Main Entry:

¹raw

Pronunciation:

\ˈrȯ\

Function:

adjective

Inflected Form(s):

raw·er \ˈrȯ(-ə)r\ ; raw·est \ˈrȯ-əst\

Etymology:

Middle English, from Old English hrēaw; akin to Old High German hrō raw, Latin crudus raw, cruor blood, Greek kreas flesh

Date:

before 12th century

1: not cooked2 a (1): being in or nearly in the natural state : not processed or purified <raw fibers> <raw sewage> (2): not diluted or blended <raw spirits> b: unprepared or imperfectly prepared for use c: not being in polished, finished, or processed form <raw data> <a raw draft of a thesis>3 a (1): having the surface abraded or chafed (2): very irritated <a raw sore throat> b: lacking covering : naked c: not protected : susceptible to hurt <raw emotions>4 a: lacking experience or understanding : green <a raw recruit> b (1): marked by absence of refinements (2): vulgar, coarse <raw language> c: not tempered : unbridled <raw power>5: disagreeably damp or cold <a raw winter day>

synonyms see rude

— raw·ly adverb

— raw·ness noun