Amiss - Amour

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Amiss (ȧmĭs), a. Wrong; faulty; out of order; improper; as, it may not be amiss to ask advice. [Used only in the predicate.] Dryden.
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His wisdom and virtue can not always rectify that which is amiss in himself or his circumstances. Wollaston.
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Amiss, n. A fault, wrong, or mistake. [Obs.]
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Each toy seems prologue to some great amiss. Shak.
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Amissibility (�), [Cf. F. amissibilité. See .] The quality of being amissible; possibility of being lost. [R.]
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Notions of popular rights and the amissibility of sovereign power for misconduct were alternately broached by the two great religious parties of Europe. Hallam.
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Amissible (�), a. [L. amissibilis: cf. F. amissible.] Liable to be lost. [R.]
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Amission (�), n. [L. amissio: cf. F. amission.] Deprivation; loss. [Obs.] Sir T. Browne.
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Amit (�), v. t. [L. amittere, amissum, to lose; a (ab) + mittere to send. See .] To lose. [Obs.]
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A lodestone fired doth presently amit its proper virtue. Sir T. Browne.
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Amitosis (?), n. [NL. See not, and .] (Biol.) Cell division in which there is first a simple cleavage of the nucleus without change in its structure (such as the formation of chromosomes), followed by the division of the cytoplasm; direct cell division; -- opposed to mitosis. It is not the usual mode of division, and is believed by many to occur chiefly in highly specialized cells which are incapable of long-continued multiplication, in transitory structures, and in those in early stages of degeneration.
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Amitotic (?), a. (Biol.) Of or pertaining to amitosis; karyostenotic; -- opposed to mitotic.
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Amity (�), n.; pl. Amities (�). [F. amitié, OF. amistié, amisté, fr. an assumed LL. amisitas, fr. L. amicus friendly, from amare to love. See .] Friendship, in a general sense, between individuals, societies, or nations; friendly relations; good understanding; as, a treaty of amity and commerce; the amity of the Whigs and Tories.
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To live on terms of amity with vice. Cowper.
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Syn. -- Harmony; friendliness; friendship; affection; good will; peace.
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Amma (�), n. [LL. amma, prob. of interjectional or imitative origin: cf. Sp. ama, G. amme, nurse, Basque ama mother, Heb. �m, Ar. immun, ummun.] An abbes or spiritual mother.
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Ammeter (�), n. (Physics) A contraction of amperometer or ampèremeter.
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Ammiral (�), n. An obsolete form of admiral. “The mast of some great ammiral.” Milton.
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Ammite (ămmīt), n. [Gr. 'ammiths, 'ammitis, sandstone, fr. 'ammos or ammos sand.] (Geol.) Oölite or roestone; -- written also hammite. [Obs.]
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ammobium n. 1. any plant of the genus Ammobium having yellow flowers and silvery foliage.
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Ammodyte (�), n. [L. ammodytes, Gr. � sand burrower, a kind of serpent; 'ammos sand + � diver, � to dive.] (Zoöl.) (a) One of a genus of fishes; the sand eel. (b) A kind of viper in southern Europe. [Obs.]
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Ammodytes n. 1. 1 type genus of the Ammodytidae.
Syn. -- genus Ammodytes
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Ammodytidae n. 1. 1 a family comprising the sand lances.
Syn. -- family Ammodytidae.
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Ammonal (?), n. [Ammonium + aluminium.] An explosive consisting of a mixture of powdered aluminum and ammonium nitrate.
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Ammonia (�), n. [From sal ammoniac, which was first obtaining near the temple of Jupiter Ammon, by burning camel's dung. See .] (Chem.) A gaseous compound of hydrogen and nitrogen, NH3, with a pungent smell and taste: -- often called volatile alkali, and spirits of hartshorn.
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{ Ammoniac (�), Ammoniacal (�), } a. Of, pertaining, or containing ammonia, or possessing its properties; as, an ammoniac salt; ammoniacal gas.
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Coloq. Ammoniacal engine , an engine in which the vapor of ammonia is used as the motive force. -- Coloq. Sal ammoniac [L. sal ammoniacus], the salt usually called chloride of ammonium, and formerly muriate of ammonia.
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Ammoniac (�) (or Gum ammoniac , n. [L. Ammoniacum, Gr. � a resinous gum, said to distill from a tree near the temple of Jupiter Ammon; cf. F. ammoniac. See .] (Med.) The concrete juice (gum resin) of an umbelliferous plant, the Dorema ammoniacum. It is brought chiefly from Persia in the form of yellowish tears, which occur singly, or are aggregated into masses. It has a peculiar smell, and a nauseous, sweet taste, followed by a bitter one. It is inflammable, partially soluble in water and in spirit of wine, and is used in medicine as an expectorant and resolvent, and for the formation of certain plasters.
