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 cooked
2 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