Entry Word: cast

Function: noun

Meaning: 1 a declaration that something will happen in the future <offered an optimistic cast for the coming year> — see prediction
2 a property that becomes apparent when light falls on an object and by which things that are identical in form can be distinguished <the walls had a slight yellowish cast> — see color 1
3 an instance of looking especially briefly <a mischievous cast in his eye when we asked what our destination would be> — see look 2
4 facial appearance regarded as an indication of mood or feeling <his face took on a somewhat sad cast> — see look 1
5 the outward appearance of something as distinguished from its substance <the lovely cast of the baby's features> — see form 1