<-- Begin file 18 of 26: Letter R (Version 0.41)
This file is part 18 of the GNU version of
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
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This dictionary was derived from the
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
Version published 1913
by the C. & G. Merriam Co.
Springfield, Mass.
Under the direction of
Noah Porter, D.D., LL.D.
and from
WordNet, a semantic network created by
the Cognitive Science Department
of Princeton University
under the direction of
Prof. George Miller
and is being updated and supplemented by
an open coalition of volunteer collaborators from
around the world.
This electronic dictionary is the starting point for an
ongoing project to develop a modern on-line comprehensive encyclopedic
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Last edit February 25, 1999.
-->
R.
R(. R, the eighteenth letter of the English alphabet, is a vocal consonant. It is sometimes called a semivowel, and a liquid. See Guide to Pronunciation, \'bdR is the dog's letter and hurreth in the sound.\'b8 B. Jonson. 1913 Webster]
In words derived from the Greek language the letter h is generally written after r to represent the aspirated sound of the Greek "r, but does not affect the pronunciation of the English word, as rhapsody, rhetoric. 1913 Webster]
The English letter derives its form from the Greek through the Latin, the Greek letter being derived from the Phl, s, and n; as in bandore, mandole; purple, L. purpura; E. chapter, F. chapitre, L. capitulum; E. was, were; hare, G. hase; E. order, F. ordre, L. ordo, ordinis; E. coffer, coffin. 1913 Webster]
The three Rs, a jocose expression for reading, (w)riting, and (a)rithmetic, -- the fundamentals of an education. 1913 Webster]
R&D(, 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 and D, research and development.
[PJC]
Ra(r, n.A roe; a deer. [Obs.] Chaucer. 1913 Webster]
Ra-. A prefix, from the Latin re and ad combined, coming to us through the French and Italian. See Re-, and Ad-. 1913 Webster]
Raash(r, n.[Cf. Ar. ra'ash trembling, tremor.](Zo\'94l.)The electric catfish.[Written also raasch.] 1913 Webster]
Rab(r, n.A rod or stick used by masons in mixing hair with mortar. 1913 Webster]
Rab"at(r, n.[See Rabot.]A polishing material made of potter's clay that has failed in baking. 1913 Webster]
\'d8Ra`bat"(r, n.[F. Cf. Rabato.](Eccl.)(a)A clerical linen collar.(b)A kind of clerical scarf fitted to a collar; as, a black silk rabat. Webster 1913 Suppl.]
Ra*bate"(r, v. t.[F. rabattre to beat down; pref. re- + abattre. See Abate, and cf. Rebate, v.](Falconry)To recover to the fist, as a hawk. [Obs.] 1913 Webster]
Rab"a*tine(r, n.[See Rabato.]A collar or cape. [Obs.] Sir W. Scott. 1913 Webster]
Ra*ba"to(r, n.[F. rabat, fr. rabattre. See Rabate.]A kind of ruff for the neck; a turned-down collar; a rebato. [Obs.] Shak. 1913 Webster]
Rab*bate"(r, v. t.[See Rabate.]To abate or diminish. [Obs.] -- n.Abatement. [Obs.] 1913 Webster]
Rab"bet(r, v. t.[imp. & p. p.Rabbeted; p. pr. & vb. n.Rabbeting.][F. raboter to plane, plane down,rabot a plane; pref. re- re- + OF. abouter, aboter. See Abut, and cf. Rebut.]1.To cut a rabbet in; to furnish with a rabbet. 1913 Webster]
2.To unite the edges of, as boards, etc., in a rabbet joint. 1913 Webster]
Rab"bet, n.[See Rabbet, v., and cf. Rebate, n.] 1913 Webster]
1.(Carp.)A longitudinal channel, groove, or recess cut out of the edge or face of any body; especially, one intended to receive another member, so as to break or cover the joint, or more easily to hold the members in place; thus, the groove cut for a panel, for a pane of glass, or for a door, is a rabbet, or rebate. 1913 Webster]
2.Same as Rabbet joint, below. 1913 Webster]
Rabbet joint(Carp.), a joint formed by fitting together rabbeted boards or timbers; -- called also rabbet. --
Rabbet plane, a joiner's plane for cutting a rabbet.Moxon. 1913 Webster]
Rab"bi(ror r, n.; pl.Rabbis(ror r or Rabbies.[L., fr. Gr. "rabbi`, Heb. rab\'c6 my master, from rab master, lord, teacher, akin to Ar. rabb.]Master; lord; teacher; -- a Jewish title of respect or honor for a teacher or doctor of the law. \'bdThe gravest rabbies.\'b8 Milton. 1913 Webster]
Be not ye called Rabbi, for one is your Master, even Christ, and all ye are brethren.Matt. xxiii. 8. 1913 Webster]
Rab"bin(r, n.[F.]Same as Rabbi. 1913 Webster]
{ Rab*bin"ic(r, Rab*bin"ic*al(r, }a.[Cf. F. rabbinique.]Of or pertaining to the rabbins or rabbis, or pertaining to the opinions, learning, or language of the rabbins. \'bdComments staler than rabbinic.\'b8 Lowell. 1913 Webster]
We will not buy your rabbinical fumes.Milton. 1913 Webster]
Rab*bin"ic(r, n.The language or dialect of the rabbins; the later Hebrew. 1913 Webster]
Rab*bin"ic*al*ly, adv.In a rabbinical manner; after the manner of the rabbins. 1913 Webster]
Rab"bin*ism(r, n.[Cf. F. rabbinisme.]1.A rabbinic expression or phraseology; a peculiarity of the language of the rabbins. 1913 Webster]
2.The teachings and traditions of the rabbins. 1913 Webster]
Rab"bin*ist(r, n.[Cf. F. rabbiniste.]One among the Jews who adhered to the Talmud and the traditions of the rabbins, in opposition to the Karaites, who rejected the traditions. 1913 Webster]
Rab"bin*ite(r, n.Same as Rabbinist. 1913 Webster]
Rab"bit(r, n.[OE. rabet, akin to OD. robbe, robbeken.](Zo\'94l.)Any of the smaller species of the genus Lepus, especially the common European species (Lepus cuniculus), which is often kept as a pet, and has been introduced into many countries. It is remarkably prolific, and has become a pest in some parts of Australia and New Zealand. 1913 Webster]
L. sylvatica) is similar but smaller. See Cottontail, and Jack rabbit, under 2d Jack. The larger species of Lepus are commonly called hares. See Hare. 1913 Webster]
Angora rabbit(Zo\'94l.), a variety of the domestic rabbit having long, soft fur. --
Rabbit burrow, a hole in the earth made by rabbits for shelter and habitation. --
Rabbit fish. (Zo\'94l.)(a)The northern chim\'91ra (Chim\'91ra monstrosa). (b)Any one of several species of plectognath fishes, as the bur fish, and puffer. The term is also locally applied to other fishes. --
Rabbits' ears. (Bot.)See Cyclamen.<-- a type of antenna with two long narrow metal prongs, usually arranged so as to remeniscent of erect rabbit's ears. --> --
Rabbit warren, a piece of ground appropriated to the breeding and preservation of rabbits.Wright. --
Rock rabbit. (a)(Zo\'94l.)See Daman, and Klipdas.(b)the pika. --
Welsh rabbit, a dish of which the chief constituents are melted cheese over toasted bread, flavored in various ways, as with ale, beer, milk, or spices. The name is popularly said to be a corruption of Welsh rare bit, but it is probably merely a humorous designation; -- also called Welsh rarebit. 1913 Webster]
Rab"bit*ing, n.The hunting of rabbits.T. Hughes. 1913 Webster]
Rab"bit*ry(r, n.A place where rabbits are kept; especially, a collection of hutches for tame rabbits. 1913 Webster]
Rab"ble(r, n.[Etymol. uncertain.](Iron Manuf.)An iron bar, with the end bent, used in stirring or skimming molten iron in the process of puddling. 1913 Webster]
Rab"ble, v. t.To stir or skim with a rabble, as molten iron. 1913 Webster]
Rab"ble, v. i.[Akin to D. rabbelen, Prov. G. rabbeln, to prattle, to chatter: cf. L. rabula a brawling advocate, a pettifogger, fr. rabere to rave. Cf. Rage.]To speak in a confused manner. [Prov. Eng. & Scot.] 1913 Webster]
Rab"ble, n.[Probably named from the noise made by it (see Rabble, v. i.) cf. D. rapalje rabble, OF. & Prov. F. rapaille.]1.A tumultuous crowd of vulgar, noisy people; a mob; a confused, disorderly throng. 1913 Webster]
I saw, I say, come out of London, even unto the presence of the prince, a great rabble of mean and light persons.Ascham. 1913 Webster]
Jupiter, Mercury, Bacchus, Venus, Mars, and the whole rabble of licentious deities.Bp. Warburton. 1913 Webster]
2.A confused, incoherent discourse; a medley of voices; a chatter. 1913 Webster]
The rabble, the lowest class of people, without reference to an assembly; the dregs of the people. \'bdThe rabble call him \'bflord.'\'b8 Shak. 1913 Webster]
Rab"ble, a.Of or pertaining to a rabble; like, or suited to, a rabble; disorderly; vulgar. [R.] Dryden. 1913 Webster]
Rab"ble, v. t.[imp. & p. p.Rabbled(r; p. pr. & vb. n.Rabbling(r.]1.To insult, or assault, by a mob; to mob; as, to rabble a curate.Macaulay. 1913 Webster]
The bishops' carriages were stopped and the prelates themselves rabbled on their way to the house.J. R. Green. 1913 Webster]
2.To utter glibly and incoherently; to mouth without intelligence. [Obs. or Scot.] Foxe. 1913 Webster]
3.To rumple; to crumple. [Scot.] 1913 Webster]
Rab"ble*ment(r, n.A tumultuous crowd of low people; a rabble. \'bdRude rablement.\'b8 Spenser. 1913 Webster]
And still, as he refused it, the rabblement hooted.Shak. 1913 Webster]
Rab"ble-rout`(r, n.A tumultuous crowd; a rabble; a noisy throng. 1913 Webster]
