Part 72

DIE, d[=i], _v.i._ to lose life: to perish: to wither: to languish: to become insensible:--_pr.p._ dy'ing; _pa.t._ and _pa.p._ died (d[=i]d).--_adj._ DIE'-AWAY', languishing.--DIE AWAY, to disappear by degrees, become gradually inaudible; DIE GAME, to keep up one's spirit to the last; DIE HARD, to struggle hard against death, to be long in dying; DIE OFF, to die quickly or in large numbers; DIE OUT, to become extinct, to disappear. [From a Scand. root seen in Ice. _deyja_, Dan. _d[[:o]]e_, Scot. _dee_; akin to Mid. High Ger. _touwen_, whence Ger. _tod_, _todt_. The A.S. word is _steorfan_, whence our _starve_.]

DIE, d[=i], _n._ a small cube used in gaming by being thrown from a box: any small cubical body: hazard:--_pl._ DICE (d[=i]s).--_n._ DICE'-BOX.--_adj._ DICED, ornamented with square or diamond-shaped figures.--_ns._ DICE'-PLAY; DICE'-PLAY'ER, D[=I]'CER; D[=I]'CING-HOUSE.--THE DIE IS CAST, the question is decided. [O. Fr. _det_, pl. _dez_ (Prov. _dat_, It. _dado_), from Low L. _dadus_--L. _d[=a]tus_, given or cast (_talus_, a piece of bone used in play, being understood). Doublets, _dado_, _date_.]

DIE, d[=i], _n._ a stamp for impressing coin, &c.: the cubical part of a pedestal:--_pl._ DIES (d[=i]z).--_ns._ DIE'-SINK'ER; DIE'-SINK'ING, the engraving of dies; DIE'-STOCK, a contrivance for holding the dies used in screw-cutting; DIE'-WORK, ornamentation of a metal surface by impressions with a die. [See above.]

DIEB, d[=e]b, _n._ a jackal of northern Africa.

DIEGESIS, d[=i]-e-j[=e]'sis, _n._ (_rhet._) in an oration, the narration of the facts. [Gr.]

DIELECTRIC, d[=i]-e-lek'trik, _adj._ non-conducting: transmitting electric effects without conducting.--_n._ a substance through which electric force acts. [Gr. _dia_, through, and _electric_.]

DIELYTRA, d[=i]-el'i-tra, _n._ an erroneous name for _dicentra_.

DIESIS, d[=i]'e-sis, _n._ (_mus._) the difference in tone between a major and a minor semitone: (_print._) the double dagger (++).

DIES IRAE, d[=i]'[=e]z [=i]'r[=e], _n._ the name given (from the opening words) to a famous hymn on the last judgment (_c._ 1250 A.D.). [L., 'day of wrath.']

DIES NON, d[=i]'[=e]z non, a day on which law courts may not be held. [From L. _dies non juridicus_, same as _dies nefastus_, an unlawful day.]

DIET, d[=i]'et, _n._ mode of living, with especial reference to food: food prescribed by a physician: allowance of provisions.--_v.t._ to furnish with food.--_v.i._ to eat: to take food according to rule.--_n._ DIET[=A]'RIAN, one who observes prescribed rules for diet.--_adj._ D[=I]'ETARY, pertaining to diet or the rules of diet.--_n._ course of diet: allowance of food, esp. in large institutions.--_ns._ D[=I]'ET-DRINK, medicated liquor; D[=I]'ETER (_Shak._), one who diets or prepares food by rule.--_adjs._ DIETET'IC, -AL, pertaining to diet.--_adv._ DIETET'ICALLY.--_ns._ DIETET'ICS, rules for regulating diet; DIETET'IST, one who lays stress on diet; D[=I]'ETIST, an authority on diet. [Fr. _di[`e]te_--Low L. _diaeta_--Gr. _diaita_, mode of living, diet.]

DIET, d[=i]'et, _n._ an assembly of princes and delegates, the chief national council in several countries in Europe: (_Scots law_) the proceedings under a criminal libel: a clerical or ecclesiastical function in Scotland, a _diet of worship_.--_n._ D[=I]'ETINE, a minor or local diet.--DESERT THE DIET, to abandon criminal proceedings under a particular libel--in Scotch usage. [O. Fr. _diete_--Low L. _diaeta_--Gr. _diaita_; or acc. to Littr['e], from L. _dies_, a (set) day, with which usage cf. Ger. _tag_, a day, _reichstag_.]

