Webster's Unabridged Dictionary

Part 9 out of 18



Grateful alternates of substantial.
Prior.
2. A substitute; one designated to take the place of
another, if necessary, in performing some duty.
3. (Math.) A proportion derived from another proportion by
interchanging the means.
Al6terOnate (?; 277), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Alternated; p. pr.
& vb. n. Alternating.] [L. alternatus, p. p. of alternare.
See Altern.] To perform by turns, or in succession; to cause
to succeed by turns; to interchange regularly.
The most high God, in all things appertaining unto this
life, for sundry wise ends alternates the disposition of
good and evil.
Grew.
Al6terOnate, v. i. 1. To happen, succeed, or act by turns;
to follow reciprocally in place or time; P followed by with;
as, the flood and ebb tides alternate with each other.
Rage, shame, and grief alternate in his breast.
J. Philips.
Different species alternating with each other.
Kirwan.
2. To vary by turns; as, the land alternates between rocky
hills and sandy plains.
AlOter6nateOly (?), adv. 1. In reciprocal succession;
succeeding by turns; in alternate order.
2. (Math.) By alternation; when, in a proportion, the
antecedent term is compared with antecedent, and consequent.
AlOter6nateOness, n. The quality of being alternate, or of
following by turns.
Al7terOna6tion (?), n. [L. alternatio: cf. F. alternation.]
1. The reciprocal succession of things in time or place; the
act of following and being followed by turns; alternate
succession, performance, or occurrence; as, the alternation
of day and night, cold and heat, summer and winter, hope and
fear.
2. (Math.) Permutation.
3. The response of the congregation speaking alternately
with the minister.
Mason.
w of generation. See under Generation.
AlOter6naOtive (?), a. [Cf. F. alternatif.] 1. Offering a
choice of two things.
2. Disjunctive; as, an alternative conjunction.
3. Alternate; reciprocal. [Obs.]
Holland.
AlOter6naOtive, n. [Cf. F. alternative, LL. alternativa.] 1.
An offer of two things, one of which may be chosen, but not
both; a choice between two things, so that if one is taken,
the other must be left.
There is something else than the mere alternative of
absolute destruction or unreformed existence.
Burke.
2. Either of two things or propositions offered to one's
choice. Thus when two things offer a choice of one only, the
two things are called alternatives.
Having to choose between two alternatives, safety and war,
you obstinately prefer the worse.
Jowett (Thucyd.).
3. The course of action or the thing offered in place of
another.
If this demand is refused the alternative is war.
Lewis.
With no alternative but death.
Longfellow.
4. A choice between more than two things; one of several
things offered to choose among.
My decided preference is for the fourth and last of th??
alternatives.
Gladstone.
AlOter6naOtiveOly, adv. In the manner of alternatives, or
that admits the choice of one out of two things.
AlPter6naOtiveOness, n. The quality of being alternative, or
of offering a choice between two.
AlOter6niOty (?), n. [LL. alternitas.] Succession by turns;
alternation. [R.]
Sir T. Browne.
{ X AlOth6a , X AlOthe6a } (?), n. [L. althaea, Gr. ?.]
(Bot.) (a) A genus of plants of the Mallow family. It
includes the officinal marsh mallow, and the garden
hollyhocks. (b) An ornamental shrub (Hibiscus Syriacus) of
the Mallow family.
AlOthe6ine (?), n.(Chem.) Asparagine.
AlOtho6 (?), conj. Altough. [Reformed spelling.]
Alt6horn7 (?), n. [Alt + horn.] (Mus.) An instrument of the
saxhorn family, used exclusively in military music, often
replacing the French horn.
Grove.
AlOthough6 (?), conj. [All + though; OE. al thagh.] Grant
all this; be it that; supposing that; notwithstanding;
though.
Although all shall be offended, yet will no I.
Mark xiv. 29.
Syn. - Although, Though. Although, which originally was
perhaps more emphatic than though, is now interchangeable
with it in the sense given above. Euphonic consideration
determines the choice.
AlOtil6oOquence (?), n. Lofty speech; pompous language. [R.]
Bailey.
AlOtil6oOquent (?), a. [L. altus (adv. alte) high + loquens,
p. pr. of loqui to speak.] HighPsounding; pompous in speech.
[R.]
Bailey.
AlOtim6eOter (?), n. [LL. altimeter; altus high + metrum,
Gr. ?, measure: cf. F. altim
tre.] An instrument for taking
altitudes, as a quadrant, sextant, etc.
Knight.
AlOtim6eOtry (?), n. [Cf. F. altimtrie.] The art of
measuring altitudes, or heights.
AlOtin6car (?), n. See Tincal.
Al6tiOscope (?), n. [L. altus high + Gr. ? to view.] An
arrangement of lenses and mirrors.

