Webster's Unabridged Dictionary (1st 100 Pages)

by Noah Webster

AmÏbi¶tiousÏness (?), n. The quality of being ambitious; ambition; pretentiousness. Ø Am¶biÏtus (?), n. [L. See Ambit, Ambition.] 1. The exterior edge or border of a thing, as the border of a leaf, or the outline of a bivalve shell. 2. (Rom. Antiq.) A canvassing for votes. Am¶ble (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Ambled (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Ambling (?).] [F. ambler to amble, fr. L. ambulare to walk, in LL., to amble, perh. fr. ambÏ, ambiÏ, and a root meaning to go: cf. Gr. ? to go, E. base. Cf. Ambulate.] 1. To go at the easy gait called an ~; Ð applied to the horse or to its rider. 2. To move somewhat like an ambling horse; to go easily or without hard shocks. The skipping king, he ambled up and down. Shak. Sir, your wit ambles well; it goes easily. Shak. Am¶ble, n. 1. A peculiar gait of a horse, in which both legs on the same side are moved at the same time, alternating with the legs on the other side. ½A fine easy amble.¸ B. Jonson. 2. A movement like the ~ of a horse. Am¶bler (?), n. A horse or a person that ambles. Am¶blingÏly, adv. With an ambling gait. AmÏblot¶ic (?), a. [Gr. ?, ?, fr. ? an abortion.] Tending to cause abortion. Am¶blyÏgon (?), n. [Gr. ? obtuse + ? angle: cf. F. amblygone.] (Geom.) An obtuseÐangled figure, esp. and obtuseÐangled triangle. [Obs.] AmÏblyg¶oÏnal (?), a. ObtuseÐangled. [Obs.] Hutton. { Ø Am·blyÏo¶piÏa (?), Am¶blyÏo·py (?), } n. [Gr. ?; ? blunt, dim + ? eye: cf. F. amblyopie.] (Med.) Weakness of sight, without and opacity of the cornea, or of the interior of the eye; the first degree of amaurosis. Am¶blyÏop¶ic (?), a. (Med.) Of or pertaining to amblyopy. Quain. Ø AmÏblyp¶oÏda (?), n. pl. [NL., fr. Gr. ? blunt + ?, ?, foot.] (Paleon.) A group of large, extinct, herbivorous mammals, common in the Tertiary formation of the United States. Ø Am¶bo (?), n.; pl. Ambos (?). [LL. ambo, Gr. ?, any rising, a raised stage, pulpit: cf. F. ambon.] A large pulpit or reading desk, in the early Christian churches. Gwilt. Ø Am¶bon (?), n. Same as Ambo. AmÏboy¶na wood (?). A beautiful mottled and curled wood, used in cabinetwork. It is obtained from the Pterocarpus Indicus of Amboyna, Borneo, etc. Am¶breÏate (?), n. (Chem.) A salt formed by the combination of ambreic acid with a base or positive radical. AmÏbre¶ic (?), a. (Chem.) Of or pertaining to ambrein; Ð said of a certain acid produced by digesting ambrein in nitric acid. Am¶breÏin (?), n. [Cf. F. ambr‚ine. See Amber.] (Chem.) A fragrant substance which is the chief constituent of ambergris. Am¶brite (?), n. [From amber.] A fossil resin occurring in large masses in New Zealand. Am¶brose (?), n. A sweetÏscented herb; ambrosia. See Ambrosia, 3. Turner. AmÏbro¶sia (?; 277), n. [L. ambrosia, Gr. ?, properly fem. of ?, fr. ? immortal, divine; ? priv. + ? mortal (because it was supposed to confer immortality on those who partook of it). ? stands for ?, akin to Skr. mrita, L. mortuus, dead, and to E. mortal.] 1. (Myth.) (a) The fabled food of the gods (as nectar was their drink), which conferred immortality upon those who partook of it. (b) An unguent of the gods,. His dewy locks distilled ambrosia. Milton. 2. A perfumed unguent, salve, or draught; something very pleasing to the taste or smell. Spenser. 3.ÿFormerly, a kind of fragrant plant; now (Bot.), a genus of plants, including some coarse and worthless weeds, called ragweed, hogweed, etc. Am¶bro¶siÏac (?), a. [L. ambrosiacus: cf. F. ambrosiaque.] Having the qualities of ambrosia; delicious. [R.]½Ambrosiac odors.¸ B. Jonson. AmÏbro¶sial (?), a. [L. ambrosius, Gr. ?.] 1. Consisting of, or partaking of the nature of, ambrosia; delighting the taste or smell; delicious. ½Ambrosial food.¸ ½Ambrosial fragrance.¸ Milton. 2. Divinely excellent or beautiful. ½Shakes his ambrosial curls.¸ Pope. AmÏbro¶sialÏly, adv. After the manner of ambrosia; delightfully. ½Smelt ambrosially.¸ Tennyson. AmÏbro¶sian (?), a. Ambrosial. [R.] . Jonson. AmÏbro¶sian, a. Of or pertaining to St. Ambrose; as, the Ambrosian office, or ritual, a formula of worship in the church of Milan, instituted by St. Ambrose. ÷ chant, the mode of signing or chanting introduced by St. Ambrose in the 4th century. Am¶broÏsin (?), n. [LL. Ambrosinus nummus.] An early coin struck by the dukes of Milan, and bearing the figure of St. Ambrose on horseback. Am¶broÏtype (?), n. [Gr. ? immortal + Ïtype.] (Photog.) A picture taken on a place of prepared glass, in which the lights are represented in silver, and the shades are produced by a dark background visible through the unsilvered portions of the glass. Am¶bry (?), n.; pl. Ambries (?). [OE. aumbry, almery, OF. almarie, armarie, aumaire, F. armoire, LL. armarium chest, cupboard, orig. a repository for arms, fr. L. arama arms. The word has been confused with almonry. See Armory.] 1. In churches, a kind of closet, niche, cupboard, or locker for utensils, vestments, etc. 2. A store closet, as a pantry, cupboard, etc. 3. Almonry. [Improperly so used] Ambs¶Ðace (?), n. [OF. ambesas; ambes both (fr. L. ambo) + as ace. See Ace.] Double aces, the lowest throw of all at dice. Hence: Bad luck; anything of no account or value. Am·buÏla¶cral (?), a. (Zo”l.) Of or pertaining to ambulacra; avenuelike; as, the ambulacral ossicles, plates, spines, and suckers of echinoderms. Am·buÏla¶criÏform (?), a. [Ambulacrum + Ïform.] (Zo”l.)ÿHaving the form of ambulacra. Ø Am·buÏla¶crum (?), n. pl; pl. Ambulacra (?). [L., an alley or covered way.] (Zo”l.) (a) One of the radical zones of echinoderms, along which run the principal nerves, blood vessels, and water tubes. These zones usually bear rows of locomotive suckers or tentacles, which protrude from regular pores. In star fishes they occupy the grooves along the under side of the rays. (b) One of the suckers on the feet of mites. Am¶buÏlance (?), n. [F. ambulance, h“pital ambulant, fr. L. ambulare to walk. See Amble.] (Mil.) (a) A field hospital, so organized as to follow an army in its movements, and intended to succor the wounded as soon as possible. Often used adjectively; as, an ambulance wagon; ambulance stretcher; ambulance corps. (b) An ~ wagon or cart for conveying the wounded from the field, or to a hospital. Am¶buÏlant (?), a. [L. ambulans, p. pr. of ambulare to walk: cf. F. ambulant.] Walking; moving from place to place. Gayton. Am¶buÏlate (?), v. i. [L. ambulare to walk. See Amble.] To walk; to move about. [R.] Southey. Am·buÏla¶tion (?), n. [L. ambulatio.] The act of walking. Sir T. Browne. Am¶buÏlaÏtive (?), a. Walking. [R.] Am¶buÏla·tor (?), n. 1. One who walks about; a walker. 2. (Zo”l.) (a) A beetle of the genus Lamia. (b) A genus of birds, or one of this genus. 3. An instrument for measuring distances; Ð called also perambulator. Knight. Am·buÏlaÏto¶riÏal (?), a. Ambulatory; fitted for walking. Verrill. Am¶buÏlaÏtoÏry (?), a. [L. ambulatorius.] 1. Of or pertaining to walking; having the faculty of walking; formed or fitted for walking; as, an ambulatory animal. 2. Accustomed to move from place to place; not stationary; movable; as, an ambulatory court, which exercises its jurisdiction in different places. The priesthood… before was very ambulatory, and dispersed into all families. Jer. Taylor. 3. Pertaining to a walk. [R.] The princess of whom his majesty had an ambulatory view in his travels. Sir H. Wotton. 