to cajole, swindle.--_n._ DIDD'LER.
DIDECAHEDRAL, d[=i]-dek-a-h[=e]'dral, _adj._ (_crystal._), having five
planes on each extremity.
DIDELPHIA, d[=i]-del'fi-a, _n.pl._ the marsupialia, or marsupial
implacental mammals, one of the three sub-classes of Mammalia.--_adjs._
DIDEL'PHIAN, DIDEL'PHIC. [Gr. _di-_, double, _delphys_, womb.]
DIDO, d[=i]'d[=o], _n._ (_slang_) an antic caper.--CUT UP DIDOES, to behave
in an extravagant way.
DIDODECAHEDRAL, d[=i]-do-dek-a-h[=e]'dral, _adj._ of a six-sided-prism,
truncated on the lateral edges, and acuminated on the extremities with six
planes.
DIDRACHMA, d[=i]-drak'ma, _n._ a double drachma.
DIDUCTION, d[=i]-duk'shun, _n._ separation by withdrawing one part from the
other.
DIDUNCULUS, di-dung'k[=u]-lus, _n._ a remarkable genus of pigeons--the
tooth-billed pigeon of Samoa.
DIDYMIUM, d[=i]-dim'i-um, _n._ a supposed element discovered in 1841, so
named from being, as it were, _twin_ brother of lanthamum.
DIDYMOUS, did'i-mus, _adj._ twin.
DIDYNAMIA, did-i-n[=a]'mi-a, _n._ a class of plants in the Linnæan system
having in the flower four stamens in pairs of unequal length.--_adjs._
DIDYN[=A]'MIAN, DIDYN'AMOUS. [Gr. _di-_, double, _dynamis_, strength.]
DIE, d[=i], _v.i._ to lose life: to perish: to wither: to languish: to
become insensible:--_pr.p._ dy'ing; _pa.t._ and _pa.p._ died
(d[=i]d).--_adj._ DIE'-AWAY', languishing.--DIE AWAY, to disappear by
degrees, become gradually inaudible; DIE GAME, to keep up one's spirit to
the last; DIE HARD, to struggle hard against death, to be long in dying;
DIE OFF, to die quickly or in large numbers; DIE OUT, to become extinct, to
disappear. [From a Scand. root seen in Ice. _deyja_, Dan. _d[ö]e_, Scot.
_dee_; akin to Mid. High Ger. _touwen_, whence Ger. _tod_, _todt_. The A.S.
word is _steorfan_, whence our _starve_.]
DIE, d[=i], _n._ a small cube used in gaming by being thrown from a box:
any small cubical body: hazard:--_pl._ DICE (d[=i]s).--_n._
DICE'-BOX.--_adj._ DICED, ornamented with square or diamond-shaped
figures.--_ns._ DICE'-PLAY; DICE'-PLAY'ER, D[=I]'CER;
D[=I]'CING-HOUSE.--THE DIE IS CAST, the question is decided. [O. Fr. _det_,
pl. _dez_ (Prov. _dat_, It. _dado_), from Low L. _dadus_--L. _d[=a]tus_,
given or cast (_talus_, a piece of bone used in play, being understood).
Doublets, _dado_, _date_.]
DIE, d[=i], _n._ a stamp for impressing coin, &c.: the cubical part of a
pedestal:--_pl._ DIES (d[=i]z).--_ns._ DIE'-SINK'ER; DIE'-SINK'ING, the
engraving of dies; DIE'-STOCK, a contrivance for holding the dies used in
screw-cutting; DIE'-WORK, ornamentation of a metal surface by impressions
with a die. [See above.]
DIEB, d[=e]b, _n._ a jackal of northern Africa.
DIEGESIS, d[=i]-e-j[=e]'sis, _n._ (_rhet._) in an oration, the narration of
the facts. [Gr.]
DIELECTRIC, d[=i]-e-lek'trik, _adj._ non-conducting: transmitting electric
effects without conducting.--_n._ a substance through which electric force
acts. [Gr. _dia_, through, and _electric_.]
DIELYTRA, d[=i]-el'i-tra, _n._ an erroneous name for _dicentra_.
DIESIS, d[=i]'e-sis, _n._ (_mus._) the difference in tone between a major
and a minor semitone: (_print._) the double dagger (++).
DIES IRÆ, d[=i]'[=e]z [=i]'r[=e], _n._ the name given (from the opening
words) to a famous hymn on the last judgment (_c._ 1250 A.D.). [L., 'day of
wrath.']
DIES NON, d[=i]'[=e]z non, a day on which law courts may not be held. [From
L. _dies non juridicus_, same as _dies nefastus_, an unlawful day.]
DIET, d[=i]'et, _n._ mode of living, with especial reference to food: food
prescribed by a physician: allowance of provisions.--_v.t._ to furnish with
food.--_v.i._ to eat: to take food according to rule.--_n._ DIET[=A]'RIAN,
one who observes prescribed rules for diet.--_adj._ D[=I]'ETARY, pertaining
to diet or the rules of diet.--_n._ course of diet: allowance of food, esp.
in large institutions.--_ns._ D[=I]'ET-DRINK, medicated liquor; D[=I]'ETER
(_Shak._), one who diets or prepares food by rule.--_adjs._ DIETET'IC, -AL,
pertaining to diet.--_adv._ DIETET'ICALLY.--_ns._ DIETET'ICS, rules for
regulating diet; DIETET'IST, one who lays stress on diet; D[=I]'ETIST, an
authority on diet. [Fr. _diète_--Low L. _diæta_--Gr. _diaita_, mode of
living, diet.]
DIET, d[=i]'et, _n._ an assembly of princes and delegates, the chief
national council in several countries in Europe: (_Scots law_) the
proceedings under a criminal libel: a clerical or ecclesiastical function
in Scotland, a _diet of worship_.--_n._ D[=I]'ETINE, a minor or local
diet.--DESERT THE DIET, to abandon criminal proceedings under a particular
libel--in Scotch usage. [O. Fr. _diete_--Low L. _diæta_--Gr. _diaita_; or
acc. to Littré, from L. _dies_, a (set) day, with which usage cf. Ger.
_tag_, a day, _reichstag_.]
