reg·is·ter (rĕj'ĭ-stər)
n.

1. 1. A formal or official recording of items, names, or actions.
   2. A book for such entries.
   3. An entry in such a record.
2. The act of registering.
3. A device that automatically records a quantity or number.
4. Computer Science. A part of the central processing unit used as a storage location.
5. An adjustable, grill-like device through which heated or cooled air is released into a room.
6. A state of proper alignment: to be in register.
7. Printing.
   1. Exact alignment of the lines and margins on the opposite sides of a leaf.
   2. Proper positioning of colors in color printing.
8. Music.
   1. The range of an instrument or a voice.
   2. A part of such a range.
   3. A group of matched organ pipes; a stop.
9. A variety of language used in a specific social setting: speaking in an informal register; writing in a scientific register.

v., -tered, -ter·ing, -ters.

v.tr.

1. 1. To enter in an official register.
   2. To enroll officially or formally, especially in order to vote or attend classes.
2. To set down in writing; record: "It is for the historian to discover and register what actually happened" (Robert Conquest).
3. To indicate on or as if on an instrument or a scale.
4. To give outward signs of; express: Her face registered surprise.
5. To attain or achieve: registered a new high in sales.
6. To cause (mail) to be officially recorded and specially handled by payment of a fee.
7. To adjust so as to be properly aligned.

v.intr.

1. To place or cause placement of one's name in a register.
2. To have one's name officially placed on a list of eligible voters.
3. To enroll as a student.
4. To be indicated on or as if on an instrument or a scale.
5. To be shown or expressed, as on the face.
6. To make an impression; be recorded in the mind: The warning failed to register.
7. To be in proper alignment.

[Middle English registre, from Old French, from Medieval Latin registrum, alteration of Late Latin regesta, from Latin, neuter pl. past participle of regerere, to record : re-, re- + gerere, to carry.]

registerer reg'is·ter·er n.
registrable reg'is·tra·ble (-ĭ-strə-bəl) adj.

---

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

---