Aeolian - Affably

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Aeolian n. 1. 1 a member of one of the four divisions of the prehistoric Greeks.
Syn. -- Eolian
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aeolic (�ŏlĭk), a. [L. Aeolicus; Gr. A'iolikos, name of the god of the winds.] 1. Æolian, 1; as, the Æolic dialect; the Æolic mode.
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2. (Phys. Geog.) Pertaining to, caused by, or designating, the action of the wind in modifying the earth's surface; as, æolic erosion; æolic sand. Same as . [Written also eolic.]
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Aeolic n. 1. 1 the dialect of Ancient Greek spoken in Thessaly and Boeotia and Aeolis.
Syn. -- Eolic
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{ Æolipile, Æolipyle } (�), n. [L. aeolipilae; Aeolus god of the winds + pila a ball, or Gr. � gate (i. e., doorway of Æolus); cf. F. éolipyle.] An apparatus consisting chiefly of a closed vessel (as a globe or cylinder) with one or more projecting bent tubes, through which steam is made to pass from the vessel, causing it to revolve. [Written also eolipile.]
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☞ Such an apparatus was first described by Hero of Alexandria about 200 years b. c. It has often been called the first steam engine.
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aeolotropic, Æolotropic (�), a. [Gr. � changeful + � a turning, � to turn.] (Physics) Exhibiting differences of quality or property in different directions; having properties with different values along different axes; not isotropic. In specialized contexts, synonymous with anisotropic. [Also spelled eolotropic.] Sir W. Thomson.
Syn. --
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Æolotropy (�), n. (Physics) Difference of quality or property in different directions.
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Aeolus, Æolus (�), n. [L., fr. Gr. �.] (Gr. & Rom. Myth.) The god of the winds, in ancient mythology.
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aeon, Æon (�), n. 1. A period of immeasurable duration. See .
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2. (Gnosticism) a divine power or nature emanating from the Supreme Being and playing various roles in the operation of the universe.
Syn. -- eon
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3. the longest division of geological time; two or more eras.
Syn. -- eon
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aeonian, Æonian (�), a. [Gr. �.] Eternal; everlasting; lasting for an indefinitely long time; immortal; not subject to death. Opposite of mortal. “Æonian hills.” Tennyson.
Syn. -- eonian
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2. of or pertaining to an eon.
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Aepyceros n. 1. 1 African antelopes: impalas.
Syn. -- genus Aepyceros
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Aepyornidae n. 1. 1 coextensive with the order Aepyorniformes.
Syn. -- family Aepyornidae
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Aepyorniformes n. 1. 1 huge extinct flightless birds: elephant birds.
Syn. -- order Aepyorniformes
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aepyornis, Æpyornis (�), n. [Gr. � high + � bird.] A gigantic (to 9 ft.) extinct flightless bird, of which fossils were found in Madagascar.
Syn. -- elephant bird
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Aërate (�), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Aërated (�); p. pr. & vb. n. Aërating (�).] [Cf. F. aérer. See , v. t.] 1. To combine or charge with gas; usually with carbonic acid gas, formerly called fixed air.
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His sparkling sallies bubbled up as from aërated natural fountains. Carlyle.
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2. To supply or impregnate with common air; as, to aërate soil; to aërate water.
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3. (Physiol.) To expose to the chemical action of air; to oxygenate (the blood) by respiration; to arterialize.
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4. cause a change by passing air through (of sewage)
Syn. -- activate
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Coloq. Aërated bread , bread raised by charging dough with carbonic acid gas, instead of generating the gas in the dough by fermentation.
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aerated adj. 1. treated by having air passed or bubbled through it for purification; -- of a liquid
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2. (Physiol.) supplied with oxygen by respiration; -- used of tissues or especially blood
Syn. -- oxygenated
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3. 1 supplied with carbon dioxide
Syn. -- charged
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aeration, Aëration (�), n. [Cf. F. aération.] 1. Exposure to the free action of the air; airing; as, aëration of soil, of spawn, etc.
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2. (Physiol.) A change produced in the blood by exposure to the air in respiration; oxygenation of the blood in respiration; arterialization.
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3. The act or preparation of charging a liquid with carbon dioxide gas to make it effervescent.
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4. the act of charging a liquid with air or oxygen for the purpose of purification.