DIFFARREATION, di-far-[=e]-[=a]'shun, _n._ the parting of a cake of
spelt--a ceremony at a Roman divorce. [L.]
DIFFER, dif'[.e]r, _v.i._ to be unlike, distinct, or various (used by
itself, or followed by _with_, _from_, _to_): to disagree (with _from_,
_with_): to fall out, dispute (_with_):--_pr.p._ diff'ering; _pa.p._
diff'ered.--_ns._ DIFF'ERENCE, DIFF'ERENCY (_Shak._), dissimilarity: the
quality distinguishing one thing from another: a contention or quarrel: the
point in dispute: the excess of one quantity or number over another:
(_her._) the modification of an achievement of arms to indicate the
wearer's relation to the head of the house, as by marks of cadency.--_v.t._
to make a difference between things.--_adj._ DIFF'ERENT, distinct:
separate: unlike: not the same (with _from_, not _to_).--_n._ DIFFEREN'TIA
(_logic_), the characteristic quality or attribute of a species.--_adj._
DIFFEREN'TIAL, creating a difference: special: (_math._) pertaining to a
quantity or difference infinitely small (see CALCULUS).--_adv._
DIFFEREN'TIALLY.--_v.t._ DIFFEREN'TI[=A]TE, to make different: to create a
difference between: to classify as different.--_v.i._ to become different
by specialisation: (_math._) to obtain the differential or differential
coefficient of.--_n._ DIFFERENTI[=A]'TION, the act of distinguishing or
describing a thing by giving its differentia: exact definition: a change by
which organs or structures become specialised or modified: (_math._) the
act or process of differentiating.--_adv._ DIFF'ERENTLY.--DIFFERENTIAL
GEAR, gear for communicating differential motion; DIFFERENTIAL MOTION, an
apparatus by which the difference of two velocities is communicated, as in
the DIFFERENTIAL SCREW, a combination of male and female screws;
DIFFERENTIAL THERMOMETER, a thermometer for marking minute differences of
temperature. [L. _differre_--_dif_ (= _dis_), apart, _ferre_, to bear.]
DIFFICULT, dif'i-kult, _adj._ not easy: hard to be done: requiring labour
and pains: hard to please: not easily persuaded.--_adv._
DIFF'ICULTLY.--_n._ DIFF'ICULTY, laboriousness: obstacle: objection: that
which cannot be easily understood or believed: embarrassment of affairs: a
quarrel. [The adj. was formed from _difficulty_, in place of the old form
_difficile_. Fr. _difficulté_--L. _difficultas_ =
_difficilitas_--_difficilis_--_dif_ (= _dis_), neg., and _facilis_, easy.]
DIFFIDENT, dif'i-dent, _adj._ wanting faith in: distrustful of one's self:
modest: bashful.--_n._ DIFF'IDENCE, want of confidence: want of
self-reliance: modesty: bashfulness.--_adv._ DIFF'IDENTLY. [L., pr.p. of
_diffid[)e]re_, to distrust--_dif_ (= _dis_), neg., _f[=i]d[)e]re_, to
trust--_f[)i]des_, faith.]
DIFFLUENT, dif'loo-ent, _adj._ tending to flow away readily.
DIFFORM, dif'orm, _adj._ not uniform, irregular in form.--_n._ DIFFOR'MITY.
DIFFRACT, dif-frakt', _v.t._ to break or separate into parts, as rays of
light.--_n._ DIFFRAC'TION, a name for certain phenomena connected with
light passing through a narrow opening or by the edge of an opaque body:
the spreading of the rays, with interference phenomena, coloured and
other.--_adj._ DIFFRAC'TIVE.--_n._ DIFFRANGIBIL'ITY.--_adj._ DIFFRAN'GIBLE.
[L. _diffring[)e]re_, _diffractum_--_dis_, asunder, _frang[)e]re_, to
break.]
DIFFUSE, dif-[=u]z', _v.t._ to pour out all round: to send out in all
directions: to scatter: to circulate: to publish.--_v.i._ to spread, as a
liquid does.--_pa.p._ and _adj._ DIFFUSED', spread widely: loose.--_adv._
DIFFUS'EDLY.--_ns._ DIFFUS'EDNESS; DIFFUS'ER; DIFFUSIBIL'ITY.--_adj._
DIFFUS'IBLE, that may be diffused.--_ns._ DIFF[=U]'SION, a spreading or
scattering abroad: extension: distribution: in the case of gases or liquids
in contact, mixture through each other; DIFF[=U]'SION-TUBE, an instrument
for determining the rate of diffusion for different gases.--_adj._
DIFFUS'IVE, extending: spreading widely.--_adv._ DIFFUS'IVELY.--_n._
DIFFUS'IVENESS. [L. _diffund[)e]re_, _diff[=u]sum_--_dif_ (= _dis_),
asunder, _fund[)e]re_, to pour out.]
DIFFUSE, dif-[=u]s', _adj._ diffused: widely spread: wordy: not
concise.--_adv._ DIFFUSE'LY.--_n._ DIFFUSE'NESS.
DIG, dig, _v.t._ to excavate: to turn up the earth: to cultivate with a
spade: to poke or thrust, as one's elbow into another's side, or spurs into
a horse.--_v.i._ to till the ground; to occupy one's self in digging;
(_U.S. slang_) to study hard:--_pr.p._ dig'ging; _pa.t._ and _pa.p._ dug,
(_B._) digged.--_n._ a thrust, a poke: (_U.S. slang_) a hard
student.--_adj._ DIG'GABLE, that may be dug.--_n._ DIG'GER, a person or
animal that digs: a machine for digging, as a _steam-digger_.--_n.pl._
DIG'GINGS, places where mining is carried on, esp. for gold: (_slang_,
orig. American) lodgings, rooms.--DIG IN, to cover over by digging: to work
hard; DIG OUT (_U.S. slang_), to decamp.--DIGGER INDIANS, degraded Indian
tribes of California and Nevada, who live by digging roots. [Prob. O. Fr.
_diguer_, to dig; of Teut. origin.]
DIGAMMA, d[=i]-gam'ma, _n._ an obsolete letter of the Greek alphabet,
having the force of our W. [So called from its form ([Digamma]), like one
capital [Gamma] (gamma) placed over another.]
