Main Entry:

win·dow

Pronunciation:

\ˈwin-(ˌ)dō\

Function:

noun

Usage:

often attributive

Etymology:

Middle English windowe, from Old Norse vindauga, from vindr wind (akin to Old English wind) + auga eye; akin to Old English ēage eye — more at eye

Date:

13th century

1 a: an opening especially in the wall of a building for admission of light and air that is usually closed by casements or sashes containing transparent material (as glass) and capable of being opened and shut b: windowpane c: a space behind a window of a retail store containing displayed merchandise d: an opening in a partition or wall through which business is conducted <a bank teller's window>2: a means of entrance or access ; especially : a means of obtaining information <a window on history>3: an opening (as a shutter, slot, or valve) that resembles or suggests a window4: the transparent panel or opening of a window envelope5: the framework (as a shutter or sash with its fittings) that closes a window opening6: chaff 47: a range of wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum to which a planet's atmosphere is transparent8 a: an interval of time within which a rocket or spacecraft must be launched to accomplish a particular mission b: an interval of time during which certain conditions or an opportunity exists <a window of vulnerability>9: an area at the limits of the earth's sensible atmosphere through which a spacecraft must pass for successful reentry10: any of various rectangular boxes appearing on a computer screen that display files or program output, that can usually be moved and resized, and that facilitate multitasking

— win·dow·less \-dō-ləs, -də-\ adjective

— out the window

: out of existence, use, or consideration