Ramentaceous - Random

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Ramentaceous (rămĕntāshŭs), a. (Bot.) Covered with ramenta.
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Rameous (rām�ŭs), a. [L. rameus, from ramus branch, bough.] (Bot.) Ramal.
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Ramequin (răm�kĭn), n. [F.] 1. (Cookery) A mixture of cheese, eggs, etc., formed in a mold, or served on bread. [Written also ramekin.]
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2. The porcelian or earthen mold in which ramequins are baked and served, by extension, any dish so used.
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Ramie (răm�), n. [From Malay.] (Bot.) The grasscloth plant (Bœhmeria nivea); also, its fiber, which is very fine and exceedingly strong; -- called also China grass, and rhea. See Grass-cloth plant, under .
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Ramification (rămĭfĭkāshŭn), n. [Cf. F. ramification. See .] 1. The process of branching, or the development of branches or offshoots from a stem; also, the mode of their arrangement.
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2. A small branch or offshoot proceeding from a main stock or channel; as, the ramifications of an artery, vein, or nerve.
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3. A division into principal and subordinate classes, heads, or departments; also, one of the subordinate parts; as, the ramifications of a subject or scheme.
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4. The production of branchlike figures. Crabb.
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Ramiflorous (rămĭflōrŭs), a. [L. ramus branch + flos, floris, flower.] (Bot.) Flowering on the branches.
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Ramiform (rămĭfôrm), a. [L. ramus branch + -form.] (Bot.) Having the form of a branch.
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Ramify (rămĭfī), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Ramified (-fīd); p. pr. & vb. n. Ramifying (?).] [F. ramifier, LL. ramificare, fr. L. ramus a branch + -ficare (in comp.) to make. See .] To divide into branches or subdivisions; as, to ramify an art, subject, scheme.
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Ramify, v. i. 1. To shoot, or divide, into branches or subdivisions, as the stem of a plant.
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When they [asparagus plants] . . . begin to ramify. Arbuthnot.
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2. To be divided or subdivided, as a main subject.
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Ramigerous (rȧmĭjẽrŭs), a. [L. ramus a branch + -gerous.] (Bot.) Bearing branches; branched.
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Ramiparous (rȧmĭpȧrŭs), a. [L. ramus + parere to bear.] (Bot.) Producing branches; ramigerous.
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Ramist (rāmĭst), n. A follower of Pierre Ramé, better known as Ramus, a celebrated French scholar, who was professor of rhetoric and philosophy at Paris in the reign of Henry II., and opposed the Aristotelians.
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Ramline (rămlĭn), n. A line used to get a straight middle line, as on a spar, or from stem to stern in building a vessel.
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Rammel (rămmĕl), n. Refuse matter. [Obs.]
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Filled with any rubbish, rammel and broken stones. Holland.
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Rammer (rămmẽr), n. One who, or that which, rams or drives. Specifically: (a) An instrument for driving anything with force; as, a rammer for driving stones or piles, or for beating the earth to more solidity. (b) A rod for forcing down the charge of a gun; a ramrod. (c) (Founding) An implement for pounding the sand of a mold to render it compact.
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Rammish (rămmĭsh), a. Like a ram; hence, rank; lascivious. “Their savor is so rammish.” Chaucer.
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Rammishness, n. The quality of being rammish.
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Rammy (rămm�), a. Like a ram; rammish. Burton.
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Ramollescence (rămŏllĕss�ns), n. [F. ramollir to make soft, to soften; pref. re- re- + amollir to soften; a (L. ad) + mollir to soften, L. mollire, fr. mollis soft.] A softening or mollifying. [R.]
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Ramoon (rȧm�n), n. (Bot.) A small West Indian tree (Trophis Americana) of the Mulberry family, whose leaves and twigs are used as fodder for cattle.
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Ramose (rȧmōs), a. [L. ramosus, from ramus a branch.] Branched, as the stem or root of a plant; having lateral divisions; consisting of, or having, branches; full of branches; ramifying; branching; branchy.
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Ramous (rāmŭs), a. Ramose.
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Ramp (rămp), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Ramped (rămt; 215); p. pr. & vb. n. Ramping.] [F. ramper to creep, OF., to climb; of German origin; cf. G. raffen to snatch, LG. & D. rapen. See to snatch, and cf. .]
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1. To spring; to leap; to bound; to rear; to prance; to become rampant; hence, to frolic; to romp.
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2. To move by leaps, or as by leaps; hence, to move swiftly or with violence.
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Their bridles they would champ,
And trampling the fine element would fiercely ramp. Spenser.
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3. To climb, as a plant; to creep up.
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With claspers and tendrils, they [plants] catch hold, . . . and so ramping upon trees, they mount up to a great height. Ray.
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Ramp, n. 1. A leap; a spring; a hostile advance.