4. (Law) Not yet fixed legally, or settled past alteration; alterable; as, the dispositions of a will are ambulatory until the death of the testator. Am¶buÏlaÏtoÏry, n.; pl. Ambulatories (?). [Cf. LL. ambulatorium.] (Arch.) A place to walk in, whether in the open air, as the gallery of a cloister, or within a building. Am¶burÏry (?), n. Same as Anbury. Am·busÏcade¶ (?), n. [F. embuscade, fr. It. imboscata, or Sp. emboscada, fr. emboscar to ambush, fr. LL. imboscare. See Ambush, v. t.] 1. A lying in a wood, concealed, for the purpose of attacking an enemy by surprise. Hence: A lying in wait, and concealed in any situation, for a like purpose; a snare laid for an enemy; an ambush. 2. A place in which troops lie hid, to attack an enemy unexpectedly. [R.] Dryden. 3. (Mil.) The body of troops lying in ambush. Am·busÏcade¶, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Ambuscaded (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Ambuscading (?).] 1. To post or conceal in ambush; to ambush. 2. To lie in wait for, or to attack from a covert or lurking place; to waylay. Am·busÏcade¶, v. i. To lie in ambush. Am·busÏca¶do (?), n. Ambuscade. [Obs.] Shak. Am·busÏca¶doed (?), p. p. Posted in ambush; ambuscaded. [Obs.] Am¶bush (?), n. [F. emb–che, fr. the verb. See Ambush, v. t.] 1. A disposition or arrangement of troops for attacking an enemy unexpectedly from a concealed station. Hence: Unseen peril; a device to entrap; a snare. Heaven, whose high walls fear no assault or siege Or ambush from the deep. Milton. 2. A concealed station, where troops or enemies lie in wait to attack by surprise. Bold in close ambush, base in open field. Dryden. 3. The troops posted in a concealed place, for attacking by surprise; liers in wait. [Obs.] The ambush arose quickly out of their place. Josh. viii. 19. To lay an ~, to post a force in ~. Am¶bush (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Ambushed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Ambushing.] [OE. enbussen, enbushen, OF. embushier, embuissier, F. emb–cher, embusquer, fr. LL. imboscare; in + LL. boscus, buscus, a wood; akin to G. bush, E. bush. See Ambuscade, Bu?h.] 1. To station in ~ with a view to surprise an enemy. By ambushed men behind their temple ?ai?, We have the king of Mexico betrayed. Dryden. 2. To attack by ~; to waylay. Am¶bush, v. i. To lie in wait, for the purpose of attacking by surprise; to lurk. Nor saw the snake that ambushed for his prey. Trumbull. Am¶bushÏer (?), n. One lying in ~. Am¶bushÏment (?), n. [OF. embuschement. See Ambush, v. t.] An ~. [Obs.] 2 Chron. xiii. 13. AmÏbus¶tion (?; 106), n. [L. ambustio.] (Med.) A burn or scald. Blount. Am·eÏbe¶an (?), a. (Zo”l.) See Am?bean. AÏmeer¶, AÏmir¶ (?), n. [See Emir.] 1. Emir. [Obs.] 2. One of the Mohammedan nobility of Afghanistan and Scinde. Am¶el (?), n. [OE. amell, OF. esmail, F. ‚mail, of German origin; cf. OHG. smelzi, G. schmelz. See Smelt, v. t.] Enamel. [Obs.] Boyle. Am¶el, v. t. [OE. amellen, OF. esmailler, F. ‚mailler, OF. esmail, F. ‚mail.] To enamel. [Obs.] Enlightened all with stars, And richly ameled. Chapman. Am¶elÏcorn· (?), n. [Ger. amelkorn: cf. MHG. amel, amer, spelt, and L. amylum starch, Gr. ?.] A variety of wheat from which starch is produced; Ð called also French rice. AÏmel¶ioÏraÏble (?), a. Capable of being ameliorated. AÏmel¶ioÏrate (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Ameliorated (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Ameliorating.] [L. ad + meliorare to make better: cf. F. am‚liorer. See Meliorate.] To make better; to improve; to meliorate. In every human being there is a wish to ameliorate his own condition. Macaulay. AÏmel¶ioÏrate, v. i. To grow better; to ~; as, wine ameliorates by age. AÏmel·ioÏra¶tion (?), n. [Cf. F. am‚lioration.] The act of ameliorating, or the state of being ameliorated; making or becoming better; improvement; melioration. ½Amelioration of human affairs.¸ J. S. Mill. AÏmel¶ioÏraÏtive (?), a. Tending to ameliorate; producing amelioration or improvement; as, ameliorative remedies, efforts. AÏmel¶ioÏra·tor (?), n. One who ameliorates. A·men¶ (?; 277), interj., adv., & n. [L. amen, Gr. ?, Heb. ¾m?n certainly, truly.] An expression used at the end of prayers, and meaning, So be it. At the end of a creed, it is a solemn asseveration of belief. When it introduces a declaration, it is equivalent to truly, verily. It is used as a noun, to demote: (a) concurrence in belief, or in a statement; assent; (b) the final word or act; (c) Christ as being one who is true and faithful. And let all the people say, Amen. Ps. cvi. 48. Amen, amen, I say to thee, except a man be born again, he can not see the kingdom of Gods. John ii. 3. Rhemish Trans. To say ÷ to, to approve warmly; to concur in heartily or emphatically; to ratify; as, I say Amen to all. A·men¶, v. t. To say ÷ to; to sanction fully. AÏmen·naÏbil¶iÏty (?), n. The quality of being amenable; amenableness. Coleridge. AÏme¶naÏble (?), a. [F. amener to lead; ? (L. ad) = mener to lead, fr. L. minare to drive animals (properly by threatening cries), in LL. to lead; L. minari, to threaten, minae threats. See Menace.] 1. (Old Law) Easy to be led; governable, as a woman by her husband. [Obs.] Jacob. 2. Liable to be brought to account or punishment; answerable; responsible; accountable; as, amenable to law. Nor is man too diminutive… to be amenable to the divine government. I. Taylor. 3. Liable to punishment, a charge, a claim, etc. 4. Willing to yield or submit; responsive; tractable. Sterling… always was amenable enough to counsel. Carlyle. AÏme¶naÏbleÏness, n. The quality or state of being amenable; liability to answer charges; answerableness. AÏme¶naÏbly, adv. In an amenable manner. Am¶eeÏnage (?), v. t. [OF. amesnagier. See Manage.] To manage. [Obs.] Spenser. Am¶eÏnance (?), n. [OF. See Amenable.] Behavior; bearing. [Obs.] Spenser. AÏmend¶ (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Amended; p. pr. & vb. n. Amending.] [F. amender, L. emendare; e(ex) + mendum, menda, fault, akin to Skr. minda personal defect. Cf. Emend, Mend.] To change or modify in any way for the better; as, (a) by simply removing what is erroneous, corrupt, superfluous, faulty, and the like; (b) by supplying deficiencies; (c) by substituting something else in the place of what is removed; to rectify. Mar not the thing that can not be amended. Shak. An instant emergency, granting no possibility for revision, or opening for amended thought. De Quincey. We shall cheer her sorrows, and amend her blood, by wedding her to a Norman. Sir W. Scott. To amend a bill, to make some change in the details or provisions of a bill or measure while on its passage, professedly for its improvement. Syn. - To Amend, Emend, Correct, Reform, Rectify. These words agree in the idea of bringing things into a more perfect state. We correct (literally, make

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straight) when we conform things to some standard or rule; as, to correct proof sheets. We amend by removing blemishes, faults, or errors, and thus rendering a thing more a nearly perfect; as, to amend our ways, to amend a text, the draft of a bill, etc. Emend is only another form of amend, and is applied chiefly to editions of books, etc. To reform is literally to form over again, or put into a new and better form; as, to reform one's life. To rectify is to make right; as, to rectify a mistake, to rectify abuses, inadvertencies, etc.
AÏmend¶ (?), v. i. To grow better by rectifying something wrong in manners or morals; to improve. ½My fortune… amends.¸
Sir P. Sidney.