Rab*doid"al(r, a.[Gr. "ra`bdos a rod + -oid + -al.](Anat.)See Sagittal.[Written also rhabdoidal.] 1913 Webster]
Rab*dol"o*gy(r, n.[Gr. "ra`bdos rod, stick + -logy: cf. F. rabdologie.]The method or art of performing arithmetical operations by means of Napier's bones. See Napier's bones.[Written also rhabdology.] 1913 Webster]
Rab"do*man`cy(r, n.[Gr. "ra`bdos rod + -mancy.]Divination by means of rods or wands.[Written also rhabdomancy.]Sir T. Browne. 1913 Webster]
Rab"id(r, a.[L. rabidus, from rabere to rave. See Rage, n.]1.Furious; raging; extremely violent. 1913 Webster]
The rabid flight Chapman. 1913 Webster]
2.Extreme, unreasonable, or fanatical in opinion; excessively zealous; as, a rabid socialist. 1913 Webster]
3.Affected with the distemper called rabies; mad; as, a rabid dog or fox. 1913 Webster]
4.(Med.)Of or pertaining to rabies, or hydrophobia; as, rabid virus. 1913 Webster]
Ra"bot(r, n.[F.]A rubber of hard wood used in smoothing marble to be polished.Knight. 1913 Webster]
\'d8Ra"ca(r, a.[Gr. "raka`, from Chaldee r.]A term of reproach used by the Jews of our Savior's time, meaning \'bdworthless.\'b8 1913 Webster]
Whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council.Matt. v. 22. 1913 Webster]
\'d8Ra`ca`hout"(r, n.[F. racahout, probably fr. Ar. r\'beqaut.]A preparation from acorns used by the Arabs as a substitute for chocolate, and also as a beverage for invalids. 1913 Webster]
Rac*coon"(r, n.[F. raton, prop., a little rat, fr. rat rat, perhaps of German origin. See Rat.](Zo\'94l.)A North American nocturnal carnivore (Procyon lotor) allied to the bears, but much smaller, and having a long, full tail, banded with black and gray. Its body is gray, varied with black and white. Called also coon, and mapach. 1913 Webster]
Raccoon dog(Zo\'94l.), the tanate. --
Raccoon fox(Zo\'94l.), the cacomixle. 1913 Webster]
Race(r, v. t.To raze. [Obs.] Spenser. 1913 Webster]
<-- p. 1182 pr=vmg -->
Race(r, n.[OF. ra\'8bz, L. radix, -icis. See Radix.]A root. \'bdA race or two of ginger.\'b8 Shak. 1913 Webster]
Race ginger, ginger in the root, or not pulverized. 1913 Webster]
Race, n.[F. race; cf. Pr. & Sp. raza, It. razza; all from OHG. reiza line, akin to E. write. See Write.] 1913 Webster]
1.The descendants of a common ancestor; a family, tribe, people, or nation, believed or presumed to belong to the same stock; a lineage; a breed. 1913 Webster]
The whole race of mankind.Shak. 1913 Webster]
Whence the long race of Alban fathers come.Dryden. 1913 Webster]
Caucasian, or white race, to which belong the greater part of the European nations and those of Western Asia; the Mongolian, or yellow race, occupying Tartary, China, Japan, etc.; the Ethiopian, or negro race, occupying most of Africa (except the north), Australia, Papua, and other Pacific Islands; the American, or red race, comprising the Indians of North and South America; and the Malayan, or brown race, which occupies the islands of the Indian Archipelago, etc. Many recent writers classify the Malay and American races as branches of the Mongolian. See Illustration in Appendix. 1913 Webster]
2.Company; herd; breed. 1913 Webster]
For do but note a wild and wanton herd, race of youthful and unhandled colts, Shak. 1913 Webster]
3.(Bot.)A variety of such fixed character that it may be propagated by seed. 1913 Webster]
4.Peculiar flavor, taste, or strength, as of wine; that quality, or assemblage of qualities, which indicates origin or kind, as in wine; hence, characteristic flavor; smack. \'bdA race of heaven.\'b8 Shak. 1913 Webster]
Is it [the wine] of the right race ?Massinger. 1913 Webster]
5.Hence, characteristic quality or disposition. [Obs.] 1913 Webster]
And now I give my sensual race the rein.Shak. 1913 Webster]
Some . . . great race of fancy or judgment.Sir W. Temple. 1913 Webster]
Race, n.[OE. ras, res, rees, AS. r a rush, running; akin to Icel. r\'bes course, race. 1.A progress; a course; a movement or progression. 1913 Webster]
2.Esp., swift progress; rapid course; a running. 1913 Webster]
The flight of many birds is swifter than the race of any beasts.Bacon. 1913 Webster]
3.Hence: The act or process of running in competition; a contest of speed in any way, as in running, riding, driving, skating, rowing, sailing; in the plural, usually, a meeting for contests in the running of horses; as, he attended the races. 1913 Webster]
The race is not to the swift.Eccl. ix. 11. 1913 Webster]
I wield the gauntlet, and I run the race.Pope. 1913 Webster]
4.Competitive action of any kind, especially when prolonged; hence, career; course of life. 1913 Webster]
My race of glory run, and race of shame.Milton. 1913 Webster]
5.A strong or rapid current of water, or the channel or passage for such a current; a powerful current or heavy sea, sometimes produced by the meeting of two tides; as, the Portland Race; the Race of Alderney. 1913 Webster]
6.The current of water that turns a water wheel, or the channel in which it flows; a mill race. 1913 Webster]
headrace, the part below, the tailrace. 1913 Webster]
7.(Mach.)A channel or guide along which a shuttle is driven back and forth, as in a loom, sewing machine, etc. 1913 Webster]
Race cloth, a cloth worn by horses in racing, having pockets to hold the weights prescribed. --
Race course. (a)The path, generally circular or elliptical, over which a race is run. (b)Same as Race way, below. --
Race cup, a cup given as a prize to the victor in a race. --
Race glass, a kind of field glass. --
Race horse. (a)A horse that runs in competition; specifically, a horse bred or kept for running races. (b)A breed of horses remarkable for swiftness in running. (c)(Zo\'94l.)The steamer duck. (d)(Zo\'94l.)A mantis. --
Race knife, a cutting tool with a blade that is hooked at the point, for marking outlines, on boards or metals, as by a pattern, -- used in shipbuilding. --
Race saddle, a light saddle used in racing. --
Race track. Same as Race course(a), above. --
Race way, the canal for the current that drives a water wheel. 1913 Webster]
Race, v. i.[imp. & p. p.Raced(r; p. pr. & vb. n.Racing(r.]1.To run swiftly; to contend in a race; as, the animals raced over the ground; the ships raced from port to port. 1913 Webster]
2.(Steam Mach.)To run too fast at times, as a marine engine or screw, when the screw is lifted out of water by the action of a heavy sea. 1913 Webster]
Race, v. t.1.To cause to contend in a race; to drive at high speed; as, to race horses. 1913 Webster]
2.To run a race with. 1913 Webster]
Race"a*bout`(r, n.(Naut.)A small sloop-rigged racing yacht carrying about six hundred square feet of sail, distinguished from a knockabout by having a short bowsprit. Webster 1913 Suppl.]
Ra*ce"mate(r, n.(Chem.)A salt of racemic acid. 1913 Webster]
Rac`e*ma"tion(r, n.[L. racematio a gleaning, fr. racemari to glean, racemus a cluster of grapes. See Raceme.]1.A cluster or bunch, as of grapes.Sir T. Browne. 1913 Webster]
2.Cultivation or gathering of clusters of grapes. [R.] Bp. Burnet. 1913 Webster]
Ra*ceme"(r, n.[L. racemus a bunch of berries, a cluster of grapes. See Raisin.](Bot.)A flower cluster with an elongated axis and many one-flowered lateral pedicels, as in the currant and chokecherry. 1913 Webster]
Compound raceme, one having the lower pedicels developed into secondary racemes. 1913 Webster]
Ra*cemed"(r, a.(Bot.)Arranged in a raceme, or in racemes. 1913 Webster]
Ra*ce"mic(r, a.[Cf. F. rac\'82mique. See Raceme.](Chem.)Pertaining to, or designating, an acid found in many kinds of grapes. It is also obtained from tartaric acid, with which it is isomeric, and from sugar, gum, etc., by oxidation. It is a sour white crystalline substance, consisting of a combination of dextrorotatory and levorotatory tartaric acids.Gregory. 1913 Webster]
Rac`e*mif"er*ous(r, a.[L. racemifer bearing clusters; racemus cluster + ferre to bear: cf. F. rac\'82mif\'8are.](Bot.)Bearing racemes, as the currant. 1913 Webster]
Ra*cem"i*form(r, a.Having the form of a raceme.Gray. 1913 Webster]
Rac"e*mose`(r, a.[L. racemosus full of clusters.]Resembling a raceme; growing in the form of a raceme; as, (Bot.)racemose berries or flowers; (Anat.) the racemose glands, in which the ducts are branched and clustered like a raceme.Gray. 1913 Webster]
Rac"e*mous(r, a.[Cf. F. rac\'82meux.]See Racemose. 1913 Webster]
Rac"e*mule(r, n.(Bot.)A little raceme. 1913 Webster]
Ra*cem"u*lose`(r, a.(Bot.)Growing in very small racemes. 1913 Webster]
Ra"cer(r, n.1.One who, or that which, races, or contends in a race; esp., a race horse. 1913 Webster]
And bade the nimblest racer seize the prize.Pope. 1913 Webster]
2.(Zo\'94l.)The common American black snake. 1913 Webster]
3.(Mil.)One of the circular iron or steel rails on which the chassis of a heavy gun is turned. 1913 Webster]
Race suicide. The voluntary failure of the members of a race or people to have a number of children sufficient to keep the birth rate equal to the death rate. Webster 1913 Suppl.]