DIGAMY, dig'a-mi, _n._ a second marriage.--_n._ DIG'AMIST.--_adj._
DIG'AMOUS (_bot._), androgynous. [Gr. _dis_, twice, and _gamos_, marriage.]
DIGASTRIC, d[=i]-gas'trik, _adj._ double-bellied, or fleshy at each end, as
is one of the muscles of the lower jaw. [Gr. _di-_, double, _gast[=e]r_,
the belly.]
DIGENESIS, d[=i]-jen'e-sis, _n._ reproduction by two methods, a sexual
followed by an assexual.--_adj._ DIGENET'IC.
DIGEST, di-jest', _v.t._ to dissolve food in the stomach: to soften by heat
and moisture: to distribute and arrange: to prepare or classify in the
mind: to think over.--_v.i._ to be dissolved in the stomach: to be softened
by heat and moisture.--_adv._ DIGEST'EDLY.--_n._ DIGEST'ER, one who
digests: a close vessel in which by heat and pressure strong extracts are
made from animal and vegetable substances.--_n._ DIGESTIBIL'ITY.--_adj._
DIGEST'IBLE, that may be digested.--_n._ DIGES'TION, the dissolving of the
food in the stomach: orderly arrangement: exposing to slow heat,
&c.--_adj._ DIGEST'IVE, pertaining to digestion: promoting
digestion.--_adv._ DIGEST'IVELY. [L. _diger[)e]re_, _digestum_, to carry
asunder or dissolve--_di_ (= _dis_), asunder, and _ger[)e]re_, to bear.]
DIGEST, d[=i]'jest, _n._ a body of laws collected and arranged, esp. the
Justinian code of civil laws. [L. _digesta_, neut. pl. of _digestus_, pa.p.
of _diger[)e]re_, to carry apart, to arrange.]
DIGHT, d[=i]t, _adj._ disposed, adorned.--_adv._ finely.--Also DIGHT'LY.
[A.S. _dihtan_, to arrange, prescribe, from L. _dict[=a]re_, to dictate,
whence Ger. _dichten_, to write poetry, and the Scotch verb _dight_, to
dress, used of stones, flour, &c.]
DIGIT, dij'it, _n._ a finger's breadth or ¾ inch: from the habit of
counting on the fingers, any one of the nine numbers: the twelfth part of
the diameter of the sun or moon.--_adj._ DIG'ITAL, pertaining to the
fingers.--_n._ finger: a key of a piano, &c.--_ns._ DIGIT[=A]'LIA,
DIG'ITALINE, DIG'ITALIN, the active principles of digitalis; DIGIT[=A]'LIS,
a genus of plants, including the foxglove; DIGIT[=A]'RIA, a genus of
grasses with digitate spikes.--_adjs._ DIGITATE, -D, consisting of several
finger-like sections.--_adv._ DIG'ITATELY.--_n._ DIGIT[=A]'TION,
finger-like arrangement: a finger-like process.--_adj._ DIGIT'IFORM, formed
like fingers; DIG'ITIGRADE, walking on the toes.--_n._ an animal that walks
on its toes, as the lion--opp. to _Plantigrade_.--_ns._ DIG'ITIGRADISM;
DIGIT[=O]'RIUM, a small portable instrument used for making the fingers
flexible for piano-playing. [L. _digitus_, a finger or toe, akin to Gr.
_daktylos_.]
DIGLYPH, d[=i]'glif, _n._ (_archit._) an ornament consisting of a double
groove.
DIGNIFY, dig'ni-f[=i], _v.t._ to invest with honour: to exalt:--_pr.p._
dig'nifying; _pa.p._ dig'nified.--_n._ DIGNIFIC[=A]'TION.--_adj._
DIG'NIFIED, marked with dignity: exalted: noble: grave. [Low L.
_dignific[=a]re_--_dignus_, worthy, _fac[)e]re_, to make.]
DIGNITY, dig'ni-ti, _n._ the state of being dignified: elevation of mind or
character: grandeur of mien: elevation in rank, place, &c.: degree of
excellence: preferment: high office: a dignitary.--_n._ DIG'NITARY, one in
a dignified position or rank, esp. in the church. [Fr. _dignité_--L.
_dignitas_--_dignus_, worthy.]
DIGRAPH, d[=i]'graf, _n._ two letters expressing but one sound, as _ph_ in
_digraph_. [Gr. _di-_, twice, _graph[=e]_, a mark, a character--_graphein_,
to write.]
DIGRESS, di-gres', _v.i._ to step aside or go from the main subject: to
introduce irrelevant matter.--_n._ DIGRES'SION, a going from the main
point: a part of a discourse not upon the main subject.--_adjs._
DIGRES'SIONAL, DIGRESS'IVE, of the nature of a digression: departing from
the main subject.--_adv._ DIGRESS'IVELY. [L. _digredi_, _digressus_--_di_,
aside, _gradi_, to step. See GRADE.]
DIGYNIA, d[=i]-jin'i-a, _n._ an order of plants having in the flower two
styles or a deeply cleft style.--_adjs._ DIGYN'IAN, DIG'YNOUS. [Gr. _dis_,
twice, and _gyn[=e]_, a woman.]
DIHEDRAL, d[=i]-h[=e]'dral, _adj._ having two sides, or two plane
faces--also DI[=E]'DRAL.--_n._ DIH[=E]'DRON. [Gr. _di-_, two, _hedra_, a
seat.]
DIHEXAGONAL, d[=i]-heks-ag'[=o]-nal, _adj._ twelve-sided.
DIHEXAHEDRAL, d[=i]-heks-a-h[=e]'dral, _adj._ pertaining to a six-sided
prism having three planes on the extremities.--_n._ DIHEXAH[=E]'DRON.
DIJUDICATE, d[=i]-j[=oo]'di-k[=a]t, _v.t._ and _v.i._ to judge between two:
to decide.--_n._ DIJUDIC[=A]'TION. [L. _di_, asunder, and _judic[=a]re_,
judge.]
