United States Patent and Trademark Office
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
United States Patent and Trademark Office
Address: COMMISSIONER FOR PATENTS
P.O.Box 1450
Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1450
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APPLICATION NO. FILING DATE FIRST NAMED INVENTOR ATTORNEY DOCKET NO. CONFIRMATION NO.
10/838,842 05/04/2004 Erol Hakanoglu GOLD 11-00209 6307
132787 7590
Docket Clerk-GOLD
P.O. Drawer 800889
Dallas, TX 75380
03/09/2017 EXAMINER
CRANFORD, MICHAEL D
ART UNIT PAPER NUMBER
3694
NOTIFICATION DATE DELIVERY MODE
03/09/2017 ELECTRONIC
Please find below and/or attached an Office communication concerning this application or proceeding.
The time period for reply, if any, is set in the attached communication.
Notice of the Office communication was sent electronically on above-indicated "Notification Date" to the
following e-mail address(es):
j ohn. maxin @ gs. com
patents @ munckwilson. com
PTOL-90A (Rev. 04/07)
UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
BEFORE THE PATENT TRIAL AND APPEAL BOARD
Ex parte EROL HAKANOGLU and EMERSON P. JONES
Appeal 2015-0067961
Application 10/838,842
Technology Center 3600
Before: MURRIEL E. CRAWFORD, JOSEPH A. FISCHETTI, and
MICHAEL W. KIM, Administrative Patent Judges.
KIM, Administrative Patent Judge.
DECISION ON APPEAL
STATEMENT OF THE CASE
This is an appeal from the final rejection of claims 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, and 9.
We have jurisdiction to review the case under 35 U.S.C. §§ 134 and 6.
The invention relates generally to methods for analyzing financial
aspects of securities and companies. Spec. 1—2.
1 The Appellants identify Goldman, Sachs & Co. as the real party in interest.
Appeal Br. 2.
Appeal 2015-006796
Application 10/838,842
Claim 1 is illustrative:
1. A processor implemented method comprising:
receiving, by a processor, data related to an equity-related
instrument;
determining, by the processor, a common stock
component, a debt component and an asset component associated
with the equity-related instrument;
creating, by the processor, variables corresponding to the
common stock component, the debt component and the asset
component associated with the equity-related instrument;
determining, by the processor, a value of the common
stock component variable by calculating a ratio of a change in
value of the equity-related instrument to a change in price of a
stock underlying the equity-related instrument;
calculating, by the processor, an earnings value for the
debt component variable by multiplying a present value of fixed
cash outflows with a probability of the cash outflows;
calculating, by the processor, a value for the asset
component variable by multiplying the present value of fixed
cash inflows with a probability of the cash inflows;
generating, by the processor, a debt earnings and volatility
report for the equity related instrument; and
reporting the values assigned to the common stock
component variable, the asset component variable and the debt
component variable,
wherein the reported values relate to a balance sheet of an
issuer of the equity-related instrument.
Claims 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, and 9 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 101 as
reciting ineligible subject matter in the form of an abstract idea.
Claims 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, and 9 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 103(a) as
unpatentable over Makivic (US 6,061,662, iss. May 9, 2000), Hito
(US 2002/0123954 Al, pub. Sept. 5, 2002), and Dickstein et al.
(US 2002/0087373 Al, pub. July 4, 2002).
We AFFIRM and enter a NEW GROUND of rejection.
2
Appeal 2015-006796
Application 10/838,842
ANALYSIS
Claim Construction
Independent claims 1 and 9 each recite an “equity-related instrument.”
This term is not defined by the Specification, but the Specification describes
that “the term ‘security’ or ‘instrument’ is intended to refer to a mechanism
evidencing debt and/or ownership of asset(s).” Spec. 2,11. 21—23. The
Specification describes various embodiments that “divide[ ] any equity-
related instrument into a common stock component, a liability component,
and an asset component (one or more of which may have a zero value).”
Spec. 1,11. 9-12. As the liability and asset components may, thus, at times,
be zero, this indicates that an “equity-related instrument,” according to the
Specification, may be a common stock alone.
Independent claim 1, however, recites “a change in price of a stock
underlying the equity-related instrument” related to the “common stock
component.” In the scenario where the “equity-related instrument” is a
common stock alone, however, the limitation is illogical, in that a common
stock is the underlying instrument; its value does not and cannot relate
directly to the value of yet another instrument, as required. A derivative
financial instrument’s value, however, derives from an “underlying”
instrument, such as a common stock. Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate
Dictionary, p.336(llth Ed. 2007) (a “derivative” is “a contract or security
that derives its value from that of an underlying asset (as another
security). . . .”). Therefore, we construe independent claim l’s “equity-
related instrument” as being a derivative financial instrument, or a hybrid of
a derivative and its underlying instrument, because the “common stock
component” excludes a common stock alone by requiring another
3
Appeal 2015-006796
Application 10/838,842
“underlying component.” This is consistent with the Specification’s
description of “equity-related alternative capital structures, or securities
(e.g., hybrid securities such as, for example, convertible securities).”
Spec. 1,11. 28-31.
Independent claim 9 does not recite an underlying limitation. We,
therefore, construe the “equity-related instrument” of independent claim 9 as
encompassing a common stock alone.
Rejection under 35 U.S.C. f101
We are not persuaded by the Appellants’ argument that the claims are
not abstract ideas, because the “claims present functional and palpable
applications in the field of analysis tools for accounting and analyzing
capital structure, but the claims also recite a specific set of elements.” Reply
Br. 8 ; see also Reply Br. 2—11.
The Supreme Court in Alice reiterated a two-step framework, set forth
previously in Mayo Collaborative Services v. Prometheus Labs., Inc., 132 S.
Ct. 1289, 1300 (2012), “for distinguishing patents that claim laws of nature,
natural phenomena, and abstract ideas from those that claim patent-eligible
applications of these concepts.” Alice Corp. Pty. Ltd. v. CLS Bank Int'l, 134
S. Ct. 2347, 2355 (2014). The first step in that analysis is to “determine
whether the claims at issue are directed to one of those patent-ineligible
concepts.” Id. If so, the second step is to consider the elements of the
claims “individually and ‘as an ordered combination’” to determine whether
the additional elements “‘transform the nature of the claim’ into a patent-
eligible application.” Id. (citing Mayo, 132 S. Ct. at 1291, 1297). In other
words, the second step is to “search for an ‘inventive concept’—i.e., an
4
Appeal 2015-006796
Application 10/838,842
element or combination of elements that is ‘sufficient to ensure that the
patent in practice amounts to significantly more than a patent upon the
[ineligible concept] itself.’” Id. (citingMayo, 132 S. Ct. at 1294).
The independent claims are each directed to analyzing a value of a
complex financial instrument through a series of determinations and
calculations. In each independent claim, the determining, creating,
calculating, and generating steps, and the obtaining step of claim 9, can be
performed entirely through mental thought. The receiving and reporting
steps are merely insignificant extra-solution activity that amount only to
input and output steps before and after the mental processes steps.
As an initial matter, we note that the claims are largely directed to
mathematical calculations in a specific field. To that end, they are similar to
the claims determined to be unpatentable in Bilski v. Kappos, 130 S.Ct.
3218, 3223—3224 (2010) (“Claim 1 describes a series of steps instructing
how to hedge risk. Claim 4 puts the concept articulated in claim 1 into a
simple mathematical formula .... The remaining claims explain how
claims 1 and 4 can be applied to allow energy suppliers and consumers to
minimize the risks resulting from fluctuations in market demand for
energy”) and Gottschalkv. Benson, 409 U.S. 63, 65 (1972) (“The procedures
set forth in the present claims . . . are a generalized formulation for programs
to solve mathematical problems of converting one form of numerical
representation to another.”).
