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Al·len (ălən)
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adj.
1. Of or relating to a bolt or screw with a head having a hexagonal socket: an Allen bolt; an Allen screw.
2. Of or relating to a usually L-shaped wrench or screwdriver that fits such a socket.

[Originally a trademark.]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.
 
Allen, Frances Elizabeth Born 1932.
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American computer scientist who developed techniques for optimizing compilers, leading to significant improvements in high-speed computing.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.
 
Allen, Woody Originally Allen Stewart Konigsberg. Born 1935.
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American actor, screenwriter, and filmmaker noted for exploring the neuroses of the urban middle class in comedies of manners such as Annie Hall (1977) and Deconstructing Harry (1997).

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.
 
Allen, Grace Ethel Cecile Rosalie Known as "Gracie." 1895-1964.
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American comedian best remembered as the confused but unflappable foil to her husband and stage partner, George Burns.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.
 
Allen, Fred Originally John Florence Sullivan. 1894-1956.
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American humorist famous for his dry, satirical work in vaudeville, radio, and early television.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.
 
Allen, Richard 1760-1831.
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American religious leader and the first bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (1816-1831).
(click for a larger image)
Richard Allen

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.
 
Allen, Ethan 1738-1789.
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American Revolutionary soldier whose troops, the Green Mountain Boys, helped capture Fort Ticonderoga from the British (1775).

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.
 

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

    Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

    Indo-European Roots

    Semitic Roots

    The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.