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Ammoniacal fermentation. Any fermentation process by which ammonia is formed, as that by which urea is converted into ammonium carbonate when urine is exposed to the air.
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ammoniate v. 1. treat with ammonia; expose to ammonia
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Ammoniated (�), a. (Chem.) Combined or impregnated with ammonia.
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Ammonic (�), a. Of or pertaining to ammonia.
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Ammonite (�), n. [L. cornu Ammonis born of Ammon; L. Ammon, Gr. � an appellation of Jupiter, as represented with the horns of a ram. It was originally the name of an. Egyptian god, Amun.] (Paleon.) A fossil cephalopod shell related to the nautilus. There are many genera and species, and all are extinct, the typical forms having existed only in the Mesozoic age, when they were exceedingly numerous. They differ from the nautili in having the margins of the septa very much lobed or plaited, and the siphuncle dorsal. Also called serpent stone, snake stone, and cornu Ammonis.
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Ammonitiferous (�), a. [Ammonite + -ferous.] Containing fossil ammonites.
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Ammonitoidea (�), n. pl. [NL., fr. Ammonite + -oid.] (Zoöl.) An extensive group of fossil cephalopods often very abundant in Mesozoic rocks. See .
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Ammonium (�), n. [See .] (Chem.) A compound radical, NH4, having the chemical relations of a strongly basic element like the alkali metals.

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ammonoid n. 1. one of the coiled chambered fossil shells of extinct mollusks; same as ammonite.
Syn. -- ammonite
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Ammotragus n. a genus of wild sheep.
Syn. -- genus Ammotragus.
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Ammunition (�), n. [F. amunition, for munition, prob. caused by taking la munition as l'amunition. See .] 1. Military stores, or provisions of all kinds for attack or defense. [Obs.]
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2. Articles used in charging firearms and ordnance of all kinds; as powder, balls, shot, shells, percussion caps, rockets, etc.
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3. Any stock of missiles, literal or figurative.
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Coloq. Ammunition bread , Coloq. shoes , etc., such as are contracted for by government, and supplied to the soldiers. [Eng.]
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Ammunition (�), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Ammunitioned (�); p. pr. & vb. n. Ammunitioning.] To provide with ammunition.
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amnesia (�), n. [NL., fr. Gr. 'amnhsia; 'a priv. + mna^sqai to remember.] (Med.) Forgetfulness; also, a defect of speech, from cerebral disease, in which the patient substitutes wrong words or names in the place of those he wishes to employ. Quian.
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amnesiac adj. Having lost memories, especially due to brain injury or mental shock; suffering from amnesia.
Syn. -- amnesic
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Amnesic (�), a. (Med.) 1. 1. Of or pertaining to amnesia. “Amnesic or coördinate defects.” Quian.
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2. Same as .
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Amnestic (�), a. Causing loss of memory.
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Amnesty (�), n. [L. amnestia, Gr. �, a forgetting, fr. � forgotten, forgetful; 'a priv. + mna^sqai to remember: cf. F. amnistie, earlier amnestie. See , v.] 1. Forgetfulness; cessation of remembrance of wrong; oblivion.
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2. An act of the sovereign power granting oblivion, or a general pardon, for a past offense, as to subjects concerned in an insurrection.
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Amnesty, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Amnestied (�); p. pr. & vb. n. Amnestying.] To grant amnesty to.
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Amnicolist (�), n. [L. amnicola, amnis a river + colere to dwell.] One who lives near a river. [Obs.] Bailey.
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Amnigenous (�), a. [L. amnigena; amnis a river + root gen of gignere to beget.] Born or bred in, of, or near a river. [Obs.] Bailey.
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Amnion (�), n. [Gr. � the membrane round the fetus, dim. of � lamb.] (Anat.) A thin membrane surrounding the embryos of mammals, birds, and reptiles.
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Amnios (�), n. Same as .
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Amniota (�), n. pl. [NL. See .] (Zoöl.) That group of vertebrates which develops in its embryonic life the envelope called the amnion. It comprises the reptiles, the birds, and the mammals.
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amniote n. 1. any member of the Amniota.
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Amniotic (�), a. [Cf. F. amniotique.] (Anat.) Of or pertaining to the amnion; characterized by an amnion; as, the amniotic fluid; the amniotic sac.