Furthermore, the Federal Circuit has held that if a method can be
performed by human thought alone, or by a human using pen and paper, it is
merely an abstract idea and is not patent-eligible under § 101. CyberSource
Corp. v. Retail Decisions, Inc., 654 F.3d 1366, 1373 (Fed. Cir. 2011) (“[A]
5
Appeal 2015-006796
Application 10/838,842
method that can be performed by human thought alone is merely an abstract
idea and is not patent-eligible under § 101.”). Additionally, mental
processes, e.g., calculating and determining values, as recited in claim 1,
remain unpatentable even when automated to reduce the burden on the user
of what once could have been done with pen and paper. Id. at 1375 (“That
purely mental processes can be unpatentable, even when performed by a
computer, was precisely the holding of the Supreme Court in Gottschalk v.
Benson, [409 U.S. 63 (1972)].”). Each of the independent claims therefore
is directed to an abstract idea, because each can be performed by human
thought alone.
Turning to the second step of the Alice analysis, because we find that
the claims are directed to abstract ideas, the claims must include an
“inventive concept” in order to be patent-eligible, i.e., there must be an
element or combination of elements that is sufficient to ensure that the claim
in practice amounts to significantly more than the abstract idea itself.
Each independent claim specifies that every limitation, except the
reporting limitation, is performed by a “processor.” The Specification does
not define a processor, but describes that “the method embodiments
described herein may, of course, be implemented using any appropriate
computer hardware and/or computer software.” Spec. 87,11. 17—18.
“[A]fter Alice, there can remain no doubt: recitation of generic computer
limitations does not make an otherwise ineligible claim patent-eligible. The
bare fact that a computer exists in the physical rather than purely conceptual
realm is beside the point.” DDR Holdings, LLC v. Hotels.com, L.P., 773
F.3d 1245, 1256 (Fed. Cir. 2014) (internal citations and quotation marks
omitted).
6
Appeal 2015-006796
Application 10/838,842
Nothing in claims 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, and 9 purports to improve computer
functioning or “effect an improvement in any other technology or technical
field.” Alice, 134 S. Ct. at 2359. Nor do the claims appear to solve a
problem unique to the Internet. See DDR Holdings, 773 F.3d at 1256. The
claims also do not appear to be adequately tied to “a particular machine or
apparatus,” because any appropriate computer hardware and/or software
maybe used. Bilski v. Kappos, 561 U.S. 593, 601 (2010).
As claims 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, and 9 each are directed to an abstract idea, and
nothing in the claims adds an inventive concept, the claims are not patent-
eligible under § 101. Therefore, we sustain the Examiner’s rejection of
claims 1,3,5, 6, 8, and 9 under 35 U.S.C. § 101. As our rationale is
different from that of the Examiner, however, we denominate our affirmance
a new ground of rejection.
Rejection of Claim 1 under 35 U.S.C. § 103(a)
We are persuaded by the Appellants’ arguments that Makivic does not
disclose or suggest “determining, by the processor, a common stock
component, a debt component and an asset component associated with the
equity-related instrument,” as recited in independent claim 1, because in the
cited portion of Makivic, no common stock or asset component is disclosed,
and the only reference to debt is a definition of the measurement which
represents “sensitivity to the dividend yield for stock options,” which fails to
meet the claim language of “determining ... a debt component” because we
are persuaded that dividends are not a debt component of a derivative.
Appeal Br. 6; see also Reply Br. 14—15 (“computing derivative price
7
Appeal 2015-006796
Application 10/838,842
sensitivities is not the same as ‘determining ... a debt component. . .
associated with the equity-related instrument.’”).
The Examiner first “interprets dividends to be similar or the same as
debt” (Answer 7), which we find unreasonable, because dividends and debt
are different concepts. In our understanding, debt and dividends are both
payable by a company, but dividends are paid to equity investors, and debt is
paid to a lender. Dividends, for example, are not due unless optionally
declared, whereas debt typically must be repaid by agreement with the
lender. Dividends and debt are treated differently on balance sheets, and
have different effects in financial measurements, which is relevant in the
type of analysis addressed by the claimed invention. See, e.g., Merriam-
Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, p. 320 (11th Ed. 2007) (“debt” is
“something owed: OBLIGATION”); p. 366 (a “dividend” is “an individual
share of something distributed: as a: a share in a pro rata distribution (as of
profits) to stockholders.”)
Next, the Examiner cites Makivic, column 16, lines 30—36 (Answer
19; see also Answer 7). This portion of Makivic discloses the concept of
computing “derivative price sensitivities,” and, more specifically,
“sensitivity to the dividend yield for stock options.” Makivic 16:30-36. We
are persuaded that computing price sensitivities in Makivic does not
correspond properly to the required determining components of an equity-
related instrument. In addition, the dividend referred to here is a yield of a
stock option, which is not a dividend paid to an equity investor. By failing
to link adequately a disclosure of Makivic with the claim language, the
Examiner has not established obviousness of independent claim 1 using the
8
Appeal 2015-006796
Application 10/838,842
cited portions of Makivic. Therefore, we do not sustain the rejection of
independent claim 1.
Rejection of Claims 3, 5, 6, 8, and 9 under 35 U.S.C. § 103(a)
In rejecting independent claims 3, 6, and 9, the Examiner asserts that
each claim “encompasses the same or substantially the same scope as claim
1,” and, therefore, relies on the analysis of claim 1 as the basis for the
rejection of each of claims 3, 6, and 9. Answer 13, 18. We disagree that the
Examiner’s assertion is correct.
Independent method claim 3 recites “calculating, by the processor, a
value of the common stock component variable, wherein the value of the
common stock component variable is a discounted probability weighted
expectation that payments, including settlement, will vary with a price of a
stock underlying the convertible debt instrument,” which does not appear in
independent claim 1. A convertible debt instrument is not recited in
independent claim 1 at all, nor is any “probability weighted expectation.”
The scope of independent claim 3 is not the same as that of independent
claim 1.
Independent method claim 6 recites “calculating, by the processor, a
value of the common stock component variable, wherein the value of the
common stock component variable is common stock at issuance less the
probability weighted shares to be repurchased under the put option.” There
is no put option or repurchase of shares in independent claim 1. Therefore,
scope of independent claim 6 is not the same as that of independent claim 1.
Independent claim 9 recites “creating, by the processor, a variable
corresponding to a probability weighted number of issuer common shares
9
Appeal 2015-006796
Application 10/838,842
corresponding to the equity-related instrument.” This step does not appear
in independent claim 1. Thus, the scope of independent claim 9 also is
different from the scope of independent claim 1.
The Examiner has, thus, failed to establish obviousness of
independent claims 3, 6, and 9, because the specific claim language of each
was not addressed in the Examiner’s analysis. For this reason, we do not
sustain the rejection of independent claims 3, 6, and 9, nor of dependent
claims 5 and 8 that were rejected along with respective independent claims 3
and 6 from which they depend.
DECISION
We AFFIRM the rejection of claims 1,3,5, 6, 8, and 9 under 35
U.S.C. § 101.
We REVERSE the rejection of claims 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, and 9 under 35
U.S.C. § 103(a).
This decision contains new grounds of rejection pursuant to 37 C.F.R.
§ 41.50(b) (2008). 37 C.F.R. § 41.50(b) provides “[a] new ground of
rejection pursuant to this paragraph shall not be considered final for judicial
review.”