DIKE, d[=i]k, _n._ a trench, or the earth dug out and thrown up: a ditch: a
mound raised to prevent inundation: in Scotland, a wall (_Dry-stane dike_,
a wall without mortar; _Fail-dike_, a wall of turf), sometimes even a
thorn-hedge: (_geol._) a wall-like mass of igneous rock in the fissures of
stratified rocks.--_v.t._ to surround with a dike or bank. [A.S. _díc_;
Dut. _dijk_, Ger. _teich_, a pond; perh. conn. with Gr. _teichos_, a wall
or rampart. See DIG, _Ditch_.]
DILACERATE, di-las'[.e]r-[=a]t, _v.t._ to rend or tear asunder.--_n._
DILACER[=A]'TION. [L. _di_, asunder, and _lacerate_.]
DILAPIDATE, di-lap'i-d[=a]t, _v.t._ to pull stone from stone: to lay waste:
to suffer to go to ruin.--_adj._ DILAP'IDATED, in ruins.--_ns._
DILAPID[=A]'TION, the state of ruin: impairing of church property during an
incumbency: (_pl._) money paid at the end of an incumbency by the incumbent
or his heirs for the purpose of putting the parsonage, &c. in good repair
for the succeeding incumbent; DILAP'IDATOR. [L. _dilapid[=a]re_--_di_,
asunder, _lapis_, _lapidis_, a stone.]
DILATE, di-l[=a]t', _v.t._ to spread out in all directions: to enlarge: the
opposite of _contract_.--_v.i._ to widen: to swell out: to speak at
length.--_ns._ DIL[=A]TABIL'ITY, DIL[=A]T'ANCY, DILAT[=A]'TION,
DIL[=A]'TION, expansion.--_adjs._ DIL[=A]T'ABLE, that may be dilated or
expanded; DIL[=A]'TANT.--_ns._ D[=I]'LAT[=A]TOR, DIL[=A]T'OR,
DIL[=A]T'ER.--_adj._ DIL[=A]T'IVE. [L. _dilatus_ (used as pa.p. of
_differre_), from _di_ (= _dis_), apart, and _latus_, borne.]
DILATORY, dil'a-tor-i, _adj._ slow: given to procrastination: loitering:
tending to delay.--_adv._ DIL'ATORILY.--_n._ DIL'ATORINESS. [L.
_dilatorius_, extending or putting off (time). See DILATE.]
DILEMMA, di-lem'a, _n._ a form of argument in which the maintainer of a
certain proposition is committed to accept one of two alternative
propositions each of which contradicts his original contention: a position
where each of two alternative courses (or of all the feasible courses) is
eminently undesirable: a trying practical difficulty. The argument was
called a 'horned syllogism,' and the victim compared to a man certain to be
impaled on one or other of the horns of an infuriated bull, hence the HORNS
OF A DILEMMA: the usual phrase LANDED IN A DILEMMA is, or suggests, a mixed
metaphor.--_adj._ DILEMMAT'IC. [L.,--Gr. _dil[=e]mma_--_di-_, twice,
double, _l[=e]mma_, an assumption--_lambanein_, to take.]
DILETTANTE, dil-et-an'te, _n._ one who loves the fine arts, but in a
superficial way and without serious purpose (the _amateur_ usually
practises them): a dabbler in art, science, or literature:--_pl._
DILETTAN'TI ('T[=E]).--_adj._ DILETTAN'TISH.--_ns._ DILETTAN'TISM,
DILETTAN'TEISM. [It., pr.p. of _dilettare_, to take delight in--L.
_delect[=a]re_, to delight.]
DILIGENT, dil'i-jent, _adj._ steady and earnest in application:
industrious.--_n._ DIL'IGENCE, steady application: industry: (_Scots law_)
a warrant to produce witnesses, books, &c., or a process by which persons
or goods are attached: a French or continental stage-coach (also pronounced
d[=e]-l[=e]-zhongs)--also DILL'Y.--_adv._ DIL'IGENTLY. [Fr.,--_diligens_,
_-entis_, pr.p. of L. _dilig[)e]re_, to choose.]
DILL, dil, _n._ an umbelliferous annual, the seeds used in medicine.--_n._
DILL'-WA'TER, a stomachic and carminative. [A.S. _dile_; Ger. and Sw.
_dill_.]
DILLING, dil'ing, _n._ a darling: the youngest child, the weakling of a
litter.
DILLY-BAG, dil'i-bag, _n._ an Australian native-made rush or
bark-bag.--Also DILL'I, DILL'Y.
DILLY-DALLY, dil'i-dal'i, _v.i._ to loiter, trifle. [A kind of
reduplication of _dally_. Cf. SHILLY-SHALLY.]
DILOGY, dil'[=o]-ji, _n._ repetition: intentional ambiguity.--_adj._
DILOG'ICAL.
DILUCIDATE, di-l[=u]'si-d[=a]t, _v.t._ (_obs._) to elucidate.--_adj._
DIL[=U]'CID.--_n._ DILUCID[=A]'TION.
DILUTE, dil-[=u]t', _v.t._ to make thinner or more liquid: to diminish the
strength, flavour, &c. of, by mixing, esp. with water.--_v.i._ to become
mixed.--_adj._ diminished in strength by mixing with water.--_adj._
DIL'UENT, diluting.--_n._ that which dilutes.--_ns._ DILUTE'NESS;
DIL[=U]'TION. [L. _dilu[)e]re_, _dil[=u]tum_--_di_, away from, _lu[)e]re_,
to wash.]
DILUVIUM, dil-[=u]'vi-um, _n._ an inundation or flood: (_geol._) a deposit
of sand, gravel, &c. made by extraordinary currents of water--also
DIL[=U]'VION.--_adjs._ DIL[=U]'VIAL, DIL[=U]'VIAN, pertaining to a flood,
esp. that in the time of Noah: caused by a deluge: composed of
diluvium.--_n._ DIL[=U]'VIALIST, one who explains geological phenomena by
the Flood. [L. _diluvium_--_dilu[)e]re_.]
DIM, dim, _adj._ not bright or distinct: obscure: mysterious: not seeing
clearly.--_v.t._ to make dark: to obscure.--_v.i._ to become dim:--_pr.p._
dim'ming; _pa.p._ dimmed.--_adv._ DIM'LY.--_adj._ DIM'MISH, somewhat
dim.--_n._ DIM'NESS. [A.S. _dim_; akin to Ice. _dimmr_, dark, and Ger.
