Main Entry: ¹score

Pronunciation: \ˈskȯr\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural scores

Etymology: Middle English scor, from Old Norse skor notch, tally, twenty; akin to Old English scieran to cut — more at shear

Date: 14th century

1 or plural score a : twenty b : a group of 20 things —often used in combination with a cardinal number <fourscore> c : an indefinitely large number
2 a : a line (as a scratch or incision) made with or as if with a sharp instrument b (1) : a mark used as a starting point or goal (2) : a mark used for keeping account
3 a : an account or reckoning originally kept by making marks on a tally b : amount due : indebtedness
4 : grudge <a score to settle>
5 a : reason, ground <was accepted on the score of high academic achievement> b : subject, topic <has nothing to say on that score>
6 a : the copy of a musical composition in written or printed notation b : a musical composition; specifically : the music for a movie or theatrical production c : a complete description of a dance composition in choreographic notation
7 a : a number that expresses accomplishment (as in a game or test) or excellence (as in quality) either absolutely in points gained or by comparison to a standard b : an act (as a goal, run, or touchdown) in any of various games or contests that gains points
8 : success in obtaining something (as money or drugs) especially through illegal or irregular means
9 : the stark inescapable facts of a situation <knows the score>