37 C.F.R. § 41.50(b) also provides that the appellant, WITHIN TWO
MONTHS FROM THE DATE OF THE DECISION, must exercise one of
the following two options with respect to the new ground of rejection to
avoid termination of the appeal as to the rejected claims:
(1) Reopen prosecution. Submit an appropriate
amendment of the claims so rejected or new evidence relating to
the claims so rejected, or both, and have the matter reconsidered
10
Appeal 2015-006796
Application 10/838,842
by the examiner, in which event the proceeding will be remanded
to the examiner....
(2) Request rehearing. Request that the proceeding be
reheard under § 41.52 by the Board upon the same record ....
No time period for taking any subsequent action in connection with
this appeal may be extended under 37 C.F.R. § 1.136(a). See 37
C.F.R. § 1.136(a)(l)(iv).
AFFIRMED; 37 C.F.R, $ 41.50(b)
11
Application/Control No. Applicant(s)/Patent Under Patent
Notice of References Cited
10/838,842
Appeal No.
2015-006796
Examiner Art Unit
3694 Page 1 of 1
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
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Date
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B us-
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D US-
E US-
F US-
G US-
H US-
1 US-
J US-
K US-
L US-
M US-
FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
* Document Number
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Date
MM-YYYY Country Name Classification
N
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NON-PATENT DOCUMENTS
* Include as applicable: Author, Title Date, Publisher, Edition or Volume, Pertinent Pages)
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Dates in MM-YYYY format are publication dates. Classifications may be US or foreign.
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
PTO-892 (Rev. 01-2001) Notice of References Cited Part of Paper No.
320 deathless • decadent
sive and destructive behavior not satisfactorily explained by the plea
sure principle — called also Thanatosx compare eros 2
death-less \fdeth»bs\ adj (1589) : immortal, imperishable
fame)- — dealh-less-Ey adv — death-less-ness n
death-ly Vdeth-le\ adj (bef, 12c) 1 ; fatal 2 : of, relating to, or sug
gestive of death (a ~ pallor) — deathly adv.
death mask n (1877) : a cast taken from the face of a dead person
death metal n (1987) : a type of heavy metal music that is character
ized by the use of dark, violent, or gory imagery
death rate n (1852) : the ratio between deaths and individuals in a spec
ified population and time
death rattle n (1822) : a rattling or gurgling sound produced by air
passing through mucus in the lungs and air passages of a dying person
death ray n (1919) : a weapon that generates an intense beam of parti
cles or radiation by which it destroys its target
death row n (1950) : a prison area housing inmates sentenced to death
— usu. used with on (prisoners waiting on death row)
death sentence n (1799) 1 : a sentence condemning a convicted de
fendant to death 2 : an affliction or a situation that is considered to
be fatal; also : a prognosis of death
death's-head \'deths-,hed\ n (1596) : a human skull or a depiction of a
human skull symbolizing death
death’s-head hawk moth n (1879): a large dark hawk moth (Acker-
ontia atropos) esp. of Mediterranean regions with markings resembling
a human skull on the back of the thorax — called also death’s-head
moth
Cteaths-man Vdeths-monV, n (1589) archaic : executioner
death squad n (1969) : any of various extremist groups whose mem
bers kill suspected political adversaries and criminals
death tax n (1937) : a tax arising on the transmission of property after
the owner’s death; e$p : estate TAX
death trap n (1835) : a structure or situation that is potentially very
dangerous to life
death warrant n (1692) 1 : a warrant for the execution of a death sen
tence 2 : DEATHBLOW
death-watch \'deth-,wach\ n [death + watch (timepiece); fr. the super
stition that its ticking presages death] (1646): a small insect that makes
a ticking sound; esp : deathwatch beetle
deathwatch n [death + watch (vigil)] (ca. 1890) 1 : a vigil kept over
the dead or dying 2 : the guard set over a criminal to be executed
deathwatch beetle n (1877) : any of various small beetles (family Ano-
biidae, esp. Xestobium rufovillosum) that bore in seasoned or dead
wood (as of old buildings) and make a tapping noise as a mating call
death wish n (1913) : the conscious or unconscious desire for the
death of oneself or of another
deb \*deb\ n (1920) : debutante
deb abbr debenture
de-ba-cle \de-'ba-kal, di», -'ba-; -f'de-bo-kolV also dd-ba-cle \also da-
'bak(P)\ n [F debdcle, fr* dibdcler to clear, fr. MF desbacler, fr. des- de-
+ bacler to block, perh. fr. VL *baccitlare, fr, L baculum staff] (1802)
1 : a tumultuous breakup of ice in a river 2 : a violent disruption (as
of an army) : rout 3 a : a great disaster b i a complete failure : FI
ASCO
de-bar Xdx-'bar, de-\ vf [ME debarren, fr. AF debarrer, fr, de- + barrer to
bar! (15c): to bar from having or doing something : preclude — de-
bar-ment \-mant\ n
de-bark VH-'bark, de-\ vi> [F debarquer, fr. de- + barque bark (ship)]
. (1654) : disembark — de-bar-ka-tiort N.de-jbar-'ka-shanN, n
de-bark \(,)de-Ibark\ vt (1742) ; to remove bark from — de-bark-er
\-‘bar-kar\ n
de-base \di-'bas, de-\ vt (1565) 1 : to lower in status, esteem, quality,
or character 2 a : to reduce the intrinsic value of (a coin) by increas
ing the base-metal content b : to reduce the exchange value of (a
monetary unit) — de-base-ment V'bas-mant\ n — de*bas-er V'ba-
ssr\ n
syn DEBASE, VITIATE, DEPRAVE, CORRUPT, DEBAUCH; PERVERT mean
to cause deterioration or lowering in quality or character, DEBASE im
plies a loss of position, worth, value, or dignity Commercialism has
debased the holiday). vitiate implies a destruction of purity, validity,
or effectiveness by allowing entrance of a fault or defect
ery \di-'b6-cha-re, -chre, -'ba-\ n, pi -er*ies (1642) 1 a
treme indulgence in sensuality b pi: orgies
from virtue or duty
de-beak XQde-'bekX vt (1937) : to remove the tip of the upper mahdf!
