v. pre·sent·ed, pre·sent·ing, pre·sents v.tr. 1. a. To make a gift or award of: presented the medal to the winner. b. To make a gift to: presented the winner with a medal. 2. a. To offer for observation, examination, or consideration; show or display: The detective presented his badge. b. To offer (a play, for example) for public entertainment. c. To afford or furnish: The situation presented us with a chance to improve our knowledge. d. To turn or position in the direction of another: presented his face to the camera. e. Immunology To display (an antigen) on the cell surface. Used especially of cells such as macrophages and dendritic cells, where the displayed antigen activates T cells as part of an immune response. 3. To represent or depict in a certain manner: The movie presents bankers as greedy and coldhearted. 4. a. To introduce, especially with formal ceremony. b. To introduce (a young woman) to society with conventional ceremony. 5. To hold, carry, or point (a weapon) in a particular manner as a salutation or sign of honor, usually along the center axis of the body. 6. Ecclesiastical To recommend (a cleric) for a benefice. v.intr. 1. To make a presentation. 2. Medicine a. To be evident or manifest. Used of a disease or condition: how Lyme disease presents in its later stages. b. To exhibit symptoms or signs during a medical examination: The patient presented with headache and heel pain. n. 1. pres·ent (prĕzənt) Something presented; a gift. 2. pre·sent (prĭ-zĕnt) The position of a rifle or other weapon when presented. [Middle English presenten, from Old French presenter, from Latin presentāre, to show, from praesēns, praesent-, present participle of praeesse, to be in front of; see PRESENT1.] pre·senter n. |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.