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aerator, Aërator (?), n. 1. That which supplies with air or gas; specif.: (a) An apparatus used for charging mineral waters with gas and in making soda water. (b) A fumigator used to bleach grain, destroying fungi and insects.
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2. an apparatus for exposing something to the air (as sewage).
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{ Aërenchym (?), Aërenchyma (?) }, n. [NL. aërenchyma. See ; .] (Bot.) A secondary respiratory tissue or modified periderm, found in many aquatic plants and distinguished by the large intercellular spaces.
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aerial, Aërial (�), a. [L. aërius. See .] 1. Of or pertaining to the air, or atmosphere; inhabiting or frequenting the air; produced by or found in the air; performed in the air; as, aërial regions or currents; the aërial maneuvers of a fighter plane. “Aërial spirits.” Milton. “Aërial voyages.” Darwin.
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2. Consisting of air; resembling, or partaking of the nature of air. Hence: Unsubstantial; unreal.
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3. Rising aloft in air; high; lofty; as, aërial spires.
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4. Growing, forming, living, or existing in the air, as opposed to growing or existing in earth or water, or underground; as, aërial rootlets, aërial plants; the aerial roots of a philodendron. Gray.
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5. Light as air; ethereal.
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6. operating or operated overhead especially on elevated cables. aerial conveyers for transporting raw materials
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7. operating or moving in the air. an aerial cable car; aerial combat
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Coloq. Aerial acid , carbonic acid. [Obs.] Ure. -- Coloq. Aerial perspective . See .
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aerial n. 1. (Football) a pass to a receiver downfield from the passer.
Syn. -- forward pass
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2. a metallic wire, rod, or combination of rods connected to an electronic device, designed to send or receive radio or television signals.
Syn. -- antenna
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aerialist n. 1. an athlete who performs acts high above the ground on a trapeze or high wire, requiring skill and agility and coordination.
Syn. -- trapeze artist
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2. a burglar who gains entrance to buildings from the rooftop, sometimes leaping from building to building in the process. A type of second-story man. [Slang]
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Aërial railway. (a) A stretched wire or rope elevated above the ground and forming a way along which a trolley may travel, for conveying a load suspended from the trolley. (b) An elevated cableway.
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Aërial sickness. A sickness felt by aëronauts due to high speed of flights and rapidity in changing altitudes, combining some symptoms of mountain sickness and some of seasickness. The nauseous symptoms similar to seasickness experienced by passengers in pressurized aircraft is called air sickness.
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Aëriality (�), n. The state of being aërial; unsubstantiality. [R.] De Quincey.
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Aërially (�), adv. Like, or from, the air; in an aërial manner. “A murmur heard aërially.” Tennyson.
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aerides n. 1. any orchid of the genus Aerides.
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Aerie (?; 277), n. [OE. aire, eire, air, nest, also origin, descent, OF. aire, LL. area, aera, nest of a bird of prey, perh. fr. L. area an open space (for birds of prey like to build their nests on flat and open spaces on the top of high rocks). Cf. .] The nest of a bird of prey, as of an eagle or hawk; also a brood of such birds; eyrie. Shak. Also fig.: A human residence or resting place perched like an eagle's nest.
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Aëriferous (�), a. [L. aër air + -ferous: cf. F. aérifère.] Conveying or containing air; air-bearing; as, the windpipe is an aëriferous tube.
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Aërification (�), n. [Cf. F. aérification. See .] 1. The act of combining air with another substance, or the state of being filled with air.
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2. The act of becoming aërified, or of changing from a solid or liquid form into an aëriform state; the state of being aëriform.
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Aëriform (?; 277), a. [L. aër air + -form: cf. F. aériforme.] Having the form or nature of air, or of an elastic fluid; gaseous. Hence fig.: Unreal.
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Aërify (�), v. t. [L. aër air + -fly.] 1. To infuse air into; to combine air with.
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2. To change into an aëriform state.
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Aëro (?), n. An aëroplane, airship, or the like. [Colloq. in 1900, now obsolescent.]
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Aero (?), adj. of or pertaining to aeronautics or aircraft.
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Aëro-. [Gr. �, �, air.] The combining form of the Greek word meaning air.
