measurement
measurement: n.
1 the act or an instance of measuring.
2 an amount determined by measuring.
3 (in pl.) detailed dimensions.

married
married: adj. & n. --adj.
1 united in marriage.
2 of or relating to marriage (married name; married life). --n. (usu. in pl.) a married person (young marrieds).

medicine
medicine: n.
1 the science or practice of the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease, esp. as distinct from surgical methods.
2 any drug or preparation used for the treatment or prevention of disease, esp. one taken by mouth.
3 a spell, charm, or fetish which is thought to cure afflictions. a dose (or taste) of one's own medicine treatment such as one is accustomed to giving others. medicine ball a stuffed leather ball thrown and caught for exercise. medicine chest a box containing medicines etc. medicine man a person believed to have magical powers of healing, esp. among N. American Indians. take one's medicine submit to something disagreeable. [ME f. OF medecine f. L medicina f. medicus: see MEDIC(1) )]

molecule
molecule: n.
1 Chem. the smallest fundamental unit (usu. a group of atoms) of a chemical compound that can take part in a chemical reaction.
2 (in general use) a small particle. [F molcule f. mod.L molecula dimin. of L moles mass]

miracle
miracle: n.
1 an extraordinary event attributed to some supernatural agency.
2 a any remarkable occurrence. b a remarkable development in some specified area (an economic miracle; the German miracle).
3 (usu. foll. by of) a remarkable or outstanding specimen (the plan was a miracle of ingenuity). miracle drug a drug which represents a breakthrough in medical science. miracle play a medieval play based on the Bible or the lives of the saints. [ME f. OF f. L miraculum object of wonder f. mirari wonder f. mirus wonderful]

merchandise
merchandise: n. & v. --n. goods for sale. --v.
1 intr. trade, traffic.
2 tr. trade or traffic in.
3 tr. a put on the market, promote the sale of (goods etc.). b advertise, publicize (an idea or person). merchandisable adj. merchandiser n. [ME f. OF marchandise f. marchand: see MERCHANT]

marital
marital: adj.
1 of marriage or the relations between husband and wife.
2 of or relating to a husband. maritally adv. [L maritalis f. maritus husband]

magazine
magazine: n.
1 a periodical publication containing articles, stories, etc., usu. with photographs, illustrations, etc.
2 a chamber for holding a supply of cartridges to be fed automatically to the breech of a gun.
3 a similar device feeding a camera, slide projector, etc.
4 a store for arms, ammunition, and provisions for use in war.
5 a store for explosives. [F magasin f. It. magazzino f. Arab. makazin pl. of makzan storehouse f. kazana store up]

master
master: n., adj., & v. --n.
1 a a person having control of persons or things. b an employer. c a male head of a household (master of the house). d the owner of a dog, horse, etc. e the owner of a slave. f Naut. the captain of a merchant ship. g Hunting the person in control of a pack of hounds etc.
2 a male teacher or tutor, esp. a schoolmaster.
3 a the head of a college, school, etc. b the presiding officer of a livery company, Masonic lodge, etc.
4 a person who has or gets the upper hand (we shall see which of us is master).
5 a person skilled in a particular trade and able to teach others (often attrib.: master carpenter).
6 a holder of a university degree orig. giving authority to teach in the university (Master of Arts; Master of Science).
7 a a revered teacher in philosophy etc. b (the Master) Christ.
8 a great artist.
9 Chess etc. a player of proved ability at international level. 10 an original version (e.g. of a film or gramophone record) from which a series of copies can be made. 11 (Master) a a title prefixed to the name of a boy not old enough to be called Mr (Master T. Jones; Master Tom). b archaic a title for a man of high rank, learning, etc. 12 (in England and Wales) an official of the Supreme Court. 13 a machine or device directly controlling another (cf. SLAVE). 14 (Master) a courtesy title of the eldest son of a Scottish viscount or baron (the Master of Falkland). --adj.
1 commanding, superior (a master spirit).
2 main, principal (master bedroom).
3 controlling others (master plan). --v.tr.
1 overcome, defeat.
2 reduce to subjection.
3 acquire complete knowledge of (a subject) or facility in using (an instrument etc.).
4 rule as a master. be master o.
1 have at one's disposal.
2 know how to control. be one's own master be independent or free to do as one wishes. make oneself master of acquire a thorough knowledge of or facility in using. Master Aircrew an RAF rank equivalent to warrant-officer. master-at-arms (pl. masters-at-arms) the chief police officer on a man-of-war or a merchant ship. master-class a class given by a person of distinguished skill, esp. in music. master-han.
1 a person having commanding power or great skill.
2 the action of such a person. master-key a key that opens several locks, each of which also has its own key. master marine.
1 the captain of a merchant ship.
2 a seaman certified competent to be captain. master maso.
1 a skilled mason, or one in business on his or her own account.
2 a fully qualified Freemason, who has passed the third degree. Master of Ceremonies see CEREMONY . Master of the Rolls (in England and Wales) a judge who presides over the Court of Appeal and was formerly in charge of the Public Record Office. master-stroke an outstandingly skilful act of policy etc. master-switch a switch controlling the supply of electricity etc. to an entire system. master touch a masterly manner of dealing with something. master-work a masterpiece. masterdom n. masterhood n. masterless adj. [OE mgester (later also f. OF maistre) f. L magister, prob. rel. to magis more]

