contact
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37 ENTRIES FOUND:

1con·tact

noun \ˈkän-ˌtakt\

Definition of CONTACT

1
a : union or junction of surfaces
b : the apparent touching or mutual tangency of the limbs of two celestial bodies or of the disk of one body with the shadow of another during an eclipse, transit, or occultation
c (1) : the junction of two electrical conductors through which a current passes
(2) : a special part made for such a junction
2
a : association, relationship
b : connection, communication
c : an establishing of communication with someone or an observing or receiving of a significant signal from a person or object <radar contact with Mars>
3
: a person serving as a go-between, messenger, connection, or source of special information <business contacts>

Examples of CONTACT

  1. Physical contact between a mother and child is very important.
  2. a disease that is spread by sexual contact
  3. Contacts between the two leaders have been frequent in recent weeks.
  4. I applied for a job at that law firm because I have a contact there.

Origin of CONTACT

French or Latin; French, from Latin contactus, from contingere to have contact with — more at contingent
First Known Use: 1626

2con·tact

verb \ˈkän-ˌtakt, kən-ˈ\

Definition of CONTACT

intransitive verb
: to make contact
transitive verb
1
: to bring into contact
2
a : to enter or be in contact with : join
b : to get in communication with <contact your local dealer>

Usage Discussion of CONTACT

The use of contact as a verb, especially in sense 2b, is accepted as standard by almost all commentators except those who write college handbooks.

Examples of CONTACT

  1. For more information, contact the city's tourism office.
  2. We were able to contact them by radio.
  3. She contacted everyone on the list.

First Known Use of CONTACT

1834

Related to CONTACT

Synonyms
address, communicate (with), get, reach, get hold of, get (or keep) in touch with, touch base (with)

3con·tact

adjective \ˈkän-ˌtakt\

Definition of CONTACT

: maintaining, involving, or activated or caused by contact <contact poisons> <contact sports> <contact dermatitis>

Examples of CONTACT

  1. Ice hockey is a contact sport.

First Known Use of CONTACT

1859

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