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

1or plural score a: twenty b: a group of 20 things —often used in combination with a cardinal number <fourscore> c: an indefinitely large number2 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 account3 a: an account or reckoning originally kept by making marks on a tally b: amount due : indebtedness4: 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 notation7 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 points8: success in obtaining something (as money or drugs) especially through illegal or irregular means9: the stark inescapable facts of a situation <knows the score>