<-- p. 45 -->
which enables a person to see an object in spite of
interning.
AlOtis6oOnant (?), a. [L. altus high + ?onans, p. pr. of
sonare to sound.] HighPsounding; lofty or pompous.
Skelton.
AlOtis6oOnous (?), a. [L. altisonus.] Altisonant.
X AlOtis6siOmo (?), n. [It.; superl. of alto.] (Mus.) The
part or notes situated above F in alt.
Al6tiOtude (?), n. [L. altitudo, fr. altus high. Cf. Altar,
Haughty, Enhance.] 1. Space extended upward; height; the
perpendicular elevation of an object above its foundation,
above the ground, or above a given level, or of one object
above another; as, the altitude of a mountain, or of a bird
above the top of a tree.
2. (Astron.) The elevation of a point, or star, or other
celestial object, above the horizon, measured by the arc of
a vertical circle intercepted between such point and the
horizon. It is either true or apparent; true when measured
from the rational or real horizon, apparent when from the
sensible or apparent horizon.
3. (Geom.) The perpendicular distance from the base of a
figure to the summit, or to the side parallel to the base;
as, the altitude of a triangle, pyramid, parallelogram,
frustum, etc.
4. Height of degree; highest point or degree.
He is [proud] even to the altitude of his virtue.
Shak.
5. Height of rank or excellence; superiority.
Swift.
6. pl. Elevation of spirits; heroics; haughty airs.
[Colloq.]
Richardson.
The man of law began to get into his altitude.
Sir W. Scott.
Meridian ~, an arc of the meridian intercepted between the
south point on the horizon and any point on the meridian.
See Meridian, 3.
Al7tiOtu6diOnal (?), a. Of or pertaining to height; as,
altitudinal measurements.
Al7tiOtu7diOna6riOan (?), a. Lofty in doctrine, aims, etc.
[R.]
Coleridge.
AlOtiv6oOlant (?), a. [L. altivolans. See Volant.] Flying
high. [Obs.]
Blount.
Al6to (?), n.; pl. Altos (?). [It. alto high, fr. L. altus.
Cf. Alt.] 1. (Mus.) Formerly the part sung by the highest
male, or counterPtenor, voices; now the part sung by the
lowest female, or contralto, voices, between in tenor and
soprano. In instrumental music it now signifies the tenor.
2. An alto singer.
w clef (Mus., the counterPtenor clef, or the C clef, placed
so that the two strokes include the middle line of the
staff.
Moore.
Al7toOgeth6er (?), adv. [OE. altogedere; al all + togedere
together. See Together.] 1. All together; conjointly. [Obs.]
Altogether they wen? at once.
Chaucer.
2. Without exception; wholly; completely.
Every man at his best state is altogether vanity.
Ps. xxxix. 5.
AlOtom6eOter (?), n. [L. altus high + Ometer.] A theodolite.
Knight.
Al6toPreOlie6vo (?), n. AltoPrilievo.
X Al6toPriOlieOvo (?), n.; pl. AltoPrilievos (?). [It.]
(Sculp.) High relief; sculptured work in which the figures
project more than half their thickness; as, this figure is
an altoOrilievo or in altoOrilievo.
5 When the figure stands only half out, it is called
mezzoPrilievo, or medium relief; when its projection is less
than one half, bassoPrilievo, basPrelief, or low relief.
Al6triOcal (?), a. (Zol.) Like the articles.
X AlOtri6ces (?), n. pl. [L., nourishes, pl. of altrix.]
(Zol.) Nursers, P a term applied to those birds whose young
are hatched in a very immature and helpless condition, so as
to require the care of their parents for some time; P
opposed to prcoces.
Al6truOism (?), n. [F. altruisme (a word of Comte's), It.
altrui of or to others, fr. L. alter another.] Regard for
others, both natural and moral; devotion to the interests of
others; brotherly kindness; P opposed to egoism or
selfishness. [Recent]
J. S. Mill.
Al6truOist, n. One imbued with altruism; P opposed to
egoist.
Al7truOis6tic (?), a. [Cf. F. altruiste, a. See Altruism..]
Regardful of others; beneficent; unselfish; P opposed to
egoistic or selfish. Bain. P Al7truOis6ticOalOly, adv.
Al6uOdel (?), n. [F. & Sp. aludel, fr. Ar. aluth>l.] (Chem.)
One of the pearPshaped pots open at both ends, and so formed
as to be fitted together, the neck of one into the bottom of
another in succession; P used in the process of sublimation.
Ure.
X Al6uOla (?), n. [NL., dim. of L. ala a wing.] (Zol.) A
false or bastard wing. See under Bastard.
Al6uOlar (?), a. (Zol.) Pertaining to the alula.
Al6um (?), n. [OE. alum, alom, OF. alum, F. alun, fr. L.
alumen alum.] (Chem.) A double sulphate formed of aluminium
and some other element (esp. an alkali metal) or of
aluminium. It has twentyPfour molecules of water of
crystallization.
5 Common alum is the double sulphate of aluminium and
potassium. It is white, transparent, very astringent, and
crystallizes easily in octahedrons. The term is extended so
as to include other double sulphates similar to ~ in
formula.
Al6um (?), v. t. To steep in, or otherwise impregnate with,
a solution of ~; to treat with ~.
Ure.
X AOlu6men (?), n. [L.] (Chem.) Alum.
AOlu6miOna (?), n. [L. alumen, aluminis. See Alum.] (Chem.)
One of the earths, consisting of two parts of aluminium and
three of oxygen, Al2O3.
5 It is the oxide of the metal aluminium, the base of
aluminous salts, a constituent of a large part of the earthy
siliceous minerals, as the feldspars, micas, scapolites,
etc., and the characterizing ingredient of common clay, in
which it exists as an impure silicate with water, resulting
from the decomposition of other aluminous minerals. In its
natural state, it is the mineral corundum.
AOlu7miOnate (?), n. (Chem.) A compound formed from the
hydrate of aluminium by the substitution of a metal for the
hydrogen.
AOlu6miOna7ted (?). a. Combined with alumina.
Al6uOmine (?), n. [F.] Alumina.
Davy.
Al7uOmin6ic (?), a. Of or containing aluminium; as,
aluminic phosphate.
AOlu7miOnif6erOous (?), a. [L. alumen alum + Oferous: cf.
F. aluminif
re.] Containing alum.
AOlu6miOniOform (?), a. [L. alumen + Oform.] pertaining the
form of alumina.
Al7uOmin6iOum (?), n. [L. alumen. See Alum.] (Chem.) The
metallic base of alumina. This metal is white, but with a
bluish tinge, and is remarkable for its resistance to
oxidation, and for its lightness, pertaining a specific
gravity of about 2.6. Atomic weight 27.08. Symbol Al.
w bronze or gold, a pale goldPcolored alloy of aluminium and
copper, used for journal bearings, etc.
AOlu6miOnize (?), v. t. To treat impregnate with alum; to
alum.
AOlu6miOnous (?), a. [L. aluminosus, fr. alumen alum: cf.
F. alumineux.] Pertaining to or containing alum, or alumina;
as, aluminous minerals, aluminous solution.
AOlu6miOnum (?), n. See Aluminium.
Al6umOish (?), a. Somewhat like alum.
X AOlum6na (?), n. fem.; pl. Alumn . [L. See Alumnus.] A
female pupil; especially, a graduate of a school or college.
X AOlum6nus (?), n.; pl. Alumni (?). [L., fr. alere to
nourish.] A pupil; especially, a graduate of a college or
other seminary of learning.
Al6um root7 (?). (Bot.) A North American herb (Heuchera
Americana) of the Saxifrage family, whose root has
astringent properties.
{ Al6um schist6 (?), Al6um shale6 (?), } (Min.) A variety of
shale or clay slate, containing iron pyrites, the
decomposition of which leads to the formation of alum, which
often effloresces on the rock.
Al6um stone7 (?). (Min.) A subsulphate of alumina and
potash; alunite.
Al6uOnite (?), n. (Min.) Alum stone.
AOlu6noOgen (?), n. [F. alun alum + Ogen.] (Min.) A white
fibrous mineral frequently found on the walls of mines and
quarries, chiefly hydrous sulphate of alumina; P also called
feather alum, and hair salt.
Al6ure (?), n. [OF. alure, aleure, walk, gait, fr. aler (F.
aller) to go.] A walk or passage; P applied to passages of
various kinds.
The sides of every street were covered with fresh alures of
marble.
T. Warton.
Al6uOta6ceous (?), a. [L. alutacius, fr. aluta soft
leather.] 1. Leathery.
2. Of a pale brown color; leatherOyellow.
Brande.
Al7luOta6tion (?), n. [See Alutaceous.] The tanning or
dressing of leather. [Obs.]
Blount.
Al6veOaOry (?), n.; pl. Alvearies (?). [L. alvearium,
alveare, beehive, fr. alveus a hollow vessel, beehive, from
alvus belly, beehive.] 1. A beehive, or something resembling
a beehive.
Barret.
2. (Anat.) The hollow of the external ear.
Quincy.
Al6veOa7ted (?), a. [L. alveatus hollowed out.] Formed or
vaulted like a beehive.
Al6veOoOlar (?; 277), a. [L. alveolus a small hollow or
cavity: cf. F. alvolaire.] (Anat.) Of, pertaining to, or
resembling, alveoli or little cells, sacs, or sockets.
w processes, the processes of the maxillary bones,
containing the sockets of the teeth.
Al6veOoOlaOry (?), a. Alveolar. [R.]
Al6veOoOlate (?), a. [L. alveolatus, fr. alveolus.] (Bot.)
Deeply pitted, like a honeycomb.
Al6veOole (?), n. Same as Alveolus.
AlOve6oOliOform (?), a. [L. alvelous + Oform.] Having the
form of alveoli, or little sockets, cells, or cavities.
X AlOve6oOlus (?), n.; pl. Alveoli (?). [L., a small hollow
or cavity, dim. of alveus: cf. F. alvole. See Alveary.] 1.
A cell in a honeycomb.
2. (Zol.) A small cavity in a coral, shell, or fossil
3. (Anat.) A small depression, sac, or vesicle, as the
socket of a tooth, the air cells of the lungs, the ultimate
saccules of glands, etc.
X Al6veOus (?), n.; pl. Alvei (?). [L.] The channel of a
river.
Weate.
Al6vine (?), a. [L. alvus belly: cf. F. alvin.] Of, from,
in, or pertaining to, the belly or the intestines; as,
alvine discharges; alvine concretions.
Al6way (?), adv. Always. [Archaic or Poetic]
I would not live alway.
Job vii. 16.
Al6ways (?), adv. [All + way. The s is an adverbial (orig. a
genitive) ending.] 1. At all times; ever; perpetually;
throughout all time; continually; as, God is always the
same.
Even in Heaven his [Mammon's] looks and thoughts.
Milton.
2. Constancy during a certain period, or regularly at stated
intervals; invariably; uniformly; P opposed to sometimes or
occasionally.
He always rides a black galloway.
Bulwer.
X AOlys6sum (?), n. [NL., fr. Gr. ?, name of a plant, perh.
fr. ? priv. + ? raging madness.] (Bot.) A genus of
cruciferous plants; madwort. The sweet alyssum (A.
maritimum), cultivated for bouquets, bears small, white,
sweetOscented flowers.
Am (?). [AS. am, eom, akin to Gothic im, Icel. em, Olr. am,
Lith. esmi, L. sum., Gr. ?, Zend ahmi, Skr. asmi, fr. a root
as to be. ?. See Are, and cf. Be, Was.] The first person
singular of the verb be, in the indicative mode, present
tense. See Be.
God said unto Moses, I am that am.
Exod. iii. 14.
Am7aObil6iOty (?), n. [L. amabilitas.] Lovableness.
Jer. Taylor.
5 The New English Dictionary (Murray) says this word is
=usefully distinct from Amiability.8
Am7aOcrat6ic (?), a. [Gr. ? together + ? power.] (Photog.)
Amasthenic.
Sir J. Herschel.
X Am7aOdaOvat6 (?), n. [Indian name. From Ahmedabad, a city
from which it was imported to Europe.] (Zol.) The
strawberry finch, a small Indian song bird (Estrelda
amandava), commonly caged and kept for fighting. The female
is olive brown; the male, in summer, mostly crimson; P
called also red waxbill. [Written also amaduvad and
avadavat.]
Am6aOdou (?), n. [F. amadou tinder, prop. lure, bait, fr.
amadouer to allure, caress, perh. fr. Icel. mata to feed,
which is akin to E. meat.] A spongy, combustible substance,
prepared from fungus (Boletus and Polyporus) which grows on
old trees; German tinder; punk. It has been employed as a
styptic by surgeons, but its common use is as tinder, for
which purpose it is prepared by soaking it in a strong
solution of niter.
Ure.
AOmain6 (?), adv. [Pref. aO + main. See 2d Main, n.] 1. With
might; with full force; vigorously; violently; exceedingly.
They on the hill, which were not yet come to blows,
perceiving the fewness of their enemies, came down amain.
Milton.
That striping giant, illPbred and scoffing, shouts amain.
T. Parker.
2. At full speed; in great haste; also, at once. =They fled
amain.8
Holinshed.
AOmain6, v. t. [F. amener. See Amenable.] (Naut.) To lower,
as a sail, a yard, etc.
AOmain6, v. i. (Naut.) To lower the topsail, in token of
surrender; to yield.
AOmal6gam (?), n. [F. amalgame, prob. fr. L. malagma, Gr. ?,
emollient, plaster, poultice, fr. ? to make soft, fr. ?
soft.] 1. An alloy of mercury with another metal or metals;
as, an amalgam of tin, bismuth, etc.
5 Medalists apply the term to soft alloys generally.
2. A mixture or compound of different things.
3. (Min.) A native compound of mercury and silver.
AOmal6gam, v. t. ? i. [Cf. F. amalgamer] To amalgamate.
Boyle. B. Jonson.
X AOmal6gaOma (?), n. Same as Amalgam.
They divided this their amalgam into a number of incoherent
republics.
Burke.
AOmal6gaOmate (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Amalgamated; p. pr. &
vb. n. Amalgamating.] 1. To compound or mix, as quicksilver,
with another metal; to unite, combine, or alloy with
mercury.
2. To mix, so as to make a uniform compound; to unite or
combine; as, to amalgamate two races; to amalgamate one race
with another.
Ingratitude is indeed their four cardinal virtues compacted
and amalgamated into one.
Burke.
AOmal6gaOmate, v. i. 1. To unite in an amalgam; to blend
with another metal, as quicksilver.
2. To coalesce, as a result of growth; to combine into a
uniform whole; to blend; as, two organs or parts amalgamate.
{ AOmal6gaOmate (?), AOmal6gaOma7ted (?), } a. Coalesced;
united; combined.
AOmal7gaOma6tion (?), n. [Cf. F. amalgamation.] 1. The act
or operation of compounding mercury with another metal; P
applied particularly to the process of separating gold and
silver from their ores by mixing them with mercury.
Ure.
2. The mixing or blending of different elements, races,
societies, etc.; also, the result of such combination or
blending; a homogeneous union.
Macaulay.

AOmal6gaOmaOtive (?), a. Characterized by amalgamation.
AOmal6gaOma7tor (?), n. One who, or that which, amalgamates.
Specifically: A machine for separating precious metals from
earthy particles by bringing them in contact with a body of
mercury with which they form an amalgam.
AOmal6gaOmize (?), v. t. To amalgamate. [R.]
AOman6dine (?), n. [F. amande almond. See Almond.] 1. The
vegetable casein of almonds.
2. A kind of cold cream prepared from almonds, for chapped
hands, etc.
AlOman6iOtine (?), n. [Gr. ? a sort of fungus.] The
poisonous principle of some fungi.
AOman7uOen6sis (?), n.; pl. Amanuenses (?). [L., fr. a, ab +
manus hand.] A person whose employment is to write what
another dictates, or to copy what another has written.
X AOmar6aOcus (?), n. [L., fr. Gr. ?.] A fragrant flower.
Tennyson.
Am6aOrant (?), n. Amaranth, 1. [Obs.]
Milton.
Am7aOranOta6ceous (?), a. (Bot.) Of, pertaining to, or
resembling, the family of plants of which the amaranth is
the type.
Am6aOranth (?), n. [L. amarantus, Gr. ?, unfading, amaranth;
? priv. + ? to quench, cause to wither, fr. a root meaning
to die, akin to E. mortal; P so called because its flowers
do not soon wither: cf. F. amarante. The spelling with th
seems to be due to confusion with Gr. ? flower.] 1. An
imaginary flower supposed never to fade. [Poetic]
2. (Bot.) A genus of ornamental annual plants (Amaranthus)
of many species, with green, purplish, or crimson flowers.
2. A color inclining to purple.
Am7aOran6thine (?), a. 1. Of or pertaining to amaranth.
=Amaranthine bowers.8
Pope.