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The bold Ascalonite
Fled from his lion ramp. Milton.
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2. A highwayman; a robber. [Prov. Eng.]
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3. A romping woman; a prostitute. [Obs.] Lyly.
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4. [F. rampe.] (Arch.) (a) Any sloping member, other than a purely constructional one, such as a continuous parapet to a staircase. (b) A short bend, slope, or curve, where a hand rail or cap changes its direction.
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5. [F. rampe.] (Fort.) An inclined plane serving as a communication between different interior levels.
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Rampacious (rămpāshŭs), a. High-spirited; rampageous. [Slang] Dickens.
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Rampage (rămp�j; 48), n. [See , v.] Violent or riotous behavior; a state of excitement, passion, or debauchery; as, to be on the rampage. [Prov. or Low] Dickens.
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Rampage, v. i. To leap or prance about, as an animal; to be violent; to rage. [Prov. or Low]
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Rampageous (rămpājŭs), a. Characterized by violence and passion; unruly; rampant. [Prov. or Low]
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In the primitive ages of a rampageous antiquity. Galt.
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Rampallian (rămpăly�n), n. [Cf. ramp a prostitute, or rabble.] A mean wretch. [Obs.] Shak.
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Rampancy (rămp�ns�), n. The quality or state of being rampant; excessive action or development; exuberance; extravagance. “They are come to this height and rampancy of vice.” South.
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Rampant (rămp�nt), a. [F., p. pr. of ramper to creep. See , v.] 1. Ramping; leaping; springing; rearing upon the hind legs; hence, raging; furious.
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The fierce lion in his kind
Which goeth rampant after his prey. Gower.
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[The] lion . . . rampant shakes his brinded mane. Milton.
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2. Ascending; climbing; rank in growth; exuberant.
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The rampant stalk is of unusual altitude. I. Taylor.
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3. (Her.) Rising with fore paws in the air as if attacking; -- said of a beast of prey, especially a lion. The right fore leg and right hind leg should be raised higher than the left.
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Coloq. Rampant arch . (a) An arch which has one abutment higher than the other. (b) Same as Rampant vault, below. -- Coloq. Rampant gardant (Her.), rampant, but with the face turned to the front. -- Coloq. Rampant regardant , rampant, but looking backward. -- Coloq. Rampant vault (Arch.), a continuous wagon vault, or cradle vault, whose two abutments are located on an inclined plane, such as the vault supporting a stairway, or forming the ceiling of a stairway.
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Rampantly, adv. In a rampant manner.
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Rampart (rămpärt), n. [F. rempart, OF. rempar, fr. remparer to fortify, se remparer to fence or intrench one's self; pref. re- re- + pref. en- (L. in) + parer to defend, parry, prepare, L. parare to prepare. See .]
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1. That which fortifies and defends from assault; that which secures safety; a defense or bulwark.
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2. (Fort.) A broad embankment of earth round a place, upon which the parapet is raised. It forms the substratum of every permanent fortification. Mahan.
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Syn. -- Bulwark; fence; security; guard. -- , . These words were formerly interchanged; but in modern usage a distinction has sprung up between them. The rampart of a fortified place is the enceinte or entire main embankment or wall which surrounds it. The term bulwark is now applied to peculiarly strong outworks which project for the defense of the rampart, or main work. A single bastion is a bulwark. In using these words figuratively, rampart is properly applied to that which protects by walling out; bulwark to that which stands in the forefront of danger, to meet and repel it. Hence, we speak of a distinguished individual as the bulwark, not the rampart, of the state. This distinction, however, is often disregarded.
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Rampart, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Ramparted; p. pr. & vb. n. Ramparting.] To surround or protect with, or as with, a rampart or ramparts.
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Those grassy hills, those glittering dells,
Proudly ramparted with rocks. Coleridge.
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Coloq. Rampart gun (Fort.), a cannon or large gun for use on a rampart and not as a fieldpiece.
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Rampe (rămp), n. [In allusion to its supposed aphrodisiac qualities. See .] (Bot.) The cuckoopint.
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Rampier (rămpēr), n. See . [Obs.]
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Rampion (rămpĭŭn), n. [Cf. F. raiponce, Sp. ruiponce, reponche, L. raperonzo, NL. rapuntium, fr. L. rapum, rapa, a turnip, rape. Cf. a plant.] (Bot.) A plant (Campanula Rapunculus) of the Bellflower family, with a tuberous esculent root; -- also called ramps.
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☞ The name is sometimes given to plants of the genus Phyteuma, herbs of the Bellflower family, and to the American evening primrose (Œnothera biennis), which has run wild in some parts of Europe.
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Rampire (rămpīr), n. A rampart. [Archaic]
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The Trojans round the place a rampire cast. Dryden.
