word (wûrd)
n.

1. A sound or a combination of sounds, or its representation in writing or printing, that symbolizes and communicates a meaning and may consist of a single morpheme or of a combination of morphemes.
2. Something said; an utterance, remark, or comment: May I say a word about that?
3. Computer Science. A set of bits constituting the smallest unit of addressable memory.
4. words Discourse or talk; speech: Actions speak louder than words.
5. words Music. The text of a vocal composition; lyrics.
6. An assurance or promise; sworn intention: She has kept her word.
7. 1. A command or direction; an order: gave the word to retreat.
   2. A verbal signal; a password or watchword.
8. 1. News: Any word on your promotion? See synonyms at news.
   2. Rumor: Word has it they're divorcing.
9. words Hostile or angry remarks made back and forth.
10. Used euphemistically in combination with the initial letter of a term that is considered offensive or taboo or that one does not want to utter: "Although economists here will not call it a recession yet, the dreaded 'R' word is beginning to pop up in the media" (Francine S. Kiefer).
11. Word
    1. See Logos (sense 2).
    2. The Scriptures; the Bible.

tr.v., word·ed, word·ing, words.
To express in words: worded the petition carefully.

interj.
Slang. Used to express approval or an affirmative response to something. Sometimes used with up.

idioms:

at a word

1. In immediate response.

good word

1. A favorable comment: She put in a good word for me.
2. Favorable news.

have no words for

1. To be unable to describe or talk about.

in a word

1. In short; in summary: In a word, the situation is serious.

in so many words

1. In precisely those words; exactly: hinted at impending indictments but did not say it in so many words.
2. Speaking candidly and straightforwardly: In so many words, the weather has been beastly.

of few words

1. Not conversational or loquacious; laconic: a person of few words.

of (one's) word

1. Displaying personal dependability: a woman of her word.

take at (one's) word

1. To be convinced of another's sincerity and act in accord with his or her statement: We took them at their word that the job would be done on time.

upon my word

1. Indeed; really.

[Middle English, from Old English.]

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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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