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lean

Browse the Dictionary:: A; B; C; D; E; F; G; H; I; J; K; L; M; N; O; P; Q; R; S; T; U; V; W; X; Y; Z; #

lean

Main Entry:: ¹lean
Pronunciation:: \ˈlēn\
Function:: verb
Inflected Form(s):: leaned \ˈlēnd, chiefly British ˈlent\; lean·ing \ˈlē-niŋ\
Etymology:: Middle English lenen, from Old English hleonian; akin to Old High German hlinēn to lean, Greek klinein, Latin clinare
Date:: before 12th century

intransitive verb1 a: to incline, deviate, or bend from a vertical position b: to cast one's weight to one side for support2: to rely for support or inspiration3: to incline in opinion, taste, or desire <leaning toward a career in chemistry>transitive verb: to cause to lean : incline

— lean on

: to apply pressure to

Learn more about "lean" and related topics at Britannica.com

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