Encyclopedian Dictionary: December 2013

polar

Pronunciation key ( pō′lẽr ) po•lar adj. [ML. polaris < L. polus; see POLE]. Connected with or in the vicinity of the North or South Poles. Pertaining to poles or a pole. Containing polarity. Central or pivotal. Characterized by two opposite extremes, nature or directions. Serving for guidance, like a earth pole or polestar. Measured from a pole or reference to, i.e., polar diameter or...

expurgation

Pronunciation key ( ek′spẽr-gā′shən ) ex•pur•ga•tion n. [L. expurgatio]. Act of expurgating or being expurgated. References Webster's New World Dictionary of the American Language (College Edition) ©1955 Further Reading expurgate expurgator expurgat...

expressivity

Pronunciation key ( ik′spres-iv′i-tē ) ex•pres•siv•i•ty n. Characteristic of being expressive. Genetics. Degree to which a specific gene affects the phenotype of a living organism. References The American Heritage Dictionary, Second College Edition ©1985 Further Reading express expressage expressible expression expressionism expressionist expressionistic expressionistically expressionless expressive expressly expressman express rifle express tr...

exposure

Pronunciation key ( ik-spō′zhẽr ) ex•po•sure n. [< expose, after enclosure etc]. In various senses, the act or instance of exposing or condition of being exposed, especially to natural elements. A position on a compass and climatic or weather conditions. For instance, a location of something in relation to natural elements like the sun and wind in relation to a house's location, such being western exposure. Abandonment without benefit of shelter or food. Photography. Subjecting sensitized...

expostulation

Pronunciation key ( ik-spos′chə-lā′shən ) ex•pos•tu•la•tion n. [L. expostulatio]. Remonstrance. Corrective protest. Expostulating. References Webster's New World Dictionary of the American Language (College Edition) ©1955 Further Reading expostulate expostulator expostulat...

exposition

Pronunciation key ( ek′spə-zish′ən ) ex•po•si•tion n. [ME. exposicioun; OFr. exposition; L. expositio < expositus pp. of exponere see EXPOUND]. Presentation of facts, ideas, etc. Setting forth meaning and intention. A detailed explanation. Specific statement which aims to give information about more complex material. Writing or speaking that explains and distinguished from description,...

exportation

Pronunciation key ( ek′spōr-tā′shən ) ( ek′spôr-tā′shən ) ex•por•ta•tion n. Process of exporting goods and services. An export; products or services. References Webster's New World Dictionary of the American Language (College Edition) ©1955 The American Heritage Dictionary, Second College Edition ©1985 Related Terms export Eximbank / Export Import Bank Further Reading Exportation (Definition) Exportation (Definition) Exportation (Definition - Use in A Sentence) Exportation (Definition) Exportation...

exponentiation

Pronunciation key ( ek′spə-nen′shē-ā′shən ) ex•po•nen•ti•a•tion n. Algebra. The process of raising a quantity to a power. References The American Heritage Dictionary, Second College Edition ©1985 Further Reading exponent exponential exponi...

explosive

Pronunciation key ( iks-plō′siv ) ( ik-splō′siv ) ex•plo•sive adj. Pertaining to, having the nature of or causing an explosion. Tendency to explode, tendency to burst forth violently. n. A prepared chemical substance that explodes. Phonetics. A stop. Pronounced with a sudden release of breath. A substance or mixture of substances whose chemical composition is designed upon particular...

explore

Pronunciation key ( iks-plôr′ ) ( iks-plōr′ ) ex•plore v.t. [EXPLORED (-plôrd′, -plōrd′ EXPLORING, EXPLORES] [L. explorare to search out, investigate; ex-, out + plorare, to cry out, wail]. Systematically investigate, look into something closely, carefully examine, such as Explore all possibilities. To travel into an unknown or little known region and learn about its natural characteristics; its inhabitants, land, wildlife, etc. Medicine. Diagnostic examination of organs in the body. v.i. To...

