word

Main Entry:: ¹word
Pronunciation:: \ˈwərd\
Function:: noun
Etymology:: Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German wort word, Latin verbum, Greek eirein to say, speak, Hittite weriya- to call, name
Date:: before 12th century

1 a: something that is said bplural (1): talk , discourse <putting one's feelings into words> (2): the text of a vocal musical composition c: a brief remark or conversation <would like to have a word with you>2 a (1): a speech sound or series of speech sounds that symbolizes and communicates a meaning usually without being divisible into smaller units capable of independent use (2): the entire set of linguistic forms produced by combining a single base with various inflectional elements without change in the part of speech elements b (1): a written or printed character or combination of characters representing a spoken word <the number of words to a line> —sometimes used with the first letter of a real or pretended taboo word prefixed as an often humorous euphemism <the first man to utter the f word on British TV — Time><we were not afraid to use the d word and talk about death — Erma Bombeck> (2): any segment of written or printed discourse ordinarily appearing between spaces or between a space and a punctuation mark c: a number of bytes processed as a unit and conveying a quantum of information in communication and computer work3: order , command <don't move till I give the word>4often capitalized a: logos b: gospel 1a c: the expressed or manifested mind and will of God5 a: news , information <sent word that he would be late> b: rumor6: the act of speaking or of making verbal communication7: saying , proverb8: promise , declaration <kept her word>9: a quarrelsome utterance or conversation —usually used in plural <they had words and parted>10: a verbal signal : password11slang —used interjectionally to express agreement

— good word

1: a favorable statement <put in a good word for me>2: good news <what's the good word>

— in a word

: in short

— in so many words

1: in exactly those terms <implied that such actions were criminal but did not say so in so many words>2: in plain forthright language <in so many words, she wasn't fit to be seen — Jean Stafford>

— of few words

: not inclined to say more than is necessary : laconic <a man of few words>

— of one's word

: that can be relied on to keep a promise —used only after man or woman<a man of his word>

— upon my word

: with my assurance : indeed , assuredly <upon my word, I've never heard of such a thing>

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