Defn: A crystalline nitrogenous base, C10H8N2, obtained by the reduction of pyridine.
DIRADIATION
Di*ra`di*a"tion, n. Etym: [Pref. di- + radiation.]
Defn: The emission and diffusion of rays of light.
DIRE Dire, a. [Compar. Direr; superl. Direst.] Etym: [L. dirus; of uncertain origin.]
1. Ill-boding; portentous; as, dire omens.
2. Evil in great degree; dreadful; dismal; horrible; terrible;
lamentable.
Dire was the tossing, deep the groans. Milton.
Gorgons and hydras and chimeras dire. Milton.
DIRECT Di*rect", a. Etym: [L. directus, p. p. of dirigere to direct: cf. F. direct. See Dress, and cf. Dirge.]
1. Straight; not crooked, oblique, or circuitous; leading by the short or shortest way to a point or end; as, a direct line; direct means. What is direct to, what slides by, the question. Locke.
2. Straightforward; not of crooked ways, or swerving from truth and openness; sincere; outspoken. Be even and direct with me. Shak.
3. Immediate; express; plain; unambiguous. He howhere, that I know, says it in direct words. Locke. A direct and avowed interference with elections. Hallam.