_dämmerung_, twilight.]
DIME, d[=i]m, _n._ the tenth part of an American dollar, 10 cents, nearly
equal to 5d.--DIME MUSEUM, a cheap show; DIME NOVEL, a cheap novel, usually
sensational. [Fr., orig. _disme_, from L. _decima_ (_pars_, a part, being
understood), a tenth part.]
DIMENSION, di-men'shun, _n._ usually in _pl._, measure in length, breadth,
and thickness (the three dimensions of space): extent: size.--_adjs._
DIMEN'SIONAL, concerning dimension (one-dimensional, two-dimensional,
three-dimensional space = space of one, two, three dimensions);
DIMEN'SIONED, having dimension; DIMEN'SIONLESS.--DIMENSION WORK, masonry in
stones of specified size.--FOURTH DIMENSION, an additional dimension
attributed to space by a hypothetical speculation. [Fr.,--L.
_dimensio_--_dimet[=i]ri_, _dimensus_--_di_(= _dis_), apart, _met[=i]ri_,
to measure.]
DIMEROUS, dim'e-rus, _adj._ consisting of two parts: (_bot._) with two
members in each whorl: (_entom._) having two-jointed tarsi.--_n._
DIM'ERISM. [Gr., _di-_, double, _meros_, a part.]
DIMETER, dim'e-t[.e]r, _adj._ containing two metres or measures.--_n._ a
verse of two measures. [L.,--Gr. _dimetros_--_di-_, twice, _metron_, a
measure.]
DIMETHYLANILINE, di-meth-il-an'i-lin, _n._ an oily liquid: aniline heated
with methyl alcohol and hydrochloric acid--from which dyes are obtained.
[L. _di-_, twice, _methyl_, and _aniline_.]
DIMETRIC, d[=i]-met'rik, _adj._ (_crystal._) tetragonal.
DIMIDIATE, di-mid'i-[=a]t, _adj._ divided into halves: having a shape that
appears as if halved.--_v.t._ (_her._) to represent the half of.--_n._
DIMIDI[=A]'TION. [L. _dimidi[=a]re_, _-[=a]tum_, to halve--_dimidius_;
half--_dis_, twice, _medius_, the middle.]
DIMINISH, di-min'ish, _v.t._ to make less: to take a part from: to
degrade.--_v.i._ to grow or appear less: to subside.--_adj._
DIMIN'ISHABLE.--_p.adj._ DIMIN'ISHED, made smaller, humbled: (_mus._)
lessened by a half-step, as an interval.--_adv._ DIMIN'ISHINGLY. [Coined by
adding _di_ to the word _minish_, an imitation of L. _diminu[)e]re_--_di_ =
_dis_, apart, _minu[)e]re_, to make less.]
DIMINUENDO, di-min-[=u]-en'd[=o], _adv._ (_mus._) a direction to let the
sound die away, marked thus [Diminuendo symbol]. [It.,--L. _diminuendus_,
fut. part. pass. of _diminu[)e]re_, _dimin[=u]tum_, to lessen.]
DIMINUTION, dim-in-[=u]'shun, _n._ a lessening: degradation.--_adj._
DIMIN'UTIVE, of a diminished size: small: contracted.--_n._ (_gram._) a
word formed from another to express a little one of the kind.--_adv._
DIMIN'UTIVELY.--_n._ DIMIN'UTIVENESS.
DIMISSORY, dim'is-or-i, _adj._ sending away or giving leave to depart to
another jurisdiction. [L. _dimissorius_--_dimitt[)e]re_, _dimissum_.]
DIMITY, dim'i-ti, _n._ a kind of stout white cotton cloth, striped or
figured in the loom by weaving with two threads. [Through the L., from Gr.
_dimitos_--_di-_, twice, _mitos_, a thread.]
DIMORPHISM, d[=i]-mor'fizm, _n._ (_bot._) a state in which two forms of
flower, leaf, &c. are produced by the same species of plant: the property
of crystallising in two forms.--_adjs._ DIMOR'PHIC, DIMOR'PHOUS. [Gr.
_di-_, twice, _morph[=e]_, form.]
DIMPLE, dim'pl, _n._ a small hollow: a small natural depression on the
face.--_v.i._ to form dimples.--_v.t._ to mark with dimples.--_p.adj._
DIM'PLED.--_n._ DIM'PLEMENT.--_adj._ DIM'PLY. [Dim. of _dip_, with inserted
_m_. Another dim. is _dapple_.]
DIMYARIAN, dim-i-[=a]'ri-an, _adj._ double-muscled (of bivalve shells like
the clam)--also DIM'YARY.--_n.pl._ DIMY[=A]'RIA. [Gr. _di-_, two, _mys_, a
muscle.]
DIN, din, _n._ a loud continued noise.--_v.t._ to assail (the ears) with
noise: to annoy with clamour: to obtrude noisily (as to din one's
complaints into their ears):--_pr.p._ din'ning; _pa.p._ dinned.--_adj._
DIN'FUL. [A.S. _dyn_, _dyne_; cf. Ice. _dynr_, Dan. _dön_, noise.]
DINANDERIE, d[=e]-nong'de-r[=e], _n._ domestic utensils of copper, esp.
such as are quaint and artistic--applied also to Indian and Levantine
brass-ware. [Fr., from _Dinant_ in Belgium.]
DINAR, d[=e]-när', _n._ an ancient Arab gold coin of 65 grains weight. [L.
_denarius_.]
DINARCHY. See DIARCHY.
DINDLE. See DINNLE.
DINE, d[=i]n, _v.i._ to take dinner.--_v.t._ to give a dinner to.--_n._
(_obs._) dinner-time.--_ns._ DIN'ER-OUT, one who goes much to
dinner-parties; DINETTE', a preliminary dinner, luncheon; DIN'ING-HALL;
DIN'ING-ROOM; DIN'ING-T[=A]'BLE.--DINE OUT, to dine elsewhere than at home;
DINE WITH DUKE HUMPHREY, to go without a meal, like those who, unable to
procure a dinner, loitered about Duke Humphrey's Walk in Old St Paul's. [O.
