dock

noun (1)

\ ˈdäk

Definition of dock

(Entry 1 of 6)

1 : any of a genus (Rumex) of coarse weedy plants of the buckwheat family having long taproots and sometimes used as potherbs

2 : any of several usually broad-leaved weedy plants (as of the genus Silphium)

dock

noun (2)

Definition of dock (Entry 2 of 6)

1 : the solid part of an animal's tail as distinguished from the hair

2 : the part of an animal's tail left after it has been shortened

dock

verb (1)

docked; docking; docks

Definition of dock (Entry 3 of 6)

transitive verb

1a : to cut off the end of a body part of specifically : to remove part of the tail of

b : to cut (part of an animal, such as the ears or a tail) short

2a : to take away a part of : abridge

b : to subject to a deduction dock someone's wages

c : to penalize by depriving of a benefit ordinarily due especially : to fine by a deduction of wages docked him for tardiness

dock

noun (3)

plural docks

Definition of dock (Entry 4 of 6)

1 : a usually artificial basin or enclosure for the reception of ships that is equipped with means for controlling the water height

2 : slip entry 2 sense 1b

3a : a place (such as a wharf or platform) for the loading or unloading of materials

b : a usually wooden pier used as a landing place or moorage for boats

4 : the combining site of a molecular receptor — see receptor sense b Previous research showed that marijuana receptors, specialized proteins that serve as docks for THC, are clustered in regions of the brain known to play a role in movement disorders such as Huntington's disease.— Kathleen Fackelmann

dock

verb (2)

docked; docking; docks

Definition of dock (Entry 5 of 6)

transitive verb

1 : to haul or guide into or alongside a dock

2 : to join (two spacecraft) mechanically while in space

intransitive verb

1 : to come into or alongside a dock

2 : to become docked

3 : to combine with a molecular receptor — see receptor sense b These chemical messengers travel across a tiny cleft and dock at receptors along the surface of a muscle fiber.— Bruce A. Dobkin

dock

noun (4)

Definition of dock (Entry 6 of 6)

: the place in a criminal court where a prisoner stands or sits during trial

in the dock

: on trial

First Known Use of dock

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun (3)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (2)

1600, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun (4)

1586, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for dock

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Old English docce; akin to Middle Dutch docke dock

Noun (2)

Middle English dok, perhaps from Old English -docca (as in fingirdocca finger muscle); akin to Old High German tocka doll, Old Norse dokka bundle

Noun (3)

Middle English dokke, probably from Middle Dutch docke

Noun (4)

Dutch dialect (Flanders) docke cage

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