molal
molal: adj. Chem. (of a solution) containing one mole of solute per kilogram of solvent. molality n. [MOLE(4) + -AL]

museum
museum: n. a building used for storing and exhibiting objects of historical, scientific, or cultural interest. museum piec.
1 a specimen of art etc. fit for a museum.
2 derog. an old-fashioned or quaint person or object. museology n. [L f. Gk mouseion seat of the Muses: see MUSE(1) )]

mentor
mentor: n. an experienced and trusted adviser. [F f. L f. Gk Mentor adviser of the young Telemachus in Homer's Odyssey and Fnelon's Tlmaque]

mineral
mineral: n. & adj. --n.
1 any of the species into which inorganic substances are classified.
2 a substance obtained by mining.
3 (often in pl.) Brit. an artificial mineral water or other effervescent drink. --adj.
1 of or containing a mineral or minerals.
2 obtained by mining. mineral oil petroleum or one of its distillation products. mineral wate.
1 water found in nature with some dissolved salts present.
2 an artificial imitation of this, esp. soda water.
3 any effervescent non-alcoholic drink. mineral wax a fossil resin, esp. ozocerite. mineral wool a wool-like substance made from inorganic material, used for packing etc. [ME f. OF mineral or med.L mineralis f. minera ore f. OF miniere mine]

men
men: pl. of MAN.

macron
macron: n. a written or printed mark over a long or stressed vowel. [Gk makron neut. of makros large]

monarchy
monarchy: n. (pl. -ies.
1 a form of government with a monarch at the head.
2 a State with this. monarchial adj. [ME f. OF monarchie f. LL monarchia f. Gk monarkhia the rule of one (as MONARCH)]

mastiff
mastiff: n.
1 a dog of a large strong breed with drooping ears and pendulous lips.
2 this breed of dog. [ME ult. f. OF mastin ult. f. L mansuetus tame; see MANSUETUDE]

maskermilk
milk: n. & v. --n.
1 an opaque white fluid secreted by female mammals for the nourishment of their young.
2 the milk of cows, goats, or sheep as food.
3 the milklike juice of plants, e.g. in the coconut.
4 a milklike preparation of herbs, drugs, etc. --v.tr.
1 draw milk from (a cow, ewe, goat, etc.).
2 a exploit (a person) esp. financially. b get all possible advantage from (a situation).
3 extract sap, venom, etc. from.
4 sl. tap (telegraph or telephone wires etc.). cry over spilt milk lament an irremediable loss or error. in milk secreting milk. milk and honey abundant means of prosperity. milk and water a feeble or insipid or mawkish discourse or sentiment. milk bar a snack bar selling milk drinks and other refreshments. milk chocolate chocolate for eating, made with milk. milk float Brit. a small usu. electric vehicle used in delivering milk. milk-leg a painful swelling, esp. of the legs, after childbirth. milk-loaf a loaf of bread made with milk. milk of human kindness kindness regarded as natural to humanity. Milk of Magnesia Brit. propr. a white suspension of magnesium hydroxide usu. in water as an antacid or laxative. milk of sulphur the amorphous powder of sulphur formed by precipitation. milk-powder milk dehydrated by evaporation. milk pudding a pudding of rice, sago, tapioca, etc., baked with milk in a dish. milk roun.
1 a fixed route on which milk is delivered regularly.
2 a regular trip or tour involving calls at several places. milk run a routine expedition or service journey. milk shake a drink of milk, flavouring, etc., mixed by shaking or whisking. milk sugar lactose. milk tooth a temporary tooth in young mammals. milk-vetch any leguminous yellow-flowered plant of the genus Astragalus. milk-white white like milk. milker n. [OE milc, milcian f. Gmc]