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Aerobe (?), n. [See .] an organism such as a microorganism that requires oxygen for life or growth.
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Aërobic (?), a. (Biol.) Growing or thriving only in the presence of oxygen; also, pertaining to, or induced by, aërobies; as, aërobic fermentation. -- Aërobically (#), adv.
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Aerobics (�), n. pl., but sing. or pl. in usage 1. physical exercises performed in a sustained and strenuous fashion designed to cause a temporary increase in respiration rate and heart rate, such a running, swimming, walking, or calisthenics. Calisthenic sessions in groups, performed by following a leader in moving to a rhythmic musical accompaniment, are a popular form of aerobics.
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2. a system of physical conditioning relying largely on aerobics exercises.
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Aërobies (�), n. pl. [Aëro- + Gr. bios life.] (Biol.) Microörganisms which live in contact with the air and need oxygen for their growth; as the microbacteria which form on the surface of putrefactive fluids; aerobes. [obsolescent]
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Aërobiotic (?; 101), a. (Biol.) Related to, or of the nature of, aërobies; as, aërobiotic plants, which live only when supplied with free oxygen.
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Aëroboat (?), n. [Aëro- + boat.] A form of hydro-aëroplane; a flying boat.
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Aërobus (?), n. [Aëro- + bus.] An aëroplane or airship designed to carry passengers. Now called a passenger plane or commercial airliner. [obsolescent]
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Aëroclub (?), n. [Aëro- + club.] A club or association of persons interested in aëronautics.
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Aërocurve (?), n. [Aëro- + curve.] (Aëronautics) A modification of the aëroplane, having curved surfaces, the advantages of which were first demonstrated by Lilienthal.
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Aërocyst (�), n. [Aëro- + cyst.] (Bot.) One of the air cells of algals.
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Aërodonetics (?), n. [Aëro- + Gr. � shaken, � to shake.] (Aëronautics) The science of gliding and soaring flight.
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Aërodrome (?), n. [Aëro- + Gr. � a running.] (Aëronautics) (a) A shed for housing an airship or aëroplane. (b) A ground or field, esp. one equipped with housing and other facilities, used for flying purposes. -- Aërodromic (#), a.
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Aerodynamic, Aërodynamic (�), a. 1. Pertaining to the force of air in motion.
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2. having a shape designed to minimize wind resistance (aerodynamic drag) when moving through the air or other gas; -- used especially of vehicles; as, the aerodynamic styling of an automobile.
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aerodynamic drag (�), n. 1. the resistance caused by a gas to the motion of a solid body moving through it. Studied in .
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aerodynamics Aërodynamics (�), n. [Aëro- + dynamics: cf. F. aérodynamique.] The science which treats of the air and other gaseous bodies under the action of force, and of their mechanical effects.
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Aerodyne (?), n. [Aëro- + Gr. � .] (Aëronautics) a heavier-than-air aircraft; same as . Contrasted with .
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Aërofoil (?), n. [Aëro- + foil.] A plane or arched surface for sustaining bodies by its movement through the air; a spread wing, as of a bird.
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Aërognosy (�), n. [Aëro- + Gr. � knowing, knowledge: cf. F. aérognosie.] The science which treats of the properties of the air, and of the part it plays in nature. Craig.
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Aërographer (�), n. One versed in aëography: an aërologist.
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{ Aërographic (�), Aërographical (�), } a. Pertaining to aërography; aërological.
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Aërography (�), n. [Aëro- + -graphy: cf. F. aérographie.] A description of the air or atmosphere; aërology.
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Aërogun (?), n. [Aëro- + gun.] A cannon capable of being trained at very high angles for use against aircraft. Now usually referred to an anitaircraft cannon.
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Aërohydrodynamic (�), a. [Aëro- + hydrodynamic.] Acting by the force of air and water; as, an aërohydrodynamic wheel.
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Aërolite (�), n. [Aëro- + -lite: cf. F. aérolithe.] (Meteor.) A stone, or metallic mass, which has fallen to the earth from distant space; a meteorite; a meteoric stone.
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☞ Some writers limit the word to stony meteorites.
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Aërolith (�), n. Same as .
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Aërolithology (�), n. [Aëro- + lithology.] The science of aërolites.
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Aërolitic (�), a. Of or pertaining to aërolites; meteoric; as, aërolitic iron. Booth.
