cast

²cast

noun

Definition of CAST

1

a : an act of casting b : something that happens as a result of chance c : a throw of dice d : a throw of a line (as a fishing line) or net

2

a : the form in which a thing is constructed b (1) : the set of actors in a dramatic production (2) : a set of characters or persons <in both great houses there is the usual cast of servants — Elizabeth Bowen> c : the arrangement of draperies in a painting

3

: the distance to which a thing can be thrown; specifically : the distance a bow can shoot

4

a : a turning of the eye in a particular direction; also : expression <this freakish, elfish cast came into the child's eye — Nathaniel Hawthorne> b : a slight strabismus

5

: something that is thrown or the quantity thrown; especially British : the leader of a fishing line

6

a : something that is formed by casting in a mold or form: as (1) : a reproduction (as of a statue) in metal or plaster : casting (2) : a fossil reproduction of the details of a natural object by mineral infiltration b : an impression taken from an object with a liquid or plastic substance : mold c : a rigid casing (as of fiberglass or of gauze impregnated with plaster of paris) used for immobilizing a usually diseased or broken part

7

: forecast, conjecture

8

a : an overspread of a color or modification of the appearance of a substance by a trace of some added hue : shade <gray with a greenish cast> b : tinge, suggestion

9

a : a ride on one's way in a vehicle : lift b Scottish : help, assistance

10

a : shape, appearance <the delicate cast of her features> b : characteristic quality <his father's conservative cast of mind>

11

: something that is shed, ejected, or thrown out or off: as a : the excrement of an earthworm b : a mass of soft matter formed in cavities of diseased organs and discharged from the body c : the skin of an insect

12

: the ranging in search of a trail by a dog, hunting pack, or tracker

Examples of CAST

1. She has a cast on her arm.
2. They made a mask from a wax cast of her face.

First Known Use of CAST

14th century

Related to CAST

Synonyms: auguring, augury, bodement, prediction, forecast, forecasting, foretelling, predicting, presaging, prognosis, prognostic, prognosticating, prognostication, prophecy (also prophesy), soothsaying, vaticination

Related Words: foreboding, harbinger, omen, portent, prevision, prospectus, sign; anticipation, foreknowledge; foresight; conjecture, guess, surmise

Near Antonyms: achromatism

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Other Performing Arts Terms

diva, dramaturgy, loge, prestidigitation, proscenium, supernumerary, zany