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Rampire, v. t. To fortify with a rampire; to form into a rampire. [Archaic] Chapman. “Rampired walls of gold.” R. Browning.
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Rampler (rămplẽr), n. A rambler.
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Rampler, a. Roving; rambling. [Scot.]
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Ramrod (rămrŏd), n. The rod used in ramming home the charge in a muzzle-loading firearm.
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Ramshackle (rămshăkk'l), a. [Etymol. uncertain.] Loose; disjointed; falling to pieces; out of repair.
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There came . . . my lord the cardinal, in his ramshackle coach. Thackeray.
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Ramshackle, v. t. To search or ransack; to rummage. [Prov. Eng.]
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Ramson (rămz'n), n. [AS. hramsan, pl., akin to G. rams, Sw. rams, ramslök; cf. Gr. kromyon onion.] (Bot.) A broad-leaved species of garlic (Allium ursinum), common in European gardens; -- called also buckram.
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Ramsted (rămstĕd), n. (Bot.) A yellow-flowered weed; -- so named from a Mr. Ramsted who introduced it into Pennsylvania. See . Called also Ramsted weed.
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Ramtil (rămtĭl), n. [Bengali ram-til.] A tropical African asteraceous shrub (Guizotia abyssinica) cultivated for its seeds (called ramtil seeds or niger seeds) which yield a valuable oil used for food and as an illuminant.
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Ramulose (răm�lōs), a. [L. ramulosus, fr. ramulus, dim. of ramus a branch.] (Nat. Hist.) Having many small branches, or ramuli.
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Ramulous (răm�lŭs), a. (Nat. Hist.) Ramulose.
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Ramulus (răm�lŭs), n.; pl. Ramuli (răm�lī). (Zoöl.) A small branch, or branchlet, of corals, hydroids, and similar organisms.
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Ramus (rāmŭs), n.; pl. Rami (rāmī). (Nat. Hist.) A branch; a projecting part or prominent process; a ramification.
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Ramuscule (rȧmŭsk�l), n. [L. ramusculus.] (Nat. Hist.) A small ramus, or branch.
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Ran (răn), imp. of .
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Ran, n. [AS. rān.] Open robbery. [Obs.] Lambarde.
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Ran, n. (Naut.) Yarns coiled on a spun-yarn winch.
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Rana (rānȧ), n. [L., a frog.] (Zoöl.) A genus of anurous batrachians, including the common frogs.
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Ranal (rān�l), a. (Bot.) Having a general affinity to ranunculaceous plants.
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Coloq. Ranal alliance (Bot.), a name proposed by Lindley for a group of natural orders, including Ranunculaceæ, Magnoliaceæ, Papaveraceæ, and others related to them.
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Rance (răns), n. [Etymol. uncertain.] 1. A prop or shore. [Scot.]
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2. A round between the legs of a chair; also called a spreader.
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Rancescent (rănsĕss�nt), a. [L. rancescens, p. pr. of rancescere, v. incho. from rancere to be rancid.] Becoming rancid or sour.
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Ranch (rănch), v. t. [Written also raunch.] [Cf. .] To wrench; to tear; to sprain; to injure by violent straining or contortion. [R.] Dryden. “Hasting to raunch the arrow out.” Spenser.
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Ranch, n. [See .] A tract of land used for grazing and the rearing of horses, cattle, or sheep. See , 2. [Western U. S.]
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Rancheria (rȧnch�rēȧ), n. [Sp. rancheria.] 1. A dwelling place of a ranchero.
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2. A small settlement or collection of ranchos, or rude huts, esp. for Indians. [Sp. Amer. & Southwestern U. S.]
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3. Formerly, in the Philippines, a political division of the pagan tribes.
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Ranchero (rănchār�), n.; pl. Rancheros (rănchārōz). [Sp.] [Mexico & Western U. S.] 1. A herdsman; a peasant employed on a ranch or rancho.
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2. The owner and occupant of a ranch or rancho.
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Ranchman (rănchm�n), n.; pl. Ranchmen (rănchm�n). An owner or occupant of, or laborer on, a ranch; a herdsman. [Western U. S.]
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Rancho (rănch�), n.; pl. Ranchos (rănchōz). [Sp., properly, a mess, mess room. Cf. 2d .] 1. A rude hut, as of posts, covered with branches or thatch, where herdsmen or farm laborers may live or lodge at night.
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2. A large grazing farm where horses and cattle are raised; -- distinguished from hacienda, a cultivated farm or plantation. [Mexico & California] Bartlett.
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Rancid (rănsĭd), a. [L. rancidus, fr. rancere to be rancid or rank.] Having a rank smell or taste, from chemical change or decomposition; musty; as, rancid oil or butter.
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Rancidity (rănsĭdĭt�), n. [Cf. F. rancidité.] The quality or state of being rancid; a rancid scent or flavor, as of old oil. Ure.