AÏmend¶aÏble (?), a. Capable of being amended; as, an amendable writ or error. Ð AÏmend¶aÏbleÏness, n.
AÏmend¶aÏtoÏry (?), a. Supplying amendment; corrective; emendatory.
Bancroft.
Ø A·mende¶ (?), n. [F. See Amend.] A pecuniary punishment or fine; a reparation or recantation.
÷ honorable (?). (Old French Law) A species of infamous punishment in which the offender, being led into court with a rope about his neck, and a lighted torch in his hand, begged pardon of his God, the court, etc. In popular language, the phrase now denotes a public apology or recantation, and reparation to an injured party, for improper language or treatment.
AÏmend¶er (?), n. One who amends.
AÏmend¶ful (?), a. Much improving. [Obs.]
AÏmend¶ment (?), n. [F. amendement, LL. amendamentum.] 1. An alteration or change for the better; correction of a fault or of faults; reformation of life by quitting vices.
2. In public bodies; Any alternation made or proposed to be made in a bill or motion by adding, changing, substituting, or omitting.
3. (Law) Correction of an error in a writ or process.
Syn. - Improvement; reformation; emendation.
AÏmends¶ (?), n. sing. & pl. [F. amendes, pl. of amende. Cf. Amende.] Compensation for a loss or injury; recompense; reparation. [Now const. with sing. verb.] ½An honorable amends.¸
Addison.
Yet thus far fortune maketh us amends.
Shak.
AÏmen¶iÏty (?), n. pl. Amenities (?). [F. am‚nit‚, L. amoenitas, fr. amoenus pleasant.] The quality of being pleasant or agreeable, whether in respect to situation, climate, manners, or disposition; pleasantness; civility; suavity; gentleness.
A sweetness and amenity of temper.
Buckle.
This climate has not seduced by its amenities.
W. Howitt.
Ø AÏmen·orÏrh?¶a (?), n. [Gr. ? priv. + ? month + ? to flow: cf. F. am‚norrh‚e.] (Med.) Retention or suppression of the menstrual discharge.
AÏmen·orÏrh?¶al (?), a. Pertaining to amenorrh?a.
Ø A men¶sa et tho¶ro (?). [L., from board and bed.] (Law) A kind of divorce which does not dissolve the marriage bong, but merely authorizes a separate life of the husband and wife.
Abbott.
Am¶ent (?), n. [L. amentum thong or strap.] (Bot.) A species of inflorescence; a catkin.
The globular ament of a buttonwood.
Coues.
Am·enÏta¶ceous (?), a. [LL. amentaceus.] (Bot.) (a) Resembling, or consisting of, an ament or aments; as, the chestnut has an amentaceous inflorescence. (b) Bearing aments; having flowers arranged in aments; as, amentaceous plants.
Ø AÏmen¶tiÏa (?), n. [L.] (Med.) Imbecility; total want of understanding.
Am·enÏtif¶erÏous (?), a. [L. amentum + Ïferous.] (Bot.) Bearing catkins.
Balfour.
AÏmen¶tiÏform (?), a. [L. amentum + Ïform.] (Bot.) Shaped like a catkin.
Ø AÏmen¶tum (?), n.; pl. Amenta (?). Same as Ament.
Am¶eÏnuse (?), v. t. [OF. amenuisier. See Minute.] To lessen. [Obs.]
Chaucer.
AÏmerce¶ (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Amerced (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Amercing.] [OF. amercier, fr. a merci at the mercy of, liable to a punishment. See Mercy.] 1. To punish by a pecuniary penalty, the amount of which is not fixed by law, but left to the discretion of the court; as, the amerced the criminal in the sum on the hundred dollars.
µ The penalty of fine may be expressed without a preposition, or it may be introduced by in, with, or of.
2. To punish, in general; to mulct.
Millions of spirits for his fault amerced
Of Heaven.
Milton.

Shall by him be amerced with penance due.
Spenser.
AÏmerce¶aÏble (?), a. Liable to be amerced.
AÏmerce¶ment (?), n. [OF. amerciment.] The infliction of a penalty at the discretion of the court; also, a mulct or penalty thus imposed. It differs from a fine,in that the latter is, or was originally, a fixed and certain sum prescribed by statue for an offense; but an amercement is arbitrary. Hence, the act or practice of affeering. [See Affeer.]
Blackstone.
µ This word, in old books, is written amerciament.
÷ royal, a penalty imposed on an officer for a misdemeanor in his office.
Jacobs.
AÏmer¶cer (?), n. One who amerces.
AÏmer¶ciaÏment (?), n. [LL. amerciamentum.] Same as Amercement.
Mozley & W.
AÏmer¶iÏcan (?), a. [Named from Ameri?us Vespucius.] 1. Of or pertaining to America; as, the American continent: American Indians.
2. Of or pertaining to the United States. ½A young officer of the American navy.¸
Lyell.
÷ ivy. See Virginia creeper. Ð ÷ Party (U. S. Politics), a party, about 1854, which opposed the influence of foreignÐborn citizens, and those supposed to owe allegiance to a foreign power. Ð Native ~ Party (U. S. Politics), a party of principles similar to those of the ÷ party. It arose about 1843, but soon died out.
AÏmer¶iÏcan (?), n. A native of America; Ð originally applied to the aboriginal inhabitants, but now applied to the descendants of Europeans born in America, and especially to the citizens of the United States.
The name American must always exalt the pride of patriotism.
Washington.
AÏmer¶iÏcanÏism (?), n. 1. Attachment to the United States.
2. A custom peculiar to the United States or to America; an American characteristic or idea.
3. A word or phrase peculiar to the United States.
AÏmer·iÏcanÏiÏza¶tion (?), n. The process of Americanizing.
AÏmer¶iÏcanÏize (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Americanizer (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Americanizing.] To render American; to assimilate to the Americans in customs, ideas, etc.; to stamp with American characteristics.
Ames¶Ðace (?), n. Same as AmbsÐace.
Am¶ess (?), n. (Eccl.) Amice, a hood or cape. See 2d Amice.
Ø Am·eÏtab¶oÏla (?), n. pl. [NL.] (Zo”l.) A group of insects which do not undergo any metamorphosis. [Written also Ametabolia.]
AÏmet·aÏbo¶liÏan (?), a. [Gr. ? unchangeable; ? priv. + ? changeable, ? to change.] (Zo”l.) Of or pertaining to insects that do undergo any metamorphosis.
{ AÏme·aÏbol¶ic (?), Am·eÏtab¶oÏlous, } a. (Zo”l.) Not undergoing any metamorphosis; as, ametabolic insects.
AÏmeth¶oÏdist (?), n. [Pref. aÏ not + methodist.] One without method; a quack. [Obs.]
Am¶eÏthyst (?), [F. ametiste, amatiste, F. am‚thyste, L. amethystus, fr. Gr. ? without drunkenness; as a noun, a remedy for drunkenness, the amethyst, supposed to have this power; ? priv. + ? to be drunken, ? strong drink, wine. See Mead.]
1. (Min.) A variety of crystallized quartz, of a purple or bluish violet color, of different shades. It is much used as a jeweler's stone.
Oriental ~, the violetÐblue variety of transparent crystallized corundum or sapphire.
2. (Her.) A purple color in a nobleman's escutcheon, or coat of arms.
Am·eÏthys¶tine (?), a. [L. amethystinus, Gr. ?.] 1. Resembling amethyst, especially in color; bluish violet.
2. Composed of, or containing, amethyst.
Ø Am·eÏtro¶piÏa (?), n. [Gr. ? irregular + ?, ?, eye.] (Med.) Any abnormal condition of the refracting powers of the eye. Ð Am·eÏtrop¶ic (?), a.
AmÏhar¶ic (?), a. Of or pertaining to Amhara, a division of Abyssinia; as, the Amharic language is closely allied to the Ethiopic. Ð n. The Amharic language (now the chief language of Abyssinia).
Ø Am¶iÏa (?), n. [L., fr. Gr. ? a kind of tunny.] (Zo”l.) A genus of freshÐwater ganoid fishes, exclusively confined to North America; called bowfin in Lake Champlain, dogfish in Lake Erie, and mudfish in South Carolina, etc. See Bowfin.
A·miÏaÏbil¶iÏty (?), n. The quality of being amiable; amiableness; sweetness of disposition.
Every excellency is a degree of amiability.
Jer. Taylor.