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{ Aërologic (�), Aërological (�), } a. Of or pertaining to aërology.
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Aërologist (�), n. One versed in aërology.
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Aërology (�), n. [Aëro- + -logy: cf. F. aérologie.] That department of physics which treats of the atmosphere.
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Aëromancy (�), n. [Aëro- + -mancy: cf. F. aéromancie.] Divination from the state of the air or from atmospheric substances; also, forecasting changes in the weather.
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Aëromechanic (?), n. A mechanic or mechanician expert in the art and practice of aëronautics.
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{ Aëromechanic (?), Aëromechanical (?) }, a. Of or pert. to aëromechanics.
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Aëromechanics (?), n. The science of equilibrium and motion of air or an aëriform fluid, including aërodynamics and aërostatics.
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Aërometer (�), n. [Aëro- + -meter: cf. F. éromètre.] An instrument for ascertaining the weight or density of air and gases.
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Aërometric (�), a. Of or pertaining to aërometry; as, aërometric investigations.
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Aërometry (�), n. [Aëro- + -metry: cf. F. érométrie.] The science of measuring the air, including the doctrine of its pressure, elasticity, rarefaction, and condensation; pneumatics.
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Aëronaut (?; 277), n. [F. aéronaute, fr. Gr. � air + � sailor. See .] An aërial navigator; a balloonist.
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Aëronat (?), n. [F. aéronat. See ; .] A dirigible balloon. [obsolescent]
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Aëronef (?), n. [F. aéronef.] A power-driven, heavier-than-air flying machine. Now called . [obsolescent]
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{ Aëronautic (�), Aëronautical (�), } a. [Cf. F. aéronauitique.] Pertaining to aëronautics, or aërial sailing.
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Aëronautics (�), n. The science or art of ascending and sailing in the air, as by means of a balloon; aërial navigation; ballooning.
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{ Aërophobia (�), Aërophoby (�), } n. [Aëro- + Gr. � fear: cf. F. aérophobie.] (Med.) Dread of a current of air.
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Aërophone (?), n. [Aëro- + Gr. � voice.] (a) A form of combined speaking and ear trumpet. (b) An instrument, proposed by Edison, for greatly intensifying speech. It consists of a phonograph diaphragm so arranged that its action opens and closes valves, producing synchronous air blasts sufficient to operate a larger diaphragm with greater amplitude of vibration.
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Aërophyte (�), n. [Aëro- + Gr. fyton plant, fyein to grow: cf. F. aérophyte.] (Bot.) A plant growing entirely in the air, and receiving its nourishment from it; an air plant or epiphyte.
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aeroplane aëroplane (?), n. [aëro- + plane.] (Aëronautics) 1. A light rigid plane used in aërial navigation to oppose sudden upward or downward movement in the air, as in gliding machines; specif., such a plane slightly inclined and driven forward as a lifting device in some flying machines. Also called airfoil.
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2. hence, a heavier-than-air flying machine using such a device to provide lift. In a modern aeroplane, the airfoils are called the , and most of the lift is derived from these surfaces. In contrast to helicopters, the wings are fixed to the passenger compartment (airframe) and do not move relative to the frame; thus such a machine is called a fixed-wing aircraft. These machines are called monoplanes, biplanes, triplanes, or quadruplanes, according to the number of main supporting planes (wings) used in their construction. After 1940 few planes with more than one airfoil were constructed, and these are used by hobbyists or for special purposes. Being heavier than air they depend for their levitation on motion imparted by the thrust from either propellers driven by an engine, or, in a jet plane, by the reaction from a high-velocity stream of gases expelled rearward from a jet engine. They start from the ground by a run on small wheels or runners, and are guided by a steering apparatus consisting of horizontal and vertical movable planes, which usually form part of the wings or tail. There are many varieties of form and construction, which in some cases are known by the names of their inventors. In U.S., an aeroplane is usually called an airplane or plane.
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Aëroplanist (?), n. One who flies in an aëroplane.
Syn. -- aviator, aviatrix, airman. [Webster Suppl.]

Aëroscope (�), n. [Aëro- + Gr. � to look out.] (Biol.) An apparatus designed for collecting spores, germs, bacteria, etc., suspended in the air.