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Rancidly (rănsĭdl�), adv. In a rancid manner.
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Rancidness, n. The quality of being rancid.
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Rancor (răṉkẽr), n. [Written also rancour.] [OE. rancour, OF. rancor, rancur, F. rancune, fr. L. rancor rancidity, rankness; tropically, an old grudge, rancor, fr. rancere to be rank or rancid.] The deepest malignity or spite; deep-seated enmity or malice; inveterate hatred. “To stint rancour and dissencioun.” Chaucer.
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It would not be easy to conceive the passion, rancor, and malice of their tongues and hearts. Burke.
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Syn. -- Enmity; hatred; ill will; malice; spite; grudge; animosity; malignity. -- , . Enmity and rancor both describe hostile feelings; but enmity may be generous and open, while rancor implies personal malice of the worst and most enduring nature, and is the strongest word in our language to express hostile feelings.
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Rancor will out; proud prelate, in thy face
I see thy fury. Shak.
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Rancor is that degree of malice which preys upon the possessor. Cogan.
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Rancorous (răṉkẽrŭs), a. [OF. rancuros.] Full of rancor; evincing, or caused by, rancor; deeply malignant; implacably spiteful or malicious; intensely virulent.
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So flamed his eyes with rage and rancorous ire. Spenser.
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Rancorously, adv. In a rancorous manner.
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Rand (rănd), n. [AS. rand, rond; akin to D., Dan., Sw., & G. rand, Icel. rönd, and probably to E. rind.] 1. A border; edge; margin. [Obs. or Prov. Eng.]
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2. A long, fleshy piece, as of beef, cut from the flank or leg; a sort of steak. Beau. & Fl.
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3. A thin inner sole for a shoe; also, a leveling slip of leather applied to the sole before attaching the heel.
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Rand (rănd), n. [D.] (D. pron. rȧnt) Rim; edge; border. [South Africa]

2. The monetary unit of the Union of South Africa.
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Coloq. The Rand , a rocky gold-bearing ridge in South Africa, about thirty miles long, on which Johannesburg is situated; also, the gold-mining district including this ridge.
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Rand, v. i. [See .] To rant; to storm. [Obs.]
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I wept, . . . and raved, and randed, and railed. J. Webster.
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R and D (ärăndē), n. [research and development.] research and development; -- used mostly to refer to the division of a corporation responsible for performing research and developing new products; -- a commonly used abbreviation.
Syn. -- R&D. [PJC]

Randall grass (rănd�l grȧs). (Bot.) The meadow fescue (Festuca elatior). See under .
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Randan (răndăn), n. The product of a second sifting of meal; the finest part of the bran. [Prov. Eng.]
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Randan, n. A boat propelled by three rowers with four oars, the middle rower pulling two.
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Randing (răndĭng), n. 1. (Shoemaking) The act or process of making and applying rands for shoes.
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2. (Mil.) A kind of basket work used in gabions.
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Random (răndŭm), n. [OE. randon, OF. randon force, violence, rapidity, à randon, de randon, violently, suddenly, rapidly, prob. of German origin; cf. G. rand edge, border, OHG. rant shield, edge of a shield, akin to E. rand, n. See , n.] 1. Force; violence. [Obs.]
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For courageously the two kings newly fought with great random and force. E. Hall.
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2. A roving motion; course without definite direction; want of direction, rule, or method; hazard; chance; -- commonly used in the phrase at random, that is, without a settled point of direction; at hazard.
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Counsels, when they fly
At random, sometimes hit most happily. Herrick.
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O, many a shaft, at random sent,
Finds mark the archer little meant! Sir W. Scott.
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3. Distance to which a missile is cast; range; reach; as, the random of a rifle ball. Sir K. Digby.
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4. (Mining) The direction of a rake-vein. Raymond.
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Random, a. 1. Going at random or by chance; done or made at hazard, or without settled direction, aim, or purpose; hazarded without previous calculation; left to chance; haphazard; as, a random guess.
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Some random truths he can impart. Wordsworth.
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So sharp a spur to the lazy, and so strong a bridle to the random. H. Spencer.
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2. (Statistics) of, pertaining to, or resulting from a process of selection from a starting set of items, in which the probability of selecting any one object in the starting set is equal to the probability of selecting any other.
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3. (Construction) of unequal size or shape; made from components of unequal size or shape.
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Coloq. at random in a manner so that all possible results have an equal probability of occurrence; for processes, each possible result is counted separately although the same type of result may occur more than once . -- Coloq. Random courses (Masonry), courses of stone of unequal thickness. -- Coloq. Random shot , a shot not directed or aimed toward any particular object, or a shot with the muzzle of the gun much elevated. -- Coloq. Random work (Masonry), stonework consisting of stones of unequal sizes fitted together, but not in courses nor always with flat beds.
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