Webster's Unabridged Dictionary (1st 100 Pages)

Chapter 45

Chapter 452,330 wordsPublic domain

ovule inverted, but with the attachment near the middle of one side; half anatropous. Ø Am·phiÏu¶ma (?), n. (Zo”l.) A genus of amphibians, inhabiting the Southern United States, having a serpentlike form, but with four minute limbs and two persistent gill openings; the Congo snake. Am·phoÏpep¶tone (?), n. [Gr. ? + E. peptone.] (Physiol.) A product of gastric digestion, a mixture of hemipeptone and antipeptone. Ø Am¶phoÏra (?), n.; pl. Amophor‘ (?). [L., fr. Gr. ?, ?, a jar with two handles; ? + ? bearer, ? to bear. Cf. Ampul.] Among the ancients, a twoÐhandled vessel, tapering at the bottom, used for holding wine, oil, etc. Am¶phoÏral (?), a. [L. amphoralis.] Pertaining to, or resembling, an amphora. AmÏphor¶ic (?), a. (Med.) Produced by, or indicating, a cavity in the lungs, not filled, and giving a sound like that produced by blowing into an empty decanter; as, amphoric respiration or resonance. Am·phoÏter¶ic (?), a. [Gr. ? both.] Partly one and partly the other; neither acid nor alkaline; neutral. [R.] Smart. Am¶ple (?), a. [F. ample, L. amplus, prob. for ambiplus full on both sides, the last syllable akin to L. plenus full. See Full, and cf. Double.] Large; great in size, extent, capacity, or bulk; spacious; roomy; widely extended. All the people in that ample house Did to that image bow their humble knees. Spenser. 2. Fully sufficient; abundant; liberal; copious; as, an ample fortune; ample justice. 3. Not contracted of brief; not concise; extended; diffusive; as, an ample narrative. Johnson. Syn. - Full; spacious; extensive; wide; capacious; abundant; plentiful; plenteous; copious; bountiful; rich; liberal; munificent. Ð Ample, Copious, Abundant, Plenteous. These words agree in representing a thing as large, but under different relations, according to the image which is used. Ample implies largeness, producing a sufficiency or fullness of supply for every want; as, ample stores or resources, ample provision. Copious carries with it the idea of flow, or of collection at a single point; as, a copious supply of materials. ½Copious matter of my song.¸ Milton. Abundant and plenteous refer to largeness of quantity; as, abundant stores; plenteous harvests. AmÏplec¶tant (?), a. [L. amplecti to embrace.] (Bot.) Clasping a support; as, amplectant tendrils. Gray. Am¶pleÏness (?), n. The state or quality of being ample; largeness; fullness; completeness. Am·plexÏa¶tion (?), n. [L. amplexari to embrace.] An embrace. [Obs.] An humble amplexation of those sacred feet. Bp. Hall. AmÏplex¶iÏcaul (?), a. [L. amplexus, p. p. of amplecti to encircle, to embrace + caulis stem: cf. F. amplexicaule.] (Bot.) Clasping or embracing a stem, as the base of some leaves. Gray. Am¶pliÏate (?), v. t. [L. ampliatus, p. p. of ampliare to make wider, fr. amplus. See Ample.] To enlarge. [R.] To maintain and ampliate the external possessions of your empire. Udall. Am¶pliÏate (?), a. (Zo”l.) Having the outer edge prominent; said of the wings of insects. Am·pliÏa¶tion (?), n. [L. ampliatio: cf. F. ampliation.] 1. Enlargement; amplification. [R.] 2. (Civil Law) A postponement of the decision of a cause, for further consideration or reÐargument. Am¶pliÏaÏtive (?), a. (Logic) Enlarging a conception by adding to that which is already known or received. ½All bodies possess power of attraction¸ is an ampliative judgment; because we can think of bodies without thinking of attraction as one of their immediate primary attribute. Abp. W. Thomson. AmÏplif¶iÏcate (?), v. t. [L. amplificatus, p. p. of amplificare.] To amplify. [Obs.] Bailey. Am·pliÏfiÏca¶tion (?), n. [L. amplificatio.] 