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Aëroscopy (�), n. [Aëro- + Gr. � a looking out; � to spy out.] The observation of the state and variations of the atmosphere.
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Ærose (�), a. [L. aerosus, fr. aes, aeris, brass, copper.] Of the nature of, or like, copper; brassy. [R.]
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Aërosiderite (�), n. [Aëro- + siderite.] (Meteor.) A mass of meteoric iron.
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aerospace n. 1. the atmosphere and outer space considered together or as a whole.
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2. the sector of industry that designs and builds aircraft, rockets, missiles, and devices or vehicles intended to operate in outer space.
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aerospace a. of or pertaining to in either sense.
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Aërosphere (�), n. [Aëro- + sphere: cf. F. aérosphère.] The atmosphere. [R.]
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Aërostat (�), n. [F. aérostat, fr. Gr. � air + � placed. See .] 1. (Aëronautics) A balloon, especially a passive balloon; a balloon without motive power. Contrasted with .
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2. A balloonist; an aëronaut.
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{Aërostatic (�), Aërostatical (�), } a. [Aëro- + Gr. �: cf. F. aérostatique. See , .] 1. Of or pertaining to aërostatics; pneumatic.
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2. Aëronautic; as, an aërostatic voyage.
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Aërostatics (�), n. The science that treats of the equilibrium of elastic fluids, or that of bodies sustained in them. Hence it includes aëronautics.
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Aërostation (�), n. [Cf. F. aérostation the art of using aërostats.] 1. That part of aëronautics that deals with passive balloons; the art of raising and guiding balloons in the air.
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2. The science of weighing air; aërostatics. [Obs.]
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Aërotaxis (?), n. [NL. See ; .] (Bacteriology) The positive or negative stimulus exerted by oxygen on aërobic and anaërobic bacteria. -- Aërotactic (#), a.
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Aërotherapeutics (?), n. [Aëro- + therapeutics.] (Med.) Treatment of disease by the use of air or other gases.
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Aëroyacht (?), n. [Aëro- + yacht.] A form of hydro-aëroplane; a flying boat.
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Aertex n. 1. a trademark for a loosely woven cotton fabric that is used to make shirts and underwear.
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Æruginous (�), a. [L. aeruginosus, fr. aerugo rust of copper, fr. aes copper: cf. F. érugineux.] Of the nature or color of verdigris, or the rust of copper.
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Ærugo (�), n. [L. aes brass, copper.] The rust of any metal, esp. of brass or copper; verdigris.
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Aery (�), n. An aerie.
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Aëry (�), a. [See .] Aërial; ethereal; incorporeal; visionary. [Poetic] M. Arnold.
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Æsculapian (�), a. Pertaining to Æsculapius or to the healing art; medical; medicinal.
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Æsculapius (�), n. [L. Aesculapius, Gr. �.] (Myth.) The god of medicine. Hence, a physician.
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Æsculin (�), n. Same as .
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Æsir (?), n. pl. [Icel., pl. of āss god.] In the old Norse mythology, the gods Odin, Thor, Loki, Balder, Frigg, and the others. Their home was called Asgard.
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Æsopian, Esopian (�), a. [L. Aesopius, from Gr. �, fr. the famous Greek fabulist Æsop (�).] Of or pertaining to Æsop, or in his manner.
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Æsopic, Esopic (�), a. [L. Aesopicus, Gr. �.] Same as .
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Æsthesia (�), n. [Gr. � sensation, fr. � to perceive.] (Physiol.) Perception by the senses; feeling; -- the opposite of anæsthesia.
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Æsthesiometer, Esthesiometer (�), n. [Gr. � (see ) + -meter.] An instrument to measure the degree of sensation, by determining at how short a distance two impressions upon the skin can be distinguished, and thus to determine whether the condition of tactile sensibility is normal or altered.
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Æsthesis (�), n. [Gr. �.] Sensuous perception. [R.] Ruskin.
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Æsthesodic (�), a. [Gr. � sensation + � a way; cf. F. esthésodique.] (Physiol.) Conveying sensory or afferent impulses; -- said of nerves.
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Æsthete (�), n. [Gr. � one who perceives.] One who makes much or overmuch of æsthetics. [Recent]
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{Æsthetic (�), Æsthetical (�), } a. Of or Pertaining to æsthetics; versed in æsthetics; as, æsthetic studies, emotions, ideas, persons, etc.