A¶miÏaÏble (?), a. [F. amiable, L. amicabilis friendly, fr. amicus friend, fr. amare to love. The meaning has been influenced by F. aimable, L. amabilis lovable, fr. amare to love. Cf. Amicable, Amorous, Amability.] 1. Lovable; lovely; pleasing. [Obs. or R.]
So amiable a prospect.
Sir T. Herbert.
2. Friendly; kindly; sweet; gracious; as, an amiable temper or mood; amiable ideas.
3. Possessing sweetness of disposition; having sweetness of temper, kindÐheartedness, etc., which causes one to be liked; as, an amiable woman.
4. Done out of love. [Obs.]
Lay an amiable siege to the honesty of this Ford's wife.
Shak.
A·miÏaÏbleÏness, n. The quality of being amiable; amiability.
A¶miÏaÏbly, adv. In an amiable manner.
Am¶iÏanth (?), n. See Amianthus. [Poetic]
Am·iÏan¶thiÏform (?), a. [Amianthus + Ïform.] Resembling amianthus in form.
Am·iÏan¶thoid (?), a. [Amianthus + Ïoid: cf. F. amianto‹de.] Resembling amianthus.
Am·iÏan¶thus (?), n. [L. amiantus, Gr. ? ? (lit., unsoiled stone) a greenish stone, like asbestus; ? priv. + ? to stain, to defile; so called from its incombustibility.] (Min.) Earth flax, or mountain flax; a soft silky variety of asbestus.
Am¶ic (?), a. [L. ammonia + Ïic.] (Chem.) Related to, or derived, ammonia; Ð used chiefly as a suffix; as, amic acid; phosphamic acid.
÷ acid (Chem.), one of a class of nitrogenized acids somewhat resembling amides.
Am·iÏcaÏbil¶iÏty (?), n. The quality of being amicable; friendliness; amicableness.
Ash.
Am¶iÏcaÏble (?), a. [L. amicabilis, fr. amicus friend, fr. amare to love. See Amiable.] Friendly; proceeding from, or exhibiting, friendliness; after the manner of friends; peaceable; as, an amicable disposition, or arrangement.
That which was most remarkable in this contest was… the amicable manner in which it was managed.
Prideoux.
÷ action (Law.), an action commenced and prosecuted by ~ consent of the parties, for the purpose of obtaining a decision of the court on some matter of law involved in it. Bouvier. Burrill. Ð ÷ numbers (Math.), two numbers, each of which is equal to the sum of all the aliquot parts of the other.
Syn. - Friendly; peaceable; kind; harmonious. Ð Amicable, Friendly. Neither of these words denotes any great warmth of affection, since friendly has by no means the same strength as its noun friendship. It does, however, imply something of real cordiality; while amicable supposes very little more than that the parties referred to are not disposed to quarrel. Hence, we speak of amicable relations between two countries, an amicable adjustment of difficulties. ½Those who entertain friendly feelings toward each other can live amicably together.¸
Am¶iÏcaÏbleÏness (?), n. The quality of being amicable; amicability.
Am¶iÏcaÏbly, adv. In an amicable manner.
Am¶ice (?), n. [OE. amyse, prob. for amyt, OF. amit, ameit, fr. L. amictus cloak, the word being confused with amice, almuce, a hood or cape. See next word.] A square of white linen worn at first on the head, but now about the neck and shoulders, by priests of the Roman Catholic Church while saying Mass.
µ Examples of the use of the words amice, a square of linen, and amice, amess, or amyss, a hood or cape, show confusion between them from an early date.
Am¶ice, n. [OE. amuce, amisse, OF. almuce, aumuce, F. aumusse, LL. almucium, almucia, aumucia: of unknown origin; cf. G. mtze cap, prob. of the same origin. Cf. Mozetta.] (Eccl.) A hood, or cape with a hood, made of lined with gray fur, formerly worn by the clergy; Ð written also amess, amyss, and almuce.
AÏmid¶ (?), prep. See Amidst.
Am¶ide (?; 277), n. [Ammonia + Ïide.] (Chem.) A compound formed by the union of amidogen with an acid element or radical. It may also be regarded as ammonia in which one or more hydrogen atoms have been replaced by an acid atom or radical.
Acid ~, a neutral compound formed by the substitution of the amido group for hydroxyl in an acid.
Am¶iÏdin (?), n. [Cf. F. amidine, fr. amido? starch, fr. L. amylum, Gr. ? fine meal, neut. of ? not ground at the mill, Ð hence, of the finest meal; ? priv. + ?, ?, mill. See Meal.] (Chem.) Start modified by heat so as to become a transparent mass, like horn. It is soluble in cold water.
AÏmi¶do (?), a. [From Amide.] (Chem.) Containing, or derived from, amidogen.
÷ acid, an acid in which a portion of the nonacid hydrogen has been replaced by the ~ group. The ~ acids are both basic and acid. Ð ÷ group, amidogen, NH2.
AÏmid¶oÏgen (?), n. [Amide + Ïgen.] (Chem.) A compound radical, NH2, not yet obtained in a separate state, which may be regarded as ammonia from the molecule of which one of its hydrogen atoms has been removed; Ð called also the amido group, and in composition represented by the form amido.
AÏmid¶ships (?), adv. (Naut.) In the middle of a ship, with regard to her length, and sometimes also her breadth.
Totten.
{ AÏmidst¶ (?) , AÏmid¶ (?), } prep. [OE. amidde, amiddes, on midden, AS. on middan, in the middle, fr. midde the middle. The s is an adverbial ending, originally marking the genitive; the t is a later addition, as in whilst, amongst, alongst. See Mid.] In the midst or middle of; surrounded or encompassed by; among. ½This fair tree amidst the garden.¸ ½Unseen amid the throng.¸ ½Amidst thick clouds.¸ Milton. ½Amidst acclamations.¸ ½Amidst the splendor and festivity of a court.¸ Macaulay.
But rather famish them amid their plenty.
Shak.
Syn. Ð Amidst, Among. These words differ to some extent from each other, as will be seen from their etymology. Amidst denotes in the midst or middle of, and hence surrounded by; as, this work was written amidst many interruptions. Among denotes a mingling or intermixing with distinct or separable objects; as, ½He fell among thieves.¸ ½Blessed art thou among women.¸ Hence, we say, among the moderns, among the ancients, among the thickest of trees, among these considerations, among the reasons I have to offer. Amid and amidst are commonly used when the idea of separate or distinguishable objects is not prominent. Hence, we say, they kept on amidst the storm, amidst the gloom, he was sinking amidst the waves, he persevered amidst many difficulties; in none of which cases could among be used. In like manner, Milton speaks of Abdiel, Ð
The seraph Abdiel, faithful found;
Among the faithless faithful only he,
because he was then considered as one of the angels. But when the poet adds, Ð
From amidst them forth he passed,
we have rather the idea of the angels as a collective body.
Those squalid cabins and uncleared woods amidst which he was born.
Macaulay.
Am¶ine (?; 277), n. [Ammonia + Ïine.] (Chem.) One of a class of strongly basic substances derived from ammonia by replacement of one or more hydrogen atoms by a basic atom or radical.
Am¶iÏoid (?), a. (Zo”l.) Like or pertaining to the Amioidei. Ð n. One of the Amioidei.
Ø Am·iÏoi¶deÏi (?), n. pl. [NL., fr. Amia + Ïoid.] (Zo”l.) An order of ganoid fishes of which Amis is type. See Bowfin and Ganoidei.
Ø AÏmir¶ (?), n. Same as Ameer.
AÏmiss¶ (?), adv. [Pref. aÏ + miss.] Astray; faultily; improperly; wrongly; ill.
What error drives our eyes and ears amiss?
Shak.
Ye ask and receive not, because ye ask amiss.
James iv. 3.
To take (an act, thing) amiss, to impute a wrong motive to (an act or thing); to take offense at' to take unkindly; as, you must not take these questions amiss.

<— p. 49 —>

AÏmiss¶ (?), a. Wrong; faulty; out of order; improper; as, it may not be amiss to ask advice. [Used only in the predicate.]
Dryden.
His wisdom and virtue can not always rectify that which is amiss in himself or his circumstances.
Wollaston.
AÏmiss¶, n. A fault, wrong, or mistake. [Obs.]
Each toy seems prologue to some great amiss.
Shak.
AÏmis·siÏbil¶iÏty (?), [Cf. F. amissibilit‚. See Amit.] The quality of being amissible; possibility of being lost. [R.]
