course

¹course

noun \ˈkȯrs\

Definition of COURSE

1

: the act or action of moving in a path from point to point

2

: the path over which something moves or extends: as a : racecourse b (1) : the direction of travel of a vehicle (as a ship or airplane) usually measured as a clockwise angle from north; also : the projected path of travel (2) : a point of the compass c : watercourse d : golf course

3

a : accustomed procedure or normal action <the law taking its course> b : a chosen manner of conducting oneself : way of acting <our wisest course is to retreat> c (1) : progression through a development or period or a series of acts or events (2) : life history, career

4

: an ordered process or succession: as a : a number of lectures or other matter dealing with a subject; also : a series of such courses constituting a curriculum <a premed course> b : a series of doses or medications administered over a designated period

5

a : a part of a meal served at one time <the main course> b : layer; especially : a continuous level range of brick or masonry throughout a wall c : the lowest sail on a square-rigged mast

— in due course

: after a normal passage of time : in the expected or allotted time <his discoveries led in due course to new forms of treatment>

— of course

1

: following the ordinary way or procedure <will be done as a matter of course>

2

: as might be expected <of course we will go>

Examples of COURSE

1. the course of a river
2. The pilot brought the plane back on course.
3. The ship was blown off course by a storm.
4. She's taking a chemistry course this semester.
5. Students earn the degree after a two-year course of study.
6. There is no cure, but the treatment will slow the course of the disease.

Origin of COURSE

Middle English, from Anglo-French curs, course, from Latin cursus, from currere to run — more at car

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to COURSE

Synonyms: line, methodology, policy, procedure, program

Related Words: blueprint, design, plan, scheme, strategy; intent, intention, purpose; approach, direction, method, path, pathway, tack

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Rhymes with COURSE

coarse, corse, force, gorse, hoarse, horse, Morse, Norse, source