Fr. _disner_ (Fr. _dîner_)--Low L. _disjun[=a]re_, for _disjejun[=a]re_, to
break one's fast--L. _dis-_, and _jejunus_, fasting (cf. _Déjeuner_).
Others explain _disnare_ as from _decen[=a]re_--L. _de_, inten., and
_cen[=a]re_, to dine.]
DING, ding, _v.t._ to throw, dash, or hurl: to beat: (_arch._) to urge or
enforce: (_Scot._) to defeat, non-plus--also, as _v.i._, to be defeated: to
descend, fall, as of continued heavy rain or snow falling.--DING DOUN
(_Scot._), to knock or throw down. [M. E. _dingen_; cf. Ice. _dengja_, Sw.
_dänga_, to bang.]
DING, ding, _v.i._ to ring, keep sounding.--_v.t._ to reiterate to a
wearisome degree.--_n._ DING'-DONG, the sound of bells ringing: monotony:
sameness. [Imit. Cf. RING.]
DINGLE, ding'gl, _n._ a little hollow or narrow valley. [Prob. conn. with
_dimple_ and _dip_.]
DINGLE-DANGLE, ding'gl-dang'gl, _adv._ hanging loose: swinging backwards
and forwards. [A duplication of DANGLE.]
DINGO, ding'g[=o], _n._ the native dog of Australia.
DINGY, DINGEY, ding'gi, _n._ the smallest ship's boat: in India, a canoe.
[Beng. _ding[=i]_, a boat.]
DINGY, din'ji, _adj._ of a dim or dark colour: dull: soiled.--_n._
DIN'GINESS. [Acc. to Skeat = _dungy_.]
DINIC, din'ik, _adj._ relating to vertigo or dizziness.--_n._ a remedy for
dizziness. [Gr. _dinos_, whirling.]
DINK, dingk, _adj._ (_Scot._) braw, trim.--_v.t._ to dress neatly.
DINMONT, din'mont, _n._ a Border name for a wether between the first and
second shearing.
DINNER, din'[.e]r, _n._ the chief meal of the day: a feast.--_ns._
DINNERETTE', a little dinner; DINN'ER-HOUR.--_adj._ DINN'ERLESS.--_ns._
DINN'ER-T[=A]'BLE; DINN'ER-TIME; DINN'ER-WAG'ON, a set of light movable
shelves for a dining-room. [O. Fr. _disner_, prop. breakfast. See DINE.]
DINNLE, din'l, _v.i._ (_Scot._) to tingle.--_n._ a thrill.--Also DIN'DLE.
DINOCERAS, d[=i]-nos'er-as, _n._ an extinct genus of mammals found in
Wyoming, approaching the elephant in size, and named from three pairs of
osseous protuberances on the skull. [Formed from Gr. _deinos_, terrible,
_keras_, horn.]
DINORNIS, d[=i]-nor'nis, _n._ a genus of large extinct birds, the bones of
which are found in New Zealand. [Formed from Gr. _deinos_, terrible, and
_ornis_, a bird.]
DINOSAUR, d[=i]'no-sawr, _n._ a gigantic extinct reptile, which attained a
length of eighty feet. [Formed from Gr. _deinos_, terrible, and _sauros_,
lizard.]
DINOTHERIUM, d[=i]-no-th[=e]'ri-um, _n._ an extinct animal of huge size,
with elephant-like tusks and trunk. [Gr. _deinos_, terrible, _th[=e]rion_,
a beast.]
DINT, dint, _n._ a blow or stroke: the mark of a blow (often DENT): force:
power (as in 'by dint of').--_v.t._ to make a dint in. [A.S. _dynt_, a
blow; Scot. _dunt_, a blow with a dull sound, Ice. _dyntr_.]
DIOCESE, d[=i]'[=o]-s[=e]s, _n._ the circuit or extent of a bishop's
jurisdiction.--_adj._ DIOCESAN (d[=i]-os'es-an, or d[=i]'[=o]-s[=e]-san),
pertaining to a diocese.--_n._ a bishop as regards his diocese: one of the
clergy in the diocese. [Through Fr. and L. from Gr. _dioik[=e]sis_,
_dioikein_, to keep house--_di_, for _dia_, sig. completeness, _oikein_, to
manage a household--_oikos_, a house.]
DIODON, d[=i]'o-don, _n._ a genus of globe-fishes which have all their
teeth consolidated on the jaws, so as to make them like the beak of a bird.
[Gr. _dis_, twice, double, _odous_, _odontos_, a tooth.]
DIOECIA, d[=i]-[=e]'shi-a, _n._ a class of plants having the stamens on one
plant and the pistils on another.--_adjs._ DIOE'CIOUS, DIOE'CIAN.--_adv._
DIOE'CIOUSLY.--_n._ DIOE'CIOUSNESS. [Gr. _di-_, twice, _oikos_, a house.]
DIOGENIC, d[=i]-o-jen'ik, _adj._ resembling the Cynic philosopher
_Diogenes_ (412-323 B.C.), cynical.
DIONÆA, d[=i]-[=o]-n[=e]'a, _n._ Venus's fly-trap: an American
insectivorous plant. [L., from Gr., a name of Aphrodite or Venus, from her
mother _Di[=o]n[=e]_.]
DIONYSIA, d[=i]-o-niz'i-a, _n.pl._ dramatic and orgiastic festivals in
honour of _Dionysus_ (Bacchus), god of wine.--_adjs._ DIONYS'IAC,
DIONYS'IAN.
DIOPHANTINE, d[=i]-o-fan't[=i]n, _adj._ pertaining to the Alexandrian
mathematician _Diophantus_ (c. 275 A.D.).--DIOPHANTINE ANALYSIS, the part
of algebra which treats of finding particular rational values for general
expressions under a surd form.
DIOPSIDE, d[=i]-op'sid, _n._ a grayish and readily cleavable variety of
pyroxene. [Gr., _dia_, through, _opsis_, a view.]
DIOPSIS, d[=i]-op'sis, _n._ a genus of dipterous insects, of the fly
family.
DIOPTASE, d[=i]-op't[=a]s, _n._ emerald copper ore.
DIOPTRATE, d[=i]-op'tr[=a]t, _adj._ (_entom._) divided transversely.
