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| n. 1. A sound or a combination of sounds, or its representation in writing or printing, that symbolizes and communicates a meaning and may consist of a single morpheme or of a combination of morphemes. 2. a. Something said; an utterance, remark, or comment: May I say a word about that? b. A command or direction; an order: gave the word to retreat. c. An assurance or promise; sworn intention: She has kept her word. d. A verbal signal; a password or watchword. 3. words a. Discourse or talk; speech: Actions speak louder than words. b. Music The text of a vocal composition; lyrics. c. Hostile or angry remarks made back and forth. 4. a. News: Any word on your promotion? b. Rumor: Word has it they're divorcing. 5. Used euphemistically in combination with the initial letter of a term that is considered offensive or taboo or that one does not want to utter: “Although economists here will not call it a recession yet, the dreaded ‘R' word is beginning to pop up in the media” (Francine S. Kiefer). 6. Word a. See Logos. b. The Scriptures; the Bible. 7. Computers A set of bits that is of a fixed size and is typically operated on by a computer's processor. tr.v. word·ed, word·ing, words To express in words: worded the petition carefully. interj. Idioms: Slang Used to express approval or an affirmative response to something. Sometimes used with up. at a word In immediate response. good word 1. A favorable comment: She put in a good word for me. 2. Favorable news. have a word with To have a brief conversation with (someone); speak to. have no words for To be unable to describe or talk about. in a word In short; in summary: In a word, the situation is serious. in so many words 1. In precisely those words; exactly: hinted at impending indictments but did not say it in so many words. 2. Speaking candidly and straightforwardly: In so many words, the weather has been beastly. of few words Not conversational or loquacious; laconic: a person of few words. of (one's) word Displaying personal dependability: a woman of her word. take at (someone's) word To be convinced of another person's sincerity and act in accord with that person's statement: We took them at their word that the job would be done on time. take (someone's) word for it To believe what someone says without investigating further. upon my word Indeed; really. [Middle English, from Old English; see wer-5 in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] |
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