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n. 1. Orient The countries of Asia, especially of eastern Asia. 2. a. The luster characteristic of a pearl of high quality. b. A pearl having exceptional luster. 3. Archaic The place on the horizon where the sun rises; the east. adj. 1. Having exceptional luster: orient gemstones. 2. Archaic Eastern; oriental. tr.v. (ôrē-ĕnt′) or·i·ent·ed, or·i·ent·ing, or·i·ents 1. a. To align or position in a particular direction or in a particular relation to the points of the compass: orient the swimming pool north and south; oriented the telescope toward the moon. b. To build (a church) with the nave laid out in an east-west direction and the main altar usually at the eastern end. 2. To determine the bearings of (oneself); cause (one) to know one's position in relation to the surroundings: oriented himself by the neon sign on top of the building. 3. To make familiar with a new situation: events to help students get oriented to life on campus. 4. To provide with a primary purpose or focus of attention: a medical system that is oriented toward the prevention of disease. [Middle English, from Old French, from Latin oriēns, orient-, rising sun, east, from present participle of orīrī, to arise, be born; see er-1 in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] |
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