DIFFARREATION, di-far-[=e]-[=a]'shun, _n._ the parting of a cake of spelt--a ceremony at a Roman divorce. [L.]

DIFFER, dif'[.e]r, _v.i._ to be unlike, distinct, or various (used by itself, or followed by _with_, _from_, _to_): to disagree (with _from_, _with_): to fall out, dispute (_with_):--_pr.p._ diff'ering; _pa.p._ diff'ered.--_ns._ DIFF'ERENCE, DIFF'ERENCY (_Shak._), dissimilarity: the quality distinguishing one thing from another: a contention or quarrel: the point in dispute: the excess of one quantity or number over another: (_her._) the modification of an achievement of arms to indicate the wearer's relation to the head of the house, as by marks of cadency.--_v.t._ to make a difference between things.--_adj._ DIFF'ERENT, distinct: separate: unlike: not the same (with _from_, not _to_).--_n._ DIFFEREN'TIA (_logic_), the characteristic quality or attribute of a species.--_adj._ DIFFEREN'TIAL, creating a difference: special: (_math._) pertaining to a quantity or difference infinitely small (see CALCULUS).--_adv._ DIFFEREN'TIALLY.--_v.t._ DIFFEREN'TI[=A]TE, to make different: to create a difference between: to classify as different.--_v.i._ to become different by specialisation: (_math._) to obtain the differential or differential coefficient of.--_n._ DIFFERENTI[=A]'TION, the act of distinguishing or describing a thing by giving its differentia: exact definition: a change by which organs or structures become specialised or modified: (_math._) the act or process of differentiating.--_adv._ DIFF'ERENTLY.--DIFFERENTIAL GEAR, gear for communicating differential motion; DIFFERENTIAL MOTION, an apparatus by which the difference of two velocities is communicated, as in the DIFFERENTIAL SCREW, a combination of male and female screws; DIFFERENTIAL THERMOMETER, a thermometer for marking minute differences of temperature. [L. _differre_--_dif_ (= _dis_), apart, _ferre_, to bear.]

DIFFICULT, dif'i-kult, _adj._ not easy: hard to be done: requiring labour and pains: hard to please: not easily persuaded.--_adv._ DIFF'ICULTLY.--_n._ DIFF'ICULTY, laboriousness: obstacle: objection: that which cannot be easily understood or believed: embarrassment of affairs: a quarrel. [The adj. was formed from _difficulty_, in place of the old form _difficile_. Fr. _difficult['e]_--L. _difficultas_ = _difficilitas_--_difficilis_--_dif_ (= _dis_), neg., and _facilis_, easy.]

DIFFIDENT, dif'i-dent, _adj._ wanting faith in: distrustful of one's self: modest: bashful.--_n._ DIFF'IDENCE, want of confidence: want of self-reliance: modesty: bashfulness.--_adv._ DIFF'IDENTLY. [L., pr.p. of _diffid[)e]re_, to distrust--_dif_ (= _dis_), neg., _f[=i]d[)e]re_, to trust--_f[)i]des_, faith.]

DIFFLUENT, dif'loo-ent, _adj._ tending to flow away readily.

DIFFORM, dif'orm, _adj._ not uniform, irregular in form.--_n._ DIFFOR'MITY.

DIFFRACT, dif-frakt', _v.t._ to break or separate into parts, as rays of light.--_n._ DIFFRAC'TION, a name for certain phenomena connected with light passing through a narrow opening or by the edge of an opaque body: the spreading of the rays, with interference phenomena, coloured and other.--_adj._ DIFFRAC'TIVE.--_n._ DIFFRANGIBIL'ITY.--_adj._ DIFFRAN'GIBLE. [L. _diffring[)e]re_, _diffractum_--_dis_, asunder, _frang[)e]re_, to break.]

