Defn: A suffix forming nouns of action, and often equivalent to the verbal substantive in -ing. It sometimes has the further meanings of state, and that which results from the action. Many of these nouns have verbs in -ate; as, alliterate -ation, narrate -ation; many are derived through the French; as, alteration, visitation; and many are formed on verbs ending in the Greek formative -ize (Fr. -ise); as, civilization, demoralization.
A-TIPTOE
A-tip"toe, adv.
Defn: On tiptoe; eagerly expecting.
We all feel a-tiptoe with hope and confidence. F. Harrison.
ATLANTA
At*lan"ta, n. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. (Zoöl.)
Defn: A genus of small glassy heteropod mollusks found swimming at the surface in mid ocean. See Heteropod.
ATLANTAL At*lan"tal, a. (Anat.) (a) Relating to the atlas. (b) Anterior; cephalic. Barclay.
ATLANTEAN
At`lan*te"an, a. Etym: [L. Atlant.]
1. Of or pertaining to the isle Atlantis, which the ancients allege was sunk, and overwhelmed by the ocean.
2. Pertaining to, or resembling, Atlas; strong. With Atlantean shoulders, fit to bear The weight of mightiest monarchies. Milton.
ATLANTES
At*lan"tes, n. pl. Etym: [L., fr. Gr. Atlas.] (Arch.)