Main Entry: ¹pos·i·tive

Pronunciation: \ˈpäz-ət-iv, ˈpäz-tiv\

Function: adjective

1 : directed or moving toward a source of stimulation <a positive taxis>
2 : having rendition of light and shade similar in tone to the tones of the original <a positive photographic image>
3 a (1) : being, relating to, or charged with electricity of which the proton is the elementary unit and which predominates in a glass body after being rubbed with silk (2) : having more protons than electrons <a positive ion> b (1) : having higher electrical potential and constituting the part from which the current flows to the external circuit <the positive terminal of a discharging storage battery> (2) : being an electron-collecting electrode of an electron tube
4 a : marked by or indicating acceptance, approval, or affirmation b : affirming the presence of that sought or suspected to be present <a positive test for blood>
5 of a lens : converging light rays and forming a real inverted image

—pos·i·tive·ly \-lē, for emphasis often ˌpäz-ə-ˈtiv-\ adverb

—pos·i·tive·ness \ˈpäz-ət-iv-nəs, ˈpäz-tiv-\ noun