Main Entry: soft

Pronunciation: \ˈsȯft\

Function: adjective

1 : yielding to physical pressure
2 : deficient in or free from substances (as calcium and magnesium salts) that prevent lathering of soap <soft water>
3 : having relatively low energy <soft X-rays>
4 : biodegradable <soft pesticides>
5 of a drug : considered less detrimental than a hard narcotic <marijuana is usually regarded as a soft drug>
6 : easily polarized—used of acids and bases
7 a : being or based on interpretive or speculative data <soft evidence> b : utilizing or based on soft data <soft science>