motor
motor: n. & v. --n.
1 a thing that imparts motion.
2 a machine (esp. one using electricity or internal combustion) supplying motive power for a vehicle etc. or for some other device with moving parts.
3 Brit. = motor car.
4 (attrib.) a giving, imparting, or producing motion. b driven by a motor (motor-mower). c of or for motor vehicles. d Anat. relating to muscular movement or the nerves activating it. --v.intr. & tr. Brit. go or convey in a motor vehicle. motor area the part of the frontal lobe of the brain associated with the initiation of muscular action. motor bicycle a motor cycle or moped. motor bike colloq. = motor cycle. motor boat a motor-driven boat. motor car Brit. see CAR 1. motor cycle a two-wheeled motor-driven road vehicle without pedal propulsion. motor cyclist a rider of a motor cycle. motor mouth US sl. a person who talks incessantly and trivially. motor nerve a nerve carrying impulses from the brain or spinal cord to a muscle. motor scooter see SCOOTER . motor vehicle a road vehicle powered by an internal-combustion engine. motorial adj. (in sense 4a of n.). motory adj. (in sense 4a of n.). [L, = mover (as MOVE)]

metabolism
metabolism: n. all the chemical processes that occur within a living organism, resulting in energy production (destructive metabolism) and growth (constructive metabolism). metabolic adj. metabolically adv. [Gk metabole change (as META-, bole f. ballo throw)]

menthol
menthol: n. a mint-tasting organic alcohol found in oil of peppermint etc., used as a flavouring and to relieve local pain. [G f. L mentha MINT(1)]

macabre
macabre: adj. grim, gruesome. [ME f. OF macabr perh. f. Macab a Maccabee, with ref. to a miracle play showing the slaughter of the Maccabees]

mirk
mirk: var. of MURK.

manager
manager: n.
1 a person controlling or administering a business or part of a business.
2 a person controlling the affairs, training, etc. of a person or team in sports, entertainment, etc.
3 Brit. Parl. a member of either House of Parliament appointed with others for some duty in which both Houses are concerned.
4 a person regarded in terms of skill in household or financial or other management (a good manager). managerial adj. managerially adv. managership n.

mattress
mattress: n. a fabric case stuffed with soft, firm, or springy material, or a similar case filled with air or water, used on or as a bed. [ME f. OF materas f. It. materasso f. Arab. almatrah the place, the cushion f. taraha throw]

mannequin
mannequin: n.
1 a model employed by a dressmaker etc. to show clothes to customers.
2 a window dummy. [F, = MANIKIN]

musicology
musicology: n. the study of music other than that directed to proficiency in performance or composition. musicologist n. musicological adj. [F musicologie or MUSIC + -LOGY]

misread
misread: v.tr. (past and past part. -read) read or interpret (text, a situation, etc.) wrongly.

macaroni
macaroni: n.
1 a tubular variety of pasta.
2 (pl. macaronies) hist. an 18th-c. British dandy affecting Continental fashions. [It. maccaroni f. late Gk makaria food made from barley]

modernism
modernism: n.
1 a modern ideas or methods. b the tendency of religious belief to harmonize with modern ideas.
2 a modern term or expression. modernist n. modernistic adj. modernistically adv.

mileage
mileage: n. (also milage.
1 a a number of miles travelled, used, etc. b the number of miles travelled by a vehicle per unit of fuel.
2 travelling expenses (per mile).
3 colloq. benefit, profit, advantage.

