brace

²brace

noun

plural brac·es

Definition of BRACE

1

: something (as a clasp) that connects or fastens

2

or plural brace : two of a kind : pair <several brace of quail>

3

: a crank-shaped instrument for turning a bit

4

: something that transmits, directs, resists, or supports weight or pressure: as a : a diagonal piece of structural material that serves to strengthen something (as a framework) b : a rope rove through a block at the end of a ship's yard to swing it horizontally c plural : suspenders d : an appliance for supporting a body part e plural : an orthodontic appliance usually of metallic wire that is used especially to exert pressure to straighten misaligned teeth

5

a : one of two marks { } used to connect words or items to be considered together b : one of these marks connecting two or more musical staffs carrying parts to be performed simultaneously c : bracket 3a

6

: a position of rigid attention

7

: something that arouses energy or strengthens morale

Examples of BRACE

1. We need to add some sort of brace to hold the shelf in place.
2. He could walk with braces on his legs.
3. She wears a back brace.

Origin of BRACE

Middle English, clasp, pair, from Anglo-French, pair of arms, pair, support, from Latin bracchia, plural of bracchium arm, from Greek brachiōn, from comparative of brachys short — more at brief

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to BRACE

Synonyms: support, buttress, mount, mounting, prop, reinforcement, shore, spur, stay, underpinning

Related Words: shoring; column, pedestal, pilaster, pillar; arch, bolster, bracket, cantilever, girder; bearing; crutch, peg, post, stake, stanchion, stand, stilt, strut, truss; base, foundation, frame

see all synonyms and antonyms

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