<-- p. 46 -->

2. Unfading, as the poetic amaranth; undying.
They only amaranthine flower on earth
Is virtue.
Cowper.
3. Of a purplish color.
Buchanan.
{ Am7aOran6thus (?), X Am7aOran6tus (?), } n. Same as
Amaranth.
Am6aOrine (?), n. [L. amarus bitter.] (Chem.) A
characteristic crystalline substance, obtained from oil of
bitter almonds.
AOmar6iOtude (?), n. [L. amaritudo, fr. amarus bitter: cf.
OF. amaritude.] Bitterness. [R.]
{ Am7aOryl7liOda6ceous (?), Am7aOrylOlid6eOous (?), } a.
(Bot.) Of, pertaining to, or resembling, an order of plants
differing from the lily family chiefly in having the ovary
below the ?etals. The narcissus and daffodil are members of
this family.
X Am7aOryl6lis (?), n. [L. Amaryllis, Gr. ?, ?, the name of
a country girl in Theocritus and Virgil.] 1. A pastoral
sweetheart.
To sport with Amaryllis in the shade.
Milton.
2. (bot.) (a) A family of plants much esteemed for their
beauty, including the narcissus, jonquil, daffodil, agave,
and others. (b) A genus of the same family, including the
Belladonna lily.
AOmass6 (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Amassed (?); p. pr. & vb.
n. Amassing.] [F. ambusher, LL. amassare; L. ad + massa
lump, mass. See Mass.] To collect into a mass or heap; to
gather a great quantity of; to accumulate; as, to amass a
treasure or a fortune; to amass words or phrases.
The life Homer has been written by amassing all the
traditions and hints the writers could meet with.
Pope.
Syn. - To accumulate; heap up; pile.
AOmass6, n. [OF. amasse, fr. ambusher.] A mass; a heap.
[Obs.]
Sir H. Wotton.
AOmass6aOble (?), a. Capable of being amassed.
AOmass6er (?), n. One who amasses.
X A7mas7sette6 (?), n. [F. See Amass.] An instrument of horn
used for collecting painters' colors on the stone in the
process of grinding.
AOmass6ment (?), n. [Cf. OF. amassement.] An amassing; a
heap collected; a large quantity or number brought together;
an accumulation.
An amassment of imaginary conceptions.
Glanvill.
Am7asOthen6ic (?), a. [Gr. ? together + ? force.] (Photog.)
Uniting the chemical rays of light into one focus, as a
certain kind of lens; amacratic.
AOmate6 (?), v. t. [OF. amater, amatir.] To dismay; to
dishearten; to daunt. [Obs. or Archaic]
The Silures, to amate the new general, rumored the overthrow
greater than was true.
Milton.
AOmate6, v. t. [Pref. aO + mate.] To be a mate to; to match.
[Obs.]
Spenser.
Am7aOteur6 (?), n. [F., fr. L. amator lover, fr. amare to
love.] A person attached to a particular pursuit, study, or
science as to music or painting; esp. one who cultivates any
study or art, from taste or attachment, without pursuing it
professionally.
Am7aOteur6ish, a. In the style of an amateur; superficial or
defective like the work of an amateur. P Am7aOteur6ishOly,
adv. P Am7aOteur6ishOness, n.
Am6aOteurOism (?), n. The practice, habit, or work of an
amateur.
Am6aOteur7ship, n. The quality or character of an amateur.
Am6aOtive (?), a. [L. amatus, p. p. of amare to love.] Full
of love; amatory.
Am6aOtiveOness, n. (Phren.) The faculty supposed to
influence sexual desire; propensity to love.
Combe.
Am7aOto6riOal (?), a. [See Amatorious.] Of or pertaining to
a lover or to love making; amatory; as, amatorial verses.
Am7aOto6riOalOly, adv. In an amatorial manner.
Am7aOto6riOan (?), a. Amatory. [R.]
Johnson.
Am7aOto6riOous (?), a. [L. amatorius, fr. amare to love.]
Amatory. [Obs.] =Amatorious poem.8
Milton.
Am6aOtoOry (?), a. Pertaining to, producing, or expressing,
sexual love; as, amatory potions.
X Am7auOro6sis (?), n. [Gr. ?, fr. ? dark, dim.] (Med.) A
loss or decay of sight, from loss of power in the optic
nerve, without any perceptible external change in the eye; P
called also gutta ?erena, the =drop serene8 of Milton.
Am7auOrot6ic (?), a. Affected with amaurosis; having the
characteristics of amaurosis.
AOmaze6 (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Amazed (?); p. pr. & vb. n.
Amazing.] [Pref. aO + maze.] 1. To ??wilder; to stupefy; to
bring into a maze. [Obs.]
A labyrinth to amaze his foes.
Shak.
2. To confound, as by fear, wonder, extreme surprise; to
overwhelm with wonder; to astound; to astonish greatly.
=Amazing Europe with her wit.8
Goldsmith.
And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the
son of David?
Matt. xii. 23.
Syn. - To astonish; astound; confound; bewilder; perplex;
surprise. P Amaze, Astonish. Amazement includes the notion
of bewilderment of difficulty accompanied by surprise. It
expresses a state in which one does not know what to do, or
to say, or to think. Hence we are amazed at what we can not
in the least account for. Astonishment also implies
surprise. It expresses a state in which one is stunned by
the vastness or greatness of something, or struck with some
degree of horror, as when one is overpowered by the ?normity
of an act, etc.
AOmaze6, v. i. To be astounded. [Archaic]
B. Taylor.
AOmaze6, v. t. Bewilderment, arising from fear, surprise, or
wonder; amazement. [Chiefly poetic]
The wild, bewildered
Of one to stone converted by amaze.
Byron.
AOmaz6edOly (?), adv. In amazement; with confusion or
astonishment.
Shak.
AOmaz6edOness, n. The state of being amazed, or confounded
with fear, surprise, or wonder.
Bp. Hall.
AOmaze6ful (?), a. Full of amazement. [R.]
AOmaze6ment (?), n. 1. The condition of being amazed;
bewilderment [Obs.]; overwhelming wonder, as from surprise,
sudden fear, horror, or admiration.
His words impression left
Of much amazement.
Milton.
2. Frenzy; madness. [Obs.]
Webster (1661).
AOmaz6ing (?), a. Causing amazement; very wonderful; ; as,
amazing grace. P AOmaz6ingOly, adv.
Am6aOzon (?), n. [L., fr. Gr. ?.] 1. One of a fabulous race
of female warriors in Scythia; hence, a female warrior.
2. A tall, strong, masculine woman; a virago.
3. (Zol.) A name numerous species of South American parrots
of the genus Chrysotis
w ant(Zol.), a species of ant (Polyergus rufescens), of
Europe and America. They seize by conquest the larv and
nymphs other species and make slaves of them in their own
nests.
Am7aOzo6niOan (?), a. 1. Pertaining to or resembling an
Amazon; of masculine manners; warlike.
Shak.
2. Of or pertaining to the river Amazon in South America, or
to its valley.
{ Am6aOzonOite (?), Am6aOzon stone7 (?), } n. [Named from
the river Amazon.] (Min.) A variety of feldspar, having a
verdigrisPgreen color.
AmbO, AmObiO. [L. prefix ambiO, ambO, akin to Gr. ?, Skr.
abhi, AS. embe, emb, OHG. umbi, umpi, G. um, and also L.
ambo both. Cf. AmphiO, Both, By.] A prefix meaning about,
around; P used in words derived from the Latin.
X AmOba6ges (?), n. pl. [L. (usually in pl.); pref. ambiO,
ambO + agere to drive: cf. F. ambage.] A circuit; a winding.
Hence: Circuitous way or proceeding; quibble;
circumlocution; indirect mode of speech.
After many ambages, perspicuously define what this
melancholy is.
Burton.
AmObag6iOnous (?), a. Ambagious. [R.]
AmOba6gious (?), a. [L. ambagiosus.] Circumlocutory;
circuitous. [R.]
AmObag6iOtoOry (?), a. Ambagious. [R.]
Am6basOsade (?), Em6basOsade (?), n. [F. ambassade. See
Embassy.] 1. The mission of an ambassador. [Obs.]
Carew.
2. An embassy. [Obs.]
Strype.
AmObas6saOdor (?), EmObas6saOdor (?), n. [See Embassador.]
1. A minister of the highest rank sent a foreign court to
represent there his sovereign or country.
5 Ambassador are either ordinary [or resident] or
extraordinary, that is, sent upon some special or unusual
occasion or errand.
Abbott.
2. An official messenger and representative.
AmObas7saOdo6riOal (?), a. Of or pertaining to an
ambassador.
H. Walpole.
AmObas7saOdorOship (?), n. The state, office, or functions
of an ambassador.
AmObas6saOdress (?), n. A female ambassador; also, the wife
of an ambassador.
Prescott.
Am6basOsage (?), n. Same as Embassage. [Obs. or R.]
Luke xiv. 32.
Am6basOsy (?), n. See Embassy, the usual spelling.
Helps.
Am6ber , n. [OE. aumbre, F. ambre, Sp. mbar, and with the
Ar. article, al mbar, fr. Ar. 'anbar ambergris.] 1. (Min.) A
yellowish translucent resin resembling copal, found as a
fossil in alluvial soils, with beds of lignite, or on the
seashore in many places. It takes a fine polish, and is used
for pipe mouthpieces, beads, etc., and as a basis for a fine
varnish. By friction, it becomes strongly electric.
2. w color, or anything ~Pcolored; a clear light yellow; as,
the amber of the sky.
3. Ambergris. [Obs.]
You that smell of amber at my charge.
Beau. & Fl.
4. The balsam, liquidambar.
Black ~, and old and popular name for jet.
Am6ber, a. 1. Consisting of ~; made of ~. =Amber bracelets.8
Shak.
2. Resembling ~, especially in color; ~Pcolored. =The amber
morn.8
Tennyson.
Am6ber, v. t. [p. p. & p. a. Ambered .] 1. To scent or
flavor with ambergris; as, ambered wine.
2. To preserve in ~; as, an ambered fly.
Am6ber fish (?). (Zol.) A fish of the southern Atlantic
coast (Seriola Carolinensis.)
Am6berOgrease (?), n. See Ambergris.
Am6berOgris (?), n. [F. ambre gris, i. e., gray amber; F.
gris gray, which is of German origin: cf. OS. gr s, G.
greis, grayPhaired. See Amber.] A substance of the
consistence of wax, found floating in the Indian Ocean and
other parts of the tropics, and also as a morbid secretion
in the intestines of the sperm whale (Physeter
macrocephalus), which is believed to be in all cases its
true origin. In color it is white, ashPgray, yellow, or
black, and often variegated like marble. The floating
masses are sometimes from sixty to two hundred and
twentyPfive pounds in weight. It is wholly volatilized as a
white vapor at 2120 Fahrenheit, and is highly valued in
perfumery.
Dana.
Am6ber seed7 (?). Seed of the Hibiscus abelmoschus, somewhat
resembling millet, brought from Egypt and the West Indies,
and having a flavor like that of musk; musk seed.
Chambers.
Am6ber tree7 (?). A species of Anthospermum, a shrub with
evergreen leaves, which, when bruised, emit a fragrant odor.
Ambes6Pas (?), n. AmbsPace. [Obs.]
Chaucer.
Am6biOdex6ter (?), a. [LL., fr. L. ambo both + dexter right,
dextra (sc. manus) the right hand.] Using both hands with
equal ease.
Smollett.
Am7biOdex6ter, n. 1. A person who uses both hands with equal
facility.
2. Hence; A doublePdealer; one equally ready to act on
either side in party disputes.
The rest are hypocrites, ambidexters, so ??any turning
pictures P a lion on one side, a lamb on the other.
Burton.
3. (Law) A juror who takes money from both parties for
giving his verdict.
Cowell.
Am6biOdexOter6iOty (?), n. 1. The quality of being
ambidex?rous; the faculty of using both hands with equal
facility. Hence: Versatility; general readiness; as,
ambidexterity of argumentation.
Sterne.
Ignorant I was of the human frame, and of its latent powers,
as regarded speed, force, and ambidexterity.
De Quincey.
2. DoublePdealing. (Law) A juror's taking of money from the
both parties for a verdict.
Am7biOdex6tral (?), a. Pertaining equally to the rightPhand
side and the leftPhand side.
Earle.
Am7biOdex6trous (?), a. 1. Pertaining the faculty of using
both hands with equal ease.
Sir T. Browne.
2. Practicing or siding with both parties.
All false, shuffling, and ambidextrous dealings.
L'Estrange.
Am6biOdex6trousOly, adv. In an ambidextrous manner;
cunningly.
Am7biOdex6trousOness (?), n. The quality of being
ambidextrous; ambidexterity.
Am6biOent (?), a. [L. ambiens, p. pr. of ambire to go
around; ambO + ire to go.] Encompassing on all sides;
circumfused; investing. =Ambient air.8 Milton. =Ambient
clouds.8 Pope.
Am6biOent, n. Something that surrounds or invests; as,
air... being a perpetual ambient.
Sir H. Wotton.
AmObig6eOnous (?), a. [L. ambo both + genus kind.] Of two
kinds. (bot.) Partaking of two natures, as the perianth of
some endogenous plants, where the outer surface is calycine,
and the inner petaloid.
Am6biOgu (?), n. [F., fr. ambigu doubtful, L. ambiquus. See
Ambiguous.] An entertainment at which a medley of dishes is
set on at the same time.
Am7biOgu6iOty (?), n.; pl. Ambiguities (?). [L. ambiguitas,
fr. ambiguus: cf. F. ambiguit.] The quality or state of
being ambiguous; doubtfulness or uncertainty, particularly
as to the signification of language, arising from its
admitting of more than one meaning; an equivocal word or
expression.
No shadow of ambiguity can rest upon the course to be
pursued.
I. Taylor.
The words are of single signification, without any
ambiguity.
South.
AmObig6uOous (?), a. [L. ambiguus, fr. ambigere to wander
about, waver; ambO + agere to drive.] Doubtful or uncertain,
particularly in respect to signification; capable of being
understood in either of two or more possible senses;
equivocal; as, an ambiguous course; an ambiguous expression.
What have been thy answers? What but dark,
Ambiguous, and with double sense deluding?
Milton.
Syn. - Doubtful; dubious; uncertain; unsettled; indistinct;
indeterminate; indefinite. See Equivocal.
AmObig6uOousOly, adv. In an ambiguous manner; with doubtful
meaning.
AmObig6uOousOness, n. Ambiguity.
Am7biOle6vous (?), a. [L. ambo both + laevus left.]
LeftPhanded on both sides; clumsy; P opposed to ambidexter.
[R.]
Sir T. Browne.
AmObil6oOquy (?), n. Doubtful or ambiguous language. [Obs.]
Bailey.
AmObip6aOrous (?), a. [L. ambo both + parere to bring
forth.] (Bot.) Characterized by containing the rudiments of
both flowers and leaves; P applied to a bud.
Am6bit (?), n. [L. ambitus circuit, fr. ambire to go around.
See Ambient.] Circuit or compass.
His great parts did not live within a small ambit.
Milward.
AmObi6tion (?), n. [F. ambition, L. ambitio a going around,
especially of candidates for office is Rome, to solicit
votes (hence, desire for office or honor? fr. ambire to go
around. See Ambient, Issue.] 1. The act of going about to
solicit or obtain an office, or any other object of desire;
canvassing. [Obs.]
[I] used no ambition to commend my deeds.
Milton.
2. An eager, and sometimes an inordinate, desire for
preferment, honor, superiority, power, or the attainment of
something.
Cromwell, I charge thee, fling a way ambition:
By that sin fell the angels.
Shak.
The pitiful ambition of possessing five or six thousand more
acres.
Burke.
AmObi6tion, v. t. [Cf. F. ambitionner.] To seek after
ambitiously or eagerly; to covet. [R.]
Pausanias, ambitioning the sovereignty of Greece, bargains
with Xerxes for his daughter in marriage.
Trumbull.
AmObi6tionOist, n. One excessively ambitious. [R.]
AmObi6tionOless, a. Devoid of ambition.
Pollok.
AmObi6tious (?), a. [L. ambitiosus: cf. F. ambitieux. See
Ambition.] 1. Possessing, or controlled by, ambition;
greatly or inordinately desirous of power, honor, office,
superiority, or distinction.
Yet Brutus says he was ambitious,
And Brutus is an honorable man.
Shak.
2. Strongly desirous; P followed by of or the infinitive;
as, ambitious to be or to do something.
I was not ambitious of seeing this ceremony.
Evelyn.
Studious of song, and yet ambitious not to sing in vain.
Cowper.
3. Springing from, characterized by, or indicating,
ambition; showy; aspiring; as, an ambitious style.
A giant statue...
Pushed by a wild and artless race,
From off wide, ambitious base.
Collins.
AmObi6tiousOly, adv. In an ambitious manner.

