Main Entry: ¹ef·fect

Pronunciation: \i-ˈfekt, e-, ē-, ə-\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin effectus, from efficere to bring about, from ex- + facere to make, do — more at do

Date: 14th century

1 a : purport, intent b : basic meaning : essence
2 : something that inevitably follows an antecedent (as a cause or agent)
3 : an outward sign : appearance
4 : accomplishment, fulfillment
5 : power to bring about a result : influence <the content itself of television…is therefore less important than its effect — Current Biography>
6 plural : movable property : goods <personal effects>
7 a : a distinctive impression <the color gives the effect of being warm> b : the creation of a desired impression <her tears were purely for effect> c (1) : something designed to produce a distinctive or desired impression —usually used in plural (2) plural : special effects
8 : the quality or state of being operative : operation <the law goes into effect next week>

— in effect : in substance : virtually <the…committee agreed to what was in effect a reduction in the hourly wage — Current Biography>

— to the effect : with the meaning <issued a statement to the effect that he would resign>