of (as a chicken) to prevent cannibalism and fighting ■ pi
de-beard V'birdV vt (1980) : to remove the byssus from (a mussel) ...^,
de-bertdure \di-'ben-chor\ n [ME debentur, fr. L, they are due, iM
pres. pass, of debere to owe more at DEBT] (15c) 1 Brit: a corj§
rate security other than an equity security : bond 2 : a bond badl
by the general credit of the issuer rather than a specific lien on partied
!ar assets . '.n:||
de-bil-i*tat$ \di-fbi-Io-,tat, de-\ vt -tat-ed; -tat-mg [L debilitatus; pp|g|
debilitare to weaken, fr. debilis weak] (1533) : to impair the strength
: enfeeble syn see weaken — de-bil-i-ta-tion Vibi-ls-ha-sha^v
de-bil-i-ty \di-lbi-te-te, de-\ n, pi -ties [ME debilite, fr. MF debiiiti-M
debilitat-, debilitas, fr. debilis, fr. de- de- + -bilis; akin to Skt
strength] (15c): weakness, infirmity ;
1deb-it \'de-bat\ vt (1682) : to enter upon the debit side of an acctff
: charge with a debit > 7%;
2debit n [L debitum debt] (1746) 1 a : a record of an indebtedijil
specif: an entry on the left-hand side of an account constituting aiiiS
dition to an expense or asset account or a deduction from a reveif
net worth, or liability account b : the sum of the items entered
its 2 ; a charge against a bank deposit account 3 : drawback
SHORTCOMING
j^cadeOt n (1886) 1 : one of a group of late 19tl
2 archaic : sed£j|| pgibb w?4®** tending towa^d artificial and utw
4id subtilized style 2 : one that is decadent
i
gifidf VdSmkafX n [short for decaffeinated^ (1961
ffcaf-fein-at-ed \(,)de-'ka-f9-na-t9d, -fe-s-\ adj
giffeine removed <-~ coffee) tea)
~M-- gon X'de-ko-jganX n [NL decagonum, fr. Gk
. + -gdnon -gon] (ca. 1639) ; a plane polygoi
&,gram \-,gram\ n [F decagramme, fr. dica- d
miiO) : DEKAGRAM
lca-(ie*dron X^e-ko-'he-dranX n, pi -drons or -
fli38): a polyhedron of 10 faces
peal Vde-jkal, di-*kal; Canad usu 'de-kal\ n [she
^537): a picture, design, or label made to be trz
Jpom specially prepared paper
P«cal*ci*fl-ca-tlon UOde-^al-sa-fo-'ka-shanV n (1
Ijis of calcium or calcium compounds (as from ’
Iphchfy \(i)de-'ka3-so-fi\ vt
Jjcahco-ma-nla Xdi-jbal-ka-'ma-ne-aX n [F
Walquer to copy by tracing (fr. di- de- -v calquer i
If^to tread, fr. L) + manie mania, fr, IX manic
M364) 1 : the art or process of transferring piett
IjMcjally prepared paper (as to glass) 2 ; decal
,v^tMa-li*ter Vde-ka-iie-tor\ n [F decalitre, fr. deca
debit card n (1975) : a card like a credit card by which money ma|| IIieKALITER
withdrawn or the cost of purchases paid directly from the hold® i«a-logue Vde-k&-,16g, -,lag\ n [ME decaloge, fr.
bank account without the payment of interest Ujg M$alogos, fr, deka- + logos word — more at LE
deb-o-nair Ntde-ba-'nerX adj [ME debonere, fr. AF deboneire, fr. dejj ;pBN commandments 2 : a basic.set of rules
aire of good family or nature] (13c) 1 archaic : gentle, COURTED!! fffiority
2 a : suave, urbane n (I708) : a vessel use
mains of something broken down or destroyed 2 : an accumuladofil ; ecant^d liquids; esp : an ornamental glass b
fragments of rock 3 something discarded ; rubbish ; iWM
debt \'det\ n [ME dette, debte, fr. AF dette something c
ita, fr. L, pi. of debitum debt, fr. neut. of debitus, pp. ,.... ^ . ... „„„„,_
fr. de- + habere to have — more at give] (13c) 1 : sin, trespass! IfeyJinV 2? X
: something owed : obuoaTION 3: flj fe,pot| Vd
of owing 4 : the.common-law action for the recf/M Sj'fr deca- + 'noda nhril'nljS
of money held to be due — tfebt-less ViasV adj x->3& of““ LL° Si?™ ^?26f
dobt-or Vde-tor\ n (13c) 1 : one guilty of neglect or violation of#
2 : one who owes a debt - <>,-?1. .W- “““P5* -
debt service n (1929) :
ments due annually on long-term debt
de-bug \(,)de-'bog\ vf (1944) 1 : to remove insects from
the amount of interest and sinking fuadiffiS^ wlth five
2: to m
'^car-bon-ate VJde-'kar-ba-.natV vf (1B3I) ; to i
. . . .. ,^'fepariarboflic froin — a©‘car-borvation V
-• vf : to present to the public^ feglgton.lze XC^de-'kar-bs-^izX vt [ISV] (1825)
Mpeiidages one or more of which
^ .modified into pincers, with
— ' y • -r “ --- ■ eyes and with the head and
nate errors in or malfunctions of a computer program) 3 . ■gg Wax fused into a cenhalothorax
move a concealed microphone or wiretapping device from — de-|| fed covered by a carapace 2 : any
de-bunk \{,)de-'barikV vt (1923): to expose the sham or falseness of| Jppibide^
t a legend) - de-bunk-er n . j'M teinclu^ig cuWefish^ smdds and related foi
1de-but also de-but Vda^byh, da-'\« [F dibut, fr. debater to bepi fetfe-cap^o-dan^\diTa^o-d^\ ^cr n -
MF desbuter to play first, fr. des- de- + but starting point, goal *- f : fl M °an -' Ka p5 °*m aox-y|-ation V.bak-ss-'la-shanXn (1922) r 1
; debutant; esp : a young woman making her formal entrance inw* ; ^ jon 0f carboxyl from a molecule — de-car-t
ciety S
dec abbr 1 deceased 2 declaration; declared 3 declination '4^ \(l)de-tkar-b{y)3-,riz\ vf (1856) : d-
rated; decorative 5 decrease 6 decrescendo \-,kar-b(y)3-rc-,za-shaii\n
Dec Mr December , :-M gg&v* Vlde-rker, -ikarV n [F decare, fr. dica- dec
deca- or dec- or deka- or dek- comb form [ME, fr. L, fr. Gk$g Ifg'^ unit Df equal to 10 ares or 0.2471 acre
dek-, fr. deka — more at ten] : ten < (dfe/cameter) -^ »-J'*UjaM2a«tlon \(,)de-rka-zh(s-)w9-ls-'za-sha
de-cade Vde-,kad, de-'kad; esp sense lb 'de-k3d\ n [ME, fr. MF
fr. LL decad-, decas, fr. Gk dekad-, dekas, fr. deka] (15c). 1 :
or set of 10: as a : a period, of 10 years b : a division of the _
that consists primarily of 10 Hail Marys . 2 : a ratio of 10 to 1 :0IU? ? fr. deka- deca- + syllabe syllable] I
of magnitude — de*cad»al Vde-k&-d°l\ adj ^ !!? .? or composed of verses of 10 syllables —
de-cade-long Vde^kad-ddqV adj (1974) : lasting a decade -M Vde-ka-jsi-b-bsl, ,de-ka-l\ n
dec-a-dence Vde-ka-dan(t)s also di-'ka-\ n [MF, fr. ML decad&vm tLi ^di-'kath-,let\ n [blend of decathlon
LL decadent-, decadens, pip. of decadere to fall, sink — B1?.% ^•canTiete w^-0 competes in the decathlon
J H .................................................... lo,n Ndi-'kath-lan, -.Ian, -'ka-tha-\ n [Idecay] (1530) 1 : the process of becoming decadent: the qw
state of being decadent 2 : a period of decline syn see DETBk$| (as in, pentathlon)] (1912) : a 10-event at
-‘iW®al0i®?®PO8ite contest that consist*
dec-a-den-cy \-dan-se\ n (1632) ; decadence 1
\Mo.VA./lAn+ JtToA ."IS-IIaS-A nrf! rt.Gr.1/1dec-a-dent Vde-ko-dant also di-'kaA adj [back-formation PUTj &OLQ vaim, mgn jurr
dence] (1837) 1 : marked by decay or decline 2 ; of, relatinfi M Sl+ yJJj ’ vb [ME, fr. AF decarr, fr, LL decad
having the characteristics of the decadents 3 : characterized by vi Wmt] rZere t0 — more at chance] vi (15c)
pealing to self-indulgence pleasures) — dec-a-dent-ly adv _ r Prosperous condition 2 : to decrease t
i [F dica
■tn t t t t i ts of the 100-mi
rieter runs> the 110-meter high hurdles, the
' '?? ut’ pole ult hi h mp, and long j!