DIFFUSE, dif-[=u]z', _v.t._ to pour out all round: to send out in all directions: to scatter: to circulate: to publish.--_v.i._ to spread, as a liquid does.--_pa.p._ and _adj._ DIFFUSED', spread widely: loose.--_adv._ DIFFUS'EDLY.--_ns._ DIFFUS'EDNESS; DIFFUS'ER; DIFFUSIBIL'ITY.--_adj._ DIFFUS'IBLE, that may be diffused.--_ns._ DIFF[=U]'SION, a spreading or scattering abroad: extension: distribution: in the case of gases or liquids in contact, mixture through each other; DIFF[=U]'SION-TUBE, an instrument for determining the rate of diffusion for different gases.--_adj._ DIFFUS'IVE, extending: spreading widely.--_adv._ DIFFUS'IVELY.--_n._ DIFFUS'IVENESS. [L. _diffund[)e]re_, _diff[=u]sum_--_dif_ (= _dis_), asunder, _fund[)e]re_, to pour out.]

DIFFUSE, dif-[=u]s', _adj._ diffused: widely spread: wordy: not concise.--_adv._ DIFFUSE'LY.--_n._ DIFFUSE'NESS.

DIG, dig, _v.t._ to excavate: to turn up the earth: to cultivate with a spade: to poke or thrust, as one's elbow into another's side, or spurs into a horse.--_v.i._ to till the ground; to occupy one's self in digging; (_U.S. slang_) to study hard:--_pr.p._ dig'ging; _pa.t._ and _pa.p._ dug, (_B._) digged.--_n._ a thrust, a poke: (_U.S. slang_) a hard student.--_adj._ DIG'GABLE, that may be dug.--_n._ DIG'GER, a person or animal that digs: a machine for digging, as a _steam-digger_.--_n.pl._ DIG'GINGS, places where mining is carried on, esp. for gold: (_slang_, orig. American) lodgings, rooms.--DIG IN, to cover over by digging: to work hard; DIG OUT (_U.S. slang_), to decamp.--DIGGER INDIANS, degraded Indian tribes of California and Nevada, who live by digging roots. [Prob. O. Fr. _diguer_, to dig; of Teut. origin.]

DIGAMMA, d[=i]-gam'ma, _n._ an obsolete letter of the Greek alphabet, having the force of our W. [So called from its form ([Digamma]), like one capital [Gamma] (gamma) placed over another.]

DIGAMY, dig'a-mi, _n._ a second marriage.--_n._ DIG'AMIST.--_adj._ DIG'AMOUS (_bot._), androgynous. [Gr. _dis_, twice, and _gamos_, marriage.]

DIGASTRIC, d[=i]-gas'trik, _adj._ double-bellied, or fleshy at each end, as is one of the muscles of the lower jaw. [Gr. _di-_, double, _gast[=e]r_, the belly.]

DIGENESIS, d[=i]-jen'e-sis, _n._ reproduction by two methods, a sexual followed by an assexual.--_adj._ DIGENET'IC.

DIGEST, di-jest', _v.t._ to dissolve food in the stomach: to soften by heat and moisture: to distribute and arrange: to prepare or classify in the mind: to think over.--_v.i._ to be dissolved in the stomach: to be softened by heat and moisture.--_adv._ DIGEST'EDLY.--_n._ DIGEST'ER, one who digests: a close vessel in which by heat and pressure strong extracts are made from animal and vegetable substances.--_n._ DIGESTIBIL'ITY.--_adj._ DIGEST'IBLE, that may be digested.--_n._ DIGES'TION, the dissolving of the food in the stomach: orderly arrangement: exposing to slow heat, &c.--_adj._ DIGEST'IVE, pertaining to digestion: promoting digestion.--_adv._ DIGEST'IVELY. [L. _diger[)e]re_, _digestum_, to carry asunder or dissolve--_di_ (= _dis_), asunder, and _ger[)e]re_, to bear.]

DIGEST, d[=i]'jest, _n._ a body of laws collected and arranged, esp. the Justinian code of civil laws. [L. _digesta_, neut. pl. of _digestus_, pa.p. of _diger[)e]re_, to carry apart, to arrange.]

DIGHT, d[=i]t, _adj._ disposed, adorned.--_adv._ finely.--Also DIGHT'LY. [A.S. _dihtan_, to arrange, prescribe, from L. _dict[=a]re_, to dictate, whence Ger. _dichten_, to write poetry, and the Scotch verb _dight_, to dress, used of stones, flour, &c.]