explode

Pronunciation key ( iks-plōd′ ) ( ik-splōd′ ) ex•plode v.t. [EXPLODED (-id), EXPLODING, EXPLODES] [Obs. orig., to drive off a stage by unrestrained hooting and general dissatisfaction; L. explodere < ex-, off + plaudere, to applaud]. To discredit; demonstrating falsehood or show as unreliable; cause to become rejected; expose as false: such as The theory was exploded. To rapidly burst with a loud noise; violently blow up; detonate. A liberation of mechanical, chemical or nuclear energy...

explicit

Pronunciation key ( iks-plis′it ) ex•pli•cit adj. [Fr. explicite < L. explicitus pp. of explicare to unfold. see EXPLICATE]. Expressed with clarity and stated precisely; distinctly expressed; leaving nothing subtle or implied; definate; distinguished from implicit. Clearly defined and formulated. Forthright; stating unreservedly what is meant in expression, and without disguise. Outspoken. For instance, "He was explicit in his critique." —ex•plic′it•ly adv. —ex•plic′it•ness n. Syn....

explicative

Pronunciation key ( eks′pli-kā′tiv ) ( iks′plik′ə′tiv ) ex•plik•ca•tive adj. Explaining by explicating or tending to explicate. Explanatory. Serves to explain. —ex′pli•ca•tive n. —ex′pli•ca•tive•ly adv. References Webster's New World Dictionary of the American Language (College Edition) ©1955 The American Heritage Dictionary, Second College Edition ©1985 Further Reading explicable explicate explication de te...

explicate

Pronunciation key ( eks′pli-kāt ) ex•pli•cate v.t. [EXPLICATED (-id), EXPLICATING, EXPLICATES.] [L. < explicatus pp. of explicare to unfold, spread out; ex- out + plicare, to fold]. To provide a coherent meaning to something obscure or implied; to make explicitly clear. To explain. . ex•pli•ca′tion n. ex′pli•ca′tor n. Syn. Explain. References Webster's New World Dictionary of the American Language (College Edition) ©1955 The American Heritage Dictionary, Second College Edition ©1985 Further...

explicable

Pronunciation key ( eks′pli-kə-bʼl ) ( iks-plik′ə-bʼl ) ex•pli•ca•ble adj. [L. explicabilis < explicare see EXPLICATE]. That which is capable of being explained. ex′pli•ca•bly adv. References Webster's New World Dictionary of the American Language (College Edition) ©1955 The American Heritage Dictionary, Second College Edition ©1985 Further Reading explicate explication de texte explicativ...

expletory

Pronunciation key ( eks′plə-tō′ri ) ( eks′plə-tôr′i ) ex•ple•to•ry adj. Expletive. References Webster's New World Dictionary of the American Language (College Edition) ©1955 The American Heritage Dictionary, Second College Edition ©1985 Further Reading explet...

explant

Pronunciation key ( ek-splant′ ) ex•plant tr. v. [EXPLANTED, EXPLANTING, EXPLANTS] To take living tissue from its natural site of growth and place it in a medium or culture. n. The material or tissue that is explanted. ex′plan•ta′tion n. References The American Heritage Dictionary, Second College Edition ©1...

expletive

Pronunciation key ( eks′pli-tiv ) ex•ple•tive n. [LL. expletivus serving to fill < L. expletus, pp. of explere, to fill; ex-, out, up + plere, to fill]. Oath or exclamation that is typically obscene or profane. Word, phrase, etc. that does not contribute to the sense or meaning of a phrase but used merely to fill out a sentence or metrical line, for rhythm, balance, etc. A word that stands alone with anticipation of following words or a phrase such as "There are many cars in the parking...

explanative

Pronunciation key ( ik-splan′ə-tiv ) ex•plan•a•tive adj. Mannerism that is explanatory. References The American Heritage Dictionary, Second College Edition ©1985 Further Reading explain explanation explanatorily explanat...

explanatory

Pronunciation key ( iks-plan′ə-tôr′i ) ( iks-plan′ə-tō′ri ) ex•plan•a•to•ry adj. [LL. explanatorius]. Serves or intends to explain. Tending to explain. —ex•plan′a•to′ri•ly adv. References Webster's New World Dictionary of the American Language (College Edition) ©1955 The American Heritage Dictionary, Second College Edition ©1985 Further Reading explain explanation explanative explanator...

