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| n. 1. a. A written or printed symbol representing something other than a letter, especially a number. b. figures Mathematical calculations: good at figures. c. An amount represented in numbers: sold for a large figure. d. figures One of the digits specified as making up a larger number: a salary in the six figures. 2. a. Mathematics A geometric form consisting of any combination of points, lines, or planes: A triangle is a plane figure. b. The outline, form, or silhouette of a thing: saw the figure of a cat in the window. c. The shape or form of a human body: a fashion model with an attractive figure. d. An indistinct object or shape: The figures in the mist turned out to be lampposts. 3. A person, especially a well-known one: a famous historical figure. 4. Impression or appearance made: cut a dashing figure at the reception. 5. A person, animal, or object that symbolizes something. 6. A pictorial or sculptural representation, especially of the human body. 7. a. A diagram: drew a figure of the office layout. b. A design or pattern, as in a textile: silk with a paisley figure. c. An illustration printed from an engraved plate or block. 8. a. A configuration or distinct group of steps in a dance. b. A pattern traced by a series of movements, as in ice skating. 9. Music A brief melodic or harmonic unit often constituting the basis of a larger phrase or structure. 10. Logic Any one of the forms that a syllogism can take, given one of the four possible arrangements of the middle term. v. fig·ured, fig·ur·ing, fig·ures v. tr. 1. Mathematics To calculate with numbers: figured the sum to be nearly a million. 2. To make a likeness of; depict. 3. To adorn with a design or figures. 4. Music a. To write a sequence of conventionalized numbers below or above (the bassline) to indicate harmony. b. To embellish with an ornamental pattern. 5. a. To conclude, believe, or predict: I never figured that this would happen. b. To consider or regard: figured them as con artists. v. intr. Phrasal Verbs: 1. Mathematics To calculate; compute. 2. a. To be or seem important or prominent: a key fact that figures in our understanding of what happened. b. To be pertinent or involved: His advice barely figured in my decision. 3. Informal To seem reasonable or expected: “I found my keys in the sofa.” “Well, that figures, given that you were sitting there last night.” figure in To add in or include, as in making an account: figured in travel expenses when estimating the cost. figure on Informal 1. To depend on: We figured on your support. 2. To take into consideration; expect: I figured on an hour's delay. 3. To plan: We figure on leaving at noon. figure out Idiom: 1. To discover or decide: Let's figure out a way to help. 2. To solve or decipher: Can you figure out this puzzle? go figure Used in the imperative to indicate the unexpectedness or absurdity of something. [Middle English, from Old French, from Latin figūra; see dheigh- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] figur·er n. Synonyms: figure, design, device, motif, pattern These nouns denote an element or arrangement of elements in a decorative composition: a tapestry with a floral figure; a rug with a geometric design; a brooch with a fanciful and intricate device; a scarf with a heart motif; fabric with a plaid pattern. See Also Synonyms at calculate, form. |
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