1. The act of amplifying or enlarging in dimensions; enlargement; extension. 2. (Rhet.) The enlarging of a simple statement by particularity of description, the use of epithets, etc., for rhetorical effect; diffuse narrative or description, or a dilating upon all the particulars of a subject. Exaggeration is a species of amplification. Brande & C. I shall summarily, without any amplification at all, show in what manner defects have been supplied. Sir J. Davies. 3. The matter by which a statement is amplified; as, the subject was presented without amplifications. AmÏplif¶iÏcaÏtive (?), a. Amplificatory. AmÏplif¶iÏcaÏtoÏry (?), a. Serving to amplify or enlarge; amplificative. Morell. Am¶pliÏfi·er (?), n. One who or that which amplifies. Am¶pliÏfy (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Amplified (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Amplifying.] [F. amplifier, L. amplificare. See Ample, Ïfy.] 1. To render larger, more extended, or more intense, and the like; Ð used especially of telescopes, microscopes, etc. 2. (Rhet.) To enlarge by addition or discussion; to treat copiously by adding particulars, illustrations, etc.; to expand; to make much of. Troilus and Cressida was written by a Lombard author, but much amplified by our English translator. Dryden. Am¶pliÏfy (?), v. i. 1. To become larger. [Obs.] Strait was the way at first, withouten light, But further in did further amplify. Fairfax. 2. To speak largely or copiously; to be diffuse in argument or description; to dilate; to expatiate; Ð often with on or upon. Watts. He must often enlarge and amplify upon the subject he handles. South. Am¶pliÏtude (?), n. [L. amplitudo, fr. amplus: cf. F. amplitude. See Ample.] 1. State of being ample; extent of surface or space; largeness of dimensions; size. The cathedral of Lincoln... is a magnificent structure, proportionable to the amplitude of the diocese. Fuller. 2. Largeness, in a figurative sense; breadth; abundance; fullness. (a) Of extent of capacity or intellectual powers. ½Amplitude of mind.¸ Milton. ½Amplitude of comprehension.¸ Macaulay. (b) Of extent of means or resources. ½Amplitude of reward.¸ Bacon. 3. (Astron.) (a) The arc of the horizon between the true east or west point and the center of the sun, or a star, at its rising or setting. At the rising, the ~ is eastern or ortive: at the setting, it is western, occiduous, or occasive. It is also northern or southern, when north or south of the equator. (b) The arc of the horizon between the true east or west point and the foot of the vertical circle passing through any star or object. 4. (Gun.) The horizontal line which measures the distance to which a projectile is thrown; the range. 5. (Physics) The extent of a movement measured from the starting point or position of equilibrium; Ð applied especially to vibratory movements. 6. (math.) An angle upon which the value of some function depends; Ð a term used more especially in connection with elliptic functions. Magnetic ~, the angular distance of a heavenly body, when on the horizon, from the magnetic east or west point as indicated by the compass. The difference between the magnetic and the true or astronomical ~ (see 3 above) is the ½variation of the compass.¸ Am¶ply (?), adv. In an ample manner. Am¶pul (?), n. [AS. ampella, ampolla, L. ampulla: cf. OF. ampolle, F. ampoule.] Same as Ampulla, 2. Ø AmÏpul¶la, n.; pl. Ampull‘ (?). [L. ] 1. (Rom. Antiq.) A narrowÐnecked vessel having two handles and bellying out like a jug. 2. (Eccl.) (a) A cruet for the wine and water at Mass. (b) The vase in which the holy oil for chrism, unction, or coronation is kept. Shipley. 