Defn: See Astringent.
ADSUKI BEAN
Ad*su"ki bean. [Jap. adzuki.]
Defn: A cultivated variety of the Asiatic gram, now introduced into the United States.
ADULARIA Ad`u*la"ri*a, n. Etym: [From Adula, a mountain peak in Switzerland, where fine specimens are found.] (Min.)
Defn: A transparent or translucent variety of common feldspar, or orthoclase, which often shows pearly opalescent reflections; — called by lapidaries moonstone.
ADULATE
Ad"u*late, v. t. Etym: [L. adulatus, p. p. of adulari.]
Defn: To flatter in a servile way. Byron.
ADULATION Ad`u*la"tion, n. Etym: [F. adulation, fr. L. adulatio, fr. adulari, adulatum, to flatter.]
Defn: Servile flattery; praise in excess, or beyond what is merited. Think'st thou the fiery fever will go out With titles blown from adulation Shak.
Syn. — Sycophancy; cringing; fawning; obsequiousness; blandishment. — Adulation, Flattery, Compliment. Men deal in compliments from a desire to please; they use flattery either from undue admiration, or a wish to gratify vanity; they practice adulation from sordid motives, and with a mingled spirit of falsehood and hypocrisy. Compliment may be a sincere expression of due respect and esteem, or it may be unmeaning; flattery is apt to become gross; adulation is always servile, and usually fulsome.