Main Entry:

¹blank

Pronunciation:

\ˈblaŋk\

Function:

adjective

Etymology:

Middle English, from Anglo-French blanc colorless, white, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German blanch white; probably akin to Latin flagrare to burn — more at black

Date:

14th century

1archaic : colorless2 a: appearing or causing to appear dazed, confounded, or nonplussed <stared in blank dismay> b: expressionless <a blank stare>3 a: devoid of covering or content ; especially : free from writing or marks <blank paper> b: having spaces to be filled in c: lacking interest, variety, or change <blank hours>4: absolute, unqualified <a blank refusal>5: unfinished ; especially : having a plain or unbroken surface where an opening is usual <a blank key> <a blank arch>

synonyms see empty

— blank·ly adverb

— blank·ness noun