336 depth charge • derriere
time (as winter) (3) ; the worst part 2 a: the perpendicular measure
ment downward from a surface b : the direct linear measurement
from front to back 3 : the quality of being deep 4 : the degree of in
tensity of a color); also : the quality of being profound (as in in
sight) or full (as of knowledge) S : the quality or state of being com
plete or thorough 6 : a large number of
good players
depth charge n.(1917) ; an antisubmarine weapon that consists essen
tially of a arum filled with explosives which is dropped near a target
and descends to a predetermined depth where it explodes — called also
depth bomb
depth of field (1911) : the range of distances of the object in front of
' an image-forming device (as a camera Jens) measured along the axis of
the device throughout which the image has acceptable sharpness
depth perception n (ca. 1911) : the ability to judge the distance of ob
jects and the spatial relationship of objects at different distances
depth psychology n (1924); psychoanalysis; also : psychology con
cerned esp. with the unconscious mind
dep»u*ta-tion V.de-pys-'ta-shsnX n (14c) 1 : the act of appointing a
deputy 2 : a group of people appointed to represent others
de-pute \di-'pyut\ vt do-put*ed; de-put-ing [ME, to appoint, fr. AF
deputer, fr, LL deputare to assign, fr. L, to consider (as), fr. de- + put are
to consider] (14c): delegate
dep-iMfze Vde-pyo-itTzV vb -tized; -tlz-Sng vf (ca. 1736) : to appoint as
deputy vi : to act as deputy — dep-u-t[»za*tion \,de-pyo-te-Jz&-
shcnXn
dep-udy \'de-pys-te\ n, pi -ties often attrib [ME, fr. AF depute, pp. of
deputer] (15c) 1 a ; a person appointed as a substitute with power to
act b : a second in command or assistant who usu. takes charge when
his or her superior is absent 2 : a member of the lower house of some
legislative assemblies
der or derlv abbr derivation; derivative
de-rac*i-nate \(l)de-,ra-53-,nat\ vt -natied; -nat-ing [MF desraciner, fr.
des- de- + racine root, fr. LL radicina, fr. L radio-, radix — more at
JtOoT] (1599) 1 : uproot 2 ; to remove or separate from a native
environment or culture; esp : to remove the racial or ethnic character
istics or influences from — de-rac*i-na-tion \(,)de:,ra-S3-rna-shon\ rt
de-raN \di-rral, d£A vb [F derailler to throw off the track, fr. di- de- +
rail, fr. E] vt (1850) 1 : to cause to run off the rails 2 a ; to obstruct
the progress of : Frustrate (security problems the tour) b : to
upset the stability or composure of (divorce ... can seriously ^ an
employee —Joanne Gordon) vi: to leave the rails — de-ral|-ment
X-mantX n
de-rail-leur Xdi-’ra-larX n [F dirailleur, fr. derailler] (1930) : a mecha
nism for shifting gears on a bicycle that operates by moving the chain
from one set of exposed gears to another
de-range \di-’ranj\ vt de-ranged; de.ranging [F diranger, fr. OF
desrengier, fr. des- de- + reng line, row — more at rank) (1769) 1 ; to
disturb the operation or functions of 2 : disarrange (hatless, with
tie deranged —G. W. Stonier) 3 ; to make insane — de-range-ment
X-mont\ n
de-rate \{,)de-’rat\ vt (1947) : to lower the rated capability of (as electri
cal or mechanical apparatus) because of deterioration or inadequacy
der-by Vdsr-be, esp Brit ‘dMr-\ n, pi derbies [Edward Stanley fl834,
12th earl of Derby] (1796) 1 : any of several horse races held annually
and usu. restricted to three-year-olds 2 : a race or contest open to all
comers or to a specified category of contestants (bicycle ~) 3 ; a
man’s stiff felt hat with dome-shaped crown and narrow brim
Derbys abbr Derbyshire
de-re-al-i-za-tfort \(i)de.-(re-3-lc-’za-shon\ n (1942) : a feeling of altered
reality (as that occurring in schizophrenia or in some drug reactions) in
which one's surroundings appear unreal or Unfamiliar
fte-reg-u-la-tion \(,)de-,re-gys-,ia-shcn\ n (1963) : the act or process of
removing restrictions and regulations — de-reg-u-late \(,)de-'re-gya-
,Iat\ vt
Mer-e-lict Yder-a-ilikt, ‘de-rsA adj [L derelictus, pp. of derelinauere to
abandon, fr. de- 4 relinquere to leave — more a£ relinquish] (1649)
1 : abandoned esp. by the owner or occupant; also : run-down 2
; lacking a sense of duty ; negligent
■ derelict n (1670) la; something voluntarily abandoned; esp : a ship
abandoned on the high seas b : a tract of land left dry by receding wa
fer 2 ; a destitute homeless social misfit: vagrant, bum
der-e-lic-tion Xjder-a-’lik-shon, ,de-rs-\ n (1597) 1 a : an intentional
abandonment b : the state of being abandoned 2 : a recession of war
ter leaving permanently dry land 3 a : intentional or conscious ne
glect : DELINQUENCY <~ of duty) b : FAULT, SHORTCOMING
de-repress \,de-ri-’pres\ vf (1960) : to activate (a gene or enzyme) by
releasing from a blocked state —« de-re-pres-sion X-’pre-shsnX n
de-ride \di-*rid, deA vt do-rid-ed; de-rlddng [L deridere, fr. de- ~
riders to laugh] (ca. 1526) 1 : to laugh at contemptuously 2 : to sub
ject to usu. bitter or contemptuous ridicule syn see ridicule — de-
rid-er n — de«rid-ing-ly X-’n-din-leX adv
de rl*gueur \d9-(i)re-Tg3r\ adj EF] (1833) : prescribed or required by
‘fashion, etiquette, or custom : PROPER .
de-ri-sion Xdi-'ri-zhsnX n [ME, fr. MF, fr. LL derisionderisio, fr, L
deridere] (14c) 1 a ; the use of ridicule or scorn to show contempt b
: a state of being derided 2 : an object of ridicule or scorn
de-rl-sive Xdi-hi-siv, -ziv; -’ri-ziv, -’ri-sivX adj (ca. 1662) : expressing or
causing derision <~ laughter) — de-ri-sjve-ly adv — decisive
ness n
de-ri-so-ry Xdi-'ri-ss-re, -zcA ad/ (1618) 1 : expressing derision ; deri
sive 2 ; worthy of derision; esp : laughably small (land could be
bought for a ~ sum)
de-rjv-able Xdi-’n-va-balX adj (1653) : capable of being derived
der-i-vate X'der-a-fVat, 'de-r&A « (1660) : derivative
der-i-va-tion X^er-c-’va-shsn, ,de-r&-\ n (15c) 1 a (1) : the formation
of a word from another word or base (as by the addition of a usu. non-
inflectional affix) (2) ; an act of ascertaining or stating the derivation
of a word (3) : etymology 1 b : the relation of a word to its base
2 a : source, origin b : descent, origination 3 : something de-
Derivattve 4 : an act or process of deriving- • * sciusnr* IP-' tteoring-dG V,deHq-*dQ, .de-riq-X n ft
of statements (as in logic or mathematics) showing that a result h fonfn to dare) + d
necessary consequence of previously accepted statements — der.Uv*-«lMw"A omiNG (deeds of —-'}
. tfPP-al X-shnal. -sho-nal\ adj 1 Va’ ' -------- -----------'
1de-riv»a»tlve Xdi-'ri-va-tivX n (15c) 1 ; a word formed by deriva'ic• -Uioa'-iL
: something derived 3 : the limit of the ratio of the change Lii a riin£“
tion to the corresponding change in its independent variable as the \»
ter change approaches zero 4 a : a chemical substance related stniu*
turally to another substance and theoretically derivable from it h
substance that can be made from another substance 5 : a conti oci ^ 1
security that derives its value from that of an underlying asset (as
other security) or from the value of a rate (as of interest or ciirreniy7
exchange) or index of asset value (as a stock index) n
derivative adj (ca. 1530) 1 ; formed by derivation fr. Gk dermal: skin : coYcruiil^
(ectoderm}
-derma n comb form, pi -dermas or -dermata [NL, fr. Gk aemuit-j\
derma skin] : skin or skin ailment of a (specified) type (sclerofimtffl)i&
derm-abra-slon \,dsr-mo-'bra-zh3n\ n (ca. 1954) : surgical removal
skin blemishes or imperfections (as scars or tattoos) by abrasion;(a^j
with sandpaper or wire brushes)
der-mal \*dsr-msl\ adj (ca. 1803) 1 ; of or relating to skin and cspi.)i;
the dermis ; cutaneous 2 : epidermal :;
dermat- or dermato- comb form [Gk, fr. dermatderma) ; skui (dere.
