fig·ure (fĭg'yər)
n.

1. 1. A written or printed symbol representing something other than a letter, especially a number.
   2. figures Mathematical calculations: good at figures.
   3. An amount represented in numbers: sold for a large figure.
2. 1. Mathematics. A geometric form consisting of any combination of points, lines, or planes: A triangle is a plane figure.
   2. The outline, form, or silhouette of a thing.
   3. The shape or form of a human body.
   4. An indistinct object or shape: saw figures dashing down the street.
3. 1. A person, especially a well-known one: a famous historical figure.
   2. A person's public image or presence: became a tragic figure overnight.
4. Impression or appearance made: cuts a dashing figure.
5. A person, animal, or object that symbolizes something.
6. A pictorial or sculptural representation, especially of the human body.
7. 1. A diagram.
   2. A design or pattern, as in a textile: silk with a paisley figure.
8. An illustration printed from an engraved plate or block.
9. 1. A configuration or distinct group of steps in a dance.
   2. A pattern traced by a series of movements, as in ice skating.
10. Music. A brief melodic or harmonic unit often constituting the basis of a larger phrase or structure.
11. Logic. Any one of the forms that a syllogism can take, depending on the position of the middle term.

v., -ured, -ur·ing, -ures.

v.tr.

1. Mathematics. To calculate with numbers.
2. To make a likeness of; depict.
3. To adorn with a design or figures.
4. Music.
   1. To write a sequence of conventionalized numbers below or above (the bass line) to indicate harmony.
   2. To embellish with an ornamental pattern.
5. Informal.
   1. To conclude, believe, or predict: I never figured that this would happen.
   2. To consider or regard: figured them as con artists.

v.intr.

1. Mathematics. To calculate; compute.
2. 1. To be or seem important or prominent.
   2. To be pertinent or involved: politicians who figured in the scandal.
3. Informal. To seem reasonable or expected: It figures.

phrasal verbs:

figure in

1. To include, as in making an account: figured in travel expenses.

figure on Informal.

1. To depend on: We figured on your support.
2. To take into consideration; expect: I figured on an hour's delay.
3. To plan: We figure on leaving at noon.

figure out Informal.

1. To discover or decide: Let's figure out a way to help.
2. To solve or decipher: Can you figure out this puzzle?

[Middle English, from Old French, from Latin figūra.]

figurer fig'ur·er n.

SYNONYMS   figure, design, device, motif, pattern. These nouns denote an element or a component in a decorative composition: a tapestry with a floral figure; a rug with a geometric design; a brooch with a fanciful and intricate device; a scarf with a heart motif; fabric with a plaid pattern. See also synonyms at calculate, form.

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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.

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