[Illustration]
DIOPTRIC, -AL, d[=i]-op'trik, -al, _adj._ pertaining to dioptrics.--_ns._
DIOP'TER, an ancient form of theodolite: the index-arm of a graduated
circle; DIOP'TRICS, the part of optics which treats of the transmission of
light from one medium to another.--DIOPTRIC SYSTEM, in lighthouses (as
opposed to _reflecting system_), illumination from a central lamp whose
rays are transmitted through a combination of lenses. [Gr. _dia_, through,
_opt-_, as in _opsesthai_, to see, &c.]
DIORAMA, d[=i]-[=o]-rä'ma, _n._ an exhibition of pictures, illuminated, and
viewed through an opening in the wall of a darkened chamber.--_adj._
DIORAM'IC. [Gr. _dia_, through, _horama_, a sight.]
DIORISM, d[=i]'[=o]-rizm, _n._ distinction, definition.--_adjs._
DIORIS'TIC, -AL.--_adv._ DIORIS'TICALLY. [Gr. _diorizein_, to divide,
_dia_, through, _horos_, a boundary.]
DIORITE, d[=i]'o-r[=i]t, _n._ a crystalline granular igneous rock composed
of feldspar and hornblende. [Gr. _diorizein_, to distinguish--_dia_,
through, _horos_, a boundary.]
DIORTHOSIS, d[=i]-or-th[=o]'sis, _n._ (_surg._) the reduction of a
dislocation, the correction of a deformity: a critical revision of a
text.--_adj._ DIORTHROT'IC. [Gr., _dia_, through, _orthos_, straight.]
DIOSCOREA, di-os-k[=o]r'e-a, _n._ a genus of twining plants, containing the
yams.--_n._ DIOSCOR[=A]'CEÆ, the order to which Dioscorea belongs.--_adj._
DIOSCOR[=A]'CEOUS. [From the 1st-cent. Greek physician _Dioscorides_.]
DIOSCURI, di-os-k[=u]'ri, _n.pl._ Castor and Pollux, as sons of Jupiter.
[Gr. _Dios_, gen. of Zeus (Jupiter), and _koros_ (Ion. _kouros_), a son, a
lad.]
DIOSMOSIS, d[=i]-oz-m[=o]'zis, _n._ the transfusion of a liquid through a
membrane.--Also DIOS'MOSE. [Gr. _dia_, through, _[=o]smos_, a
pushing--_[=o]thein_, to thrust.]
DIOTA, d[=i]-[=o]'ta, _n._ a two-handled Roman vase.
DIOTHELISM, d[=i]-oth'e-lizm, _n._ the doctrine that Christ during His life
on earth possessed two wills, a human and a divine--opp. to
_Monothelism_--also DYOTH'ELISM.--_n._ DIOTH'ELITE, one who holds this.
DIOXIDE, d[=i]-oks'[=i]d, _n._ an oxide containing two equivalents of
oxygen to one of a metal. [Gr. _di-_, twice, and _oxide_.]
DIP, dip, _v.t._ to dive or plunge into any liquid for a moment: to lower
and raise again (as a flag): to baptise by immersion.--_v.i._ to sink: to
enter slightly: to look cursorily: to incline downwards:--_pr.p._ dip'ping;
_pa.p._ dipped.--_n._ inclination downwards: a sloping: (_geol._) the angle
a stratum of rock makes with a horizontal plane: a bath: a candle made by
dipping a wick in tallow.--DIP OF THE HORIZON, the angle of the horizon
below the level of the eye; DIP OF THE NEEDLE, the angle a balanced
magnetic needle makes with the plane of the horizon, measured by the
DIPPING NEEDLE, or _Compass_. [A.S. _dyppan_, causal of _dýpan_, to plunge
in--_deóp_, deep; cf. Dan. _dyppe_; Ger. _taufen_, to immerse.]
DIPCHICK, dip'chik, _n._ Same as DABCHICK.
DIPETALOUS, d[=i]-pet'a-lus, _adj._ having two petals. [Gr. _di-_, twice,
and _petal_.]
DIPHTHERIA, dif-th[=e]'ri-a, _n._ a throat disease in which the
air-passages become covered and impeded with a leathery membrane, and a
dangerous fever is present.--_adj._ DIPHTHERIT'IC. [A coinage of 1859 from
Gr. _diphthera_, leather.]
DIPHTHONG, dif'thong, or dip'thong, _n._ two vowel-sounds pronounced as one
syllable.--_adj._ DIPHTHONG'AL, relating to a diphthong.--_adv._
DIPHTHONG'ALLY.--_n._ DIPHTHONG[=A]'TION.--_v.t._ DIPH'THONGISE. [Through
Fr. from Gr. _diphthongos_, with two sounds--_di-_, twice, _phthongos_,
sound.]
DIPHYCERCAL, dif-i-ser'kal, _adj._ having the tail symmetrical (of
fishes).--Also DIPH'YCERC. [Formed from Gr. _diphy[=e]s_, of double nature,
_kerkos_, a tail.]
DIPHYLLOUS, d[=i]-fil'us, _adj._ having two leaves. [Gr. _di-_, twice, and
_phyllon_, a leaf.]
DIPHYODONT, dif'i-[=o]-dont, _adj._ having two sets of teeth.--_n._ a
mammal possessing such.
DIPHYSITE, dif'i-s[=i]t, _n._ one who holds the doctrine of DIPH'YSITISM,
or the belief of the existence of two natures in Christ, a divine and a
human--opp. to _Monophysite_; less correctly DIOPH'YSITE, DIOPHYS'ITISM.
[Gr. _di-_, two, _physis_, nature.]
DIPLEIDOSCOPE, di-pl[=i]'d[=o]-sk[=o]p, _n._ an instrument for ascertaining
the moment of passage of the sun or a star over the meridian. [Formed from
Gr. _diploos_, double, _eidos_, appearance, _skopein_, to view.]
DIPLEX, d[=i]'pleks, _adj._ pertaining to the transmission of two
simultaneous messages over one wire in the same direction.
DIPLOE, dip'l[=o]-[=e], _n._ (_anat._) the spongy tissue between the hard
inner and outer tables of the skull.