{ Rach, Rache(r }, n.[AS. r\'91cc; akin to Icel. rakki.](Zo\'94l.)A dog that pursued his prey by scent, as distinguished from the greyhound. [Obs.] 1913 Webster]
\'d8Ra`chi*al"gi*a(r, n.[NL., fr. Gr. "ra`chis backbone + 'a`lgos pain.](Med.)A painful affection of the spine; especially, Pott's disease; also, formerly, lead colic. 1913 Webster]
Ra*chid"i*an(r, a.[See Rachis.](Anat. & Zo\'94l.)Of or pertaining to the rachis; spinal; vertebral. Same as Rhachidian. 1913 Webster]
\'d8Ra*chil"la(r, n.[NL.](Bot.)Same as Rhachilla. 1913 Webster]
Ra"chi*o*dont(r, a.(Zo\'94l.)Same as Rhachiodont. 1913 Webster]
\'d8Ra"chis(r, n.; pl. E. Rachises(r, L. Rachides(r.[NL., fr. Gr. "ra`chis, -ios.][Written also rhachis.]1.(Anat.)The spine; the vertebral column. 1913 Webster]
2.(Bot. & Zo\'94l.)Same as Rhachis. 1913 Webster]
Ra*chit"ic(r, a.[Cf. F. rachitique. See Rachitis.](Med.)Of or pertaining to rachitis; affected by rachitis; rickety. 1913 Webster]
\'d8Ra*chi"tis(r, n.[NL., fr. Gr. "rachi^tis (sc. nosos), fr. "ra`chis, -ios, the spine.][Written also rhachitis.]1.(Med.)Literally, inflammation of the spine, but commonly applied to the rickets. See Rickets. 1913 Webster]
2.(Bot.)A disease which produces abortion in the fruit or seeds.Henslow. 1913 Webster]
Ra"chi*tome(r, n.[F., fr. Gr. "ra`chis, -ios, the spine + te`mnein to cut.]A dissecting instrument for opening the spinal canal.[Written also rachiotome.] 1913 Webster]
Ra"cial(r, a.Of or pertaining to a race or family of men; as, the racial complexion. 1913 Webster]
Ra"ci*ly(r, adv.In a racy manner. 1913 Webster]
Ra"ci*ness(r, n.The quality of being racy; peculiar and piquant flavor. 1913 Webster]
The general characteristics of his [Cobbett's] style were perspicuity, unequaled and inimitable; . . . a purity always simple, and raciness often elegant.London Times. 1913 Webster]
Ra"cing(r, a. & n. from Race, v. t. & i. 1913 Webster]
Racing crab(Zo\'94l.), an ocypodian. 1913 Webster]
Rack(r, n.Same as Arrack. 1913 Webster]
Rack, n.[AS. hracca neck, hinder part of the head; cf. AS. hraca throat, G. rachen throat, E. retch.]The neck and spine of a fore quarter of veal or mutton. 1913 Webster]
Rack, n.[See Wreck.]A wreck; destruction. [Obs., except in a few phrases.] 1913 Webster]
Rack and ruin, destruction; utter ruin. [Colloq.] --
To go to rack, to perish; to be destroyed. [Colloq.] \'bdAll goes to rack.\'b8 Pepys. 1913 Webster]
Rack, n.[Prob. fr. Icel. rek drift, motion, and akin to reka to drive, and E. wrack, wreck. Thin, flying, broken clouds, or any portion of floating vapor in the sky.Shak. 1913 Webster]
The winds in the upper region, which move the clouds above, which we call the rack, . . . pass without noise.Bacon. 1913 Webster]
And the night rack came rolling up.C. Kingsley. 1913 Webster]
Rack, v. i.To fly, as vapor or broken clouds. 1913 Webster]
Rack, v. i.[imp. & p. p.Racked(r; p. pr. & vb. n.Racking.][See Rack that which stretches, or Rock, v.]To amble fast, causing a rocking or swaying motion of the body; to pace; -- said of a horse.Fuller. 1913 Webster]
Rack, n.A fast amble. 1913 Webster]
Rack, v. t.[Cf. OF. vin raqu\'82 wine squeezed from the dregs of the grapes.]To draw off from the lees or sediment, as wine. 1913 Webster]
It is in common practice to draw wine or beer from the lees (which we call racking), whereby it will clarify much the sooner.Bacon. 1913 Webster]
Rack vintage, wine cleansed and drawn from the lees.Cowell. 1913 Webster]
Rack, n.[Probably fr. D. rek, rekbank, a rack, rekken to stretch; akin to G. reck, reckbank, a rack, recken to stretch, Dan. r\'91kke, Sw. r\'84cka, Icel. rekja to spread out, Goth. refrakjan to stretch out; cf. L. porrigere, Gr. 'ore`gein. Right, a., Ratch.]1.An instrument or frame used for stretching, extending, retaining, or displaying, something. Specifically: (a)An engine of torture, consisting of a large frame, upon which the body was gradually stretched until, sometimes, the joints were dislocated; -- formerly used judicially for extorting confessions from criminals or suspected persons. 1913 Webster]
During the troubles of the fifteenth century, a rack was introduced into the Tower, and was occasionally used under the plea of political necessity.Macaulay. 1913 Webster]
(b)An instrument for bending a bow.(c)A grate on which bacon is laid.(d)A frame or device of various construction for holding, and preventing the waste of, hay, grain, etc., supplied to beasts.(e)A frame on which articles are deposited for keeping or arranged for display; as, a clothes rack; a bottle rack, etc.(f)(Naut.)A piece or frame of wood, having several sheaves, through which the running rigging passes; -- called also rack block. Also, a frame to hold shot.(g)(Mining)A frame or table on which ores are separated or washed.(h)A frame fitted to a wagon for carrying hay, straw, or grain on the stalk, or other bulky loads.(i)A distaff. 1913 Webster]
2.(Mech.)A bar with teeth on its face, or edge, to work with those of a wheel, pinion, or worm, which is to drive it or be driven by it. 1913 Webster]
3.That which is extorted; exaction. [Obs.] Sir E. Sandys. 1913 Webster]
Mangle rack. (Mach.)See under Mangle. n. --
Rack block. (Naut.)See def. 1 (f), above. --
Rack lashing, a lashing or binding where the rope is tightened, and held tight by the use of a small stick of wood twisted around. --
Rack rail(Railroads), a toothed rack, laid as a rail, to afford a hold for teeth on the driving wheel of a locomotive for climbing steep gradients, as in ascending a mountain. --
Rack saw, a saw having wide teeth. --
Rack stick, the stick used in a rack lashing. --
To be on the rack, to suffer torture, physical or mental. --
To live at rack and manger, to live on the best at another's expense. [Colloq.] --
To put to the rack, to subject to torture; to torment. 1913 Webster]
A fit of the stone puts a king to the rack, and makes him as miserable as it does the meanest subject.Sir W. Temple. 1913 Webster]
Rack(r, v. t.1.To extend by the application of force; to stretch or strain; specifically, to stretch on the rack or wheel; to torture by an engine which strains the limbs and pulls the joints. 1913 Webster]
He was racked and miserably tormented.Foxe. 1913 Webster]
2.To torment; to torture; to affect with extreme pain or anguish. 1913 Webster]
Vaunting aloud but racked with deep despair.Milton. 1913 Webster]
3.To stretch or strain, in a figurative sense; hence, to harass, or oppress by extortion. 1913 Webster]
The landlords there shamefully rack their tenants.Spenser. 1913 Webster]
They [landlords] rack their rents an ace too high.Gascoigne. 1913 Webster]
Grant that I may never rack a Scripture simile beyond the true intent thereof.Fuller. 1913 Webster]
Try what my credit can in Venice do; racked even to the uttermost.Shak. 1913 Webster]
4.(Mining)To wash on a rack, as metals or ore. 1913 Webster]
5.(Naut.)To bind together, as two ropes, with cross turns of yarn, marline, etc. 1913 Webster]
To rack one's brainswits, to exert them to the utmost for the purpose of accomplishing something. 1913 Webster]
Syn. -- To torture; torment; rend; tear. 1913 Webster]
Rack"a*bones`(r, n.A very lean animal, esp. a horse. [Colloq. U. S.] 1913 Webster]
Rack"a*rock`(r, n.[Rack to stretch, strain + a + rock.]A Sprengel explosive consisting of potassium chlorate and mono-nitrobenzene. Webster 1913 Suppl.]