Notions of popular rights and the amissibility of sovereign power for misconduct were alternately broached by the two great religious parties of Europe.
Hallam.
AÏmis¶siÏble (?), a. [L. amissibilis: cf. F. amissible.] Liable to be lost. [R.]
AÏmis¶sion (?), n. [L. amissio: cf. F. amission.] Deprivation; loss. [Obs.]
Sir T. Browne.
AÏmit¶ (?), v. t. [L. amittere, amissum, to lose; a (ab) + mittere to send. See Missile.] To lose. [Obs.]
A lodestone fired doth presently amit its proper virtue.
Sir T. Browne.
Am¶iÏty (?), n.; pl. Amities (?). [F. amiti‚, OF. amisti‚, amist‚, fr. an assumed LL. amisitas, fr. L. amicus friendly, from amare to love. See Amiable.] Friendship, in a general sense, between individuals, societies, or nations; friendly relations; good understanding; as, a treaty of amity and commerce; the amity of the Whigs and Tories.
To live on terms of amity with vice.
Cowper.
Syn. - Harmony; friendliness; friendship; affection; good will; peace.
Ø Am¶ma (?), n. [LL. amma, prob. of interjectional or imitative origin: cf. Sp. ama, G. amme, nurse, Basque ama mother, Heb. ?m, Ar. immun, ummun.] An abbes or spiritual mother.
Am¶meÏter (?), n. (Physics) A contraction of amperometer or ampŠremeter.
Am¶miÏral (?), n. An obsolete form of admiral. ½The mast of some great ammiral.¸
Milton.
Am¶mite (?), n. [Gr. ?, ?, sandstone, fr. ? or ? sand.] (Geol.) O”lite or roestone; Ð written also hammite. [Obs.]
Am¶moÏdyte (?), n. [L. ammodytes, Gr. ? sand burrower, a kind of serpent; ? sand + ? diver, ? to dive.] (Zo”l.) (a) One of a genus of fishes; the sand eel. (b) A kind of viper in southern Europe. [Obs.]
AmÏmo¶niÏa (?), n. [From sal ammoniac, which was first obtaining near the temple of Jupiter Ammon, by burning camel's dung. See Ammoniac.] (Chem.) A gaseous compound of hydrogen and nitrogen, NH3, with a pungent smell and taste: Ð often called volatile alkali, and spirits of hartshorn.
{ AmÏmo¶niÏac (?), Am·moÏni¶aÏcal (?), } a. Of or pertaining to ammonia, or possessing its properties; as, an ammoniac salt; ammoniacal gas.
Ammoniacal engine, an engine in which the vapor of ammonia is used as the motive force. Ð Sal ammoniac [L. sal ammoniacus], the salt usually called chloride of ammonium, and formerly muriate of ammonia.
AmÏmo¶niÏac (or Gum· amÏmo¶niÏac), n. [L. Ammoniacum, Gr. ? a resinous gum, said to distill from a tree near the temple of Jupiter Ammon; cf. F. ammoniac. See Ammonite.] (Med.) The concrete juice (gum resin) of an umbelliferous plant, the Dorema ammoniacum. It is brought chiefly from Persia in the form of yellowish tears, which occur singly, or are aggregated into masses. It has a peculiar smell, and a nauseous, sweet taste, followed by a bitter one. It is inflammable, partially soluble in water and in spirit of wine, and is used in medicine as an expectorant and resolvent, and for the formation of certain plasters.
AmÏmo¶niÏa·ted (?), a. (Chem.) Combined or impregnated with ammonia.
AmÏmo¶nic (?), a. Of or pertaining to ammonia.
Am¶monÏite (?), n. [L. cornu Ammonis born of Ammon; L. Ammon, Gr. ? an appellation of Jupiter, as represented with the horns of a ram. It was originally the name of an. Egyptian god, Amun.] (Paleon.) A fossil cephalopod shell related to the nautilus. There are many genera and species, and all are extinct, the typical forms having existed only in the Mesozoic age, when they were exceedingly numerous. They differ from the nautili in having the margins of the septa very much lobed or plaited, and the siphuncle dorsal. Also called serpent stone, snake stone, and cornu Ammonis.
Am·monÏiÏtif¶erÏous (?), a. [Ammonite + Ïferous.] Containing fossil ammonites.
Ø AmÏmon·iÏtoid¶eÏa (?), n. pl. [NL., fr. Ammonite + Ïoid.] (Zo”l.) An extensive group of fossil cephalopods often very abundant in Mesozoic rocks. See Ammonite.
AmÏmo¶niÏum (?), n. [See Ammonia.] (Chem.) A compound radical, NH4, having the chemical relations of a strongly basic element like the alkali metals.
Am·muÏni¶tion (?), n. [F. amunition, for munition, prob. caused by taking la munition as l'amunition. See Munition.] 1. Military stores, or provisions of all kinds for attack or defense. [Obs.]
2. Articles used in charging firearms and ordnance of all kinds; as powder, balls, shot, shells, percussion caps, rockets, etc.
3. Any stock of missiles, literal or figurative.
÷ bread, shoes, etc., such as are contracted for by government, and supplied to the soldiers. [Eng.]
Am·muÏni¶tion (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Ammunitioned (?); p pr. & vb. n. Ammunitioning.] To provide with ammunition.
Ø AmÏne¶siÏa (?), n. [NL., fr. Gr. ?; ? priv. + ? to remember.] (Med.) Forgetfulness; also, a defect of speech, from cerebral disease, in which the patient substitutes wrong words or names in the place of those he wishes to employ.
Quian.
AmÏne¶sic (?), a. (Med.) Of or pertaining to amnesia. ½Amnesic or co”rdinate defects.¸
Quian.
AmÏnes¶tic (?), a. Causing loss of memory.
Am¶nesÏty (?), n. [L. amnestia, Gr. ?, a forgetting, fr. ? forgotten, forgetful; ? priv. + ? to remember: cf. F. amnistie, earlier amnestie. See Mean, v.] 1. Forgetfulness; cessation of remembrance of wrong; oblivion.
2. An act of the sovereign power granting oblivion, or a general pardon, for a past offense, as to subjects concerned in an insurrection.
Am¶nesÏty, v. t. [imp. p. p. Amnestied (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Amnestying.] To grant ~ to.
AmÏnic¶oÏlist (?), n. [L. amnicola, amnis a river + colere to dwell.] One who lives near a river. [Obs.]
Bailey.
AmÏnig¶eÏnous (?), a. [L. amnigena; amnis a river + root gen of gignere to beget.] Born or bred in, of, or near a river. [Obs.]
Bailey.
Am¶niÏon (?), n. [Gr. ? the membrane round the fetus, dim. of ? lamb.] (Anat.) A thin membrane surrounding the embryos of mammals, birds, and reptiles.
Am¶niÏos (?), n. Same as Amnion.
Ø Am·niÏo¶ta (?), n. pl. [NL. See Amnion.] (Zo”l.) That group of vertebrates which develops in its embryonic life the envelope called the amnion. It comprises the reptiles, the birds, and the mammals.
Am·niÏot¶ic (?), a. [Cf. F. amniotique.] (Anat.) Of or pertaining to the amnion; characterized by an amnion; as, the amniotic fluid; the amniotic sac.
÷ acid. (Chem.) [R.] See Allantoin.
AÏm?¶ba (?), n; pl. L. Am?b‘ (?); E. Am?bas (?). [NL., fr. Gr. ? change.] (Zo”l.) A rhizopod. common in fresh water, capable of undergoing many changes of form at will. See Rhizopoda.
Ø Am·?Ïb‘¶um (?), n. [L. amoebaeus, Gr. ?, alternate; L. amoebaeum carmen, Gr. ? ?, a responsive song, fr. ? change.] A poem in which persons are represented at speaking alternately; as the third and seventh eclogues of Virgil.
Ø Am·?Ïbe¶a (?), n. pl. [NL.] (Zo”l.) That division of the Rhizopoda which includes the am?ba and similar forms.
Am·?Ïbe¶an (?), a. Alternately answering.
AÏm?¶biÏan (?), n. (Zo”l.) One of the Am?bea.
{ AÏm?¶biÏform (?), AÏm?¶boid (?), } a. [Am?ba + Ïform or Ïoid.] (Biol.) Resembling an am?ba; am?baÐshaped; changing in shape like an am?ba.