matitis} (dermatology> ’ i
der-ma-ti-tls Xidor-mo-'ti-tasX n, pi der-ma-tit-[-des X-'ti-to-jdczVfe
der-ma-ti-tis-es (1876) : inflammation of the akin
der-ma-to-gjyph-lcs Xid^r-mo-t-a-'gti-fiksX n pi but sing or pi in t-wujte
[dermat- *f Gk glyphein to carve + E -ics — more at cleave] (1926)^5
; skin patterns; esp : patterns of the specialized skin of the inferiority
faces of the hands and feet 2 ; the science of the study of skin paUciK."
— der-ma-to-glyph-ic \-fik\ adj
der-rna-tol-o-gy xtdar-ma-rta-l&*-je\ n (1819) i a branch of mcrilc^
dealing with the skin, its structure, functions, and diseases — den
to-log-ic X-mg-to-'la-jikX or der-ma-to-log-l-cal X-ji-kol\ ad’ —
ma-tol-o-gist X-ma-'ta-Ia-jisA n
der-ma-tome X'dsr-mo-^omX n [ISV dermat- + -ome) (1910); the latL,
wall of a somite from which the dermis is produced — der-ma-to'Mi
X^orrmo-'to-mslX adf .
der-ma*to*my-o*sl-tis Xidor-ms-to-^I-s-'sI-tss, (,)dar-,maA rt tNIJiSfeia
1899) : an inflammatory disease of skin and muscle marked csj\ of
muscular weakness and skin rash
der-ma-to-phyte \(,)d9r-,ma-te-,fit, 'dar-ms-X « [ISV] (1882) : « fungO-
parasitic on the skin or skin derivatives (as hair or nails) - ■■m
der-ma*to-sis X^sr-zns-'to-sasX n,pl -to-ses \-,sezX (1864): a macoicfl*
the skin
-dermatous adj comb form [Gk dermat-, derma skin] ; having a fa
fled) type of skin (pachydermatous} • • •
der-mes-tld X(,)dar'*,mes-tcdX n [ultim. fr. Gk dermesteS, 0
eating worm, lit., skin eater, fr. derm- + edmenai to eat — moic ri aW;
(ca. 1888) : any of a family (Dermestidae) of beetles with clubhetf
tennae that are very destructive to organic material of animal mlp^
dried meat, wool, or museum specimens) — dermestid adj ->
der-mls Xrdor-mos\ n [NL, fr, LL -dermis] (ca. 1830) : the senslnyc^
cular Inner mesodermic layer of the skin — called also coriurn, r1'*
see HAIR illustration • ,
-dermis n comb form [LL, fr. Gk, fr. dermal : layer of skin or I
(endodermis} t X*
der-moid cyst X'dor-imoid-X n (1872) : a cystic tumor often of hicU„g
ry that contains skin and skin derivatives (as hair or teeth)
also dermoid
der-nier cri ^dem^ya-’kreX n. EF, lit., last cry] (1896) : the newc* J
ion _. &
der-o-gate X’der-a^gat, 'de-ro-X vb -gat*ed; -gat-ing [ME, fr-
gatus, pp. of derogare, fr. L, to annul (a law), detract, fr. de- +
ask, propose (a law) — more at RIGHT] vt (15c) ; to cause to setft
rior : disparage ^ vi 1 : to take away a part so as
to impair : detract 2 : to act beneath one's posi
tion or character — der-o-ga-tion Vjder-a-^a-shan,
.de-raA n — de-ro-ga-!Ive Xdi-'ra-gs-tlvX adj
ae-rog-a-to-ry Xdi-'ra-gOT,t6r-e\ adj (ca, 1503) 1
; detracting from the character or standing of some
thing — often used with to, towards, or of 2 : ex
pressive of a low opinion : disparaging re
marks) — de-roq*a*to*ri-ly X-iia-go-'tor-a-leX adv
der-rick X'der-ik, 'de-rik\ n Eobs. derrick hangman,
gallows, fr. Derick, name of 17th cent. Eng. hang
man] (ca. 1752) 1 : a hoisting apparatus employing
a tackle rigged at the end of a beam 2 : a frame
work or tower over a deep drill hole (as of an oil
well) for supporting boring tackle or for hoisting
and lowering
der*ri-ere or der-rf«hre \,der-e-'er, ,de-reA n [F der
riere, fr, OF derrier back part, rear, fr, derier, adv.,
behind, fr. LL deretro, fr. L de from + retro back]
(1774): buttocks
■
Sfie'r-rin*ger X’der-an-jsr, 'de-ranA n [H<
fe1Xrtri fl853) : a short-barreled pocket pi
’ illbris X’der-ss, ‘de-rasX n [NL, genus j
more at tear] (1919) 1 ; a.pr<
^-roots’ used as an insecticide 2 : a
jjtipical Eurasian shrubs and woody vii
fao sources of poisons and esp. coniine:
.diNVish Xrdar-vishX n CDirk detvi$, lit.,
’ a member of a Muslim religious ord
WVbodily movements leading to a i
with or as if with the abandonm
IF d£s-, fr. OF des- — more
< fopels (desoxy}
g^pFS ;\ida-(»)6-*cs\ n (1970) : diethylsti
.©de-sa-cral-ize X^de-'sarkrs-Jiz, -'sa-X >
sacred qualities or status — de-s
-\ii,'r.i-shan, -tsaA n
de-sa'll-nate \(,)de-'sa4c-Fnat also -'sa-
^desalt — de-sa-ti-na-tion \(,)de-isa-
I
9* in-fhrvador \(l)dg-,sa-ia-,na-t9r also -'sa
/^'"dfl-aaiH-nize \(,)de-'sa4a-,nlz also -'sa-\ i
ty pL* de-sa-li-ni-za-tfon X(i)de-,sa-lo
"^e-salt X(,)de-‘s6ltX vt (ca. 1904) ; to rem
¥ dD-sanc-ti-fy \(,)de-rsari(kHa-,fj\ vt (1
fev^/.4ane-tl-fl-ea-tion X-,sari(k>t9-f3-*ka-shs
\,des-lkant\ also dis-cant \*dis-
fr. ML discantus, fr, L d
^S(NT] (14c) 1 a : a melody or count
the tenor b ; the art of compos
WMplrt music; also : the music so compo
m;TREBi-E d l a superimposed countei
by some or all of the sopranos
X'des-'ikant, des-1, dis-'X vi (15c)
wbadly.i sing 2 ; comment, DiscoURi
^waCendAdh'send, d6A vb [ME, fr. AF i
* ®v+ scandere to climb — more at SCa>
^^hefjplace or level to a lower one <~f
discussion from what is logically
s|]to originate or come from an ances
Ifrprii an old merchant family^ b: t
, as p-'ed in the family> c : to pass
nm’bld ballads) 4 : to incline, lead, oi
the river) 5 a : to swoop or pou
jpAb : to appear suddenly and ofte
®ve (reporters on the candidate)
gradation from higher to lower or fro
^Oj^iecent 7 a : to lower oneself in sta
Mrieii and sink in condition or estimatio
^Mb down or down along 2 : to exten
^fAfsen-da-balX adj
ffl^pen-dant also de-scen-dent \di-‘sen
descendant, fr. L descendent-, des
jpff555) ' 1 ; moving or directed downw
or source
^^.ehdant also descendent n [F & !