Rack"er(r, n.1.One who racks. 1913 Webster]
2.A horse that has a racking gait. 1913 Webster]
Rack"et(r, n.[F. raquette; cf. Sp. raqueta, It. racchetta, which is perhaps for retichetta, and fr. L. rete a net (cf. Reticule); or perh. from the Arabic; cf. Ar. r\'beha the palm of the hand (used at first to strike the ball), and OF. rachette, rasquette, carpus, tarsus.][Written also racquet.]1.A thin strip of wood, having the ends brought together, forming a somewhat elliptical hoop, across which a network of catgut or cord is stretched. It is furnished with a handle, and is used for catching or striking a ball in tennis and similar games. 1913 Webster]
Each one [of the Indians] has a bat curved like a crosier, and ending in a racket.Bancroft. 1913 Webster]
2.A variety of the game of tennis played with peculiar long-handled rackets; -- chiefly in the plural.Chaucer. 1913 Webster]
3.A snowshoe formed of cords stretched across a long and narrow frame of light wood. [Canada] 1913 Webster]
4.A broad wooden shoe or patten for a man or horse, to enable him to step on marshy or soft ground. 1913 Webster]
Racket court, a court for playing the game of rackets. 1913 Webster]
Rack"et, v. t.To strike with, or as with, a racket. 1913 Webster]
Poor man [is] racketed from one temptation to another.Hewyt. 1913 Webster]
Rack"et, n.[Gael. racaid a noise, disturbance.]1.confused, clattering noise; din; noisy talk or sport. 1913 Webster]
2.A carouse; any reckless dissipation. [Slang] 1913 Webster]
Rack"et, n.1.A scheme, dodge, trick, or the like; something taking place considered as exciting, trying, unusual, or the like; also, such occurrence considered as an ordeal; as, to work a racket; to stand upon the racket. [Slang] Webster 1913 Suppl.]
2.an organized illegal activity, such as illegal gambling, bootlegging, or extortion. PJC]
Rack"et, v. i.[imp. & p. p.Racketed; p. pr. & vb. n.Racketing.]1.To make a confused noise or racket. 1913 Webster]
2.To engage in noisy sport; to frolic.Sterne. 1913 Webster]
3.To carouse or engage in dissipation. [Slang] 1913 Webster]
Rack"et*er(r, n.One who makes, or engages in, a racket. 1913 Webster]
Rack"ett(r, n.[Etymol. uncertain.](Mus.)An old wind instrument of the double bassoon kind, having ventages but not keys. 1913 Webster]
Rack"et-tail(r, n.(Zo\'94l.)Any one of several species of humming birds of the genus Steganura, having two of the tail feathers very long and racket-shaped. 1913 Webster]
Rack"et-tailed`(r, a.(Zo\'94l.)Having long and spatulate, or racket-shaped, tail feathers. 1913 Webster]
Rack"et*y(r, a.Making a tumultuous noise. 1913 Webster]
Rack"ing, n.(Naut.)Spun yarn used in racking ropes. 1913 Webster]
Rack"-rent`(r, n.A rent of the full annual value of the tenement, or near it; an excessive or unreasonably high rent.Blackstone. 1913 Webster]
Rack"-rent`, v. t.To subject to rack-rent, as a farm or tenant. 1913 Webster]
Rack"-rent`er(r, n.1.One who is subjected to paying rack-rent. 1913 Webster]
2.One who exacts rack-rent. 1913 Webster]
<-- p. 1183 pr=vmg -->
Rack"tail`(r, n.(Horol.)An arm attached to a swinging notched arc or rack, to let off the striking mechanism of a repeating clock. 1913 Webster]
Rack"work`(r, n.Any mechanism having a rack, as a rack and pinion. 1913 Webster]
\'d8Ra`con`teur"(r, n.[F.]A relater; a storyteller. 1913 Webster]
\'d8Ra*coon"da(r, n.[From a native name.](Zo\'94l.)The coypu. 1913 Webster]
Ra*co"vi*an(r, n.[From Racow.](Eccl. Hist.)One of a sect of Socinians or Unitarians in Poland. 1913 Webster]
Rac"quet(r, n.See Racket. 1913 Webster]
Ra"cy(r, a.[Compar.Racier(r; superl.Raciest.][From Race a tribe, family.]1.Having a strong flavor indicating origin; of distinct characteristic taste; tasting of the soil; hence, fresh; rich. 1913 Webster]
The racy wine, Pope. 1913 Webster]
2.Hence: Exciting to the mental taste by a strong or distinctive character of thought or language; peculiar and piquant; fresh and lively. 1913 Webster]
Our raciest, most idiomatic popular words.M. Arnold. 1913 Webster]
Burns's English, though not so racy as his Scotch, is generally correct.H. Coleridge. 1913 Webster]
The rich and racy humor of a natural converser fresh from the plow.Prof. Wilson. 1913 Webster]
3.somewhat suggestive of sexual themes; slightly improper; risqu\'82. PJC]
Syn. -- Spicy; spirited; lively; smart; piquant; risqu\'81. -- Racy, Spicy. Racy refers primarily to that peculiar flavor which certain wines are supposed to derive from the soil in which the grapes were grown; and hence we call a style or production racy when it \'bdsmacks of the soil,\'b8 or has an uncommon degree of natural freshness and distinctiveness of thought and language. Spicy, when applied to style, has reference to a spirit and pungency added by art, seasoning the matter like a condiment. It does not, like racy, suggest native peculiarity. A spicy article in a magazine; a spicy retort. Racy in conversation; a racy remark. 1913 Webster]
Rich, racy verses, in which we Cowley. 1913 Webster]
Rad(r, n.[radiation absorbed dose.]a unit of measurement of the amount of ionizing radiation absorbed by an object, equal to an energy of 100 ergs per gram of irradiated material (equal to 0.01 gray). PJC]
Rad(r, obs. imp. & p. p. of Read, Rede.Spenser. 1913 Webster]
Rad"de(r, obs. imp. of Read, Rede.Chaucer. 1913 Webster]
Rad"dle(r, n.[Cf. G. r\'84der, r\'84del, sieve, or perhaps E. reed.]1.A long, flexible stick, rod, or branch, which is interwoven with others, between upright posts or stakes, in making a kind of hedge or fence. 1913 Webster]
2.A hedge or fence made with raddles; -- called also raddle hedge.Todd. 1913 Webster]
3.An instrument consisting of a wooden bar, with a row of upright pegs set in it, used by domestic weavers to keep the warp of a proper width, and prevent tangling when it is wound upon the beam of the loom. 1913 Webster]
Rad"dle(r, v. t.To interweave or twist together. 1913 Webster]
Raddling or working it up like basket work.De Foe. 1913 Webster]
Rad"dle(r, n.[Cf. Ruddle.]A red pigment used in marking sheep, and in some mechanical processes; ruddle. \'bdA raddle of rouge.\'b8 Thackeray. 1913 Webster]
Rad"dle, v. t.To mark or paint with, or as with, raddle. \'bdWhitened and raddled old women.\'b8 Thackeray. 1913 Webster]
\'d8Ra`deau"(r, n.[F.]A float; a raft. 1913 Webster]
Three vessels under sail, and one at anchor, above Split Rock, and behind it the radeau Thunderer.W. Irving. 1913 Webster]
Ra"di*al(r, a.[Cf. F. radial. See Radius.]Of or pertaining to a radius or ray; consisting of, or like, radii or rays; radiated; as, (Bot.)radial projections; (Zo\'94l.)radial vessels or canals; (Anat.) the radial artery. 1913 Webster]
Radial symmetry. (Biol.)See under Symmetry. 1913 Webster]
\'d8Ra`di*a"le(r, n.; pl.Radialia(r.[NL. See Radial.]1.(Anat.)The bone or cartilage of the carpus which articulates with the radius and corresponds to the scaphoid bone in man. 1913 Webster]
2.pl.(Zo\'94l.)Radial plates in the calyx of a crinoid. 1913 Webster]
Radial engine. (Mach.)An engine, usually an internal-combustion engine of a certain type (the
radial type) having several cylinders arranged radially like the spokes of a complete wheel. The
semiradial engine has radiating cylinders on only one side of the crank shaft. Webster 1913 Suppl.]
Ra"di*al*ly(r, adv.In a radial manner. 1913 Webster]
Radial tire. (Automobiles)a motor vehicle tire in which the cords run at right angles to the plane of the tire (considered as a disk). PJC]
Ra"di*an(r, n.[From Radius.](Math.)An arc of a circle which is equal to the radius, or the angle measured by such an arc. 1913 Webster]
{ Ra"di*ance(r, Ra"di*an*cy(r, }n.The quality of being radiant; brilliancy; effulgence; vivid brightness; as, the radiance of the sun. 1913 Webster]
Girt with omnipotence, with radiance crowned.Milton. 1913 Webster]
Ra"di*ant(r, a.[L. radians, -antis, p. pr. of radiare to emit rays or beams, fr. radius ray: cf. F. radiant. See Radius, Ray a divergent line.]1.Emitting or proceeding as from a center; resembling rays; radiating; radiate. 1913 Webster]
2.Especially, emitting or darting rays of light or heat; issuing in beams or rays; beaming with brightness; emitting a vivid light or splendor; as, the radiant sun. 1913 Webster]
Mark what radiant state she spreads.Milton. 1913 Webster]
3.Beaming with vivacity and happiness; as, a radiant face. 1913 Webster]
4.(Her.)Giving off rays; -- said of a bearing; as, the sun radiant; a crown radiant. 1913 Webster]
5.(Bot.)Having a raylike appearance, as the large marginal flowers of certain umbelliferous plants; -- said also of the cluster which has such marginal flowers. 1913 Webster]
6.(Physics)Emitted or transmitted by radiation; as, a radiant energy; radiant heat. Webster 1913 Suppl.]