explanatorily

Pronunciation key ( iks-plan′ə-tôr′ə-li ) ( iks-plan′ə-tō′rə-li ) ex•plan•a•to•ri•ly adv. In manner that is explanatory; intended as an explanation. References Webster's New World Dictionary of the American Language (College Edition) ©1955 The American Heritage Dictionary, Second College Edition ©1985 Further Reading explain explanation explanative explanat...

explanation

Pronunciation key ( eks′plə-nā′shən ) ex•pla•na•tion n. [L. explanatio < pp. of explanare]. Act of explaining. That which explains. Interpretation, meaning, or sense given in explaining. Mutual clarification of terms, declaration of motives, etc to reconcile and clear up a misunderstanding or settle a dispute. Act of Explanation. Enacted in 1665 in England. See Irish Restoration legislation. References Webster's New World Dictionary of the American Language (College Edition) ©1955 Encyclopedia...

explain

Pronunciation key ( iks-plān′ ) ( ik-splān′ ) ex•plain v.t. [EXPLAINED, EXPLAINING, EXPLAINS] [ME explanen < L. explanare to flatten, spread out; ex-, out + planare, to make level < planus clear, level, plain; sp. influenced by plain]. To make comprehensible; clear, plain, understandable. Expound; to define by providing meaning or interpretation. "She explained the company's plan for expansion." To give justification behind a cause, make account for; stating reasons for such as explaining...

expiry

Pronunciation key ( ik-spī′ri ) ( ek′spə-ri ) ex•pi•ry n. [pl. EXPIRIES (-riz)] [< expire + -y]. An expiration of something such as a contract; a coming to an end; termination. Archaic. Death. References Webster's New World Dictionary of the American Language (College Edition) ©1955 The American Heritage Dictionary, Second College Edition ©1985 Further Reading expiration expiratory exp...

expire

Pronunciation key ( ik-spīr′ ) ex•pire v.t. [EXPIRED (-spīrd′), EXPIRING] [ME. expiren < Fr. expirer; L. expirare, exspirare; ex-, out + spirare to breathe]. To exhale, breathe out; as, air is expired from the lungs. Obs. to give off (an odor, etc). v.i. To breathe out air from the lungs. To breathe one's last breath; to die. To come to an end; terminate; stop; cease; as "His contract has expired." Syn. see die References Webster's New World Dictionary of the American Language...

expiratory

Pronunciation key ( ik-spīr′ə-tôr′i ) ( ik-spīr′ə-tō′ri ) ex•pir•a•to•ry adj. Pertains to expiration; involves breathing out air from the lungs. References Webster's New World Dictionary of the American Language (College Edition) ©1955 The American Heritage Dictionary, Second College Edition ©1985 Further Reading expiration expire exp...

expiration

Pronunciation key ( ek′spə-rā′shən ) ex•pi•ra•tion n. [L. expiratio, exspiratio pp. of expirare see EXPIRE]. The act of breathing out air from the lungs. Something breathed out. A sound made, etc. from breathing out, Breathing out such as one's last dying breath, therefore, The event of something coming to an end, terminating. Obs. Death. See Diaphragm. References Webster's New World Dictionary of the American Language (College Edition) ©1955 The World Book Encyclopedia ©1981 Encyclopedia...

expiatory

Pronunciation key ( ek′spi-ə-tôr′i ) ( ek′spi-ə-tō′ri ) ex•pi•a•to•ry adj. [LL. expiatorius]. Expiating; serving to expiate. References Webster's New World Dictionary of the American Language (College Edition) ©1955 Further Reading expiable expiate expiation expia...

expiator

Pronunciation key ( ek′spi-ā′tẽr ) expiator n. One who expiates. References Webster's New World Dictionary of the American Language (College Edition) ©1955 Further Reading expiable expiate expiation expiat...