<-- p. 47 -->

AmObi6tiousOness (?), n. The quality of being ambitious;
ambition; pretentiousness.
X Am6biOtus (?), n. [L. See Ambit, Ambition.] 1. The
exterior edge or border of a thing, as the border of a leaf,
or the outline of a bivalve shell.
2. (Rom. Antiq.) A canvassing for votes.
Am6ble (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Ambled (?); p. pr. & vb. n.
Ambling (?).] [F. ambler to amble, fr. L. ambulare to walk,
in LL., to amble, perh. fr. ambO, ambiO, and a root meaning
to go: cf. Gr. ? to go, E. base. Cf. Ambulate.] 1. To go at
the easy gait called an ~; P applied to the horse or to its
rider.
2. To move somewhat like an ambling horse; to go easily or
without hard shocks.
The skipping king, he ambled up and down.
Shak.
Sir, your wit ambles well; it goes easily.
Shak.
Am6ble, n. 1. A peculiar gait of a horse, in which both legs
on the same side are moved at the same time, alternating
with the legs on the other side. =A fine easy amble.8
B. Jonson.
2. A movement like the ~ of a horse.
Am6bler (?), n. A horse or a person that ambles.
Am6blingOly, adv. With an ambling gait.
AmOblot6ic (?), a. [Gr. ?, ?, fr. ? an abortion.] Tending
to cause abortion.
Am6blyOgon (?), n. [Gr. ? obtuse + ? angle: cf. F.
amblygone.] (Geom.) An obtusePangled figure, esp. and
obtusePangled triangle. [Obs.]
AmOblyg6oOnal (?), a. ObtusePangled. [Obs.]
Hutton.
{ X Am7blyOo6piOa (?), Am6blyOo7py (?), } n. [Gr. ?; ?
blunt, dim + ? eye: cf. F. amblyopie.] (Med.) Weakness of
sight, without and opacity of the cornea, or of the interior
of the eye; the first degree of amaurosis.
Am6blyOop6ic (?), a. (Med.) Of or pertaining to amblyopy.
Quain.
X AmOblyp6oOda (?), n. pl. [NL., fr. Gr. ? blunt + ?, ?,
foot.] (Paleon.) A group of large, extinct, herbivorous
mammals, common in the Tertiary formation of the United
States.
X Am6bo (?), n.; pl. Ambos (?). [LL. ambo, Gr. ?, any
rising, a raised stage, pulpit: cf. F. ambon.] A large
pulpit or reading desk, in the early Christian churches.
Gwilt.
X Am6bon (?), n. Same as Ambo.
AmOboy6na wood (?). A beautiful mottled and curled wood,
used in cabinetwork. It is obtained from the Pterocarpus
Indicus of Amboyna, Borneo, etc.
Am6breOate (?), n. (Chem.) A salt formed by the combination
of ambreic acid with a base or positive radical.
AmObre6ic (?), a. (Chem.) Of or pertaining to ambrein; P
said of a certain acid produced by digesting ambrein in
nitric acid.
Am6breOin (?), n. [Cf. F. ambrine. See Amber.] (Chem.) A
fragrant substance which is the chief constituent of
ambergris.
Am6brite (?), n. [From amber.] A fossil resin occurring in
large masses in New Zealand.
Am6brose (?), n. A sweetOscented herb; ambrosia. See
Ambrosia, 3.
Turner.
AmObro6sia (?; 277), n. [L. ambrosia, Gr. ?, properly fem.
of ?, fr. ? immortal, divine; ? priv. + ? mortal (because it
was supposed to confer immortality on those who partook of
it). ? stands for ?, akin to Skr. mrita, L. mortuus, dead,
and to E. mortal.] 1. (Myth.) (a) The fabled food of the
gods (as nectar was their drink), which conferred
immortality upon those who partook of it. (b) An unguent of
the gods,.
His dewy locks distilled ambrosia.
Milton.
2. A perfumed unguent, salve, or draught; something very
pleasing to the taste or smell.
Spenser.
3.Formerly, a kind of fragrant plant; now (Bot.), a genus
of plants, including some coarse and worthless weeds, called
ragweed, hogweed, etc.
Am6bro6siOac (?), a. [L. ambrosiacus: cf. F. ambrosiaque.]
Having the qualities of ambrosia; delicious. [R.]=Ambrosiac
odors.8
B. Jonson.
AmObro6sial (?), a. [L. ambrosius, Gr. ?.] 1. Consisting of,
or partaking of the nature of, ambrosia; delighting the
taste or smell; delicious. =Ambrosial food.8 =Ambrosial
fragrance.8
Milton.
2. Divinely excellent or beautiful. =Shakes his ambrosial
curls.8
Pope.
AmObro6sialOly, adv. After the manner of ambrosia;
delightfully. =Smelt ambrosially.8
Tennyson.
AmObro6sian (?), a. Ambrosial. [R.]
. Jonson.
AmObro6sian, a. Of or pertaining to St. Ambrose; as, the
Ambrosian office, or ritual, a formula of worship in the
church of Milan, instituted by St. Ambrose.
w chant, the mode of signing or chanting introduced by St.
Ambrose in the 4th century.
Am6broOsin (?), n. [LL. Ambrosinus nummus.] An early coin
struck by the dukes of Milan, and bearing the figure of St.
Ambrose on horseback.
Am6broOtype (?), n. [Gr. ? immortal + Otype.] (Photog.) A
picture taken on a place of prepared glass, in which the
lights are represented in silver, and the shades are
produced by a dark background visible through the unsilvered
portions of the glass.
Am6bry (?), n.; pl. Ambries (?). [OE. aumbry, almery, OF.
almarie, armarie, aumaire, F. armoire, LL. armarium chest,
cupboard, orig. a repository for arms, fr. L. arama arms.
The word has been confused with almonry. See Armory.] 1. In
churches, a kind of closet, niche, cupboard, or locker for
utensils, vestments, etc.
2. A store closet, as a pantry, cupboard, etc.
3. Almonry. [Improperly so used]
Ambs6Pace (?), n. [OF. ambesas; ambes both (fr. L. ambo) +
as ace. See Ace.] Double aces, the lowest throw of all at
dice. Hence: Bad luck; anything of no account or value.
Am7buOla6cral (?), a. (Zol.) Of or pertaining to ambulacra;
avenuelike; as, the ambulacral ossicles, plates, spines, and
suckers of echinoderms.
Am7buOla6criOform (?), a. [Ambulacrum + Oform.]
(Zol.)Having the form of ambulacra.
X Am7buOla6crum (?), n. pl; pl. Ambulacra (?). [L., an alley
or covered way.] (Zol.) (a) One of the radical zones of
echinoderms, along which run the principal nerves, blood
vessels, and water tubes. These zones usually bear rows of
locomotive suckers or tentacles, which protrude from regular
pores. In star fishes they occupy the grooves along the
under side of the rays. (b) One of the suckers on the feet
of mites.
Am6buOlance (?), n. [F. ambulance, hpital ambulant, fr. L.
ambulare to walk. See Amble.] (Mil.) (a) A field hospital,
so organized as to follow an army in its movements, and
intended to succor the wounded as soon as possible. Often
used adjectively; as, an ambulance wagon; ambulance
stretcher; ambulance corps. (b) An ~ wagon or cart for
conveying the wounded from the field, or to a hospital.
Am6buOlant (?), a. [L. ambulans, p. pr. of ambulare to walk:
cf. F. ambulant.] Walking; moving from place to place.
Gayton.
Am6buOlate (?), v. i. [L. ambulare to walk. See Amble.] To
walk; to move about. [R.]
Southey.
Am7buOla6tion (?), n. [L. ambulatio.] The act of walking.
Sir T. Browne.
Am6buOlaOtive (?), a. Walking. [R.]
Am6buOla7tor (?), n. 1. One who walks about; a walker.
2. (Zol.) (a) A beetle of the genus Lamia. (b) A genus of
birds, or one of this genus.
3. An instrument for measuring distances; P called also
perambulator.
Knight.
Am7buOlaOto6riOal (?), a. Ambulatory; fitted for walking.
Verrill.
Am6buOlaOtoOry (?), a. [L. ambulatorius.] 1. Of or
pertaining to walking; having the faculty of walking; formed
or fitted for walking; as, an ambulatory animal.
2. Accustomed to move from place to place; not stationary;
movable; as, an ambulatory court, which exercises its
jurisdiction in different places.
The priesthood... before was very ambulatory, and dispersed
into all families.
Jer. Taylor.
3. Pertaining to a walk. [R.]
The princess of whom his majesty had an ambulatory view in
his travels.
Sir H. Wotton.
4. (Law) Not yet fixed legally, or settled past alteration;
alterable; as, the dispositions of a will are ambulatory
until the death of the testator.
Am6buOlaOtoOry, n.; pl. Ambulatories (?). [Cf. LL.
ambulatorium.] (Arch.) A place to walk in, whether in the
open air, as the gallery of a cloister, or within a
building.
Am6burOry (?), n. Same as Anbury.
Am7busOcade6 (?), n. [F. embuscade, fr. It. imboscata, or
Sp. emboscada, fr. emboscar to ambush, fr. LL. imboscare.
See Ambush, v. t.] 1. A lying in a wood, concealed, for the
purpose of attacking an enemy by surprise. Hence: A lying in
wait, and concealed in any situation, for a like purpose; a
snare laid for an enemy; an ambush.
2. A place in which troops lie hid, to attack an enemy
unexpectedly. [R.]
Dryden.
3. (Mil.) The body of troops lying in ambush.
Am7busOcade6, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Ambuscaded (?); p. pr. &
vb. n. Ambuscading (?).] 1. To post or conceal in ambush; to
ambush.
2. To lie in wait for, or to attack from a covert or lurking
place; to waylay.
Am7busOcade6, v. i. To lie in ambush.
Am7busOca6do (?), n. Ambuscade. [Obs.]
Shak.
Am7busOca6doed (?), p. p. Posted in ambush; ambuscaded.
[Obs.]
Am6bush (?), n. [F. embche, fr. the verb. See Ambush, v.
t.] 1. A disposition or arrangement of troops for attacking
an enemy unexpectedly from a concealed station. Hence:
Unseen peril; a device to entrap; a snare.
Heaven, whose high walls fear no assault or siege
Or ambush from the deep.
Milton.
2. A concealed station, where troops or enemies lie in wait
to attack by surprise.
Bold in close ambush, base in open field.
Dryden.
3. The troops posted in a concealed place, for attacking by
surprise; liers in wait. [Obs.]
The ambush arose quickly out of their place.
Josh. viii. 19.
To lay an ~, to post a force in ~.
Am6bush (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Ambushed (?); p. pr. & vb.
n. Ambushing.] [OE. enbussen, enbushen, OF. embushier,
embuissier, F. embcher, embusquer, fr. LL. imboscare; in +
LL. boscus, buscus, a wood; akin to G. bush, E. bush. See
Ambuscade, Bu?h.] 1. To station in ~ with a view to surprise
an enemy.
By ambushed men behind their temple ?ai?,
We have the king of Mexico betrayed.
Dryden.
2. To attack by ~; to waylay.
Am6bush, v. i. To lie in wait, for the purpose of attacking
by surprise; to lurk.
Nor saw the snake that ambushed for his prey.
Trumbull.
Am6bushOer (?), n. One lying in ~.
Am6bushOment (?), n. [OF. embuschement. See Ambush, v. t.]
An ~. [Obs.]
2 Chron. xiii. 13.
AmObus6tion (?; 106), n. [L. ambustio.] (Med.) A burn or
scald.
Blount.
Am7eObe6an (?), a. (Zol.) See Am?bean.
AOmeer6, AOmir6 (?), n. [See Emir.] 1. Emir. [Obs.]
2. One of the Mohammedan nobility of Afghanistan and Scinde.
Am6el (?), n. [OE. amell, OF. esmail, F. mail, of German
origin; cf. OHG. smelzi, G. schmelz. See Smelt, v. t.]
Enamel. [Obs.]
Boyle.
Am6el, v. t. [OE. amellen, OF. esmailler, F. mailler, OF.
esmail, F. mail.] To enamel. [Obs.]
Enlightened all with stars,
And richly ameled.
Chapman.
Am6elOcorn7 (?), n. [Ger. amelkorn: cf. MHG. amel, amer,
spelt, and L. amylum starch, Gr. ?.] A variety of wheat from
which starch is produced; P called also French rice.
AOmel6ioOraOble (?), a. Capable of being ameliorated.
AOmel6ioOrate (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Ameliorated (?); p.
pr. & vb. n. Ameliorating.] [L. ad + meliorare to make
better: cf. F. amliorer. See Meliorate.] To make better; to
improve; to meliorate.
In every human being there is a wish to ameliorate his own
condition.
Macaulay.
AOmel6ioOrate, v. i. To grow better; to ~; as, wine
ameliorates by age.
AOmel7ioOra6tion (?), n. [Cf. F. amlioration.] The act of
ameliorating, or the state of being ameliorated; making or
becoming better; improvement; melioration. =Amelioration of
human affairs.8
J. S. Mill.
AOmel6ioOraOtive (?), a. Tending to ameliorate; producing
amelioration or improvement; as, ameliorative remedies,
efforts.
AOmel6ioOra7tor (?), n. One who ameliorates.
A7men6 (?; 277), interj., adv., & n. [L. amen, Gr. ?, Heb.
>m?n certainly, truly.] An expression used at the end of
prayers, and meaning, So be it. At the end of a creed, it is
a solemn asseveration of belief. When it introduces a
declaration, it is equivalent to truly, verily. It is used
as a noun, to demote: (a) concurrence in belief, or in a
statement; assent; (b) the final word or act; (c) Christ as
being one who is true and faithful.
And let all the people say, Amen.
Ps. cvi. 48.
Amen, amen, I say to thee, except a man be born again, he
can not see the kingdom of Gods.
John ii. 3. Rhemish Trans.
To say w to, to approve warmly; to concur in heartily or
emphatically; to ratify; as, I say Amen to all.
A7men6, v. t. To say w to; to sanction fully.
AOmen7naObil6iOty (?), n. The quality of being amenable;
amenableness.
Coleridge.
AOme6naOble (?), a. [F. amener to lead; ? (L. ad) = mener to
lead, fr. L. minare to drive animals (properly by
threatening cries), in LL. to lead; L. minari, to threaten,
minae threats. See Menace.] 1. (Old Law) Easy to be led;
governable, as a woman by her husband. [Obs.]
Jacob.
2. Liable to be brought to account or punishment;
answerable; responsible; accountable; as, amenable to law.
Nor is man too diminutive... to be amenable to the divine
government.
I. Taylor.
3. Liable to punishment, a charge, a claim, etc.
4. Willing to yield or submit; responsive; tractable.
Sterling... always was amenable enough to counsel.
Carlyle.
AOme6naObleOness, n. The quality or state of being amenable;
liability to answer charges; answerableness.
AOme6naObly, adv. In an amenable manner.
Am6eeOnage (?), v. t. [OF. amesnagier. See Manage.] To
manage. [Obs.]
Spenser.
Am6eOnance (?), n. [OF. See Amenable.] Behavior; bearing.
[Obs.]
Spenser.
AOmend6 (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Amended; p. pr. & vb. n.
Amending.] [F. amender, L. emendare; e(ex) + mendum, menda,
fault, akin to Skr. minda personal defect. Cf. Emend, Mend.]
To change or modify in any way for the better; as, (a) by
simply removing what is erroneous, corrupt, superfluous,
faulty, and the like; (b) by supplying deficiencies; (c) by
substituting something else in the place of what is removed;
to rectify.
Mar not the thing that can not be amended.
Shak.
An instant emergency, granting no possibility for revision,
or opening for amended thought.
De Quincey.
We shall cheer her sorrows, and amend her blood, by wedding
her to a Norman.
Sir W. Scott.
To amend a bill, to make some change in the details or
provisions of a bill or measure while on its passage,
professedly for its improvement.
Syn. - To Amend, Emend, Correct, Reform, Rectify. These
words agree in the idea of bringing things into a more
perfect state. We correct (literally, make