morbid
morbid: adj.
1 a (of the mind, ideas, etc.) unwholesome, sickly. b given to morbid feelings.
2 colloq. melancholy.
3 Med. of the nature of or indicative of disease. morbid anatomy the anatomy of diseased organs, tissues, etc. morbidity n. morbidly adv. morbidness n. [L morbidus f. morbus disease]

mesolithic
mesolithic: adj. Archaeol. of or concerning the Stone Age between the palaeolithic and neolithic periods. [MESO- + Gk lithos stone]

mien
mien: n. literary a person's look or bearing, as showing character or mood. [prob. f. obs. demean f. DEMEAN(2), assim. to F mine expression]

mall
mall: n.
1 a sheltered walk or promenade.
2 an enclosed shopping precinct.
3 hist. a = PALL-MALL. b an alley used for this. [var. of MAUL: applied to The Mall in London (orig. a pall-mall alley)]

mitral
mitral: adj. of or like a mitre. mitral valve a two-cusped valve between the left atrium and the left ventricle of the heart. [mod.L mitralis f. L mitra girdle]

morning
morning: n. & int. --n.
1 the early part of the day, esp. from sunrise to noon (this morning; during the morning; morning coffee).
2 this time spent in a particular way (had a busy morning).
3 sunrise, daybreak.
4 a time compared with the morning, esp. the early part of one's life etc. --int. = good morning (see GOOD adj. 14). in the mornin.
1 during or in the course of the morning.
2 colloq. tomorrow. morning after colloq. a hangover. morning-after pill a contraceptive pill effective when taken some hours after intercourse. morning coat a coat with tails, and with the front cut away below the waist. morning dress a man's morning coat and striped trousers. morning glory any of various twining plants of the genus Ipomoea, with trumpet-shaped flowers. morning-room a sitting-room for the morning. morning sickness nausea felt in the morning in pregnancy. morning star a planet or bright star, usu. Venus, seen in the east before sunrise. morning watch Naut. the 4-8 a.m. watch. [ME mor(we)ning f. morwen MORN + -ING(1) after evening]

messenger
messenger: n.
1 a person who carries a message.
2 a person employed to carry messages. King's (or Queen's) Messenger a courier in the diplomatic service. messenger RNA a form of RNA carrying genetic information from DNA to a ribosome. Abbr.: mRNA. [ME & OF messager (as MESSAGE): -n- as in harbinger, passenger, etc.]

magnetism
magnetism: n.
1 a magnetic phenomena and their study. b the property of producing these phenomena.
2 attraction; personal charm. [mod.L magnetismus (as MAGNET)]

marketingmoment
moment: n.
1 a very brief portion of time; an instant.
2 a short period of time (wait a moment) (see also MINUTE(1) )).
3 an exact or particular point of time (at last the moment arrived; I came the moment you called).
4 importance (of no great moment).
5 Physics & Mech. etc. a the turning effect produced by a force acting at a distance on an object. b this effect expressed as the product of the force and the distance from its line of action to a point. at the moment at this time; now. in a momen.
1 very soon.
2 instantly. man (or woman etc.) of the moment the one of importance at the time in question. moment of inertia Physics the quantity by which the angular acceleration of a body must be multiplied to give corresponding torque. moment of truth a time of crisis or test (orig. the final sword-thrust in a bullfight). not for a (or one) moment never; not at all. this moment immediately; at once (come here this moment). [ME f. OF f. L momentum: see MOMENTUM]

misdemeanour
misdemeanour: n. (US misdemeanor.
1 an offence, a misdeed.
2 Law an indictable offence, (in the UK formerly) less heinous than a felony.

magian
magian: adj. & n. --adj. of the magi or Magi. --n.
1 a magus or Magus.
2 a magician. magianism n. [L magus: see MAGUS]

marathon
marathon: n.
1 a long-distance running race, usu. of 26 miles 385 yards (42.195 km).
2 a long-lasting or difficult task, operation, etc. (often attrib.: a marathon shopping expedition). marathoner n. [Marathon in Greece, scene of a victory over the Persians in 490 BC: a messenger was said to have run to Athens with the news, but the account has no authority]

machine
machine: n. & v. --n.
1 an apparatus using or applying mechanical power, having several parts each with a definite function and together performing certain kinds of work.
2 a particular kind of machine, esp. a vehicle, a piece of electrical or electronic apparatus, etc.
3 an instrument that transmits a force or directs its application.
4 the controlling system of an organization etc. (the party machine).
5 a person who acts mechanically and with apparent lack of emotion. --v.tr. make or operate on with a machine (esp. in sewing or printing). machine code (or language) a computer language that a particular computer can respond to directly. machine-readable in a form that a computer can process. machine tool a mechanically operated tool for working on metal, wood, or plastics. machine-toole.
1 shaped by a machine tool.
2 (of artistic presentation etc.) precise, slick, esp. excessively so. [F f. L machina f. Gk makhana Doric form of mekhane f. mekhos contrivance]