descendens, fr. L] (1600) 1 : on
ma-cornmon stock 2 : one deriving .
ype
P|end-Qr Xdl-'sen-dar. ‘de-A n (1802) : i
descends below the main bod}
ifcas such a pari
Jf£pti*sion Xdi-^en-chonV n (15c) archai
^|^hV\di-'sent\ n [ME, fr, AF descents,
from an ancestor : birth t, «UUi ; , l:
^ninission or devolution of an estate b
sij,njjig like c : the fact or process of o.
ft : the shaping or development j
fasion from a source ; derivation
M? 3 ; a step downward In a scale oj
in an ancp«troi n-® -j--'“uy,u.i estral line err genealogical
Wizard; SLOPS b : a descending way (.
n«: the lowest part 5 a : attack, inv>
sfliijg^ppearance (as for a visit) 6 : a d
: decline <■— of the family to ac
rr:^rn,ble XQde-'skram-bolX vf (1957)
&^leiVb(o->l»r\n
\di-eskrib\ vt de-scribed; do*
+ scribere to write — more £
. nlpr give an account of in words £
d^gure, model, or picture : delineate
traverse the outline of <~ a circ
- de-scrib*able X-'skri-ba-balX *
IlPdion \di-'skrip-shsn\n [ME descrip
jRfipn-, descriptio, fr. describere] (14c)
iA^scourse intended to give a mental:
^ ’ a descriptive statement or acco-
: .^temamed by salient features 2 : composed of distinct
or unlike elements or qualities (a ^ population) syn see different
— di-verse-ly adv — di-verse-ness n
dbver-si-fy Vte-'yar-so-jfL d!-\ vb -tied; -fy-ing vt (15c) 1 : to make di
verse : give variety to a course of study) 2 : to balance (as an in
vestment portfolio) defensively by dividing funds among securities of
different Industries or of different classes 3 : to increase the variety of
the products of (~ a business) ^ vi 1 : to produce'variety 2 : to
engage in varied operations — dl*ver-sj>ff*ca*tion \-jVar-sa-fa-rka-
shon\ n — di*ver-si>fi-er \-,vsr-s3-,f!(-s)r\ n
di-ver-sion \do-‘v3r-zhan, di-, -shan\ n (1600) 1 : the act or an in
stance of diverting from a course, activity, or use : deviation (bad
weather forced the <-«- of several flights) 2 : something that diverts or
amuses : pastime 3 : an attack or feint that draws the attention and
force of an enemy from, the point of the principal operation 4 Brit: a
temporary traffic detour
diversion-ary \do-Jvor-zh&-iner-e, di-, -sha-\ adj (1846) : tending to
draw attention away from the principal concern : being a diversion
di-ver+sion-ist Vzha-nost, -sho-\ n (1937) 1 : one engaged in diver
sionary activities 2 : one characterized by political deviation
df-ver-shty (ds-Var-sa-te, diA n, pi -ties (14c) 1 : the condition of be
ing diverse : variety; esp : the inclusion of diverse people (as people of
different races or cultures) in a group or organization (programs in
tended to promote in schools) 2 : an instance of being diverse (a
~ of opinion)
dhvert Xds-’vart, di-\ vb [ME, fr. MF & L; MF divertir, fr. L divertere to
turn, in opposite directions, fr, <2£y- 4 vertere to turn — more at WORTH]
vi (15c) : to turn aside ; deviate tis \,dI-V9r-,ti-kys»,l>te5\ n [NL] (ca. 1900) : inflamma
tion of a diverticulum •
di»ver-tre«u-IO>sis ^dT-var-iii-kya-'lo-sasX n [NL] (1917) 1 an intestinal
disorder characterized by the presence of many diverticula
di-ver-tic-u-lum \, dl-var-111 -kya-lam\ n, pi -la \-la\ [NL, fr. L, bypath,
prob. alter, of deverticulum, fr. devertere to turn aside, fr. able \-M-d3-b?l\ adj
2divide n (1642) 1 : an act of dividing 2 a : a dividing ridge between
drainage areas b : a point or line of division or disagreement
divided adj (14c) 1 a : separated into parts or pieces b of a leqf; cut
into distinct parts by incisions extending to the base or to the midrib c
: having a barrier (as a-guardrail) to separate lanes of traffic going in
opposite directions (a.^ highway); 2 a : disagreeing with each other
; disunited b : directed or moved toward conflicting interests,
states, or objects (~ loyalties) 3 : separated by distance (familiar ob
jects from which she had. never dreamed of being —James Joyce)
— di*vid-ed*ly \da-'vI-dod-Ie\ adv — di-vid-ed-ness \-nss\ n
div-hdend Vdi-va-idend, -dand\ n [ME divident, fr. L dividendus, gerun
dive of divtdere] (15c) 1 : an individual share of something distribut
ed: as a : a share in a pro rata distribution (as of profits) to stockhold
ers b : a share of surplus allocated to a policyholder in a participating
insurance policy 2 a : a resultant return or reward (our efforts are fi
nally paying b : bonus 3 a : a number to be divided b:asum
or fund to be divided and distributed — div-Ndend-less \-las\ adj
di-vid-er Vla-'vi-daA n (1534) 1 : one that divides 2 pi : an instru
ment for measuring or marking (as in dividing lines) 3 : something
serving as a partition between separate spaces or areas (a highway
di*vi-di*vi Xjde-ve-'de-ve, tdi-ve-’di-veV n [AmerSp dividivi
prob. fr. CumanS (extinct Cariban language of northen
Venezuela) or a cognate Cariban word] (ca. 1837) : a small
tropical American tree (Caesalpinia coriaria) of the leguim
family with twisted astringent pods that contain a large pro
portion of tannin
div*i-na-tion Xjdi-vs-'na-shonV .n [ME divinaeiaun, fr. 1
divination-, divmatio, fr, divinare] (14c) 1 : the art or prac
tice that seeks to foresee or foretell future events or discov
er hidden knowledge usu, by the interpretation of omens or
by the aid of supernatural powers 2 : unusual insight: in
tuitive perception — di-vi-na*to-ry Vte-'vi-ns-Aor-e, da-’vi
no-, ‘di-vs-naA adj
1di«vfne \da-'vln\ adj di*vin*er; -est [ME divin. fr. AF, fr. 1
divinus, fr, dims god — more at deity] (14c) 1 a : of, re
lating to, or proceeding directly from God or a god (^
love) b : being a deity (the ^ Savior) c : directed to ;j
deity (~ worship) 2a: supremely good : superb (thi
pie was b : heavenly, godlike — dl-vine-ly adv
2divine n [ME, fr. ML divinus, fr. L, soothsayer, fr, divinus
adj.] (14c) 1 ; CLERGYMAN 2 : THEOLOGIAN
^divine vb di-vlned;.di-vin-ing [ME, fr. AF & L; AF devinet
fr. L divinare, fr. divinus, n.] vt (14c) 1 : to discover by in
tuition or insight: infer (^ the truth) 2 : to discover o
locate (as water or minerals underground) usu. by means of dividen't
a divining rod 1 : to practice divination : prophesy
2 : to perceive intuitively syn see foresee
Divine Liturgy n (1640): the eucharistic rite of Eastern chvicliu
Divine Office n (15c) : the office for the canonical hours ol pravei-Uifr
priests and religious say daily
di*vln-er Vds-’vI-naA n (14c) 1 : a person who practices dnc.jlira
: soc " ’ .................