DIGIT, dij'it, _n._ a finger's breadth or 3/4 inch: from the habit of counting on the fingers, any one of the nine numbers: the twelfth part of the diameter of the sun or moon.--_adj._ DIG'ITAL, pertaining to the fingers.--_n._ finger: a key of a piano, &c.--_ns._ DIGIT[=A]'LIA, DIG'ITALINE, DIG'ITALIN, the active principles of digitalis; DIGIT[=A]'LIS, a genus of plants, including the foxglove; DIGIT[=A]'RIA, a genus of grasses with digitate spikes.--_adjs._ DIGITATE, -D, consisting of several finger-like sections.--_adv._ DIG'ITATELY.--_n._ DIGIT[=A]'TION, finger-like arrangement: a finger-like process.--_adj._ DIGIT'IFORM, formed like fingers; DIG'ITIGRADE, walking on the toes.--_n._ an animal that walks on its toes, as the lion--opp. to _Plantigrade_.--_ns._ DIG'ITIGRADISM; DIGIT[=O]'RIUM, a small portable instrument used for making the fingers flexible for piano-playing. [L. _digitus_, a finger or toe, akin to Gr. _daktylos_.]

DIGLYPH, d[=i]'glif, _n._ (_archit._) an ornament consisting of a double groove.

DIGNIFY, dig'ni-f[=i], _v.t._ to invest with honour: to exalt:--_pr.p._ dig'nifying; _pa.p._ dig'nified.--_n._ DIGNIFIC[=A]'TION.--_adj._ DIG'NIFIED, marked with dignity: exalted: noble: grave. [Low L. _dignific[=a]re_--_dignus_, worthy, _fac[)e]re_, to make.]

DIGNITY, dig'ni-ti, _n._ the state of being dignified: elevation of mind or character: grandeur of mien: elevation in rank, place, &c.: degree of excellence: preferment: high office: a dignitary.--_n._ DIG'NITARY, one in a dignified position or rank, esp. in the church. [Fr. _dignit['e]_--L. _dignitas_--_dignus_, worthy.]

DIGRAPH, d[=i]'graf, _n._ two letters expressing but one sound, as _ph_ in _digraph_. [Gr. _di-_, twice, _graph[=e]_, a mark, a character--_graphein_, to write.]

DIGRESS, di-gres', _v.i._ to step aside or go from the main subject: to introduce irrelevant matter.--_n._ DIGRES'SION, a going from the main point: a part of a discourse not upon the main subject.--_adjs._ DIGRES'SIONAL, DIGRESS'IVE, of the nature of a digression: departing from the main subject.--_adv._ DIGRESS'IVELY. [L. _digredi_, _digressus_--_di_, aside, _gradi_, to step. See GRADE.]

DIGYNIA, d[=i]-jin'i-a, _n._ an order of plants having in the flower two styles or a deeply cleft style.--_adjs._ DIGYN'IAN, DIG'YNOUS. [Gr. _dis_, twice, and _gyn[=e]_, a woman.]

DIHEDRAL, d[=i]-h[=e]'dral, _adj._ having two sides, or two plane faces--also DI[=E]'DRAL.--_n._ DIH[=E]'DRON. [Gr. _di-_, two, _hedra_, a seat.]

DIHEXAGONAL, d[=i]-heks-ag'[=o]-nal, _adj._ twelve-sided.

DIHEXAHEDRAL, d[=i]-heks-a-h[=e]'dral, _adj._ pertaining to a six-sided prism having three planes on the extremities.--_n._ DIHEXAH[=E]'DRON.

DIJUDICATE, d[=i]-j[=oo]'di-k[=a]t, _v.t._ and _v.i._ to judge between two: to decide.--_n._ DIJUDIC[=A]'TION. [L. _di_, asunder, and _judic[=a]re_, judge.]

DIKE, d[=i]k, _n._ a trench, or the earth dug out and thrown up: a ditch: a mound raised to prevent inundation: in Scotland, a wall (_Dry-stane dike_, a wall without mortar; _Fail-dike_, a wall of turf), sometimes even a thorn-hedge: (_geol._) a wall-like mass of igneous rock in the fissures of stratified rocks.--_v.t._ to surround with a dike or bank. [A.S. _d['i]c_; Dut. _dijk_, Ger. _teich_, a pond; perh. conn. with Gr. _teichos_, a wall or rampart. See DIG, _Ditch_.]