DIPLOGENIC, dip-l[=o]-jen'ik, _adj._ producing two bodies.--_n._
DIPLOGEN'ESIS, the production in duplicate of parts normally single. [Gr.
_diploos_, double, _genesis_, generation.]
DIPLOMA, di-pl[=o]'ma, _n._ a writing conferring some honour or privilege,
as a university degree, &c.--_v.t._ to furnish with a diploma. [L.,--Gr.
_dipl[=o]ma_, a letter folded double--_diploos_, double.]
DIPLOMACY, di-pl[=o]'ma-si, _n._ the art of negotiation, esp. of treaties
between states: political skill.--_n._ DIPLOMAT'IC, a minister at a foreign
court: (_pl._) the science of deciphering ancient writings, as charters,
decrees, &c.--paleography.--_adjs._ DIPLOMAT'IC, -AL, pertaining to
diplomacy: skilful in negotiation.--_adv._ DIPLOMAT'ICALLY.--_v.i._ and
_v.t._ DIPL[=O]'MATISE, to practise, or effect by, diplomacy.--_ns._
DIPL[=O]'MATIST, DIP'L[=O]MAT, one skilled in diplomacy; DIPLOMATOL'OGY,
the study or science of diplomatics, charters, decrees, &c.--DIPLOMATIC
CORPS, or _Corps diplomatique_, the whole body of foreign diplomatists
resident at any court.
DIPLOPIA, dip'-l[=o]'pi-a, _n._ double vision.
DIPLOZOON, dip-l[=o]-z[=o]'on, _n._ a remarkable flat worm or Trematode,
consisting of two organisms fused together. [Gr. _diploos_, double,
_z[=o]on_, an animal.]
DIPNOI, dip'noi, _n.pl._ the lung fishes.--_adj._ DIP'NOOUS, having both
lungs and gills.
DIPODY, dip'o-di, _n._ (_pros._) a double foot.
DIPOLAR, d[=i]-p[=o]'lar, _adj._ having two poles.
DIPPER, dip'[.e]r, _n._ a genus of birds in the Thrush family that find
their food by diving into streams or lakes: a kind of Baptist or Dunker.
DIPRISMATIC, d[=i]-priz-mat'ik, _adj._ doubly prismatic.
DIPSACUS, dip'sa-kus, _n._ the teasel. [Gr. _dipsa_, thirst, because the
leaf-axils hold water.]
DIPSAS, dip'sas, _n._ a snake whose bite was believed to cause intense
thirst: a genus of non-venomous snakes. [Gr. _dipsas_--_dipsa_, thirst.]
DIPSECTOR, dip'sekt-or, _n._ an instrument for observing the dip of the
horizon. [_Dip_ and _sector_.]
DIPSOMANIA, dip-s[=o]-m[=a]'ni-a, _n._ a morbid craving for alcoholic
stimulants.--_ns._ DIPSOM[=A]'NIAC, one who suffers from the foregoing;
DIPSOP'ATHY, treatment by restricting a patient's drink; DIPS[=O]'SIS,
morbid thirst. [Gr. _dipsa_, thirst, and _mania_, madness.]
DIPTERA, dip'ter-a, _n.pl._ two-winged insects or flies.--_ns._ DIP'TERAN,
a dipterous insect; DIP'TEROS, a building with double peristyle or
colonnade.--_adjs._ DIP'TEROUS, DIP'TERAL. [Gr. _dipteros_, two-winged,
_di-_, twice, _pteron_, a wing.]
DIPTYCH, dip'tik, _n._ a double-folding writing-tablet: a register of
bishops, saints, &c. read aloud during the eucharist: a pair of pictures as
folding-tablets. [Gr. _diptychos_--_di-_, and _ptyssein_, to fold.]
DIRDUM, dir'dum, _n._ (_Scot._) uproar: a scolding.
DIRE, d[=i]r, _adj._ dreadful: calamitous in a high degree--(_poet._)
DIRE'FUL.--_adv._ DIRE'FULLY.--_n._ DIRE'FULNESS. [L. _dirus_; cf. Gr.
_deinos_, frightful.]
DIRECT, di-rekt', _adj._ quite straight: straightforward: in the line of
descent: outspoken: sincere: unambiguous: unsophisticated in
manner.--_v.t._ to keep or lay quite straight: to point or aim straightly
or correctly: to point out the proper course to: to guide: to order: to
mark with the name and residence of a person.--_v.i._ to act as
director.--_n._ DIREC'TION, aim at a certain point: the line of course in
which anything moves: guidance: command: the body of persons who guide or
manage a matter: the written name and residence of a person.--_adjs._
DIREC'TIONAL; DIRECT'IVE, having power or tendency to direct.--_adv._
DIRECT'LY, in a direct manner: without intermediary: immediately (in time
and otherwise).--_ns._ DIRECT'NESS; DIRECT'OR, one who directs: a manager
or governor: a counsellor: a father confessor or spiritual guide: part of a
machine or instrument which guides its motion:--_fem._ DIRECT'RESS,
DIRECT'RIX.--_ns._ DIRECT'OR[=A]TE, DIRECT'ORSHIP, the office, or a body
of, directors.--_adjs._ DIRECT[=O]'RIAL; DIRECT'ORY, containing directions:
guiding.--_n._ a body of directions: a guide: a book with the names and
residences of the inhabitants of a place: a body of directors: the
_Directoire_, or French Republican government of 1795-99.--_n._ DIRECT'RIX,
a line serving to describe a circle. [L. _dirig[)e]re_, _directum_--_di_,
apart, and _reg[)e]re_, to rule, to make straight.]
DIRGE, d[.e]rj, _n._ a funeral song or hymn. [Contracted from _dirige_, the
first word of an antiphon sung in the office for the dead--the words from
the Vulgate, Psalm v. 8. L. _dirig[)e]re_, to direct.]
DIRHEM, dir'hem, _n._ an oriental weight and silver coin, originally
two-thirds of an Attic drachma.--Also DIR'HAM, DER'HAM. [Ar., Pers., and
Turk. modifications of the Greek _drachm[=e]_, a drachma or dram.]
DIRIGIBLE, dir'i-ji-bl, _adj._ that can be directed.--_adj._ DIR'IGENT,
directing. [See DIRECT.]