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 verb 1 archaic a : direct, aim b : to direct to go : send
2 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>
3 archaic : to make ready; especially : dress
4 a : to communicate directly <addresses his thanks to his host> b : to speak or write directly to; especially : to deliver a formal speech to
5 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 form
7 : 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 verb obsolete : to direct one's speech or attentions

— ad·dress·er noun