musical
musical: adj. & n. --adj.
1 of or relating to music.
2 (of sounds, a voice, etc.) melodious, harmonious.
3 fond of or skilled in music (the musical one of the family).
4 set to or accompanied by music. --n. a musical film or comedy. musical box Brit. a mechanical instrument playing a tune by causing a toothed cylinder to strike a comblike metal plate within a box. musical bumps a game similar to musical chairs, with players sitting on the floor and the one left standing eliminated. musical chair.
1 a party game in which the players compete in successive rounds for a decreasing number of chairs.
2 a series of changes or political manoeuvring etc. after the manner of the game. musical comedy a light dramatic entertainment of songs, dialogue, and dancing, connected by a slender plot. musical film a film in which music is an important feature. musical glasses an instrument in which notes are produced by rubbing graduated glass bowls or tubes. musical saw a bent saw played with a violin bow. musicality n. musicalize v.tr. (also -ise). musically adv. musicalness n. [ME f. OF f. med.L musicalis f. L musica: see MUSIC]

matric
matric: n. Brit. colloq. matriculation. [abbr.]

massage
massage: n. & v. --n.
1 the rubbing, kneading, etc., of muscles and joints of the body with the hands, to stimulate their action, cure strains, etc.
2 an instance of this. --v.tr.
1 apply massage to.
2 manipulate (statistics) to give an acceptable result. massage parlou.
1 an establishment providing massage.
2 euphem. a brothel. massager n. [F f. masser treat with massage, perh. f. Port. amassar knead, f. massa dough: see MASS(1) )]

machiavellian
machiavellian: adj. elaborately cunning; scheming, unscrupulous. machiavellianism n. [N. dei Machiavelli, Florentine statesman and political writer d. 1527, who advocated resort to morally questionable methods in the interests of the State]

monologue
monologue: n.
1 a a scene in a drama in which a person speaks alone. b a dramatic composition for one performer.
2 a long speech by one person in a conversation etc. monologic adj. monological adj. monologist n. (also -loguist). monologize v.intr. (also -ise). [F f. Gk monologos speaking alone (as MONO-, -LOGUE)]

minded
minded: adj.
1 (in comb.) a inclined to think in some specified way (mathematically minded; fair-minded). b having a specified kind of mind (high-minded). c interested in or enthusiastic about a specified thing (car-minded).
2 (usu. foll. by to + infin.) disposed or inclined (to an action).

mailedmedical
medical: adj. & n. --adj.
1 of or relating to the science of medicine in general.
2 of or relating to conditions requiring medical and not surgical treatment (medical ward). --n. colloq. a medical examination. medical certificate a certificate of fitness or unfitness to work etc. medical examination an examination to determine a person's physical fitness. medical jurisprudence the law relating to medicine. medical officer Brit. a person in charge of the health services of a local authority or other organization. medical practitioner a physician or surgeon. medically adv. [F mdical or med.L medicalis f. L medicus: see MEDIC(1) )]

magnification
magnification: n.
1 the act or an instance of magnifying; the process of being magnified.
2 the amount or degree of magnification.
3 the apparent enlargement of an object by a lens.

monitor
monitor: n. & v. --n.
1 any of various persons or devices for checking or warning about a situation, operation, etc.
2 a school pupil with disciplinary or other special duties.
3 a a television receiver used in a studio to select or verify the picture being broadcast. b = visual display unit.
4 a person who listens to and reports on foreign broadcasts etc.
5 a detector of radioactive contamination.
6 Zool. any tropical lizard of the genus Varanus, supposed to give warning of the approach of crocodiles.
7 a heavily armed shallow-draught warship. --v.tr.
1 act as a monitor of.
2 maintain regular surveillance over.
3 regulate the strength of (a recorded or transmitted signal). monitorial adj. monitorship n. [L f. monere monit- warn]

mobilitymyrtle
myrtle: n.
1 an evergreen shrub of the genus Myrtus with aromatic foliage and white flowers, esp. M. communis, bearing purple-black ovoid berries.
2 US = PERIWINKLE(1). [ME f. med.L myrtilla, -us dimin. of L myrta, myrtus f. Gk murtos]