<-- p. 48 -->

straight) when we conform things to some standard or rule;
as, to correct proof sheets. We amend by removing blemishes,
faults, or errors, and thus rendering a thing more a nearly
perfect; as, to amend our ways, to amend a text, the draft
of a bill, etc. Emend is only another form of amend, and is
applied chiefly to editions of books, etc. To reform is
literally to form over again, or put into a new and better
form; as, to reform one's life. To rectify is to make right;
as, to rectify a mistake, to rectify abuses,
inadvertencies, etc.
AOmend6 (?), v. i. To grow better by rectifying something
wrong in manners or morals; to improve. =My fortune...
amends.8
Sir P. Sidney.
AOmend6aOble (?), a. Capable of being amended; as, an
amendable writ or error. P AOmend6aObleOness, n.
AOmend6aOtoOry (?), a. Supplying amendment; corrective;
emendatory.
Bancroft.
X A7mende6 (?), n. [F. See Amend.] A pecuniary punishment or
fine; a reparation or recantation.
w honorable (?). (Old French Law) A species of infamous
punishment in which the offender, being led into court with
a rope about his neck, and a lighted torch in his hand,
begged pardon of his God, the court, etc. In popular
language, the phrase now denotes a public apology or
recantation, and reparation to an injured party, for
improper language or treatment.
AOmend6er (?), n. One who amends.
AOmend6ful (?), a. Much improving. [Obs.]
AOmend6ment (?), n. [F. amendement, LL. amendamentum.] 1. An
alteration or change for the better; correction of a fault
or of faults; reformation of life by quitting vices.
2. In public bodies; Any alternation made or proposed to be
made in a bill or motion by adding, changing, substituting,
or omitting.
3. (Law) Correction of an error in a writ or process.
Syn. - Improvement; reformation; emendation.
AOmends6 (?), n. sing. & pl. [F. amendes, pl. of amende. Cf.
Amende.] Compensation for a loss or injury; recompense;
reparation. [Now const. with sing. verb.] =An honorable
amends.8
Addison.
Yet thus far fortune maketh us amends.
Shak.
AOmen6iOty (?), n. pl. Amenities (?). [F. amnit, L.
amoenitas, fr. amoenus pleasant.] The quality of being
pleasant or agreeable, whether in respect to situation,
climate, manners, or disposition; pleasantness; civility;
suavity; gentleness.
A sweetness and amenity of temper.
Buckle.
This climate has not seduced by its amenities.
W. Howitt.
X AOmen7orOrh?6a (?), n. [Gr. ? priv. + ? month + ? to flow:
cf. F. amnorrhe.] (Med.) Retention or suppression of the
menstrual discharge.
AOmen7orOrh?6al (?), a. Pertaining to amenorrh?a.
X A men6sa et tho6ro (?). [L., from board and bed.] (Law) A
kind of divorce which does not dissolve the marriage bong,
but merely authorizes a separate life of the husband and
wife.
Abbott.
Am6ent (?), n. [L. amentum thong or strap.] (Bot.) A species
of inflorescence; a catkin.
The globular ament of a buttonwood.
Coues.
Am7enOta6ceous (?), a. [LL. amentaceus.] (Bot.) (a)
Resembling, or consisting of, an ament or aments; as, the
chestnut has an amentaceous inflorescence. (b) Bearing
aments; having flowers arranged in aments; as, amentaceous
plants.
X AOmen6tiOa (?), n. [L.] (Med.) Imbecility; total want of
understanding.
Am7enOtif6erOous (?), a. [L. amentum + Oferous.] (Bot.)
Bearing catkins.
Balfour.
AOmen6tiOform (?), a. [L. amentum + Oform.] (Bot.) Shaped
like a catkin.
X AOmen6tum (?), n.; pl. Amenta (?). Same as Ament.
Am6eOnuse (?), v. t. [OF. amenuisier. See Minute.] To
lessen. [Obs.]
Chaucer.
AOmerce6 (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Amerced (?); p. pr. & vb.
n. Amercing.] [OF. amercier, fr. a merci at the mercy of,
liable to a punishment. See Mercy.] 1. To punish by a
pecuniary penalty, the amount of which is not fixed by law,
but left to the discretion of the court; as, the amerced the
criminal in the sum on the hundred dollars.
5 The penalty of fine may be expressed without a
preposition, or it may be introduced by in, with, or of.
2. To punish, in general; to mulct.
Millions of spirits for his fault amerced
Of Heaven.
Milton.

