Main Entry:

²open

Function:

verb

Inflected Form(s):

opened \ˈō-pənd, ˈō-p^əmd\ ; open·ing \ˈōp-niŋ, ˈō-pə-\

Date:

before 12th century

transitive verb1 a: to move (as a door) from a closed position b: to make available for entry or passage by turning back (as a barrier) or removing (as a cover or an obstruction)2 a: to make available for or active in a regular function <open a new store> b: to make accessible for a particular purpose <opened new land for settlement> c: to initiate access to (a computer file) prior to use3 a: to disclose or expose to view : reveal b: to make more discerning or responsive : enlighten <must open our minds to the problems> c: to bring into view or come in sight of by changing position4 a: to make an opening in <opened the boil> b: to loosen and make less compact <open the soil>5: to spread out : unfold <opened the book>6 a: to enter upon : begin <opened the meeting> b: to commence action in a card game by making (a first bid), putting a first bet in (the pot), or playing (a card or suit) as first lead7: to restore or recall (as an order) from a finally determined state to a state in which the parties are free to prosecute or opposeintransitive verb1: to become open <the office opened early>2 a: to spread out : expand <the wound opened under the strain> b: to become disclosed <a beautiful vista opened before us>3: to become enlightened or responsive4: to give access <the rooms open onto a hall>5: speak out 2 <finally he opened freely on the subject>6 a: to begin a course or activity b: to make a bet, bid, or lead in commencing a round or hand of a card game7: to provide the opening performance of a show before the main event

— open·abil·i·ty \ˌōp-nə-ˈbi-lə-tē, ˌō-pə-\ noun

— open·able \ˈōp-nə-bəl, ˈō-pə-\ adjective