Radiant energy(Physics), energy given out or transmitted by radiation, as in the case of light and radiant heat. --
Radiant heat, heat proceeding in right lines, or directly from the heated body, after the manner of light, in distinction from heat conducted or carried by intervening media. --
Ra"di*ant, n.1.(Opt.)The luminous point or object from which light emanates; also, a body radiating light brightly. 1913 Webster]
2.(Geom.)A straight line proceeding from a given point, or fixed pole, about which it is conceived to revolve. 1913 Webster]
3.(Astron.)The point in the heavens at which the apparent paths of shooting stars meet, when traced backward, or whence they appear to radiate. 1913 Webster]
Ra"di*ant*ly(r, adv.In a radiant manner; with glittering splendor. 1913 Webster]
Ra"di*a*ry(r, n.[Cf. F. radiaire.](Zo\'94l.)A radiate. [Obs.] 1913 Webster]
\'d8Ra`di*a"ta(r, n. pl.[NL., fr. radiatus, p. p. See Radiate.](Zo\'94l.)An extensive artificial group of invertebrates, having all the parts arranged radially around the vertical axis of the body, and the various organs repeated symmetrically in each ray or spheromere. 1913 Webster]
1913 Webster]
Ra"di*ate(r, v. i.[imp. & p. p.Radiated(r; p. pr. & vb. n.Radiating.][L. radiatus, p. p. of radiare to furnish with spokes or rays, to radiate, fr. radius ray. See Radius, Ray a divergent line.]1.To emit rays; to be radiant; to shine. 1913 Webster]
Virtues shine more clear radiate like the sun at noon.Howell. 1913 Webster]
2.To proceed in direct lines from a point or surface; to issue in rays, as light or heat. 1913 Webster]
Light radiates from luminous bodies directly to our eyes.Locke. 1913 Webster]
Ra"di*ate, v. t.1.To emit or send out in direct lines from a point or points; as, to radiate heat. 1913 Webster]
2.To enlighten; to illuminate; to shed light or brightness on; to irradiate. [R.] 1913 Webster]
Ra"di*ate(r, a.[L. radiatus, p. p.]1.Having rays or parts diverging from a center; radiated; as, a radiate crystal. 1913 Webster]
2.(Bot.)Having in a capitulum large ray florets which are unlike the disk florets, as in the aster, daisy, etc. 1913 Webster]
3.(Zo\'94l.)Belonging to the Radiata. 1913 Webster]
Ra"di*ate, n.(Zo\'94l.)One of the Radiata. 1913 Webster]
Ra"di*a`ted(r, a.1.Emitted, or sent forth, in rays or direct lines; as, radiated heat. 1913 Webster]
2.Formed of, or arranged like, rays or radii; having parts or markings diverging, like radii, from a common center or axis; as, a radiated structure; a radiated group of crystals. 1913 Webster]
3.(Zo\'94l.)Belonging to the Radiata. 1913 Webster]
Ra"di*ate*ly(r, adv.In a radiate manner; with radiation or divergence from a center. 1913 Webster]
Ra"di*ate-veined`(r, a.(Bot.)Having the principal veins radiating, or diverging, from the apex of the petiole; -- said of such leaves as those of the grapevine, most maples, and the castor-oil plant. 1913 Webster]
Ra`di*at"i*form(r, a.(Bot.)Having the marginal florets enlarged and radiating but not ligulate, as in the capitula or heads of the cornflower.Gray. 1913 Webster]
Ra`di*a"tion(r, n.[L. radiatio: cf. F. radiation.]1.The act of radiating, or the state of being radiated; emission and diffusion of rays of light; beamy brightness. 1913 Webster]
2.The shooting forth of anything from a point or surface, like the diverging rays of light; as, the radiation of heat. 1913 Webster]
Ra"di*a*tive(r, a.Capable of radiating; acting by radiation.Tyndall. 1913 Webster]
Ra"di*a`tor(r, n.1.That which radiates or emits rays, whether of light or heat; especially, that part of a heating apparatus from which the heat is radiated or diffused; as, a steam radiator. 1913 Webster]
2.Any of various devices for cooling an internal substance by radiation, as a system of rings on a gun barrel for cooling it, or a nest of tubes with large radiating surface for cooling circulating water, as in an automobile. Webster 1913 Suppl.]
Rad"i*cal(r, a.[F., fr. L. radicalis having roots, fr. radix, -icis, a root. See Radix.]1.Of or pertaining to the root; proceeding directly from the root. 1913 Webster]
2.Hence: Of or pertaining to the root or origin; reaching to the center, to the foundation, to the ultimate sources, to the principles, or the like; original; fundamental; thorough-going; unsparing; extreme; as, radical evils; radical reform; a radical party. 1913 Webster]
The most determined exertions of that authority, against them, only showed their radical independence.Burke. 1913 Webster]
3.(Bot.)(a)Belonging to, or proceeding from, the root of a plant; as, radical tubers or hairs.(b)Proceeding from a rootlike stem, or one which does not rise above the ground; as, the radical leaves of the dandelion and the sidesaddle flower. 1913 Webster]
4.(Philol.)Relating, or belonging, to the root, or ultimate source of derivation; as, a radical verbal form. 1913 Webster]
5.(Math.)Of or pertaining to a radix or root; as, a radical quantity; a radical sign. See below. 1913 Webster]
Radical axis of two circles. (Geom.)See under Axis. --
Radical pitch, the pitch or tone with which the utterance of a syllable begins.Rush. --
Radical quantity(Alg.), a quantity to which the radical sign is prefixed; specifically, a quantity which is not a perfect power of the degree indicated by the radical sign; a surd. --
Radical sign(Math.), the sign r, the initial of radix, root), placed before any quantity, denoting that its root is to be extracted; thus, a, or a + b). To indicate any other than the square root, a corresponding figure is placed over the sign; thus, a, indicates the third or cube root of a. --
Radical stress(Elocution), force of utterance falling on the initial part of a syllable or sound. --
Radical vessels(Anat.), minute vessels which originate in the substance of the tissues. 1913 Webster]
Syn. -- Primitive; original; natural; underived; fundamental; entire. -- Radical, Entire. These words are frequently employed as interchangeable in describing some marked alteration in the condition of things. There is, however, an obvious difference between them. A radical cure, reform, etc., is one which goes to the root of the thing in question; and it is entire, in the sense that, by affecting the root, it affects in an appropriate degree the entire body nourished by the root; but it may not be entire in the sense of making a change complete in its nature, as well as in its extent. Hence, we speak of a radical change; a radical improvement; radical differences of opinion; while an entire change, an entire improvement, an entire difference of opinion, might indicate more than was actually intended. A certain change may be both radical and entire, in every sense. 1913 Webster]
Rad"i*cal(r, n.1.(Philol.)(a)A primitive word; a radix, root, or simple, underived, uncompounded word; an etymon.(b)A primitive letter; a letter that belongs to the radix. 1913 Webster]
The words we at present make use of, and understand only by common agreement, assume a new air and life in the understanding, when you trace them to their radicals, where you find every word strongly stamped with nature; full of energy, meaning, character, painting, and poetry.Cleland. 1913 Webster]
2.(Politics)One who advocates radical changes in government or social institutions, especially such changes as are intended to level class inequalities; -- opposed to conservative. 1913 Webster]
In politics they [the Independents] were, to use the phrase of their own time, \'bdRoot-and-Branch men,\'b8 or, to use the kindred phrase of our own, Radicals.Macaulay. 1913 Webster]
3.(Chem.)(a)A characteristic, essential, and fundamental constituent of any compound; hence, sometimes, an atom. 1913 Webster]
As a general rule, the metallic atoms are basic radicals, while the nonmetallic atoms are acid radicals.J. P. Cooke. 1913 Webster]
(b)Specifically, a group of two or more atoms, not completely saturated, which are so linked that their union implies certain properties, and are conveniently regarded as playing the part of a single atom; a residue; -- called also a compound radical. Cf. Residue. 1913 Webster]
4.(Alg.)A radical quantity. See under Radical, a. 1913 Webster]
An indicated root of a perfect power of the degree indicated is not a radical but a rational quantity under a radical form.Davies & Peck (Math. Dict.) 1913 Webster]
5.(Anat.)A radical vessel. See under Radical, a. 1913 Webster]
