Main Entry: ²turn

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English; partly from Anglo-French tur, tourn turning, circuit (from turner to turn); partly from Middle English turnen to turn

Date: 13th century

1 a : the action or an act of turning about a center or axis : revolution, rotation b : any of various rotating or pivoting movements in dancing or gymnastics
2 a : the action or an act of giving or taking a different direction : change of course or posture <an illegal left turn>: as (1) : a drill maneuver in which troops in mass formation change direction without preserving alignment (2) : any of various shifts of direction in skiing (3) : an interruption of a curve in figure skating b : deflection, deviation c : the action or an act of turning so as to face in the opposite direction : reversal of posture or course <an about turn> <the turn of the tide> d : a change effected by turning over to another side <a turn of the cards> e : a place at which something turns, turns off, or turns back : bend, curve
3 : a short trip out and back or round about <took a turn through the park>
4 : an act or deed affecting another especially when incidental or unexpected <one good turn deserves another>
5 a : a period of action or activity : go, spell <took a turn at the piano> b : a place, time, or opportunity accorded an individual or unit of a series in simple succession or in a scheduled order <waiting her turn in line> c : a period or tour of duty : shift d : a short act or piece (as for a variety show); also : public appearance : performance <makes frequent guest star turns> e (1) : an event in any gambling game after which bets are settled (2) : the order of the last three cards in faro —used in the phrase call the turn
6 : something that revolves around a center: as a (1) : lathe (2) : a catch or latch for a cupboard or cabinet door operated by turning a handle b : a musical ornament consisting of a group of four or more notes that wind about the principal note by including the notes next above and next below
7 : a special purpose or requirement —used chiefly in the phrase serve one's turn
8 a : an act of changing : alteration, modification <a nasty turn in the weather> b : a change in tendency, trend, or drift <hoped for a turn in his luck> <a turn for the better> <an unexpected turn of events> c : the beginning of a new period of time : the time when one period changes to the next <the turn of the century>
9 a : distinctive quality or character b : a fashioning of language or arrangement of words : manner of expression <skillful turns of phrase> c : the shape or mold in which something is fashioned : cast
10 a : the state or manner of being coiled or twisted b : a single round (as of rope passed about an object or of wire wound on a core)
11 : natural or special ability or aptitude : bent, inclination <a turn for logic> <an optimistic turn of mind>
12 : a special twist, construction, or interpretation <gave the old yarn a new turn>
13 a : a disordering spell or attack (as of illness, faintness, or dizziness) b : a nervous start or shock <snuck up on her and gave her quite a turn>
14 a : a complete transaction involving a purchase and sale of securities; also : a profit from such a transaction b : turnover 7b
15 : something turned or to be turned: as a : a character or slug inverted in setting type b : a piece of type placed bottom up

— at every turn : on every occasion : continually <they opposed her at every turn>

— by turns 1 : one after another in regular succession
2 : variously, alternately <a book that is by turns pedantic, delightful, and infuriating>

— in turn : in due order of succession

— on the turn : at the point of turning <tide is on the turn>

— out of turn 1 : not in due order of succession <play out of turn>
2 : at a wrong time or place and usually imprudently <talking out of turn>

— to a turn : to perfection