Main Entry:

¹ad·dress

Pronunciation:

\ə-ˈdres, a- also ˈa-ˌdres\

Function:

verb

Etymology:

Middle English adressen, from Anglo-French adrescer, from a- (from Latin ad-) + drescer to direct, put right — more at dress

Date:

14th century

transitive verb1archaic a: direct, aim b: to direct to go : send2 a: to direct the efforts or attention of (oneself) <will address himself to the problem> b: to deal with : treat <intrigued by the chance to address important issues — I. L. Horowitz>3archaic : to make ready ; especially : dress4 a: to communicate directly <addresses his thanks to his host> b: to speak or write directly to ; especially : to deliver a formal speech to5 a: to mark directions for delivery on <address a letter> b: to consign to the care of another (as an agent or factor)6: to greet by a prescribed form7: to adjust the club preparatory to hitting (a golf ball)8: to identify (as a computer peripheral or memory location) by an address or a name for information transferintransitive verbobsolete : to direct one's speech or attentions

— ad·dress·er noun