DILACERATE, di-las'[.e]r-[=a]t, _v.t._ to rend or tear asunder.--_n._ DILACER[=A]'TION. [L. _di_, asunder, and _lacerate_.]

DILAPIDATE, di-lap'i-d[=a]t, _v.t._ to pull stone from stone: to lay waste: to suffer to go to ruin.--_adj._ DILAP'IDATED, in ruins.--_ns._ DILAPID[=A]'TION, the state of ruin: impairing of church property during an incumbency: (_pl._) money paid at the end of an incumbency by the incumbent or his heirs for the purpose of putting the parsonage, &c. in good repair for the succeeding incumbent; DILAP'IDATOR. [L. _dilapid[=a]re_--_di_, asunder, _lapis_, _lapidis_, a stone.]

DILATE, di-l[=a]t', _v.t._ to spread out in all directions: to enlarge: the opposite of _contract_.--_v.i._ to widen: to swell out: to speak at length.--_ns._ DIL[=A]TABIL'ITY, DIL[=A]T'ANCY, DILAT[=A]'TION, DIL[=A]'TION, expansion.--_adjs._ DIL[=A]T'ABLE, that may be dilated or expanded; DIL[=A]'TANT.--_ns._ D[=I]'LAT[=A]TOR, DIL[=A]T'OR, DIL[=A]T'ER.--_adj._ DIL[=A]T'IVE. [L. _dilatus_ (used as pa.p. of _differre_), from _di_ (= _dis_), apart, and _latus_, borne.]

DILATORY, dil'a-tor-i, _adj._ slow: given to procrastination: loitering: tending to delay.--_adv._ DIL'ATORILY.--_n._ DIL'ATORINESS. [L. _dilatorius_, extending or putting off (time). See DILATE.]

DILEMMA, di-lem'a, _n._ a form of argument in which the maintainer of a certain proposition is committed to accept one of two alternative propositions each of which contradicts his original contention: a position where each of two alternative courses (or of all the feasible courses) is eminently undesirable: a trying practical difficulty. The argument was called a 'horned syllogism,' and the victim compared to a man certain to be impaled on one or other of the horns of an infuriated bull, hence the HORNS OF A DILEMMA: the usual phrase LANDED IN A DILEMMA is, or suggests, a mixed metaphor.--_adj._ DILEMMAT'IC. [L.,--Gr. _dil[=e]mma_--_di-_, twice, double, _l[=e]mma_, an assumption--_lambanein_, to take.]

DILETTANTE, dil-et-an'te, _n._ one who loves the fine arts, but in a superficial way and without serious purpose (the _amateur_ usually practises them): a dabbler in art, science, or literature:--_pl._ DILETTAN'TI ('T[=E]).--_adj._ DILETTAN'TISH.--_ns._ DILETTAN'TISM, DILETTAN'TEISM. [It., pr.p. of _dilettare_, to take delight in--L. _delect[=a]re_, to delight.]

DILIGENT, dil'i-jent, _adj._ steady and earnest in application: industrious.--_n._ DIL'IGENCE, steady application: industry: (_Scots law_) a warrant to produce witnesses, books, &c., or a process by which persons or goods are attached: a French or continental stage-coach (also pronounced d[=e]-l[=e]-zhongs)--also DILL'Y.--_adv._ DIL'IGENTLY. [Fr.,--_diligens_, _-entis_, pr.p. of L. _dilig[)e]re_, to choose.]

DILL, dil, _n._ an umbelliferous annual, the seeds used in medicine.--_n._ DILL'-WA'TER, a stomachic and carminative. [A.S. _dile_; Ger. and Sw. _dill_.]

DILLING, dil'ing, _n._ a darling: the youngest child, the weakling of a litter.

DILLY-BAG, dil'i-bag, _n._ an Australian native-made rush or bark-bag.--Also DILL'I, DILL'Y.

DILLY-DALLY, dil'i-dal'i, _v.i._ to loiter, trifle. [A kind of reduplication of _dally_. Cf. SHILLY-SHALLY.]