÷ movement, movement produced, as in the am?ba, by successive processes of prolongation and retraction.
AÏm?¶bous (?), a. Like an am?ba in structure.
Am·oÏli¶tion (?), n. [L. amolitio, fr. amoliri to remove; a (ab) + moliri to put in motion.] Removal; a putting away. [Obs.]
Bp. Ward (1673).
Ø AÏmo¶mum (?), n. [L., fr. Gr. ? an Indian spice plant.] (Bot.) A genus of aromatic plants. It includes species which bear cardamoms, and grains of paradise.
AÏmon¶este (?), v. t. To admonish. [Obs.]
{ AÏmong¶ (?), AÏmongst¶ (?), } prep. [OE. amongist, amonges, amonge, among, AS. onmang, ongemang, gemang, in a crowd or mixture. For the ending Ïst see Amidst. See Mingle.] 1. Mixed or mingled; surrounded by.
They heard,
And from his presence hid themselves among
The thickest trees.
Milton.

2. Conjoined, or associated with, or making part of the number of; in the number or class of. Blessed art thou among women. Luke i. 28. 3. Expressing a relation of dispersion, distribution, etc.; also, a relation of reciprocal action. What news among the merchants? Shak. Human sacrifices were practiced among them. Hume. Divide that gold amongst you. Marlowe. Whether they quarreled among themselves, or with their neighbors. Addison. Syn. - Amidst; between. See Amidst, Between. Ø AÏmon·tilÏla¶do (?), n. [Sp.] A dry kind of cherry, of a light color. Simmonds. Am¶oÏret (?), n. [OF. amorette, F. amourette, dim. of amour.] 1. An amorous girl or woman; a wanton. [Obs.] J. Warton. 2. A love knot, love token, or love song. (pl.) Love glances or love tricks. [Obs.] 3. A petty love affair or amour. [Obs.] Am¶oÏrette¶ (?), n. An amoret. [Obs.] Rom. of R. Am¶oÏrist (?), n. [L. armor love. See Amorous.] A lover; a gallant. [R.] Milton. It was the custom for an amorist to impress the name of his mistress in the dust, or upon the damp earth, with letters fixed upon his shoe. Southey. AÐmorn¶ings (?), adv. [See Amorwe. The Ïs is a genitival ending. See Ïwards.] In the morning; every morning. [Obs.] And have such pleasant walks into the woods AÏmornings. J. Fletcher. Ø Am·oÏro¶sa (?), n. [It. amoroso, fem. amorosa.] A wanton woman; a courtesan. Sir T. Herbert. Am·oÏros¶iÏty (?), n. The quality of being amorous; lovingness. [R.] Galt. Ø Am·oÏro¶so (?), n. [It. amoroso, LL. amorosus.] A lover; a man enamored. Ø Am·oÏro¶so, adv. [It.] (Mus.) In a soft, tender, amatory style. Am¶oÏrous (?), a. [OF. amoros, F. amoreux, LL. amorosus, fr. L. amor love, fr. amare to love.] 1. Inclined to love; having a propensity to love, or to sexual enjoyment; loving; fond; affectionate; as, an amorous disposition. 2. Affected with love; in love; enamored; Ð usually with of; formerly with on. Thy roses amorous of the moon. Keats. High nature amorous of the good. Tennyson. Sure my brother is amorous on Hero. Shak. 3. Of or relating to, or produced by, love. ½Amorous delight.¸ Milton. ½Amorous airs.¸ Waller. Syn. - Loving; fond; tender; passionate; affectionate; devoted; ardent. Am¶oÏrousÏly, adv. In an amorous manner; fondly. Am¶oÏrousÏness, n. The quality of being amorous, or inclined to sexual love; lovingness. AÏmor¶pha (?), n.; pl. Amorphas (?). [Gr. ? shapeless.] (Bot.) A genus of leguminous shrubs, having long clusters of purple flowers; false or bastard indigo. Longfellow. AÏmor¶phism (?), n. [See Amorphous.] A state of being amorphous; esp. a state of being without crystallization even in the minutest particles, as in glass, opal, etc. There are stony substances which, when fused, may cool as glass or as stone; the glass state is (Chem.) spoken of as a state of amorphism. AÏmor¶phous (?), a. [Gr. ?; ? priv. + ? form.] 1. Having no determinate form; of irregular; shapeless. Kirwan. 2. Without crystallization in the ultimate texture of a solid substance; uncrystallized. 3. Of no particular kind or character; anomalous. Scientific treatises… are not seldom rude and amorphous in style. Hare. Ð AÏmor¶phousÏly, adv. Ð AÏmor¶phousÏness, n. Ø AÏmor·phoÏzo¶a (?), n. pl. [NL., fr. Gr. ? shapeless; ? priv. + ? form + ? animal.] (Zo”l.) Animals without a mouth or regular internal organs, as the sponges. AÏmor·phoÏzo¶ic (?), a. (Zo”l.) Of or pertaining to the Amorphozoa. AÏmor¶phy (?), n. [Gr. ?: cf. F. amorphie. See Amorphous.] Shapelessness. [Obs.] Swift. AÏmort¶ (?), a. [Pref. aÏ + F. mort death, dead; all amort is for alamort.] As if dead; lifeless; spiritless; dejected; depressed. Shak. AÏmor¶tise (?), v., AÏmor·tiÏsa¶tion (?), n., AÏmor¶tisÏaÏble (?), a. AÏmor¶tiseÏment (?), n. Same as Amortize, Amortization, etc. AÏmor¶tizÏaÏble (?), a. [Cf. F. amortissable.] Capable of being cleared off, as a debt. AÏmor·tiÏza¶tion (?), n. [LL. amortisatio, admortizatio. See Amortize, and cf. Admortization.] 1. (Law) The act or right of alienating lands to a corporation, which was considered formerly as transferring them to dead hands, or in mortmain. 2. The extinction of a debt, usually by means of a sinking fund; also, the money thus paid. Simmonds. AÏmor¶tize (?), v. t. [OE. amortisen, LL. amortisare, admortizare, F. amortir to sell in mortmain, to extinguish; L. ad + mors death. See Mortmain. 1. To make as if dead; to destroy. [Obs.] Chaucer. 2. (Law) To alienate in mortmain, that is, to convey to a corporation. See Mortmain. 3. To clear off or extinguish, as a debt, usually by means of a sinking fund. AÏmor¶tizeÏment (?), n. [F. amortissement.] Same as Amortization. AÏmor¶we (?), adv. [Pref. aÏ on + OE. morwe. See Morrow.] 1. In the morning. [Obs.] Chaucer. 2. On the following morning. [Obs.] Chaucer. AÏmo¶tion (?), n. [L. amotio. See Amove.] 1. Removal; ousting; especially, the removal of a corporate officer from his office. 2. Deprivation of possession. Ø AÏmo¶tus (?), a. [L., withdrawn (from it?place).] (Zo”l.) Elevated, Ð as a toe, when raised so high that the tip does not touch the ground. AÏmount¶ (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Amounted; p. pr. & vb. n. Amounting.] [OF. amonter to increase, advance, ascend, fr. amont (equiv. to L. ad montem to the mountain) upward, F. amont up the river. See Mount, n.] 1. To go up; to ascend. [Obs.] So up he rose, and thence amounted straight. Spenser. 2. To rise or reach by an accumulation of particular sums or quantities; to come (to) in the aggregate or whole; Ð with to or unto. 3. To rise, reach, or extend in effect, substance, or influence; to be equivalent; to come practically (to); as, the testimony amounts to very little. AÏmount¶, v. t. To signify; to ~ to. [Obs.] AÏmount¶, n. 1. The sum total of two or more sums or quantities; the aggregate; the whole quantity; a totality; as, the amount of 7 and 9 is 16; the amount of a bill; the amount of this year's revenue. 2. The effect, substance, value, significance, or result; the sum; as, the amount of the testimony is this. The whole amount of that enormous fame. Pope. AÏmour¶ (?), n. [F., fr. L. amor love.] 1. Love; affection. [Obs.] 2. Love making; a love affair; usually, an unlawful connection in love; a love intrigue; an illicit love affair. In amours with, in love with. [Obs.]

<— p. 50 —>

Ø A¶mour· pro¶pre (?). [F.] SelfÐlove; selfÐesteem.
AÏmov·aÏbil¶iÏty (?), n. Liability to be removed or dismissed from office. [R.]