monopoly
monopoly: n. (pl. -ies.
1 a the exclusive possession or control of the trade in a commodity or service. b this conferred as a privilege by the State.
2 a a commodity or service that is subject to a monopoly. b a company etc. that possesses a monopoly.
3 (foll. by of, US on) exclusive possession, control, or exercise. [L monopolium f. Gk monopolion (as MONO-, poleo sell)]

mandrake
mandrake: n. a poisonous plant, Mandragora officinarum, with white or purple flowers and large yellow fruit, having emetic and narcotic properties and possessing a root once thought to resemble the human form and to shriek when plucked. [ME mandrag(g)e, prob. f. MDu. mandrag(r)e f. med.L (as MANDRAGORA): assoc. with MAN + drake dragon (cf. DRAKE(1))]

microchip
microchip: n. a small piece of semiconductor (usu. silicon) used to carry electronic circuits.

melic
melic: adj. (of a poem, esp. a Gk lyric) meant to be sung. [L melicus f. Gk melikos f. melos song]

magnetic
magnetic: adj.
1 a having the properties of a magnet. b producing, produced by, or acting by magnetism.
2 capable of being attracted by or acquiring the properties of a magnet.
3 very attractive or alluring (a magnetic personality). magnetic compass = COMPASS 1. magnetic disk see DISC . magnetic equator an imaginary line, near the equator, on which a magnetic needle has no dip. magnetic field a region of variable force around magnets, magnetic materials, or current-carrying conductors. magnetic inclination = DIP n. 8. magnetic mine a submarine mine detonated by the proximity of a magnetized body such as that of a ship. magnetic moment the property of a magnet that interacts with an applied field to give a mechanical moment. magnetic needle a piece of magnetized steel used as an indicator on the dial of a compass and in magnetic and electrical apparatus, esp. in telegraphy. magnetic north the point indicated by the north end of a compass needle. magnetic pol.
1 each of the points near the extremities of the axis of rotation of the earth or another body where a magnetic needle dips vertically.
2 each of the regions of an artificial or natural magnet, from which the magnetic forces appear to originate. magnetic storm a disturbance of the earth's magnetic field caused by charged particles from the sun etc. magnetic tape a tape coated with magnetic material for recording sound or pictures or for the storage of information. magnetically adv. [LL magneticus (as MAGNET)]

mature
mature: adj. & v. --adj. (maturer, maturest.
1 with fully developed powers of body and mind, adult.
2 complete in natural development, ripe.
3 (of thought, intentions, etc.) duly careful and adequate.
4 (of a bill etc.) due for payment. --v.
1 a tr. & intr. develop fully. b tr. & intr. ripen. c intr. come to maturity.
2 tr. perfect (a plan etc.).
3 intr. (of a bill etc.) become due for payment. mature student an adult student who is older than most students. maturely adv. matureness n. maturity n. [ME f. L maturus timely, early]

modulus
modulus: n. (pl. moduli) Math.
1 a the magnitude of a real number without regard to its sign. b the positive square root of the sum of the squares of the real and imaginary parts of a complex number.
2 a constant factor or ratio.
3 (in number theory) a number used as a divisor for considering numbers in sets giving the same remainder when divided by it.
4 a constant indicating the relation between a physical effect and the force producing it. [L, = measure, dimin. of modus]

medieval
medieval: adj. (also mediaeval.
1 of, or in the style of, the Middle Ages.
2 colloq. old-fashioned, archaic. medieval history the history of the 5th-15th c. medieval Latin Latin of about AD 600-1500. medievalism n. medievalist n. medievalize v.tr. & intr. (also -ise). medievally adv. [mod.L medium aevum f. L medius middle + aevum age]

medication
medication: n.
1 a substance used for medical treatment.
2 treatment using drugs.

mouthermessy
messy: adj. (messier, messiest.
1 untidy or dirty.
2 causing or accompanied by a mess.
3 difficult to deal with; full of awkward complications. messily adv. messiness n.