DILOGY, dil'[=o]-ji, _n._ repetition: intentional ambiguity.--_adj._ DILOG'ICAL.

DILUCIDATE, di-l[=u]'si-d[=a]t, _v.t._ (_obs._) to elucidate.--_adj._ DIL[=U]'CID.--_n._ DILUCID[=A]'TION.

DILUTE, dil-[=u]t', _v.t._ to make thinner or more liquid: to diminish the strength, flavour, &c. of, by mixing, esp. with water.--_v.i._ to become mixed.--_adj._ diminished in strength by mixing with water.--_adj._ DIL'UENT, diluting.--_n._ that which dilutes.--_ns._ DILUTE'NESS; DIL[=U]'TION. [L. _dilu[)e]re_, _dil[=u]tum_--_di_, away from, _lu[)e]re_, to wash.]

DILUVIUM, dil-[=u]'vi-um, _n._ an inundation or flood: (_geol._) a deposit of sand, gravel, &c. made by extraordinary currents of water--also DIL[=U]'VION.--_adjs._ DIL[=U]'VIAL, DIL[=U]'VIAN, pertaining to a flood, esp. that in the time of Noah: caused by a deluge: composed of diluvium.--_n._ DIL[=U]'VIALIST, one who explains geological phenomena by the Flood. [L. _diluvium_--_dilu[)e]re_.]

DIM, dim, _adj._ not bright or distinct: obscure: mysterious: not seeing clearly.--_v.t._ to make dark: to obscure.--_v.i._ to become dim:--_pr.p._ dim'ming; _pa.p._ dimmed.--_adv._ DIM'LY.--_adj._ DIM'MISH, somewhat dim.--_n._ DIM'NESS. [A.S. _dim_; akin to Ice. _dimmr_, dark, and Ger. _d[:a]mmerung_, twilight.]

DIME, d[=i]m, _n._ the tenth part of an American dollar, 10 cents, nearly equal to 5d.--DIME MUSEUM, a cheap show; DIME NOVEL, a cheap novel, usually sensational. [Fr., orig. _disme_, from L. _decima_ (_pars_, a part, being understood), a tenth part.]

DIMENSION, di-men'shun, _n._ usually in _pl._, measure in length, breadth, and thickness (the three dimensions of space): extent: size.--_adjs._ DIMEN'SIONAL, concerning dimension (one-dimensional, two-dimensional, three-dimensional space = space of one, two, three dimensions); DIMEN'SIONED, having dimension; DIMEN'SIONLESS.--DIMENSION WORK, masonry in stones of specified size.--FOURTH DIMENSION, an additional dimension attributed to space by a hypothetical speculation. [Fr.,--L. _dimensio_--_dimet[=i]ri_, _dimensus_--_di_(= _dis_), apart, _met[=i]ri_, to measure.]

DIMEROUS, dim'e-rus, _adj._ consisting of two parts: (_bot._) with two members in each whorl: (_entom._) having two-jointed tarsi.--_n._ DIM'ERISM. [Gr., _di-_, double, _meros_, a part.]

DIMETER, dim'e-t[.e]r, _adj._ containing two metres or measures.--_n._ a verse of two measures. [L.,--Gr. _dimetros_--_di-_, twice, _metron_, a measure.]

DIMETHYLANILINE, di-meth-il-an'i-lin, _n._ an oily liquid: aniline heated with methyl alcohol and hydrochloric acid--from which dyes are obtained. [L. _di-_, twice, _methyl_, and _aniline_.]

DIMETRIC, d[=i]-met'rik, _adj._ (_crystal._) tetragonal.

DIMIDIATE, di-mid'i-[=a]t, _adj._ divided into halves: having a shape that appears as if halved.--_v.t._ (_her._) to represent the half of.--_n._ DIMIDI[=A]'TION. [L. _dimidi[=a]re_, _-[=a]tum_, to halve--_dimidius_; half--_dis_, twice, _medius_, the middle.]