Shall by him be amerced with penance due.
Spenser.
AOmerce6aOble (?), a. Liable to be amerced.
AOmerce6ment (?), n. [OF. amerciment.] The infliction of a
penalty at the discretion of the court; also, a mulct or
penalty thus imposed. It differs from a fine,in that the
latter is, or was originally, a fixed and certain sum
prescribed by statue for an offense; but an amercement is
arbitrary. Hence, the act or practice of affeering. [See
Affeer.]
Blackstone.
5 This word, in old books, is written amerciament.
w royal, a penalty imposed on an officer for a misdemeanor
in his office.
Jacobs.
AOmer6cer (?), n. One who amerces.
AOmer6ciaOment (?), n. [LL. amerciamentum.] Same as
Amercement.
Mozley & W.
AOmer6iOcan (?), a. [Named from Ameri?us Vespucius.] 1. Of
or pertaining to America; as, the American continent:
American Indians.
2. Of or pertaining to the United States. =A young officer
of the American navy.8
Lyell.
w ivy. See Virginia creeper. P w Party (U. S. Politics), a
party, about 1854, which opposed the influence of
foreignPborn citizens, and those supposed to owe allegiance
to a foreign power. P Native ~ Party (U. S. Politics), a
party of principles similar to those of the w party. It
arose about 1843, but soon died out.
AOmer6iOcan (?), n. A native of America; P originally
applied to the aboriginal inhabitants, but now applied to
the descendants of Europeans born in America, and especially
to the citizens of the United States.
The name American must always exalt the pride of patriotism.
Washington.
AOmer6iOcanOism (?), n. 1. Attachment to the United States.
2. A custom peculiar to the United States or to America; an
American characteristic or idea.
3. A word or phrase peculiar to the United States.
AOmer7iOcanOiOza6tion (?), n. The process of Americanizing.
AOmer6iOcanOize (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Americanizer (?);
p. pr. & vb. n. Americanizing.] To render American; to
assimilate to the Americans in customs, ideas, etc.; to
stamp with American characteristics.
Ames6Pace (?), n. Same as AmbsPace.
Am6ess (?), n. (Eccl.) Amice, a hood or cape. See 2d Amice.
X Am7eOtab6oOla (?), n. pl. [NL.] (Zol.) A group of insects
which do not undergo any metamorphosis. [Written also
Ametabolia.]
AOmet7aObo6liOan (?), a. [Gr. ? unchangeable; ? priv. + ?
changeable, ? to change.] (Zol.) Of or pertaining to
insects that do undergo any metamorphosis.
{ AOme7aObol6ic (?), Am7eOtab6oOlous, } a. (Zol.) Not
undergoing any metamorphosis; as, ametabolic insects.
AOmeth6oOdist (?), n. [Pref. aO not + methodist.] One
without method; a quack. [Obs.]
Am6eOthyst (?), [F. ametiste, amatiste, F. amthyste, L.
amethystus, fr. Gr. ? without drunkenness; as a noun, a
remedy for drunkenness, the amethyst, supposed to have this
power; ? priv. + ? to be drunken, ? strong drink, wine. See
Mead.]
1. (Min.) A variety of crystallized quartz, of a purple or
bluish violet color, of different shades. It is much used as
a jeweler's stone.
Oriental ~, the violetPblue variety of transparent
crystallized corundum or sapphire.
2. (Her.) A purple color in a nobleman's escutcheon, or coat
of arms.
Am7eOthys6tine (?), a. [L. amethystinus, Gr. ?.] 1.
Resembling amethyst, especially in color; bluish violet.
2. Composed of, or containing, amethyst.
X Am7eOtro6piOa (?), n. [Gr. ? irregular + ?, ?, eye.]
(Med.) Any abnormal condition of the refracting powers of
the eye. P Am7eOtrop6ic (?), a.
AmOhar6ic (?), a. Of or pertaining to Amhara, a division of
Abyssinia; as, the Amharic language is closely allied to the
Ethiopic. P n. The Amharic language (now the chief language
of Abyssinia).
X Am6iOa (?), n. [L., fr. Gr. ? a kind of tunny.] (Zol.) A
genus of freshPwater ganoid fishes, exclusively confined to
North America; called bowfin in Lake Champlain, dogfish in
Lake Erie, and mudfish in South Carolina, etc. See Bowfin.
A7miOaObil6iOty (?), n. The quality of being amiable;
amiableness; sweetness of disposition.
Every excellency is a degree of amiability.
Jer. Taylor.
A6miOaOble (?), a. [F. amiable, L. amicabilis friendly, fr.
amicus friend, fr. amare to love. The meaning has been
influenced by F. aimable, L. amabilis lovable, fr. amare to
love. Cf. Amicable, Amorous, Amability.] 1. Lovable; lovely;
pleasing. [Obs. or R.]
So amiable a prospect.
Sir T. Herbert.
2. Friendly; kindly; sweet; gracious; as, an amiable temper
or mood; amiable ideas.
3. Possessing sweetness of disposition; having sweetness of
temper, kindPheartedness, etc., which causes one to be
liked; as, an amiable woman.
4. Done out of love. [Obs.]
Lay an amiable siege to the honesty of this Ford's wife.
Shak.
A7miOaObleOness, n. The quality of being amiable;
amiability.
A6miOaObly, adv. In an amiable manner.
Am6iOanth (?), n. See Amianthus. [Poetic]
Am7iOan6thiOform (?), a. [Amianthus + Oform.] Resembling
amianthus in form.
Am7iOan6thoid (?), a. [Amianthus + Ooid: cf. F. amianto de.]
Resembling amianthus.
Am7iOan6thus (?), n. [L. amiantus, Gr. ? ? (lit., unsoiled
stone) a greenish stone, like asbestus; ? priv. + ? to
stain, to defile; so called from its incombustibility.]
(Min.) Earth flax, or mountain flax; a soft silky variety of
asbestus.
Am6ic (?), a. [L. ammonia + Oic.] (Chem.) Related to, or
derived, ammonia; P used chiefly as a suffix; as, amic acid;
phosphamic acid.
w acid (Chem.), one of a class of nitrogenized acids
somewhat resembling amides.
Am7iOcaObil6iOty (?), n. The quality of being amicable;
friendliness; amicableness.
Ash.
Am6iOcaOble (?), a. [L. amicabilis, fr. amicus friend, fr.
amare to love. See Amiable.] Friendly; proceeding from, or
exhibiting, friendliness; after the manner of friends;
peaceable; as, an amicable disposition, or arrangement.
That which was most remarkable in this contest was... the
amicable manner in which it was managed.
Prideoux.
w action (Law.), an action commenced and prosecuted by ~
consent of the parties, for the purpose of obtaining a
decision of the court on some matter of law involved in it.
Bouvier. Burrill. P w numbers (Math.), two numbers, each of
which is equal to the sum of all the aliquot parts of the
other.
Syn. - Friendly; peaceable; kind; harmonious. P Amicable,
Friendly. Neither of these words denotes any great warmth of
affection, since friendly has by no means the same strength
as its noun friendship. It does, however, imply something of
real cordiality; while amicable supposes very little more
than that the parties referred to are not disposed to
quarrel. Hence, we speak of amicable relations between two
countries, an amicable adjustment of difficulties. =Those
who entertain friendly feelings toward each other can live
amicably together.8
Am6iOcaObleOness (?), n. The quality of being amicable;
amicability.
Am6iOcaObly, adv. In an amicable manner.
Am6ice (?), n. [OE. amyse, prob. for amyt, OF. amit, ameit,
fr. L. amictus cloak, the word being confused with amice,
almuce, a hood or cape. See next word.] A square of white
linen worn at first on the head, but now about the neck and
shoulders, by priests of the Roman Catholic Church while
saying Mass.
5 Examples of the use of the words amice, a square of linen,
and amice, amess, or amyss, a hood or cape, show confusion
between them from an early date.
Am6ice, n. [OE. amuce, amisse, OF. almuce, aumuce, F.
aumusse, LL. almucium, almucia, aumucia: of unknown origin;
cf. G. mtze cap, prob. of the same origin. Cf. Mozetta.]
(Eccl.) A hood, or cape with a hood, made of lined with gray
fur, formerly worn by the clergy; P written also amess,
amyss, and almuce.
AOmid6 (?), prep. See Amidst.
Am6ide (?; 277), n. [Ammonia + Oide.] (Chem.) A compound
formed by the union of amidogen with an acid element or
radical. It may also be regarded as ammonia in which one or
more hydrogen atoms have been replaced by an acid atom or
radical.
Acid ~, a neutral compound formed by the substitution of the
amido group for hydroxyl in an acid.
Am6iOdin (?), n. [Cf. F. amidine, fr. amido? starch, fr. L.
amylum, Gr. ? fine meal, neut. of ? not ground at the mill,
P hence, of the finest meal; ? priv. + ?, ?, mill. See
Meal.] (Chem.) Start modified by heat so as to become a
transparent mass, like horn. It is soluble in cold water.
AOmi6do (?), a. [From Amide.] (Chem.) Containing, or derived
from, amidogen.
w acid, an acid in which a portion of the nonacid hydrogen
has been replaced by the ~ group. The ~ acids are both basic
and acid. P w group, amidogen, NH2.
AOmid6oOgen (?), n. [Amide + Ogen.] (Chem.) A compound
radical, NH2, not yet obtained in a separate state, which
may be regarded as ammonia from the molecule of which one of
its hydrogen atoms has been removed; P called also the amido
group, and in composition represented by the form amido.
AOmid6ships (?), adv. (Naut.) In the middle of a ship, with
regard to her length, and sometimes also her breadth.
Totten.
{ AOmidst6 (?) , AOmid6 (?), } prep. [OE. amidde, amiddes,
on midden, AS. on middan, in the middle, fr. midde the
middle. The s is an adverbial ending, originally marking the
genitive; the t is a later addition, as in whilst, amongst,
alongst. See Mid.] In the midst or middle of; surrounded or
encompassed by; among. =This fair tree amidst the garden.8
=Unseen amid the throng.8 =Amidst thick clouds.8 Milton.
=Amidst acclamations.8 =Amidst the splendor and festivity of
a court.8 Macaulay.
But rather famish them amid their plenty.
Shak.
Syn. P Amidst, Among. These words differ to some extent from
each other, as will be seen from their etymology. Amidst
denotes in the midst or middle of, and hence surrounded by;
as, this work was written amidst many interruptions. Among
denotes a mingling or intermixing with distinct or separable
objects; as, =He fell among thieves.8 =Blessed art thou
among women.8 Hence, we say, among the moderns, among the
ancients, among the thickest of trees, among these
considerations, among the reasons I have to offer. Amid and
amidst are commonly used when the idea of separate or
distinguishable objects is not prominent. Hence, we say,
they kept on amidst the storm, amidst the gloom, he was
sinking amidst the waves, he persevered amidst many
difficulties; in none of which cases could among be used. In
like manner, Milton speaks of Abdiel, P
The seraph Abdiel, faithful found;
Among the faithless faithful only he,
because he was then considered as one of the angels. But
when the poet adds, P
From amidst them forth he passed,
we have rather the idea of the angels as a collective body.
Those squalid cabins and uncleared woods amidst which he was
born.
Macaulay.
Am6ine (?; 277), n. [Ammonia + Oine.] (Chem.) One of a class
of strongly basic substances derived from ammonia by
replacement of one or more hydrogen atoms by a basic atom or
radical.
Am6iOoid (?), a. (Zol.) Like or pertaining to the Amioidei.
P n. One of the Amioidei.
X Am7iOoi6deOi (?), n. pl. [NL., fr. Amia + Ooid.] (Zol.)
An order of ganoid fishes of which Amis is type. See Bowfin
and Ganoidei.
X AOmir6 (?), n. Same as Ameer.
AOmiss6 (?), adv. [Pref. aO + miss.] Astray; faultily;
improperly; wrongly; ill.
What error drives our eyes and ears amiss?
Shak.
Ye ask and receive not, because ye ask amiss.
James iv. 3.
To take (an act, thing) amiss, to impute a wrong motive to
(an act or thing); to take offense at' to take unkindly; as,
you must not take these questions amiss.

