Definition of contact
1 a : union or junction of surfaces b : the apparent touching or mutual tangency of the limbs of two celestial bodies or of the disk of one body with the shadow of another during an eclipse, transit, or occultation c (1) : the junction of two electrical conductors through which a current passes (2) : a special part made for such a junction
2 a : association, relationship b : connection, communication c : an establishing of communication with someone or an observing or receiving of a significant signal from a person or object <radar contact with Mars>
3 : a person serving as a go-between, messenger, connection, or source of special information <business contacts>
4 : contact lens
Examples of contact in a sentence
Physical contact between a mother and child is very important.
a disease that is spread by sexual contact
Contacts between the two leaders have been frequent in recent weeks.
I applied for a job at that law firm because I have a contact there.
Origin and Etymology of contact
French or Latin; French, from Latin contactus, from contingere to have contact with — more at contingent
First Known Use: 1626
Definition of contact
intransitive verb
: to make contact
transitive verb
1 : to bring into contact
2 a : to enter or be in contact with : join b : to get in communication with <contact your local dealer>
Usage Discussion of contact
The use of contact as a verb, especially in sense 2b, is accepted as standard by almost all commentators except those who write college handbooks.
Examples of contact in a sentence
For more information, contact the city's tourism office.
We were able to contact them by radio.
She contacted everyone on the list.
1834
First Known Use of contact
1834
Definition of contact
: maintaining, involving, or activated or caused by contact <contact poisons> <contact sports> <contact dermatitis>
Examples of contact in a sentence
Ice hockey is a contact sport.
1859
First Known Use of contact
1859
CONTACT Defined for English Language Learners
Definition of contact for English Language Learners
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: the state or condition that exists when two people or things physically touch each other : a state of touching
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: the state or condition that exists when people see and communicate with each other
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: an occurrence in which people communicate with each other
Definition of contact for English Language Learners
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: to call or write to (someone or something) : to communicate with (someone or something)
Definition of contact for English Language Learners
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sports : allowing players to touch or hit each other
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: acting when physical contact occurs
CONTACT Defined for Kids
Definition of contact for Students
1 : a meeting or touching of persons or things
2 : communication with other people <Have you been in contact with her?> <He has no outside contact.>
3 : a person someone knows who serves as a connection especially in the business or political world <I've got contacts in the company.>
4 : contact lens
Word Root of contact
The Latin word tangere, meaning “to touch,” and its form tactus give us the roots tang and tact. Words from the Latin tangere have something to do with touching. Something tangible is able to be touched. Contact is a meeting or touching of people or things. Something intact is unharmed, whole, and untouched. Anything tactile relates to the sense of touch.
Definition of contact for Students
contacted
contacting
1 : to touch or make touch physically
2 : to get in touch or communication with
Definition of contact for Students
: involving or activated by physical interaction <contact sports> <contact poisons>
Medical Dictionary
Medical Definition of contact
1: union or junction of body surfaces <sexual contact>
2a: the junction of two electrical conductors through which a current passesb: a special part that has been made for such a junction
3: direct experience through the senses <loss of contact with reality>
4: contact lens
contact
Medical Definition of contact
: caused or transmitted by direct or indirect contact (as with an allergen or a contagious disease) <a contact allergy>
Learn More about contact
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for contact Spanish Central: Translation of contact Nglish: Translation of contact for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of contact for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
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