erals
dfvlnu right z? (ca. 1600) : the right of a sovereign to rule as se=t fo^Lh by
the theory of government that holds that a monarch receives the fish
to rule directly from God and not from the people
divine service n (14c) : a service of Christian worship; spe.c.f \ sicjn
service that is not sacramental in character
diving beetle n (ca. 1889) : any of various predatory aquafu. decile
(family Dytiscidae) that breathe while submerged using air trnppedmifcv.
der their elytra
diving bell n (1661) : a diving apparatus consisting of a cohujiili oj»ci“
only at the bottom and supplied with compressed air by a hose ,J ,l
diving board n (1891): springboard 1
diving duck n (1813) : any of various ducks (as a bufflehead) tliRife
quent deep waters and obtain thdr food by diving
diving suit n (1908) : a waterproof suit with a removable helmet dudfe.
worn by a diver who is supplied with air pumped through a tib^ r „
divining rod n (1751) : a forked rod believed to indicate the picsani®:,
of water or minerals esp, by dipping downward when held Over a veb _
dl-vin-t-ty \do-'vi-no-te\ n, pi -ties (14c) 1 : theology ?.: fee ui#
ity or state of being divine 3 often cap : a divine being: as a :
b (1) : god 2 (2) : goddess 4 : fudge made of whipped ejyi whl]*
sugar, and nuts
divinity school n (ca. 1555) : a professional school having a reliK'fW
curriculum esp. for ministerial candidates
di*VfS>i*ble Vds-'vi-za-bslV adj (15c) : capable of being divided (a mi#*- -
ber~by,3) — di*visd*bll>l*ty Vte-jVi-za-'bi-la-teN n ■. i'r:
di'Vhsfon \da-rvi-zhon\ n [ME, fr. AF devision, fr. L division-, -t.
dividere to divide] (14c) 1 a : the act or process of dividing ‘ the.*
of being divided b : the act, process, or an instance of dislribilLoj
among a number : distribution c obs : a method of amtigiiiS #
disposing (as troops) 2 : one of the parts or groupings into
whole is divided or is divisible 3 : the condition or an instant ty,??
iog divided in opinion or interest: disagreement, DlsUNm zying (1501) 1 ;
: SOOTHSAYER 2 1 a person who divines the location of watu ornuu- ^^j/uein'ilder (disasters that ~ the mind)
wp3':Vde-, ja\ n, often not cap (1950): disc j
gp&a&fcr 1 district judge 2 doctor of juri
Kieblaiba also djel*la*bah \ja-'la-be\ n
\ a long loose garment with full sle
WlDlllA gibfii- Dow Jones Industrial Average
^ djinn \'jin\ varofUHHi
1 dark 2 deck 3 dock
ieciliter
disabled list
IjptOde-'el, 'dc-,\ prefix 1 also : co
‘ C'dextrorotatory and levorotatory fon
rtaric acid) 2 : consisting of equ
of a specified compound (DL-fruct
T n (ca. 1934) : a layer within the D ;
3GION
DLit abbr [NL doctor UtterarumI c
dead letter office
doctor of library science
decimeter
deutsche mark
>r doctor of musical arts
Ydosch-imSrk, 'doi-chs-A n (194?
tNL dentariae medicinae doctor
Nide-yem-^V n [distance measuring
c.device that informs the pilot of an.
ticular ground station
W-abbr doctor of ministry
\]de-,em-les',6\ n (1964) : DIMETH’
|^^7/\ide-(l)em-,te\ n (ca, 1966) : DimbtH
afet»r Department of Motor Vehicles
demilitarized zone
i^flofrrdowii
• ^,^?"ien-,&\ n [deoxyribonucleic acit
^.ds that are usu, the molecular ba
iMf a.double helix held together by hy<
IwP pyrimidine bases which project inwaj
iiate links of deoxyribose and phosj
jocailized chiefly iii cell nuclei — con
iuu ii u l une i iutu u Lt i uaiii spgpr-’WM PVnn
.. three to five brigades C (1) : the basic naval
,. .): t ti l bd f d of slw* 0'£ . • amjpcali
unit of the U.S. Air Force higher than a wing and lower than JKfe'v-r
force 7 a : a portion of a territorial unit marked off for a paiucuj*'
purpose (as administrative or judicial functions) b : an admin.
or operating unit of a governmental, business, or educational
tion 8 : the physical separation into different lobbies of the
of a parliamentary body voting for and against a question 9 ■ „_>iu
propagation by dividing parts and planting segments capable ol ^
ducing roots and shoots 10 : a group of organisms forming P.^ij
larger group; specif - a primary category of the plant kingdom JQ
logical taxonomy that is typically equivalent to a phylum 11 : fl-jjj
petitive class or category (as in boxing or wrestling) syn see ^ -
dhvi.sion-al Wizh-nol, -tvi-zhMi®l\ . ■
di-vbslori-ism V'vi-zhs-jtu-z-amX n, often cop (1901) : poiNTUtis ,, - *■
di*vi*siondst \-'vi-zho-nost\ n or adj . g
division of labor (1776) : the breakdown of labor into its comp?' ^
and their distribution among different persons, groups, or mf>c'llf,i ^
increase productive efficiency „ I'djtf
division sign n (ca. 1934) 1 : the symbol -r used to indicate ^
2 : the slash / used to indicate a fraction :Sd
di-vl-sive \da-'vi-siv also -rvi- or -ziv\ adj (1642) ; creating f
dissension vi«sive4y adv — di«vi*slvo«ncss
..................... - .................................................................^1di-vi-sor \do-'vI-Z3r\ n (15c): the number by which a dividend
ed
1 dbvorce \da-’v6rs also di-( n [ME divorse, fr. AF, fr. L divorpu™1 '!
vertere, drvortere to divert, to leave one's husband] (14c) 1 :
or an instance of legally dissolving a marriage 2 ; sETARATJON.
erance of the secular and. the spiritual)
2divorce vb di-vorced; dbvorcdng vf (15c) 1 a: to end marrJ.afe
(one's spouse) by divorce (she divorced her husband) b : t° dl
the marriage contract between (they were divorced last yeaD
make or keep separate ; separate (-~ church from state) 'r,
obtain a divorce syn see separate — di*vorce»mer>t V'vor "
model; T hydrogen,
Phosphate ester chains, 4 carbo
r: Durinn anH rvwriiTit(Hir\ri E I
1:^ f°T
p ri e d pyrimidine bases, 5 ]
n (1984) : a techniq
■tailed, .ensic purposes) by extracting
^Prin” an individual's DNA — callec