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Coloq. Amniotic acid . (Chem.) [R.] See .
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Amoeba, Amœba (�), n.; pl. L. Amœbæ (�); E. Amœbas (�). [NL., fr. Gr. � change.] (Zoöl.) A rhizopod common in fresh water, capable of undergoing many changes of form at will. Same as . See .
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Amœbæum (�), n. [L. amœbaeus, Gr. �, alternate; L. amoebaeum carmen, Gr. � �, a responsive song, fr. � change.] A poem in which persons are represented at speaking alternately; as the third and seventh eclogues of Virgil.
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Amœbea (�), n. pl. [NL.] (Zoöl.) That division of the Rhizopoda which includes the amoeba and similar forms.
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Amœbean (�), a. Alternately answering.
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Amœbian (�), n. (Zoöl.) One of the Amœbea.
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{ Amœbiform (�), Amœboid (�), } a. [Amœba + -form or -oid.] (Biol.) Resembling an amœba; amœba-shaped; changing in shape like an amœba.
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Coloq. Amœboid movement , movement produced, as in the amœba, by successive processes of prolongation and retraction.
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Amœbous (�), a. Like an amœba in structure.
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Amole (?), n. [Mex.] (Bot.) Any detergent plant, or the part of it used as a detergent, as the roots of Agave Americana, Chlorogalum pomeridianum, etc. [Sp. Amer. & Mex.]
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Amolition (�), n. [L. amolitio, fr. amoliri to remove; a (ab) + moliri to put in motion.] Removal; a putting away. [Obs.] Bp. Ward (1673).
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Amomum (�), n. [L., fr. Gr. � an Indian spice plant.] (Bot.) A genus of aromatic plants. It includes species which bear cardamoms, and grains of paradise.
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Amoneste (�), v. t. To admonish. [Obs.]
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{ Among (�), Amongst (�), } prep. [OE. amongist, amonges, amonge, among, AS. onmang, ongemang, gemang, in a crowd or mixture. For the ending -st see . See .] 1. Mixed or mingled; surrounded by.
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They heard,
And from his presence hid themselves among
The thickest trees. Milton.
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2. Conjoined, or associated with, or making part of the number of; in the number or class of.
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Blessed art thou among women. Luke i. 28.
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3. Expressing a relation of dispersion, distribution, etc.; also, a relation of reciprocal action.
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What news among the merchants? Shak.
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Human sacrifices were practiced among them. Hume.
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Divide that gold amongst you. Marlowe.
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Whether they quarreled among themselves, or with their neighbors. Addison.
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Syn. -- Amidst; between. See , .
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Amon-Ra n. 1. the ancient Egyptian sun god; supreme god of the universe in whom Amen and Ra were combined; principal deity during Theban supremacy.
Syn. -- Amen-Ra
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Amontillado (�), n. [Sp.] A dry kind of cherry, of a light color. Simmonds.
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Amoret (�), n. [OF. amorette, F. amourette, dim. of amour.] 1. An amorous girl or woman; a wanton. [Obs.] J. Warton.
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2. A love knot, love token, or love song. (pl.) Love glances or love tricks. [Obs.]
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3. A petty love affair or amour. [Obs.]
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Amorette (�), n. An amoret. [Obs.] Rom. of R.
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Amorist (�), n. [L. armor love. See .] A lover; a gallant. [R.] Milton.
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It was the custom for an amorist to impress the name of his mistress in the dust, or upon the damp earth, with letters fixed upon his shoe. Southey.
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A-mornings (�), adv. [See . The -s is a genitival ending. See .] In the morning; every morning. [Obs.]
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And have such pleasant walks into the woods
A-mornings. J. Fletcher.
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Amorosa (�), n. [It. amoroso, fem. amorosa.] A wanton woman; a courtesan. Sir T. Herbert.
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Amorosity (�), n. The quality of being amorous; lovingness. [R.] Galt.
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Amoroso (�), n. [It. amoroso, LL. amorosus.] A lover; a man enamored.
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Amoroso, adv. [It.] (Mus.) In a soft, tender, amatory style.
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Amorous (�), a. [OF. amoros, F. amoreux, LL. amorosus, fr. L. amor love, fr. amare to love.] 1. Inclined to love; having a propensity to love, or to sexual enjoyment; loving; fond; affectionate; as, an amorous disposition.
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2. Affected with love; in love; enamored; -- usually with of; formerly with on.
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Thy roses amorous of the moon. Keats.
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High nature amorous of the good. Tennyson.
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Sure my brother is amorous on Hero. Shak.