expiation

Pronunciation key ( ek′spi-ā′shən ) ex•pi•a•tion n. [L. expiatio see EXPIATE]. The act of atonement; to make amends for guilt or wrongdoing. The means for atonement; amends. —ex′pi•a•to′ry (-ə-tôr′ē, -tōr′ē ) adj. References Webster's New World Dictionary of the American Language (College Edition) ©1955 Encyclopedia Britannica Micropedia ©1984 The American Heritage Dictionary, Second College Edition ©1985 Related Terms expiable expiate expiator expiatory Further Reading expiation...

expiate

Pronunciation key ( ek′spi-āt′ ) ex•pi•ate v.t. [EXPIATED (-id) EXPIATING, EXPIATES] [< L. expiatus pp. of expiare to make satisfaction or atonement; ex-, out + piare, to atone, appease, propriate < pius devout, pious]. To make atonement for, amends or reparation for (wrongdoing or guilt); atone for; pay the penalty. —ex′pi•a′tor n. References Webster's New World Dictionary of the American Language (College Edition) ©1955 The American Heritage Dictionary, Second College Edition...

expiable

Pronunciation key ( ek′spi-ə-b´l ) ex•pi•a•ble adj. [Fr]. Capable of being expiated. References Webster's New World Dictionary of the American Language (College Edition) ©1955 The American Heritage Dictionary, Second College Edition ©1985 Further Reading expiate expiation expiator expiat...

expertise

Pronunciation key ( ek′spẽr-tēz′ ) ex•pert•ise n. [Fr. < OFr. < expert, experienced. See EXPERT]. Expert opinion or advice. Specialized skill, knowledge and training of an expert. References Webster's New World Dictionary of the American Language (College Edition) ©1955 The American Heritage Dictionary, Second College Edition ©1...

expert

Pronunciation key ( ek′spẽrt ) ( ik-spũrt′ ) ex•pert adj. [ME.; OFr.; L. expertus pp. of experiri to try, see EXPERIENCE]. Skillful; having extensive training and knowledge in a special field. Of or from an expert, such as "An expert opinion." n. A person who demonstrates a high degree of training, skill, knowledge and dexterity due to training and experience in a special field. Military. The highest grade possible which can be achieved in marksmanship. Rifleman; the highest of three...

experimentation

Pronunciation key ( ik-sper′ə-men-tā′shən ) ex•per•i•men•ta•tion n. Act, process, practice of an experiment; using experiments. In modern philosophy of science it is the use of observation, classification, prediction and verification of a given hypothesis according to proper experiences. Claimed to be innovations promoted by the 17th century English philosopher Francis Bacon in modern time, the support of experimental method and critique of empty theorizing can be traced back to Aristotle. References Webster's...

experimentally

Pronunciation key ( ik-sper′ə-men′t´l-i ) ex•per•i•men•tal•ly adv. By experiments. As an experiment. References Webster's New World Dictionary of the American Language (College Edition) ©1955 Further Reading experiment experimental experimentalism experimentat...

experimentalism

Pronunciation key ( ik-sper′ə-men′tʼl-izʼm ) ( ik′sper-ə-men′tʼl-izʼm ) ex•per•i•men•tal•ism n. The preference of relying on empirical and experimental methods to determine validity of any idea; Theory or practice of depending on experimentation; empiricism. Propensity for experimentation. References Webster's New World Dictionary of the American Language (College Edition) ©1955 The American Heritage Dictionary, Second College Edition ©1985 Further Reading experiment experimental e...

experimental

Pronunciation key ( ik-sper′ə-men′tʼl ) ( ek′sper-ə-men′tʼl ) ex•per•i•men•tal adj. Pertaining to or based on experience rather than theory or authority. Empirical; Founded upon, tested by, or having the nature of experiment. Given to, for the sake of experiment; testing; therefore, Tentative. Used for experiments. ex•per′i•men′tal•ly adv. Experimental Aircraft Association. Association founded in 1953 of enthusiasts interested in home-built aircraft. Experimental Fighting Biplane No....

experiment

Pronunciation key ( ik-spēr′ə-ment ) ex•per•i•ment n. [ME.; OFr.; L. experimentum a trial, test < experiri to try; see EXPERIENCE]. Test or trial. An action performed to discover something unknown, or to demonstrate something that is a known truth or to test the validity of a hypothesis. An action performed to know whether it will be effective such as, An experiment allowing employees...