3. (Biol.) Any membranous bag shaped like a leathern bottle, as the dilated end of a vessel or duct; especially the dilations of the semicircular canals of the ear. Am·pulÏla¶ceous (?), a. [L. ampullaceus, fr. ampulla.] Like a bottle or inflated bladder; bottleÏshaped; swelling. Kirby. ÷ sac (Zo”l.), one of the peculiar cavities in the tissues of sponges, containing the zooidal cells. { Am¶pulÏlar (?), Am·pulÏlaÏry (?), } a. Resembling an ampulla. { Am¶pulÏlate (?), Am¶pulÏla·ted (?) } a. Having an ampulla; flaskÐshaped; bellied. AmÏpul¶liÏform (?), a. [Ampulla + Ïform.] FlaskÏshaped; dilated. Am¶puÏtate (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Amputated; p. pr. & vb. n. Amputating.] [L. amputatus, p. p. of amputare: ambÏ + putare to prune, putus clean, akin to E. pure. See Putative.] 1. To prune or lop off, as branches or tendrils. 2. (Surg.) To cut off (a limb or projecting part of the body). Wiseman. Am·puÏta¶tion (?), n. [L. amputatio: cf. F. amputation.] The act amputating; esp. the operation of cutting of a limb or projecting part of the body. Am¶puÏta¶tor (?), n. One who amputates. Ø Am¶pyx (?), n. [Gr. ?.] (Greek Antiq.) A woman's headband (sometimes of metal), for binding the front hair. Ø AmÏri¶ta (?), n. [Skr. amrita.] (Hind. Myth.) Immorality; also, the nectar conferring immortality. Ð a. Ambrosial; immortal. Am¶sel, Am¶zel (?), n. [Ger. See Ousel.] (Zo”l.) The European ring ousel (Turdus torquatus). AÏmuck¶ (?), a. & adv. [Malay amoq furious.] In a frenzied and reckless. To run ~, to rush out in a state of frenzy, as the Malays sometimes do under the influence of ½bhang,¸ and attack every one that comes in the way; to assail recklessly and indiscriminately. Satire's my weapon, but I'm too discreet To run amuck, and tilt at all I meet. Pope. Am¶uÏlet (?), n. [L. amuletum: cf. F. amulette.] An ornament, gem, or scroll, or a package containing a relic, etc., worn as a charm or preservative against evils or mischief, such as diseases and witchcraft, and generally inscribed with mystic forms or characters. [Also used figuratively.] Am·uÏlet¶ic (?), a. Of or pertaining to an amulet; operating as a charm. AÏmur¶cous (?), a. [LL. amurcous, L. amurca the dregs of olives, Gr. ?, fr. ? to pluck.] Full off dregs; foul. [R.] Knowles. AÏmus¶aÏble (?), a. [Cf. F. amusable.] Capable of being amused. AÏmuse¶ (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Amused (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Amusing.] [F. amuser to make stay, to detain, to ~, ? (L. ad) + OF. muser. See Muse, v.] 1. To occupy or engage the attention of; to lose in deep thought; to absorb; also, to distract; to bewilder. [Obs.] Camillus set upon the Gauls when they were amused in receiving their gold. Holland. Being amused with grief, fear, and fright, he could not find the house. Fuller. 2. To entertain or occupy in a pleasant manner; to stir with pleasing or mirthful emotions; to divert. A group children amusing themselves with pushing stones from the top [of the cliff], and watching as they plunged into the lake. Gilpin. 3. To keep in extraction; to beguile; to delude. He amused his followers with idle promises. Johnson. Syn. - To entertain; gratify; please; divert; beguile; deceive; occupy. Ð To Amuse, Divert, Entertain. We are amused by that which occupies us lightly and pleasantly. We are entertained by that which brings our minds into agreeable contact with others, as conversation, or a book. We are diverted by that which turns off our thoughts to something of livelier interest, especially of a sportive nature, as a humorous story, or a laughable incident. Whatever amuses serves to kill time, to lull the faculties, and to banish reflection. Whatever entertains usually a wakens the understanding or gratifies the fancy. Whatever diverts is lively in its nature, and sometimes tumultuous in its effects. Crabb. AÏmuse¶, v. i. To muse; to mediate. [Obs.] AÏmused¶ (?), a. 1. Diverted. 