Rad"i*cal*ism(r, n.[Cf. F. radicalisme.]The quality or state of being radical; specifically, the doctrines or principles of radicals in politics or social reform. 1913 Webster]
Radicalism means root work; the uprooting of all falsehoods and abuses.F. W. Robertson. 1913 Webster]
Rad`i*cal"i*ty(r, n.1.Germinal principle; source; origination. [Obs.] Sir T. Browne. 1913 Webster]
2.Radicalness; relation to a root in essential nature or principle. 1913 Webster]
Rad"i*cal*ly(r, adv.1.In a radical manner; at, or from, the origin or root; fundamentally; as, a scheme or system radically wrong or defective. 1913 Webster]
These great orbs thus radically bright.Prior. 1913 Webster]
Rad"i*cal*ness, n.Quality or state of being radical. 1913 Webster]
Rad"i*cant(r, a.[L. radicans, p. pr.: cf. F. radicant. See Radicate, a.](Bot.)Taking root on, or above, the ground; rooting from the stem, as the trumpet creeper and the ivy. 1913 Webster]
Rad"i*cate(r, a.[L. radicatus, p. p. of radicari to take root, fr. radix. See Radix.]Radicated. 1913 Webster]
Rad"i*cate(r, v. i.To take root; to become rooted.Evelyn. 1913 Webster]
Rad"i*cate, v. t.[imp. & p. p.Radicated(r; p. pr. & vb. n.Radicating.]To cause to take root; to plant deeply and firmly; to root. 1913 Webster]
Time should . . . rather confirm and radicate in us the remembrance of God's goodness.Barrow. 1913 Webster]
Rad"i*ca`ted(r, a.Rooted; specifically: (a)(Bot.)Having roots, or possessing a well-developed root.(b)(Zo\'94l.)Having rootlike organs for attachment. 1913 Webster]
Rad`i*ca"tion(r, n.[Cf. F. radication.]1.The process of taking root, or state of being rooted; as, the radication of habits. 1913 Webster]
2.(Bot.)The disposition of the roots of a plant. 1913 Webster]
Rad"i*cel(r, n.[Dim. of radix.](Bot.)A small branch of a root; a rootlet. 1913 Webster]
Ra*dic"i*form(r, a.(Bot.)Having the nature or appearance of a radix or root. 1913 Webster]
Rad"i*cle(r, n.[L. radicula, dim. of radix, -icis, root: cf. F. radicule. See Radix.](Bot.)(a)The rudimentary stem of a plant which supports the cotyledons in the seed, and from which the root is developed downward; the stem of the embryo; the caulicle.(b)A rootlet; a radicel. 1913 Webster]
Ra*dic"u*lar(r, a.Of or pertaining to roots, or the root of a plant. 1913 Webster]
Rad"i*cule(r, n.(Bot.)A radicle. 1913 Webster]
Ra*dic"u*lose`(r, a.(Bot.)Producing numerous radicles, or rootlets. 1913 Webster]
Ra"di*i(r, n., pl. of Radius. 1913 Webster]
Ra"di*o-(r, a.1.Of or pertaining to, or employing, or operated by, radiant energy, specifically that of electromagnetic waves with frequencies between those of infrared radiation and X-rays; hence, pertaining to, or employed in, broadcast radio or television, microwaves, radiotelephones, etc.; as, radio waves. Webster 1913 Suppl. +PJC]
2.of or pertaining to broadcast radio; as, a radio program. PJC]
Ra"di*o-(r. A combining form indicating connection with, or relation to, a radius or ray; specifically(Anat.), with the radius of the forearm; as, radio-ulnar, radio-muscular, radio-carpal. 1913 Webster]
ra`di*o*ac"tive(r, a.[Radio- + active.]1.(Physics)Capable of luminescence under the action of cathode rays, X rays, or any of the allied forms of radiation. [obsolete] Webster 1913 Suppl.]
2.(Physics)of, exhibiting, or caused by radioactivity. PJC]
ra`di*o*ac*tiv"i*ty(r, n.(Physics)a form of instability which is a property of the atomic nuclei of certain isotopes, which causes a spontaneous change in the structure of the nucleus, accompanied by emission of energetic radiation. The radiation emitted is usually sufficient to cause ionization in matter through which it passes, and is therefore called ionizing radiation. The radiation emitted by most radioactive substances is one of three types: alpha rays, beta rays, or gamma rays. Some chemical elements have no stable isotopes, and these are referred to as radioactive elements, and the element itself is said to possess radioactivity.The changes in radioactive nuclei which cause radiation in most cases cause the chemical identity of the nucleus itself to change, as when tritium (an isotope of hydrogen) emits a beta ray and converts to helium. The radioactive decay process is a first-order reaction, and the rate of decay of a particular isotope can therefore be expressed as the half life of the isotope, which is the time it takes for one half of the remaining undecayed isotope to decay, and is a constant independent of the proportion of original material which has already decayed. The half life of tritium, for example, is 12.3 years. PJC]
Ra`di*o*con*duc"tor(r, n.(Elec.)A substance or device that has its conductivity altered in some way by electric waves, as a coherer. Webster 1913 Suppl.]
\'d8Ra`di*o-flag`el*la"ta(r, n. pl.[NL. See Radiate, and Flagellata.](Zo\'94l.)A group of Protozoa having both flagella and pseudopodia. 1913 Webster]
ra"di*o*graph(r, n.[Radio- + -graph.]1.An instrument for measuring and recording solar radiation. Webster 1913 Suppl.]
2.An image or picture produced upon a sensitive surface, as of a photographic or fluorescent plate, by some form of penetrating radiation other than light, as X-rays, beta rays, etc.; esp., a picture of the internal structure of opaque objects traversed by the rays; a skiagraph. When the picture is produced upon photographic film by X-rays, the picture is usually called an X-ray photo or X-ray. When an image is produced on photographic film by a radioactive substance in close proximity to the film, in a manner so as to record the spatial distribution of the radioactive substance, the resulting image is called an autoradiograph or autoradiogram. Webster 1913 Suppl. +PJC]
ra"di*o*graph(r, v. t.To make a radiograph of. -- ra`di*og"ra*pher(r, n. Webster 1913 Suppl.]
ra`di*og"ra*phy(r, n.Art or process of making radiographs, radiograms, or autoradiograms. -- ra`di*o*graph"ic(r, ra`di*o*graph"ic*al(r, a. -- Ra`di*o*graph"ic*al*ly, adv. Webster 1913 Suppl.]
<-- p. 1184 pr=vmg -->
\'d8Ra`di*o*la"ri*a(r, n. pl.[NL. See Radioli.](Zo\'94l.)Order of rhizopods, usually having a siliceous skeleton, or shell, and sometimes radiating spicules. The pseudopodia project from the body like rays. It includes the polycystines. See Polycystina. 1913 Webster]
Ra`di*o*la"ri*an(r, a.(Zo\'94l.)Of or pertaining to the Radiolaria. -- n.One of the Radiolaria. 1913 Webster]
\'d8Ra*di"o*li(r, n. pl.; sing. Radiolus(r. [NL., dim. of L. radius radius: cf. L. radiolus a feeble sunbeam.](Zo\'94l.)The barbs of the radii of a feather; barbules. 1913 Webster]
Ra"di*o*lite(r, n.[L. radius ray + -lite: cf. F. radiolithe.](Paleon.)A hippurite. 1913 Webster]
2.(Physics)An instrument designed for measuring the mechanical effect of radiant energy. 1913 Webster]
1913 Webster]
Ra`di*om"e*try(r, n.(Physics)The use of the radiometer, or the measurement of radiation. -- Ra`di*o*met"ric(r, a. Webster 1913 Suppl.]
Ra`di*o*mi*crom"e*ter(r, n.[Radio- + micrometer.](Physics)A very sensitive modification or application of the thermopile, used for indicating minute changes of radiant heat, or temperature. 1913 Webster]
Ra"di*o*phare(r, n.[Radio- + phare.]A radiotelegraphic station serving solely for determining the position of ships. The radius of operation of such stations was restricted by the International Radiotelegraphic Convention (1912) to 30 nautical miles. Webster 1913 Suppl.]
Ra"di*o*phone(r, n.[Radio- + Gr. fwnh` sound.]1.(Physics)An apparatus for the production of sound by the action of luminous or thermal rays. It is essentially the same as the photophone. 1913 Webster]
2.a telephone using radio waves, rather than wires, to convey the voice signal. PJC]
Ra`di*oph"o*ny(r, n.(Physics)The art or practice of using the radiophone. 1913 Webster]
Ra`di*os"co*py(r, n.[Radio- + -scopy.]Direct observation of objects opaque to light by means of some other form of radiant energy, as x-rays. -- Ra`di*o*scop"ic(r, Ra`di*o*scop"ic*al(r, a. Webster 1913 Suppl.]
Ra`di*o*tel"e*gram(r, n.A message transmitted by radiotelegraph. Webster 1913 Suppl.]
Ra`di*o*tel`e*graph"ic(r, a.Of or pertaining to radiotelegraphy; employing, or used or employed in, radiotelegraphy. Webster 1913 Suppl.]
Ra`di*o*te*leg"ra*phy(r, n.[Radio- + telegraphy.]Telegraphy using the radiant energy of radio waves; wireless telegraphy; -- the term adopted for use by the Radiotelegraphic Convention of 1912. Webster 1913 Suppl.]
Ra`di*o*tel"e*phone(r, n.A wireless telephone, in which the signal is conveyed by radio waves. -- Ra`di*o*te*leph"o*ny(#), n. Webster 1913 Suppl.]