minor
minor: adj., n., & v. --adj.
1 lesser or comparatively small in size or importance (minor poet; minor operation).
2 Mus. a (of a scale) having intervals of a semitone between the second and third, fifth and sixth, and seventh and eighth degrees. b (of an interval) less by a semitone than a major interval. c (of a key) based on a minor scale, tending to produce a melancholy effect.
3 Brit. (in schools) indicating the younger of two children from the same family or the second to enter the school (usu. put after the name).
4 Logic a (of a term) occurring as the subject of the conclusion of a categorical syllogism. b (of a premiss) containing the minor term in a categorical syllogism. --n.
1 a person under the legal age limit or majority (no unaccompanied minors).
2 Mus. a minor key etc.
3 US a student's subsidiary subject or course (cf. MAJOR).
4 Logic a minor term or premiss. --v.intr. (foll. by in) US (of a student) undertake study in (a subject) as a subsidiary to a main subject. in a minor key (of novels, events, people's lives, etc.) understated, uneventful. minor axis Geom. (of a conic) the axis perpendicular to the major axis. minor canon a cleric who is not a member of the chapter, who assists in daily cathedral services. minor league US (in baseball, football, etc.) a league of professional clubs other than the major leagues. minor orders see ORDER . minor piece Chess a bishop or a knight. minor planet an asteroid. minor prophet any of the prophets from Hosea to Malachi, whose surviving writings are not lengthy. minor suit Bridge diamonds or clubs. [L, = smaller, less, rel. to minuere lessen]

meanie
meanie: n. (also meany) (pl. -ies) colloq. a mean, niggardly, or small-minded person.

message
message: n. & v. --n.
1 an oral or written communication sent by one person to another.
2 an inspired or significant communication from a prophet, writer, or preacher.
3 a mission or errand.
4 (in pl.) Sc. & N.Engl. things bought; shopping. --v.tr.
1 send as a message.
2 transmit (a plan etc.) by signalling etc. get the message colloq. understand what is meant. message stick Austral. a stick carved with significant marks, carried as identification by Aboriginal messengers. [ME f. OF ult. f. L mittere miss- send]

mythology
mythology: n. (pl. -ies.
1 a body of myths (Greek mythology).
2 the study of myths. mythologer n. mythologic adj. mythological adj. mythologically adv. mythologist n. mythologize v.tr. & intr. (also -ise). mythologizer n. [ME f. F mythologie or LL mythologia f. Gk muthologia (as MYTHO-, -LOGY)]

mucous
mucous: adj. of or covered with mucus. mucous membrane a mucus-secreting epithelial tissue lining many body cavities and tubular organs. mucosity n. [L mucosus (as MUCUS)]

minimum
minimum: n. & adj. (pl. minima) --n. the least possible or attainable amount (reduced to a minimum). --adj. that is a minimum. minimum lending rate the announced minimum percentage at which a central bank will discount bills (cf. base rate (see BASE(1) ))). Abolished in the UK in 1981. minimum wage the lowest wage permitted by law or special agreement. [L, neut. of minimus least]

minutia
minutia: n. (pl. -iae) (usu. in pl.) a precise, trivial, or minor detail. [L, = smallness, in pl. trifles f. minutus: see MINUTE(2) )]

material
material: n. & adj. --n.
1 the matter from which a thing is made.
2 cloth, fabric.
3 (in pl.) things needed for an activity (building materials; cleaning materials; writing materials).
4 a person or thing of a specified kind or suitable for a purpose (officer material).
5 (in sing. or pl.) information etc. to be used in writing a book etc. (experimental material; materials for a biography).
6 (in sing. or pl., often foll. by of) the elements or constituent parts of a substance. --adj.
1 of matter; corporeal.
2 concerned with bodily comfort etc. (material well-being).
3 (of conduct, points of view, etc.) not spiritual.
4 (often foll. by to) important, essential, relevant (at the material time).
5 concerned with the matter, not the form, of reasoning. materiality n. [ME f. OF materiel, -al, f. LL materialis f. L (as MATTER)]

mathematics
mathematics: n.pl.
1 (also treated as sing.) the abstract science of number, quantity, and space studied in its own right (pure mathematics), or as applied to other disciplines such as physics, engineering, etc. (applied mathematics).
2 (as pl.) the use of mathematics in calculation etc. mathematician n. [prob. f. F mathmatiques pl. f. L mathematica f. Gk mathematika: see MATHEMATICAL]

monster
monster: n.
1 an imaginary creature, usu. large and frightening, compounded of incongruous elements.
2 an inhumanly cruel or wicked person.
3 a misshapen animal or plant.
4 a large hideous animal or thing (e.g. a building).
5 (attrib.) huge; extremely large of its kind. [ME f. OF monstre f. L monstrum portent, monster f. monere warn]