2. Expressing amusement; as, an amused look. AÏmuse¶ment (?), n. [Cf. F. amusement.] 1. Deep thought; muse. [Obs.] Here I... fell into a strong and deep amusement, revolving in my mind, with great perplexity, the amazing change of our affairs. Fleetwood. 2. The state of being amused; pleasurable excitement; that which amuses; diversion. His favorite amusements were architecture and gardening. Macaulay. Syn. - Diversion; entertainment; recreation; relaxation; pastime; sport. AÏmus¶er (?), n. One who amuses. Ø Am·uÏsette¶ (?), n. [F.] A light field cannon, or stocked gun mounted on a swivel. AÏmus¶ing (?), a. Giving amusement; diverting; as, an amusing story. Ð AÏmus¶ingÏly, adv. AÏmu¶sive (?; 277), a.ÿHaving power to amuse or entertain the mind; fitted to excite mirth. [R.] Ð AÏmu¶siveÏly, adv. Ð AÏmu¶siveÏness, n. AÏmy¶ (?), n. [F. ami, fr. L. amicus.] A friend. [Obs.] Chaucer. AÏmy¶eÏlous (?), a. [Gr. ? without marrow.] (Med.) Wanting the spinal cord. AÏmyg·daÏla¶ceous (?), a. (Bot.) Akin to, or derived from, the almond. AÏmyg¶daÏlate (?), a. [L. amygdala, amygdalum, almond, Gr. ?, ?. See Almond.] Pertaining to, resembling, or made of, almonds. AÏmyg¶daÏlate, n. 1. (Med.) An emulsion made of almonds; milk of almonds. Bailey. Coxe. 2.ÿ(Chem.) A salt amygdalic acid. Am·ygÏdal¶ic (?), a. (Chem.) Of or pertaining to almonds; derived from amygdalin; as, amygdalic acid. AÏmyg·daÏlif¶erÏous (?), a. [L. amygdalum almond + Ïferous.] AlmondÐbearing. AÏmyg¶daÏlin (?), n. (Chem.) A glucoside extracted from bitter almonds as a white, crystalline substance. AÏmyg¶daÏline (?), a. [L. amygdalinus.] Of, pertaining to, or resembling, almonds. AÏmyg¶daÏloid (?), n. [Gr. ? almond + Ïoid: cf. F. amygdalo‹de.] (Min.) A variety of trap or basaltic rock, containing small cavities, occupied, wholly or in part, by nodules or geodes of different minerals, esp. agates, quartz, calcite, and the zeolites. When the imbedded minerals are detached or removed by decomposition, it is porous, like lava. { AÏmyg¶daÏloid (?), AÏmyg·daÏloid¶al (?), } a. 1. AlmondÐshaped. 2. Pertaining to, or having the nature of, the rock amygdaloid. Am¶yl (?), n. [L. amylum starch + Ïyl. Cf. Amidin.] (Chem.) A hydrocarbon radical, C5H11, of the paraffine series found in ~ alcohol or fusel oil, etc. Am·yÏla¶ceous (?), a. [L. amylum starch, Gr. ?. See Amidin.] Pertaining to starch; of the nature of starch; starchy. Am¶yÏlate (?), n. (Chem.) A compound of the radical amyl with oxygen and a positive atom or radical. Am¶yÏlene (?), n.ÿ(Chem.) One of a group of metameric hydrocarbons, C5H10, of the ethylene series. The colorless, volatile, mobile liquid commonly called amylene is a mixture of different members of the group. AÏmyl¶ic (?), a. (Chem.)ÿPertaining to, or derived from, amyl; as, amylic ether. ÷ alcohol (Chem.), one of the series of alcohol?, a transparent, colorless liquid, having a peculiar odor. It is the hydroxide of amyl. Ð ÷ fermentation (Chem.), a process of fermentation in starch or sugar in which ~ alcohol is produced. Gregory. Am·yÏloÏbac¶ter , n. [L. amylum starch + NL. bacterium. See Bacterium.] (Biol.) A micro”rganism (Bacillus amylobacter) which develops in vegetable tissue during putrefaction. Sternberg. { Am¶yÏloid (?), Am·yÏloid¶al (?), } a. [L. amylum starch + Ïoid.] Resembling or containing amyl; starchlike. Amyloid degeneration (Med.), a diseased condition of various organs of the body, produced by the deposit of an albuminous substance, giving a blue color with iodine and sulphuric acid; Ð called also waxy or lardaceous degeneration.

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