Ra`di*o*ther"a*py(r, n.[Radio- + therapy.](Med.)Treatment of disease by means of x-rays or radioactivity. Radiotherapy of cancer is based on the fact that cancer cells are more sensitive to radiation than most other cells in the body. Webster 1913 Suppl. +PJC]
ra`di*o*tho"ri*um(r, n.(Chem.)an earlier name for the thorium isotope thorium-228, given by its discoverer Otto Hahn. It is a radioactive substance formed as one of series of products in the chain of radioactive decay of thorium. Its immediate predecessor in the chain is Actinium-228, and it decays by alpha emission to radium-224 with a half-life of 1.91 years. The name radiothorium was given prior to the full understanding of the nature of isotopes of elements. PJC]
ra"di*ous(r, a.[L. radiosus.]1.Consisting of rays, as light. [R.] Berkeley. 1913 Webster]
2.Radiating; radiant. [Obs.] G. Fletcher. 1913 Webster]
Rad"ish(r, n.[F. radis; cf. It. radice, Pr. raditz: all fr. L. radix, -icis, a root, an edible root, especially a radish, akin to E. wort. See Wort, and cf. Eradicate, Race a root, Radix.](Bot.)The pungent fleshy root of a well-known cruciferous plant (Raphanus sativus); also, the whole plant. 1913 Webster]
Radish fly(Zo\'94l.), a small two-winged fly (Anthomyia raphani) whose larv\'91 burrow in radishes. It resembles the onion fly. --
Rat-tailed radish(Bot.), an herb (Raphanus caudatus) having a long, slender pod, which is sometimes eaten. --
Wild radish(Bot.), the jointed charlock. 1913 Webster]
Ra`di*um(r, n.[NL., fr. L. radius ray.](Chem.)An intensely radioactive metallic element found (combined) in minute quantities in pitchblende, and various other uranium minerals. Symbol, Ra; atomic weight, 226.4. Radium was discovered by M. and Mme. Curie, of Paris, who in 1902 separated compounds of it by a tedious process from pitchblende. Its compounds color flames carmine and give a characteristic spectrum. It is divalent, resembling barium chemically. The main isotope of radium found in pitchblende, radium-226, has a half-life of 1620 years, decaying first by alpha emission to radon.Radium preparations are remarkable for maintaining themselves at a higher temperature than their surroundings, and for their radiations, which are of three kinds: alpha rays, beta rays, and gamma rays (see these terms). The beta and gamma rays seen in radium preparations are in fact due to disintegration of decay products of radium rather than the radium itself. By reason of these rays they ionize gases, affect photographic plates, cause sores on the skin, and produce many other striking effects. Their degree of activity depends on the proportion of radium present, but not on its state of chemical combination or on external conditions. The radioactivity of radium is therefore an atomic property, and is due to an inherent instability of the atomic nucleus which causes its decay in a process whose rate is first order. The disintegration of the radium nucleus is only the first in a series of nuclear disintegrations leading to production of a series of elements and isotopes. The chain has at least seven stages; the successive main products have been studied and are radon, a gaseous radioactive element belonging chemically to the inert noble gas series (originally called radium emanation or exradio, radium A, radium B, radium C, etc. The successive products are unstable isotopes of several different elements, each with an atomic weight a little lower than its predecessor. Lead is the stable end product. At the same time, the light gas helium is formed, being generated when the expelled alpha particles (positively charged helium nuclei) acquire electrons. Radium, in turn, is formed in the pitchblende ore by a slow disintegration of uranium. Natural radium and also an isotope (radium-228, also called mesothorium I) formed by the decay of thorium, were at one time used to make a luminous paint for watch dials, until the danger of the radioactivity became fully appreciated, and use of such material in watches was discontinued. See also mesothorium. Webster 1913 Suppl. +PJC]
Ra"di*us(r, n.; pl. L. Radii(r; E. Radiuses(r.[L., a staff, rod, spoke of a wheel, radius, ray. See Ray a divergent line.]1.(Geom.)A right line drawn or extending from the center of a circle to the periphery; the semidiameter of a circle or sphere. 1913 Webster]
2.(Anat.)The preaxial bone of the forearm, or brachium, corresponding to the tibia of the hind limb. See Illust. of Artiodactyla. 1913 Webster]
1913 Webster]
3.(Bot.)A ray, or outer floret, of the capitulum of such plants as the sunflower and the daisy. See Ray, 2. 1913 Webster]
4.pl.(Zo\'94l.)(a)The barbs of a perfect feather.(b)Radiating organs, or color-markings, of the radiates. 1913 Webster]
5.The movable limb of a sextant or other angular instrument.Knight. 1913 Webster]
Radius bar(Mach.), a bar pivoted at one end, about which it swings, and having its other end attached to a piece which it causes to move in a circular arc. --
Radius of curvature. See under Curvature. 1913 Webster]
\'d8Ra"di*us vec"tor(v. 1.(Math.)A straight line (or the length of such line) connecting any point, as of a curve, with a fixed point, or pole, round which the straight line turns, and to which it serves to refer the successive points of a curve, in a system of polar co\'94rdinates. See Co\'94rdinate, n. 1913 Webster]
2.(Astron.)An ideal straight line joining the center of an attracting body with that of a body describing an orbit around it, as a line joining the sun and a planet or comet, or a planet and its satellite. 1913 Webster]
Ra"dix(r, n.; pl. L. Radices(r, E. Radixes(r.[L. radix, -icis, root. See Radish.]1.(Philol.)A primitive word, from which spring other words; a radical; a root; an etymon. 1913 Webster]
2.(Math.)(a)A number or quantity which is arbitrarily made the fundamental number of any system; a base. Thus, 10 is the radix, or base, of the common system of logarithms, and also of the decimal system of numeration.(b)(Alg.)A finite expression, from which a series is derived. [R.] Hutton. 1913 Webster]
3.(Bot.)The root of a plant. 1913 Webster]
Ra"don(r, n.(Chem.)An intensely radioactive gaseous element produced by the radioactive decay of radium-226, which is the main isotope of radium found in pitchblende. Chemically it is an inert noble gas. Its atomic symbol is Rn. It has an atomic number of 86. The radon isotope produced by decay of radium has an atomic weight of 222.017, and this isotope decays by alpha emission with a half-life of 3.82 days. Numerous other isotopes have been observed, all radioactive and all having half-lives shorter than that of radon-222. Radon was discovered by M. and Mme. Curie, of Paris, in their studies of the radioactive substances in pitchblende. Radon was originally called radium emanation or exradio. PJC]
\'d8Rad"u*la(r, n.; pl.Radul\'91(r.[L., a scraper, fr. radere to scrape.](Zo\'94l.)The chitinous ribbon bearing the teeth of mollusks; -- called also lingual ribbon, and tongue. See Odontophore. 1913 Webster]
Raff(r, v. t.[imp. & p. p.Raffed(r; p. pr. & vb. n.Raffing.][OF. raffer, of German origin; cf. G. raffen; akin to E. rap to snatch. See Rap, and cf. Riffraff, Rip to tear.]To sweep, snatch, draw, or huddle together; to take by a promiscuous sweep. [Obs.] 1913 Webster]
Causes and effects which I thus raff up together.Carew. 1913 Webster]
Raff, n.1.A promiscuous heap; a jumble; a large quantity; lumber; refuse. \'bdA raff of errors.\'b8 Barrow. 1913 Webster]
2.The sweepings of society; the rabble; the mob; -- chiefly used in the compound or duplicate, riffraff. 1913 Webster]
3.A low fellow; a churl. 1913 Webster]
Raff merchant, a dealer in lumber and odd refuse. [Prov. Eng.] 1913 Webster]
Raf`fa*el*esque"(r, a.Raphaelesque. 1913 Webster]
Raf"fi*a(r, n.(Bot.)A fibrous material used for tying plants, said to come from the leaves of a palm tree of the genus Raphia.J. Smith (Dict. Econ. Plants). 1913 Webster]
Raf"fi*a palm(r. (a)A pinnate-leaved palm (Raphia ruffia) native of Madagascar, and of considerable economic importance on account of the strong fiber (raffia) obtained from its leafstalks.(b)The jupati palm. Webster 1913 Suppl.]
Raf"fi*nose`(r, n.[F. raffiner to refine.](Chem.)A colorless crystalline slightly sweet substance obtained from the molasses of the sugar beet. 1913 Webster]
Raff"ish(r, a.Resembling, or having the character of, raff, or a raff; worthless; low. 1913 Webster]
A sad, raffish, disreputable character.Thackeray. 1913 Webster]
Raf"fle(r, n.[F. rafle; faire rafle to sweep stakes, fr. rafler to carry or sweep away, rafler tout to sweep stakes; of German origin; cf. G. raffeln to snatch up, to rake. See Raff, v.]1.A kind of lottery, in which several persons pay, in shares, the value of something put up as a stake, and then determine by chance (as by casting dice) which one of them shall become the sole possessor. 1913 Webster]
2.A game of dice in which he who threw three alike won all the stakes. [Obs.] Cotgrave. 1913 Webster]
Raf"fle(r, n.[See Raff, n. & v., and Raffle.]Refuse; rubbish; raff. Webster 1913 Suppl.]