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-- Æsthetically, adv.
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Æsthetican (�), n. One versed in æsthetics.
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Æstheticism (�), n. The doctrine of æsthetics; æsthetic principles; devotion to the beautiful in nature and art. Lowell.
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Æsthetics, Esthetics (�; 277), n. [Gr. � perceptive, esp. by feeling, fr. � to perceive, feel: cf. G. ästhetik, F. esthétique.] The theory or philosophy of taste; the science of the beautiful in nature and art; esp. that which treats of the expression and embodiment of beauty by art.
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Æstho-physiology (�), n. [Gr. � to perceive + E. physiology.] The science of sensation in relation to nervous action. H. Spenser.
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Æstival (�), a. [L. aestivalis, aestivus, fr. aestas summer.] Of or belonging to the summer; as, æstival diseases. [Spelt also estival.]
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Æstivate (�), v. i. [L. aestivare, aestivatum.] 1. To spend the summer.
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2. (Zoöl.) To pass the summer in a state of torpor.
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[Spelt also estivate.]
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Æstivation (�), n. 1. (Zoöl.) The state of torpidity induced by the heat and dryness of summer, as in certain snails; -- opposed to hibernation.
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2. (Bot.) The arrangement of the petals in a flower bud, as to folding, overlapping, etc.; prefloration. Gray.
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[Spelt also estivation.]
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Æstuary (?; 135), n. & a. See .
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Æstuous (�), a. [L. aestuosus, fr. aestus fire, glow.] Glowing; agitated, as with heat.
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Aëtheogamous (�), a. [Gr. � unusual ('a priv. + � custom) + � marriage.] (Bot.) Propagated in an unusual way; cryptogamous.
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Æther (�), n. See .
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Æthiops mineral (�). (Chem.) Same as . [Obs.]
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Æthogen (�), n. [Gr. � fire, light + -gen.] (Chem.) A compound of nitrogen and boro�, which, when heated before the blowpipe, gives a brilliant phosphorescent; boric nitride.
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Æthrioscope (�), n. [Gr. � clear + � to observe.] An instrument consisting in part of a differential thermometer. It is used for measuring changes of temperature produced by different conditions of the sky, as when clear or clouded.
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Ætiological (�), a. Pertaining to ætiology; assigning a cause. -- Ætiologically, adv.
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Ætiology (�), n. [L. aetologia, Gr. �; � cause + � description: cf. F. étiologie.] 1. The science, doctrine, or demonstration of causes; esp., the investigation of the causes of any disease; the science of the origin and development of things.
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2. The assignment of a cause.
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Aëtites (�), n. [L., fr. Gr. � (sc. �) stone, fr. � eagle.] See .
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Afar (�), adv. [Pref. a- (for on or of) + far.] At, to, or from a great distance; far away; -- often used with from preceding, or off following; as, he was seen from afar; I saw him afar off.
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The steep where Fame's proud temple shines afar. Beattie.
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Afeard (ȧfērd), p. a. [OE. afered, AS. āfǣred, p. p. of āfǣran to frighten; ā- (cf. Goth. us-, Ger. er-, orig. meaning out) + fǣran to frighten. See .] Afraid. [Obs.]
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Be not afeard; the isle is full of noises. Shak.
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Afer (�), n. [L.] The southwest wind. Milton.
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Affability (�), n. [L. affabilitas: cf. F. affabilité.] The quality of being affable; readiness to converse; courteousness in receiving others and in conversation; complaisant behavior.
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Affability is of a wonderful efficacy or power in procuring love. Elyot
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Affable (�), a. [F. affable, L. affabilis, fr. affari to speak to; ad + fari to speak. See .] 1. Easy to be spoken to or addressed; receiving others kindly and conversing with them in a free and friendly manner; courteous; sociable.
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An affable and courteous gentleman. Shak.
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His manners polite and affable. Macaulay.
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2. Gracious; mild; benign.
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A serene and affable countenance. Tatler.
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Syn. -- Courteous; civil; complaisant; accessible; mild; benign; condescending.
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Affableness, n. Affability.
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Affably, adv. In an affable manner; courteously.
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