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3. Of or relating to, or produced by, love. “Amorous delight.” Milton. “Amorous airs.” Waller.
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Syn. -- Loving; fond; tender; passionate; affectionate; devoted; ardent.
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Amorously, adv. In an amorous manner; fondly.
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Amorousness, n. The quality of being amorous, or inclined to sexual love; lovingness.
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Amorpha (�), n.; pl. Amorphas (�). [Gr. � shapeless.] (Bot.) A genus of leguminous shrubs, having long clusters of purple flowers; false or bastard indigo. Longfellow.
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Amorphism (�), n. [See .] A state of being amorphous; esp. a state of being without crystallization even in the minutest particles, as in glass, opal, etc. There are stony substances which, when fused, may cool as glass or as stone; the glass state is spoken of as a state of amorphism.
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Amorphous (�), a. [Gr. �; 'a priv. + morfh form.] 1. Having no determinate form; of irregular; shapeless. Kirwan.
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2. Without crystallization in the ultimate texture of a solid substance; uncrystallized.
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3. Of no particular kind or character; anomalous.
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Scientific treatises . . . are not seldom rude and amorphous in style. Hare.
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-- Amorphously, adv. -- Amorphousness, n.
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amorphophallus n. 1. any plant of the genus Amorphophallus.
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Amorphozoa (�), n. pl. [NL., fr. Gr. � shapeless; 'a priv. + morfh form + � animal.] (Zoöl.) Animals without a mouth or regular internal organs, as the sponges.
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Amorphozoic (�), a. (Zoöl.) Of or pertaining to the Amorphozoa.
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Amorphy (�), n. [Gr. �: cf. F. amorphie. See .] Shapelessness. [Obs.] Swift.
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Amort (�), a. [Pref. a- + F. mort death, dead; all amort is for alamort.] As if dead; lifeless; spiritless; dejected; depressed. Shak.
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Amortise (�), v., Amortisation (�), n., Amortisable (�), a., Amortisement (�), n. Same as , , etc.
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Amortizable (�), a. [Cf. F. amortissable.] Capable of being cleared off, as a debt.
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Amortization (�), n. [LL. amortisatio, admortizatio. See , and cf. .] 1. (Law) The act or right of alienating lands to a corporation, which was considered formerly as transferring them to dead hands, or in mortmain.
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2. The extinction of a debt, usually by means of a sinking fund; also, the money thus paid. Simmonds.
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Amortize (�), v. t. [OE. amortisen, LL. amortisare, admortizare, F. amortir to sell in mortmain, to extinguish; L. ad + mors death. See ]. 1. To make as if dead; to destroy. [Obs.] Chaucer.
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2. (Law) To alienate in mortmain, that is, to convey to a corporation. See .
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3. To clear off or extinguish, as a debt, usually by means of a sinking fund.
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Amortizement (�), n. [F. amortissement.] Same as .
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Amorwe (�), adv. [Pref. a- on + OE. morwe. See .] 1. In the morning. [Obs.] Chaucer.
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2. On the following morning. [Obs.] Chaucer.
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Amotion (�), n. [L. amotio. See .] 1. Removal; ousting; especially, the removal of a corporate officer from his office.
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2. Deprivation of possession.
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Amotus (�), a. [L., withdrawn (from it�place).] (Zoöl.) Elevated, -- as a toe, when raised so high that the tip does not touch the ground.
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Amount (�), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Amounted; p. pr. & vb. n. Amounting.] [OF. amonter to increase, advance, ascend, fr. amont (equiv. to L. ad montem to the mountain) upward, F. amont up the river. See , n.] 1. To go up; to ascend. [Obs.]
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So up he rose, and thence amounted straight. Spenser.
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2. To rise or reach by an accumulation of particular sums or quantities; to come (to) in the aggregate or whole; -- with to or unto.
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3. To rise, reach, or extend in effect, substance, or influence; to be equivalent; to come practically (to); as, the testimony amounts to very little.
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Amount, v. t. To signify; to amount to. [Obs.]
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Amount, n. 1. The sum total of two or more sums or quantities; the aggregate; the whole quantity; a totality; as, the amount of 7 and 9 is 16; the amount of a bill; the amount of this year's revenue.
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2. The effect, substance, value, significance, or result; the sum; as, the amount of the testimony is this.
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The whole amount of that enormous fame. Pope.
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Amour (�), n. [F., fr. L. amor love.] 1. Love; affection. [Obs.]
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2. Love making; a love affair; usually, an unlawful connection in love; a love intrigue; an illicit love affair.
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Coloq. In amours with , in love with. [Obs.]
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