Raf"fle, v. i.[imp. & p. p.Raffled(r; p. pr. & vb. n.Raffling(r.]To engage in a raffle; as, to raffle for a watch. 1913 Webster]
Raf"fle, v. t.To dispose of by means of a raffle; -- often followed by off; as, to raffle off a horse. 1913 Webster]
Raf"fler(r, n.One who raffles. 1913 Webster]
\'d8Raf*fle"si*a(r, n.[NL. Named from its discoverer, Sir S. Raffles.](Bot.)A genus of stemless, leafless plants, living parasitically upon the roots and stems of grapevines in Malaysia. The flowers have a carrionlike odor, and are very large, in one species (Rafflesia Arnoldi) having a diameter of two or three feet. 1913 Webster]
Raft(r, obs. imp. & p. p. of Reave.Spenser. 1913 Webster]
Raft, n.[Originally, a rafter, spar, and fr. Icel. raptr a rafter; akin to Dan. raft, Prov. G. raff a rafter, spar; cf. OHG. r\'befo, r\'bevo, a beam, rafter, Icel. r\'bef roof. Cf. Rafter, n.]1.A collection of logs, boards, pieces of timber, or the like, fastened together, either for their own collective conveyance on the water, or to serve as a support in conveying other things; a float. 1913 Webster]
2.A collection of logs, fallen trees, etc. (such as is formed in some Western rivers of the United States), which obstructs navigation. [U.S.] 1913 Webster]
3.[Perhaps akin to raff a heap.]A large collection of people or things taken indiscriminately. [Slang, U. S.] \'bdA whole raft of folks.\'b8 W. D. Howells. 1913 Webster]
Raft bridge. (a)A bridge whose points of support are rafts. (b)A bridge that consists of floating timbers fastened together. --
Raft duck. [The name alludes to its swimming in dense flocks.](Zo\'94l.)(a)The bluebill, or greater scaup duck; -- called also flock duck. See Scaup.(b)The redhead. --
Raft port(Naut.), a large, square port in a vessel's side for loading or unloading timber or other bulky articles; a timber or lumber port. 1913 Webster]
Raft, v. t.[imp. & p. p.Rafted; p. pr. & vb. n.Rafting.]To transport on a raft, or in the form of a raft; to make into a raft; as, to raft timber. 1913 Webster]
Raf"te(r, obs. imp. of Reave.Chaucer. 1913 Webster]
Raft"er(r, n.A raftsman. 1913 Webster]
Raft"er, n.[AS. r\'91fter; akin to E. raft, n. See Raft.](Arch.)Originally, any rough and somewhat heavy piece of timber. Now, commonly, one of the timbers of a roof which are put on sloping, according to the inclination of the roof. See Illust. of Queen-post. 1913 Webster]
[Courtesy] oft is sooner found in lowly sheds, rafters, than in tapestry halls.Milton. 1913 Webster]
Raft"er, v. t.1.To make into rafters, as timber. 1913 Webster]
2.To furnish with rafters, as a house. 1913 Webster]
3.(Agric.)To plow so as to turn the grass side of each furrow upon an unplowed ridge; to ridge. [Eng.] 1913 Webster]
Raft"ing, n.The business of making or managing rafts. 1913 Webster]
Rafts"man(r, n.; pl.Raftsmen(r.A man engaged in rafting. 1913 Webster]
Raf"ty(r, a.[Perhaps akin to G. reif hoarfrost.]Damp; musty. [Prov. Eng.] 1913 Webster]
Rag(r, v. t.[Cf. Icel. r\'91gja to calumniate, OHG. ruogen to accuse, G. r\'81gen to censure, AS. wr, Goth. wr to accuse.]To scold or rail at; to rate; to tease; to torment; to banter. [Prov. Eng.] Pegge. 1913 Webster]
Rag, n.[OE. ragge, probably of Scand, origin; cf. Icel. r\'94gg a tuft, shagginess, Sw. ragg rough hair. Cf. Rug, n.]1.A piece of cloth torn off; a tattered piece of cloth; a shred; a tatter; a fragment. 1913 Webster]
Cowls, hoods, and habits, with their wearers, tossed, rags.Milton. 1913 Webster]
Not having otherwise any rag of legality to cover the shame of their cruelty.Fuller. 1913 Webster]
2.pl.Hence, mean or tattered attire; worn-out dress. 1913 Webster]
And virtue, though in rags, will keep me warm.Dryden. 1913 Webster]
3.A shabby, beggarly fellow; a ragamuffin. 1913 Webster]
The other zealous rag is the compositor.B. Jonson. 1913 Webster]
Upon the proclamation, they all came in, both tag and rag.Spenser. 1913 Webster]
4.(Geol.)A coarse kind of rock, somewhat cellular in texture. 1913 Webster]
5.(Metal Working)A ragged edge. 1913 Webster]
6.A sail, or any piece of canvas. [Nautical Slang] 1913 Webster]
Our ship was a clipper with every rag set.Lowell. 1913 Webster]
Rag bolt, an iron pin with barbs on its shank to retain it in place. --
Rag carpet, a carpet of which the weft consists of narrow strips of cloth sewed together, end to end. --
Rag dust, fine particles of ground-up rags, used in making papier-mach\'82 and wall papers. --
Rag wheel. (a)A chain wheel; a sprocket wheel. (b)A polishing wheel made of disks of cloth clamped together on a mandrel. --
Rag wool, wool obtained by tearing woolen rags into fine bits, shoddy. 1913 Webster]
Rag(r, v. i.[imp. & p. p.Ragged(r; p. pr. & vb. n.Ragging(r.]To become tattered. [Obs.] 1913 Webster]
Rag, v. t.1.To break (ore) into lumps for sorting. 1913 Webster]
2.To cut or dress roughly, as a grindstone. 1913 Webster]
Rag, v. t.1.(Music)To play or compose (a piece, melody, etc.) in syncopated time. [Colloq.] Webster 1913 Suppl.]
2.To dance to ragtime music, esp. in some manner considered indecorous. [Colloq. or Slang] Webster 1913 Suppl.]
Rag`a*muf"fin(r, n.[Cf. Ragamofin, the name of a demon in some of the old mysteries.]1.A paltry or disreputable fellow; a mean wretch.Dryden. 1913 Webster]
2.A person who wears ragged clothing. [Colloq.] 1913 Webster]
torment, and loud lament, and furious rage.Milton. 1913 Webster]
3.A violent or raging wind. [Obs.] Chaucer. 1913 Webster]
4.The subject of eager desire; that which is sought after, or prosecuted, with unreasonable or excessive passion; as, to be all the rage. 1913 Webster]
Rage, v. i.[imp. & p. p.Raged(r; p. pr. & vb. n.Raging(r.][OF. ragier. See Rage, n.]1.To be furious with anger; to be exasperated to fury; to be violently agitated with passion. \'bdWhereat he inly raged.\'b8 Milton. 1913 Webster]
When one so great begins to rage, he is hunted Shak. 1913 Webster]
Rage, rage against the dying of the light Dylan Thomas. PJC]
2.To be violent and tumultuous; to be violently driven or agitated; to act or move furiously; as, the raging sea or winds. 1913 Webster]
Why do the heathen rage?Ps. ii. 1. 1913 Webster]
The madding wheels raged; dire was the noise.Milton. 1913 Webster]
3.To ravage; to prevail without restraint, or with destruction or fatal effect; as, the plague raged in Cairo. 1913 Webster]
4.To toy or act wantonly; to sport. [Obs.] Chaucer. 1913 Webster]
Syn. -- To storm; fret; chafe; fume. 1913 Webster]
Rage, v. t.To enrage. [Obs.] Shak. 1913 Webster]
Rage"ful(r, a.Full of rage; expressing rage. [Obs.] \'bdRageful eyes.\'b8 Sir P. Sidney. 1913 Webster]
Rag"ged(r, a.[From Rag, n.]1.Rent or worn into tatters, or till the texture is broken; as, a ragged coat; a ragged sail. 1913 Webster]
2.Broken with rough edges; having jags; uneven; rough; jagged; as, ragged rocks. 1913 Webster]
3.Hence, harsh and disagreeable to the ear; dissonant. [R.] \'bdA ragged noise of mirth.\'b8 Herbert. 1913 Webster]
4.Wearing tattered clothes; as, a ragged fellow. 1913 Webster]
5.Rough; shaggy; rugged. 1913 Webster]
What shepherd owns those ragged sheep?Dryden. 1913 Webster]
Ragged lady(Bot.), the fennel flower (Nigella Damascena). --
Ragged robin(Bot.), a plant of the genus Lychnis (L. Flos-cuculi), cultivated for its handsome flowers, which have the petals cut into narrow lobes. --
Ragged school, a free school for poor children, where they are taught and in part fed; -- a name given at first because they came in their common clothing. [Eng.] 1913 Webster]
-- Rag"ged*ly, adv. -- Rag"ged*ness, n. 1913 Webster]
Rag"lan(r, n.1.A loose overcoat with large sleeves; -- named after Lord Raglan, an English general who was an aide-de-camp to Wellington at Waterlooo. 1913 Webster]
2.An overcoat with raglan sleeves. PJC]
rag"lan sleeve`(r, n.A sleeve joined to the body of a garment by a long slanting seam starting at the neck and continuing around the armhole. Contrasted to a set-in sleeve. PJC]
Rag"man(r, n.; pl.Ragmen(r.A man who collects, or deals in, rags. 1913 Webster]
Rag"man, n.[See Ragman's roll.]A document having many names or numerous seals, as a papal bull. [Obs.] Piers Plowman. 1913 Webster]
Rag"man's roll`(r. [For ragman roll a long list of names, the devil's roll or list; where ragman is of Scand. origin; cf. Icel. ragmenni a craven person, Sw. raggen the devil. Icel. ragmenni is fr. ragr cowardly (another form of argr, akin to AS. earg cowardly, vile, G. arg bad) + menni (in comp.) man, akin to E. man. See Roll, and cf. Rigmarole.]The rolls of deeds on parchment in which the Scottish nobility and gentry subscribed allegiance to Edward I. of England, A. D. 1296.[Also written ragman-roll.] 1913 Webster]