T. Jefferson.
AÏmov¶aÏble (?), a. [Cf. F. amovible.] Removable.
AÏmove¶ (?), v. t. [L. amovere; aÐ (ab) + movere to move: cf. OF. amover.] 1. To remove, as a person or thing, from a position. [Obs.] Dr. H. More.
2. (Law) To dismiss from an office or station.
AÏmove¶, v. t. & i. [OE. amovir, L. admovere to move to, to excite; ad + movere.] To move or be moved; to excite. [Obs.]
Spenser.
Am¶peÏlite (?), n. [L. ampelitis, Gr. ?, fr. ? vine.] (Min.) An earth abounding in pyrites, used by the ancients to kill insects, etc., on vines; Ð applied by Brongniart to a carbonaceous alum schist.
{ Ø Am·pŠre¶ (?), AmÏpere¶ (?),} n. [From the name of a French electrician.] (Elec.) The unit of electric current; Ð defined by the International Electrical Congress in 1893 and by U. S. Statute as, one tenth of the unit of current of the C. G. S. system of electroÐmagnetic units, or the practical equivalent of the unvarying current which, when passed through a standard solution of nitrate of silver in water, deposits silver at the rate of 0.001118 grams per second. Called also the international ampŠre.
{ Ø Am·pŠre¶me·ter (?), Am·peÏrom¶eÏter (?),} n. [AmpŠre + meter.] (Physics) An instrument for measuring the strength of an electrical current in ampŠres.
Am¶perÏsand (?), n. [A corruption of and, per se and, i. e., ? by itself makes and.] A word used to describe the character ?, ?, or &.
Halliwell.
AmÏphiÏ. [Gr. ?.] A prefix in words of Greek origin, signifying both, of both kinds, on both sides, about, around.
Am·phiÏarÏthro¶diÏal (?), a. [Pref. amphiÐ + arthrodial.] Characterized by amphiarthrosis.
Am·phiÏarÏthro¶sis (?), n. [NL., fr. Gr. ? + ? a joining, ? a joint.] (Anat.) A form of articulation in which the bones are connected by intervening substance admitting slight motion; symphysis.
Am¶phiÏas·ter (?), n. [NL., fr. Gr. ? + ? a star.] (Biol.) The achromatic figure, formed in mitotic cellÐdivision, consisting of two asters connected by a spindleÐshaped bundle of rodlike fibers diverging from each aster, and called the spindle.
Ø AmÏphib¶iÏa (?), n. pl. [See Amphibium.] (Zo”l.) One of the classes of vertebrates.
µ The Amphibia are distinguished by having usually no scales, by having eggs and embryos similar to those of fishes, and by undergoing a complete metamorphosis, the young having gills. There are three living orders: (1) The tailless, as the frogs (Anura); (2) The tailed (Urodela), as the salamanders, and the siren group (Sirenoidea), which retain the gills of the young state (hence called Perennibranchiata) through the adult state, among which are the siren, proteus, etc.; (3) The C?cilians, or serpentlike Amphibia (Ophiomorpha or Gymnophiona), with minute scales and without limbs. The extinct Labyrinthodouts also belonged to this class. The term is sometimes loosely applied to both reptiles and amphibians collectively.
AmÏphib¶iÏal (Ðal), & n. Amphibian. [R.]
AmÏphib¶iÏan (Ðan), a. (Zo”l.) Of or pertaining to the Amphibia; as, amphibian reptiles.
AmÏphib¶iÏan, n. (Zo”l.) One of the Amphibia.
AmÏphib·iÏoÏlog¶icÏal (?), a. Pertaining to amphibiology.
AmÏphib·iÏol¶oÏgy (?), n. [Gr. ? amphibious + Ðlogy: cf. F. amphibiologie.] A treatise on amphibious animals; the department of natural history which treats of the Amphibia.
Ø AmÏphib·iÏot¶iÏca (?), n. pl. [NL., fr. Gr. ? + ? pertaining to life.] (Zo”l.) A division of insects having aquatic larv‘.
AmÏphib¶iÏous (?), a. [Gr. ? living a double life, i. e., both on land in water; ? + ? life.] 1. Having the ability to live both on land and in water, as frogs, crocodiles, beavers, and some plants.
2. Pertaining to, adapted for, or connected with, both land and water.
The amphibious character of the Greeks was already determined: they were to be lords of land and sea.
Hare.
3. Of a mixed nature; partaking of two natures.
Not in free and common socage, but in this amphibious subordinate class of villein socage.
Blackstone.
AmÏphib¶iÏousÏly, adv. Like an amphibious being.
AmÏphib¶iÏousÏness, n. The quality of being amphibious; ability to live in two elements.
Ø AmÏphib¶iÏum (?), n.; pl. L. Amphibia (?); E. Amphibiums (?). [NL., fr. Gr. ? (sc. ? an animal). See Amphibious.] An amphibian.
Am·phiÏbias¶tic (?), a. [Gr. ? + ? tending to sprout.] (Biol.) Segmenting unequally; Ð said of telolecithal ova with complete segmentation.
Am¶phiÏbole (?), n. [Gr. ? doubtful, equivocal, fr. ? to throw round, to doubt: cf. F. amphibole. Hay so named the genus from the great variety of color and composition assumed by the mineral.] (Min.) A common mineral embracing many varieties varying in color and in composition. It occurs in monoclinic crystals; also massive, generally with fibrous or columnar structure. The color varies from white to gray, green, brown, and black. It is a silicate of magnetism and calcium, with usually aluminium and iron. Some common varieties are tremolite, actinolite, asbestus, edenite, hornblende (the last name being also used as a general term for the whole species). Amphibole is a constituent of many crystalline rocks, as syenite, diorite, most varieties of trachyte, etc. See Hornblende.
Am·phiÏbol¶ic (?), a. 1. Of or pertaining to amphiboly; ambiguous; equivocal.
2. Of or resembling the mineral amphibole.
AmÏphib·oÏlog¶icÏal (?), a. Of doubtful meaning; ambiguous. ½Amphibological expressions.¸
Jer. Taylor. Ð AmÏphib·oÏlog¶icÏalÏly, adv.
Am·phiÏbol¶oÏgy (?), n.; pl. Amphibologies (?). [L. amphibologia, for amphibolia, fr. Gr. ?, with the ending Ðlogia as if fr. Gr. ? ambiguous + ? speech: cf. F. amphibologie. See Amphiboly.] A phrase, discourse, or proposition, susceptible of two interpretations; and hence, of uncertain meaning. It differs from equivocation, which arises from the twofold sense of a single term.
AmÏphib¶oÏlous (?), a. [L. amphibolus, Gr. ? thrown about, doubtful. [Obs.]
Never was there such an amphibolous quarrel Ð both parties declaring themselves for the king.
Howell.
2. (Logic) Capable of two meanings.
An amphibolous sentence is one that is capable of two meanings, not from the double sense of any of the words, but from its admitting of a double construction; e. g., ½The duke yet lives that Henry shall depose.¸
Whately.
AmÏphib¶oÏly (?), n.; pl. Amphibolies (?). [L. amphibolia, Gr. ?: cf. OE. amphibolie. See Amphibolous.] Ambiguous discourse; amphibology.
If it oracle contrary to our interest or humor, we will create an amphiboly, a double meaning where there is none.
Whitlock.
Am¶phiÏbranch (?), n. [L. ?, Gr. ? short at both ends; ? + ? short.] (Anc. Pros.) A foot of three syllables, the middle one long, the first and last short (? Ð ?); as, h?b?r?. In modern prosody the accented syllable takes the place of the long and the unaccented of the short; as, proÐphet¶ic.
{ Am·phiÏcar¶pic (?), Am·phiÏcar¶pous (?),} a. [Gr. ? + ? fruit.] (Bot.) Producing fruit of two kinds, either as to form or time of ripening.
Am·phiÏchro¶ic (?), a. [Gr. ? + ? color.] (Chem.) Exhibiting or producing two colors, as substances which in the color test may change red litmus to blue and blue litmus to red.
{ Am·phiÏc?¶liÏan (?), Am·phiÏc?¶lous (?),} a. [Gr. ? hollowed all round; ? + ? hollow.] (Zo”l.) Having both ends concave; biconcave; Ð said of vertebr‘.
Am¶phiÏcome (?), n. [Gr. ? with hair all round; ? + ? hair.] A kind of figured stone, rugged and beset with eminences, anciently used in divination. [Obs.]