<-- p. 49 -->

AOmiss6 (?), a. Wrong; faulty; out of order; improper; as,
it may not be amiss to ask advice. [Used only in the
predicate.]
Dryden.
His wisdom and virtue can not always rectify that which is
amiss in himself or his circumstances.
Wollaston.
AOmiss6, n. A fault, wrong, or mistake. [Obs.]
Each toy seems prologue to some great amiss.
Shak.
AOmis7siObil6iOty (?), [Cf. F. amissibilit. See Amit.] The
quality of being amissible; possibility of being lost. [R.]
Notions of popular rights and the amissibility of sovereign
power for misconduct were alternately broached by the two
great religious parties of Europe.
Hallam.
AOmis6siOble (?), a. [L. amissibilis: cf. F. amissible.]
Liable to be lost. [R.]
AOmis6sion (?), n. [L. amissio: cf. F. amission.]
Deprivation; loss. [Obs.]
Sir T. Browne.
AOmit6 (?), v. t. [L. amittere, amissum, to lose; a (ab) +
mittere to send. See Missile.] To lose. [Obs.]
A lodestone fired doth presently amit its proper virtue.
Sir T. Browne.
Am6iOty (?), n.; pl. Amities (?). [F. amiti, OF. amisti,
amist, fr. an assumed LL. amisitas, fr. L. amicus friendly,
from amare to love. See Amiable.] Friendship, in a general
sense, between individuals, societies, or nations; friendly
relations; good understanding; as, a treaty of amity and
commerce; the amity of the Whigs and Tories.
To live on terms of amity with vice.
Cowper.
Syn. - Harmony; friendliness; friendship; affection; good
will; peace.
X Am6ma (?), n. [LL. amma, prob. of interjectional or
imitative origin: cf. Sp. ama, G. amme, nurse, Basque ama
mother, Heb. ?m, Ar. immun, ummun.] An abbes or spiritual
mother.
Am6meOter (?), n. (Physics) A contraction of amperometer or
amp
remeter.
Am6miOral (?), n. An obsolete form of admiral. =The mast of
some great ammiral.8
Milton.
Am6mite (?), n. [Gr. ?, ?, sandstone, fr. ? or ? sand.]
(Geol.) Olite or roestone; P written also hammite. [Obs.]
Am6moOdyte (?), n. [L. ammodytes, Gr. ? sand burrower, a
kind of serpent; ? sand + ? diver, ? to dive.] (Zol.) (a)
One of a genus of fishes; the sand eel. (b) A kind of viper
in southern Europe. [Obs.]
AmOmo6niOa (?), n. [From sal ammoniac, which was first
obtaining near the temple of Jupiter Ammon, by burning
camel's dung. See Ammoniac.] (Chem.) A gaseous compound of
hydrogen and nitrogen, NH3, with a pungent smell and taste:
P often called volatile alkali, and spirits of hartshorn.
{ AmOmo6niOac (?), Am7moOni6aOcal (?), } a. Of or pertaining
to ammonia, or possessing its properties; as, an ammoniac
salt; ammoniacal gas.
Ammoniacal engine, an engine in which the vapor of ammonia
is used as the motive force. P Sal ammoniac [L. sal
ammoniacus], the salt usually called chloride of ammonium,
and formerly muriate of ammonia.
AmOmo6niOac (or Gum7 amOmo6niOac), n. [L. Ammoniacum, Gr. ?
a resinous gum, said to distill from a tree near the temple
of Jupiter Ammon; cf. F. ammoniac. See Ammonite.] (Med.) The
concrete juice (gum resin) of an umbelliferous plant, the
Dorema ammoniacum. It is brought chiefly from Persia in the
form of yellowish tears, which occur singly, or are
aggregated into masses. It has a peculiar smell, and a
nauseous, sweet taste, followed by a bitter one. It is
inflammable, partially soluble in water and in spirit of
wine, and is used in medicine as an expectorant and
resolvent, and for the formation of certain plasters.
AmOmo6niOa7ted (?), a. (Chem.) Combined or impregnated with
ammonia.
AmOmo6nic (?), a. Of or pertaining to ammonia.
Am6monOite (?), n. [L. cornu Ammonis born of Ammon; L.
Ammon, Gr. ? an appellation of Jupiter, as represented with
the horns of a ram. It was originally the name of an.
Egyptian god, Amun.] (Paleon.) A fossil cephalopod shell
related to the nautilus. There are many genera and species,
and all are extinct, the typical forms having existed only
in the Mesozoic age, when they were exceedingly numerous.
They differ from the nautili in having the margins of the
septa very much lobed or plaited, and the siphuncle dorsal.
Also called serpent stone, snake stone, and cornu Ammonis.
Am7monOiOtif6erOous (?), a. [Ammonite + Oferous.] Containing
fossil ammonites.
X AmOmon7iOtoid6eOa (?), n. pl. [NL., fr. Ammonite + Ooid.]
(Zol.) An extensive group of fossil cephalopods often very
abundant in Mesozoic rocks. See Ammonite.
AmOmo6niOum (?), n. [See Ammonia.] (Chem.) A compound
radical, NH4, having the chemical relations of a strongly
basic element like the alkali metals.
Am7muOni6tion (?), n. [F. amunition, for munition, prob.
caused by taking la munition as l'amunition. See Munition.]
1. Military stores, or provisions of all kinds for attack or
defense. [Obs.]
2. Articles used in charging firearms and ordnance of all
kinds; as powder, balls, shot, shells, percussion caps,
rockets, etc.
3. Any stock of missiles, literal or figurative.
w bread, shoes, etc., such as are contracted for by
government, and supplied to the soldiers. [Eng.]
Am7muOni6tion (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Ammunitioned (?); p
pr. & vb. n. Ammunitioning.] To provide with ammunition.
X AmOne6siOa (?), n. [NL., fr. Gr. ?; ? priv. + ? to
remember.] (Med.) Forgetfulness; also, a defect of speech,
from cerebral disease, in which the patient substitutes
wrong words or names in the place of those he wishes to
employ.
Quian.
AmOne6sic (?), a. (Med.) Of or pertaining to amnesia.
=Amnesic or cordinate defects.8
Quian.
AmOnes6tic (?), a. Causing loss of memory.
Am6nesOty (?), n. [L. amnestia, Gr. ?, a forgetting, fr. ?
forgotten, forgetful; ? priv. + ? to remember: cf. F.
amnistie, earlier amnestie. See Mean, v.] 1. Forgetfulness;
cessation of remembrance of wrong; oblivion.
2. An act of the sovereign power granting oblivion, or a
general pardon, for a past offense, as to subjects concerned
in an insurrection.
Am6nesOty, v. t. [imp. p. p. Amnestied (?); p. pr. & vb. n.
Amnestying.] To grant ~ to.
AmOnic6oOlist (?), n. [L. amnicola, amnis a river + colere
to dwell.] One who lives near a river. [Obs.]
Bailey.
AmOnig6eOnous (?), a. [L. amnigena; amnis a river + root gen
of gignere to beget.] Born or bred in, of, or near a river.
[Obs.]
Bailey.
Am6niOon (?), n. [Gr. ? the membrane round the fetus, dim.
of ? lamb.] (Anat.) A thin membrane surrounding the embryos
of mammals, birds, and reptiles.
Am6niOos (?), n. Same as Amnion.
X Am7niOo6ta (?), n. pl. [NL. See Amnion.] (Zol.) That
group of vertebrates which develops in its embryonic life
the envelope called the amnion. It comprises the reptiles,
the birds, and the mammals.
Am7niOot6ic (?), a. [Cf. F. amniotique.] (Anat.) Of or
pertaining to the amnion; characterized by an amnion; as,
the amniotic fluid; the amniotic sac.
w acid. (Chem.) [R.] See Allantoin.
AOm?6ba (?), n; pl. L. Am?b (?); E. Am?bas (?). [NL., fr.
Gr. ? change.] (Zol.) A rhizopod. common in fresh water,
capable of undergoing many changes of form at will. See
Rhizopoda.
X Am7?Ob6um (?), n. [L. amoebaeus, Gr. ?, alternate; L.
amoebaeum carmen, Gr. ? ?, a responsive song, fr. ? change.]
A poem in which persons are represented at speaking
alternately; as the third and seventh eclogues of Virgil.
X Am7?Obe6a (?), n. pl. [NL.] (Zol.) That division of the
Rhizopoda which includes the am?ba and similar forms.
Am7?Obe6an (?), a. Alternately answering.
AOm?6biOan (?), n. (Zol.) One of the Am?bea.
{ AOm?6biOform (?), AOm?6boid (?), } a. [Am?ba + Oform or
Ooid.] (Biol.) Resembling an am?ba; am?baPshaped; changing
in shape like an am?ba.
w movement, movement produced, as in the am?ba, by
successive processes of prolongation and retraction.
AOm?6bous (?), a. Like an am?ba in structure.
Am7oOli6tion (?), n. [L. amolitio, fr. amoliri to remove; a
(ab) + moliri to put in motion.] Removal; a putting away.
[Obs.]
Bp. Ward (1673).
X AOmo6mum (?), n. [L., fr. Gr. ? an Indian spice plant.]
(Bot.) A genus of aromatic plants. It includes species which
bear cardamoms, and grains of paradise.
AOmon6este (?), v. t. To admonish. [Obs.]
{ AOmong6 (?), AOmongst6 (?), } prep. [OE. amongist,
amonges, amonge, among, AS. onmang, ongemang, gemang, in a
crowd or mixture. For the ending Ost see Amidst. See
Mingle.] 1. Mixed or mingled; surrounded by.
They heard,
And from his presence hid themselves among
The thickest trees.
Milton.