Encyc. Brit.
AmÏphic·tyÏon¶ic (?), a. [Gr. ?.] Of or pertaining to the Amphictyons or their League or Council; as, an Amphictyonic town or state; the Amphictyonic body.
W. Smith.
AmÏphic¶tyÏons (?), n. pl. [L. Amphictyones, Gr. ?. Prob. the word was orig. ? dwellers around, neighbors.] (Grecian Hist.) Deputies from the confederated states of ancient Greece to a congress or council. They considered both political and religious matters.
AmÏphic¶tyÏoÏny (?), n.; pl. Amphictyonies (?). [Gr. ?.] (Grecian Hist.) A league of states of ancient Greece; esp. the celebrated confederation known as the Amphictyonic Council. Its object was to maintain the common interests of Greece.
Am¶phid (?), n. [Gr. ? both: cf. F. amphide.] (Chem.) A salt of the class formed by the combination of an acid and a base, or by the union of two oxides, two sulphides, selenides, or tellurides, as distinguished from a haloid compound. [R.]
Berzelius.
Am¶phiÏdisc (?), n. [Gr. ? + ? a round plate.] (Zo”l.) A peculiar small siliceous spicule having a denticulated wheel at each end; Ð found in freshwater sponges.
Am·phiÏdrom¶icÏal (?), a. [Gr. ? running about or around.] Pertaining to an Attic festival at the naming of a child; Ð so called because the friends of the parents carried the child around the hearth and then named it.
AmÏphig¶aÏmous (?), a. [Gr. ? + ? marriage.] (Bot.) Having a structure entirely cellular, and no distinct sexual organs; Ð a term applied by De Candolle to the lowest order of plants.
Am·phiÏge¶an (?), a. [Gr. ? + ?, ?, the earth.] Extending over all the zones, from the tropics to the polar zones inclusive.
Am¶phiÏgen (?), n. [Gr. ? + Ðgen: cf. F. amphigŠne.] (Chem.) An element that in combination produces amphid salt; Ð applied by Berzelius to oxygen, sulphur, selenium, and tellurium. [R.]
Am¶phiÏgene (?), n. (Min.) Leucite.
Am·phiÏgen¶eÏsis (?), n. [Gr. ? + ? generation.] (Biol.) Sexual generation; amphigony.
AmÏphig¶eÏnous (?), a. (Bot.) Increasing in size by growth on all sides, as the lichens.
Am·phiÏgon¶ic (?), a. Pertaining to amphigony; sexual; as, amphigonic propagation. [R.]
AmÏphig¶oÏnous (?), a. [Gr. ? + ? a begetting.] Relating to both parents. [R.]
AmÏphig¶oÏny (?), n. Sexual propagation. [R.]
Am·phiÏgor¶ic (?), a. [See Amphigory.] Nonsensical; absurd; pertaining to an amphigory.
Am¶phiÏgoÏry (?), n. [F. amphigouri, of uncertain derivation; perh. fr. Gr. ? + ? a circle.] A nonsense verse; a rigmarole, with apparent meaning, which on further attention proves to be meaningless. [Written also amphigouri.]
{ AmÏphil¶oÏgism (?), AmÏphil¶oÏgy (?),} n. [Gr. ? + Ðlogy.] Ambiguity of speech; equivocation. [R.]
AmÏphim¶aÏcer (?), n. [L. amphimacru?, Gr. ?; ? on both sides + ? long.] (Anc. Pros.) A foot of three syllables, the middle one short and the others long, as in c¾st?t¾s.
Andrews.
Ø Am·phiÏneu¶ra (?), n. pl. [NL., fr. ? + ? sinew, nerve.] (Zo”l.) A division of Mollusca remarkable for the bilateral symmetry of the organs and the arrangement of the nerves.
Ø Am·phiÏox¶us (?), n. [NL., fr. Gr. ? + ? sharp.] (Zo”l.) A fishlike creature (Amphioxus lanceolatus), two or three inches long, found in temperature seas; Ð also called the lancelet. Its body is pointed at both ends. It is the lowest and most generalized of the vertebrates, having neither brain, skull, vertebr‘, nor red blood. It forms the type of the group Acrania, Leptocardia, etc.
AmÏphip¶neust (?), n. [Gr. ? + ? one who breathes, ? to breathe.] (Zo”l.) One of a tribe of Amphibia, which have both lungs and gills at the same time, as the proteus and siren.
Am¶phiÏpod (?), n. (Zo”l.) One of the Amphipoda.
{ Am¶phiÏpod (?), AmÏphip¶oÏdan (?),} a. (Zo”l.) Of or pertaining to the Amphipoda.
Ø AmÏphip¶oÏda (?), n. pl. [NL., FR. Gr. ? + ?, ? foot.] (Zo”l.) A numerous group of fourteen Ð footed Crustacea, inhabiting both fresh and salt water. The body is usually compressed laterally, and the anterior pairs or legs are directed downward and forward, but the posterior legs are usually turned upward and backward. The beach flea is an example. See Tetradecapoda and Arthrostraca.
AmÏphip¶oÏdous (?), a. (Zo”l.) Of or pertaining to the Amphipoda.
AmÏphip¶roÏstyle (?), a. [L. amphiprostylos, Gr. ? having a double prostyle: cf. F. amphiprostyle. See Prostyle.] (Arch.) Doubly prostyle; having columns at each end, but not at the sides. Ð n. An amphiprostyle temple or edifice.
Ø Am·phiÏrhi¶na (?), n. pl. [NL., fr. Gr. ? + ?, ?, nose.] (Zo”l.) A name applied to the elasmobranch fishes, because the nasal sac is double.
Ø Am·phisÏb‘¶na (?), n. [L., fr. Gr. ?; ? on both ends + ? to go.] 1. A fabled serpent with a head at each end, moving either way.
Milton.
2. (Zo”l.) A genus of harmless lizards, serpentlike in form, without legs, and with both ends so much alike that they appear to have a head at each, and ability to move either way. See Illustration in Appendix.
µ The Gordius aquaticus, or hairworm, has been called an amphisb‘na; but it belongs among the worms.
Ø Am·phisÏb‘¶noid (?), a. [NL., fr. L. amphisbaena + Ðoid.] (Zo”l.) Like or pertaining to the lizards of the genus Amphisb‘na.
{ Ø AmÏphis¶ciÏi (?), AmÏphis¶cians (?),} n. pl. [Gr. ? throwing a shadow both ways; ? + ? shadow.] The inhabitants of the tropic, whose shadows in one part of the year are cast to the north, and in the order to the south, according as the sun is south or north of their zenith.
AmÏphis¶toÏmous (?), a. [Gr. ? + ? mouth.] (Zo”l.) Having a sucker at each extremity, as certain entozoa, by means of which they adhere.
Am·phiÏsty¶lic (?), a. [Gr. ? + ? pillar, support.] (Anat.) Having the mandibular arch articulated with the hyoid arch and the cranium, as in the cestraciont sharks; Ð said of a skull.
{ Am·phiÏthe¶aÏter, Am·phiÏthe¶aÏtre,} (?), n. [L. amphitheatrum, fr. Gr. ?; ? + ? theater: cf. F. amphith‚ƒtre. See Theater.] 1. An oval or circular building with rising tiers of seats about an open space called the arena.
µ The Romans first constructed amphitheaters for combats of gladiators and wild beasts.
2. Anything resembling an amphitheater in form; as, a level surrounded by rising slopes or hills, or a rising gallery in a theater.
Am·phiÏthe¶aÏtral (?), a. [L. amphitheatralis: cf. F. amphith‚ƒtral.] Amphitheatrical; resembling an amphitheater.
{ Am·phiÏtheÏat¶ric (?), Am·phiÏtheÏat¶ricÏal (?),} a. [L. amphitheatricus.] Of, pertaining to, exhibited in, or resembling, an amphitheater.
Am·phiÏtheÏat¶ricÏalÏly, adv. In the form or manner of an amphitheater.
Ø AmÏphit¶roÏcha (?), n. [NL., fr. Gr. ? + ? a wheel.] (Zo”l.) A kind of annelid larva having both a dorsal and a ventral circle of special cilia.
{ AmÏphit¶roÏpal (?), AmÏphit¶roÏpous (?),} a. [Gr. ? + ? to turn.] (Bot.) Having the

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