2. Conjoined, or associated with, or making part of the
number of; in the number or class of.
Blessed art thou among women.
Luke i. 28.
3. Expressing a relation of dispersion, distribution, etc.;
also, a relation of reciprocal action.
What news among the merchants?
Shak.
Human sacrifices were practiced among them.
Hume.
Divide that gold amongst you.
Marlowe.
Whether they quarreled among themselves, or with their
neighbors.
Addison.
Syn. - Amidst; between. See Amidst, Between.
X AOmon7tilOla6do (?), n. [Sp.] A dry kind of cherry, of a
light color.
Simmonds.
Am6oOret (?), n. [OF. amorette, F. amourette, dim. of
amour.] 1. An amorous girl or woman; a wanton. [Obs.]
J. Warton.
2. A love knot, love token, or love song. (pl.) Love glances
or love tricks. [Obs.]
3. A petty love affair or amour. [Obs.]
Am6oOrette6 (?), n. An amoret. [Obs.]
Rom. of R.
Am6oOrist (?), n. [L. armor love. See Amorous.] A lover; a
gallant. [R.]
Milton.
It was the custom for an amorist to impress the name of his
mistress in the dust, or upon the damp earth, with letters
fixed upon his shoe.
Southey.
APmorn6ings (?), adv. [See Amorwe. The Os is a genitival
ending. See Owards.] In the morning; every morning. [Obs.]
And have such pleasant walks into the woods
AOmornings.
J. Fletcher.
X Am7oOro6sa (?), n. [It. amoroso, fem. amorosa.] A wanton
woman; a courtesan.
Sir T. Herbert.
Am7oOros6iOty (?), n. The quality of being amorous;
lovingness. [R.]
Galt.
X Am7oOro6so (?), n. [It. amoroso, LL. amorosus.] A lover; a
man enamored.
X Am7oOro6so, adv. [It.] (Mus.) In a soft, tender, amatory
style.
Am6oOrous (?), a. [OF. amoros, F. amoreux, LL. amorosus, fr.
L. amor love, fr. amare to love.] 1. Inclined to love;
having a propensity to love, or to sexual enjoyment; loving;
fond; affectionate; as, an amorous disposition.
2. Affected with love; in love; enamored; P usually with of;
formerly with on.
Thy roses amorous of the moon.
Keats.
High nature amorous of the good.
Tennyson.
Sure my brother is amorous on Hero.
Shak.
3. Of or relating to, or produced by, love. =Amorous
delight.8 Milton. =Amorous airs.8 Waller.
Syn. - Loving; fond; tender; passionate; affectionate;
devoted; ardent.
Am6oOrousOly, adv. In an amorous manner; fondly.
Am6oOrousOness, n. The quality of being amorous, or inclined
to sexual love; lovingness.
AOmor6pha (?), n.; pl. Amorphas (?). [Gr. ? shapeless.]
(Bot.) A genus of leguminous shrubs, having long clusters of
purple flowers; false or bastard indigo.
Longfellow.
AOmor6phism (?), n. [See Amorphous.] A state of being
amorphous; esp. a state of being without crystallization
even in the minutest particles, as in glass, opal, etc.
There are stony substances which, when fused, may cool as
glass or as stone; the glass state is (Chem.) spoken of as a
state of amorphism.
AOmor6phous (?), a. [Gr. ?; ? priv. + ? form.] 1. Having no
determinate form; of irregular; shapeless.
Kirwan.
2. Without crystallization in the ultimate texture of a
solid substance; uncrystallized.
3. Of no particular kind or character; anomalous.
Scientific treatises... are not seldom rude and amorphous in
style.
Hare.
P AOmor6phousOly, adv. P AOmor6phousOness, n.
X AOmor7phoOzo6a (?), n. pl. [NL., fr. Gr. ? shapeless; ?
priv. + ? form + ? animal.] (Zol.) Animals without a mouth
or regular internal organs, as the sponges.
AOmor7phoOzo6ic (?), a. (Zol.) Of or pertaining to the
Amorphozoa.
AOmor6phy (?), n. [Gr. ?: cf. F. amorphie. See Amorphous.]
Shapelessness. [Obs.]
Swift.
AOmort6 (?), a. [Pref. aO + F. mort death, dead; all amort
is for alamort.] As if dead; lifeless; spiritless; dejected;
depressed.
Shak.
AOmor6tise (?), v., AOmor7tiOsa6tion (?), n.,
AOmor6tisOaOble (?), a. AOmor6tiseOment (?), n. Same as
Amortize, Amortization, etc.
AOmor6tizOaOble (?), a. [Cf. F. amortissable.] Capable of
being cleared off, as a debt.
AOmor7tiOza6tion (?), n. [LL. amortisatio, admortizatio. See
Amortize, and cf. Admortization.] 1. (Law) The act or right
of alienating lands to a corporation, which was considered
formerly as transferring them to dead hands, or in mortmain.
2. The extinction of a debt, usually by means of a sinking
fund; also, the money thus paid.
Simmonds.
AOmor6tize (?), v. t. [OE. amortisen, LL. amortisare,
admortizare, F. amortir to sell in mortmain, to extinguish;
L. ad + mors death. See Mortmain. 1. To make as if dead; to
destroy. [Obs.]
Chaucer.
2. (Law) To alienate in mortmain, that is, to convey to a
corporation. See Mortmain.
3. To clear off or extinguish, as a debt, usually by means
of a sinking fund.
AOmor6tizeOment (?), n. [F. amortissement.] Same as
Amortization.
AOmor6we (?), adv. [Pref. aO on + OE. morwe. See Morrow.] 1.
In the morning. [Obs.]
Chaucer.
2. On the following morning. [Obs.]
Chaucer.
AOmo6tion (?), n. [L. amotio. See Amove.] 1. Removal;
ousting; especially, the removal of a corporate officer from
his office.
2. Deprivation of possession.
X AOmo6tus (?), a. [L., withdrawn (from it?place).] (Zol.)
Elevated, P as a toe, when raised so high that the tip does
not touch the ground.
AOmount6 (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Amounted; p. pr. & vb. n.
Amounting.] [OF. amonter to increase, advance, ascend, fr.
amont (equiv. to L. ad montem to the mountain) upward, F.
amont up the river. See Mount, n.] 1. To go up; to ascend.
[Obs.]
So up he rose, and thence amounted straight.
Spenser.
2. To rise or reach by an accumulation of particular sums or
quantities; to come (to) in the aggregate or whole; P with
to or unto.
3. To rise, reach, or extend in effect, substance, or
influence; to be equivalent; to come practically (to); as,
the testimony amounts to very little.
AOmount6, v. t. To signify; to ~ to. [Obs.]
AOmount6, n. 1. The sum total of two or more sums or
quantities; the aggregate; the whole quantity; a totality;
as, the amount of 7 and 9 is 16; the amount of a bill; the
amount of this year's revenue.
2. The effect, substance, value, significance, or result;
the sum; as, the amount of the testimony is this.
The whole amount of that enormous fame.
Pope.
AOmour6 (?), n. [F., fr. L. amor love.] 1. Love; affection.
[Obs.]
2. Love making; a love affair; usually, an unlawful
connection in love; a love intrigue; an illicit love affair.
In amours with, in love with. [Obs.]

<-- p. 50 -->

X A6mour7 pro6pre (?). [F.] SelfPlove; selfPesteem.
AOmov7aObil6iOty (?), n. Liability to be removed or
dismissed from office. [R.]
T. Jefferson.
AOmov6aOble (?), a. [Cf. F. amovible.] Removable.
AOmove6 (?), v. t. [L. amovere; aP (ab) + movere to move:
cf. OF. amover.] 1. To remove, as a person or thing, from a
position. [Obs.] Dr. H. More.
2. (Law) To dismiss from an office or station.
AOmove6, v. t. & i. [OE. amovir, L. admovere to move to, to
excite; ad + movere.] To move or be moved; to excite. [Obs.]
Spenser.
Am6peOlite (?), n. [L. ampelitis, Gr. ?, fr. ? vine.] (Min.)
An earth abounding in pyrites, used by the ancients to kill
insects, etc., on vines; P applied by Brongniart to a
carbonaceous alum schist.
{ X Am7p
re6 (?), AmOpere6 (?),} n. [From the name of a
French electrician.] (Elec.) The unit of electric current; P
defined by the International Electrical Congress in 1893 and
by U. S. Statute as, one tenth of the unit of current of the
C. G. S. system of electroPmagnetic units, or the practical
equivalent of the unvarying current which, when passed
through a standard solution of nitrate of silver in water,
deposits silver at the rate of 0.001118 grams per second.
Called also the international amp
re.
{ X Am7p
re6me7ter (?), Am7peOrom6eOter (?),} n. [Amp
re +
meter.] (Physics) An instrument for measuring the strength
of an electrical current in amp
res.
Am6perOsand (?), n. [A corruption of and, per se and, i. e.,
? by itself makes and.] A word used to describe the
character ?, ?, or &.
Halliwell.
AmOphiO. [Gr. ?.] A prefix in words of Greek origin,
signifying both, of both kinds, on both sides, about,
around.
Am7phiOarOthro6diOal (?), a. [Pref. amphiP + arthrodial.]
Characterized by amphiarthrosis.
Am7phiOarOthro6sis (?), n. [NL., fr. Gr. ? + ? a joining, ?
a joint.] (Anat.) A form of articulation in which the bones
are connected by intervening substance admitting slight
motion; symphysis.
Am6phiOas7ter (?), n. [NL., fr. Gr. ? + ? a star.] (Biol.)
The achromatic figure, formed in mitotic cellPdivision,
consisting of two asters connected by a spindlePshaped
bundle of rodlike fibers diverging from each aster, and
called the spindle.
X AmOphib6iOa (?), n. pl. [See Amphibium.] (Zol.) One of
the classes of vertebrates.
5 The Amphibia are distinguished by having usually no
scales, by having eggs and embryos similar to those of
fishes, and by undergoing a complete metamorphosis, the
young having gills. There are three living orders: (1) The
tailless, as the frogs (Anura); (2) The tailed (Urodela), as
the salamanders, and the siren group (Sirenoidea), which
retain the gills of the young state (hence called
Perennibranchiata) through the adult state, among which are
the siren, proteus, etc.; (3) The C?cilians, or serpentlike
Amphibia (Ophiomorpha or Gymnophiona), with minute scales
and without limbs. The extinct Labyrinthodouts also
belonged to this class. The term is sometimes loosely
applied to both reptiles and amphibians collectively.
AmOphib6iOal (Pal), & n. Amphibian. [R.]
AmOphib6iOan (Pan), a. (Zol.) Of or pertaining to the
Amphibia; as, amphibian reptiles.
AmOphib6iOan, n. (Zol.) One of the Amphibia.
AmOphib7iOoOlog6icOal (?), a. Pertaining to amphibiology.
AmOphib7iOol6oOgy (?), n. [Gr. ? amphibious + Plogy: cf. F.
amphibiologie.] A treatise on amphibious animals; the
department of natural history which treats of the Amphibia.
X AmOphib7iOot6iOca (?), n. pl. [NL., fr. Gr. ? + ?
pertaining to life.] (Zol.) A division of insects having
aquatic larv.
AmOphib6iOous (?), a. [Gr. ? living a double life, i. e.,
both on land in water; ? + ? life.] 1. Having the ability to
live both on land and in water, as frogs, crocodiles,
beavers, and some plants.
2. Pertaining to, adapted for, or connected with, both land
and water.
The amphibious character of the Greeks was already
determined: they were to be lords of land and sea.
Hare.
3. Of a mixed nature; partaking of two natures.
Not in free and common socage, but in this amphibious
subordinate class of villein socage.
Blackstone.
AmOphib6iOousOly, adv. Like an amphibious being.
AmOphib6iOousOness, n. The quality of being amphibious;
ability to live in two elements.
X AmOphib6iOum (?), n.; pl. L. Amphibia (?); E. Amphibiums
(?). [NL., fr. Gr. ? (sc. ? an animal). See Amphibious.] An
amphibian.
Am7phiObias6tic (?), a. [Gr. ? + ? tending to sprout.]
(Biol.) Segmenting unequally; P said of telolecithal ova
with complete segmentation.
Am6phiObole (?), n. [Gr. ? doubtful, equivocal, fr. ? to
throw round, to doubt: cf. F. amphibole. Hay so named the
genus from the great variety of color and composition
assumed by the mineral.] (Min.) A common mineral embracing
many varieties varying in color and in composition. It
occurs in monoclinic crystals; also massive, generally with
fibrous or columnar structure. The color varies from white
to gray, green, brown, and black. It is a silicate of
magnetism and calcium, with usually aluminium and iron. Some
common varieties are tremolite, actinolite, asbestus,
edenite, hornblende (the last name being also used as a
general term for the whole species). Amphibole is a
constituent of many crystalline rocks, as syenite, diorite,
most varieties of trachyte, etc. See Hornblende.
Am7phiObol6ic (?), a. 1. Of or pertaining to amphiboly;
ambiguous; equivocal.
2. Of or resembling the mineral amphibole.
AmOphib7oOlog6icOal (?), a. Of doubtful meaning; ambiguous.
=Amphibological expressions.8
Jer. Taylor. P AmOphib7oOlog6icOalOly, adv.
Am7phiObol6oOgy (?), n.; pl. Amphibologies (?). [L.
amphibologia, for amphibolia, fr. Gr. ?, with the ending
Plogia as if fr. Gr. ? ambiguous + ? speech: cf. F.
amphibologie. See Amphiboly.] A phrase, discourse, or
proposition, susceptible of two interpretations; and hence,
of uncertain meaning. It differs from equivocation, which
arises from the twofold sense of a single term.
AmOphib6oOlous (?), a. [L. amphibolus, Gr. ? thrown about,
doubtful. [Obs.]
Never was there such an amphibolous quarrel P both parties


 


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