DIMINISH, di-min'ish, _v.t._ to make less: to take a part from: to degrade.--_v.i._ to grow or appear less: to subside.--_adj._ DIMIN'ISHABLE.--_p.adj._ DIMIN'ISHED, made smaller, humbled: (_mus._) lessened by a half-step, as an interval.--_adv._ DIMIN'ISHINGLY. [Coined by adding _di_ to the word _minish_, an imitation of L. _diminu[)e]re_--_di_ = _dis_, apart, _minu[)e]re_, to make less.]

DIMINUENDO, di-min-[=u]-en'd[=o], _adv._ (_mus._) a direction to let the sound die away, marked thus [Diminuendo symbol]. [It.,--L. _diminuendus_, fut. part. pass. of _diminu[)e]re_, _dimin[=u]tum_, to lessen.]

DIMINUTION, dim-in-[=u]'shun, _n._ a lessening: degradation.--_adj._ DIMIN'UTIVE, of a diminished size: small: contracted.--_n._ (_gram._) a word formed from another to express a little one of the kind.--_adv._ DIMIN'UTIVELY.--_n._ DIMIN'UTIVENESS.

DIMISSORY, dim'is-or-i, _adj._ sending away or giving leave to depart to another jurisdiction. [L. _dimissorius_--_dimitt[)e]re_, _dimissum_.]

DIMITY, dim'i-ti, _n._ a kind of stout white cotton cloth, striped or figured in the loom by weaving with two threads. [Through the L., from Gr. _dimitos_--_di-_, twice, _mitos_, a thread.]

DIMORPHISM, d[=i]-mor'fizm, _n._ (_bot._) a state in which two forms of flower, leaf, &c. are produced by the same species of plant: the property of crystallising in two forms.--_adjs._ DIMOR'PHIC, DIMOR'PHOUS. [Gr. _di-_, twice, _morph[=e]_, form.]

DIMPLE, dim'pl, _n._ a small hollow: a small natural depression on the face.--_v.i._ to form dimples.--_v.t._ to mark with dimples.--_p.adj._ DIM'PLED.--_n._ DIM'PLEMENT.--_adj._ DIM'PLY. [Dim. of _dip_, with inserted _m_. Another dim. is _dapple_.]

DIMYARIAN, dim-i-[=a]'ri-an, _adj._ double-muscled (of bivalve shells like the clam)--also DIM'YARY.--_n.pl._ DIMY[=A]'RIA. [Gr. _di-_, two, _mys_, a muscle.]

DIN, din, _n._ a loud continued noise.--_v.t._ to assail (the ears) with noise: to annoy with clamour: to obtrude noisily (as to din one's complaints into their ears):--_pr.p._ din'ning; _pa.p._ dinned.--_adj._ DIN'FUL. [A.S. _dyn_, _dyne_; cf. Ice. _dynr_, Dan. _d[:o]n_, noise.]

DINANDERIE, d[=e]-nong'de-r[=e], _n._ domestic utensils of copper, esp. such as are quaint and artistic--applied also to Indian and Levantine brass-ware. [Fr., from _Dinant_ in Belgium.]

DINAR, d[=e]-n[:a]r', _n._ an ancient Arab gold coin of 65 grains weight. [L. _denarius_.]

DINARCHY. See DIARCHY.

DINDLE. See DINNLE.

DINE, d[=i]n, _v.i._ to take dinner.--_v.t._ to give a dinner to.--_n._ (_obs._) dinner-time.--_ns._ DIN'ER-OUT, one who goes much to dinner-parties; DINETTE', a preliminary dinner, luncheon; DIN'ING-HALL; DIN'ING-ROOM; DIN'ING-T[=A]'BLE.--DINE OUT, to dine elsewhere than at home; DINE WITH DUKE HUMPHREY, to go without a meal, like those who, unable to procure a dinner, loitered about Duke Humphrey's Walk in Old St Paul's. [O. Fr. _disner_ (Fr. _d[^i]ner_)--Low L. _disjun[=a]re_, for _disjejun[=a]re_, to break one's fast--L. _dis-_, and _jejunus_, fasting (cf. _D['e]jeuner_). Others explain _disnare_ as from _decen[=a]re_--L. _de_, inten., and _cen[=a]re_, to dine.]

DING, ding, _v.t._ to throw, dash, or hurl: to beat: (_arch._) to urge or enforce: (_Scot._) to defeat, non-plus--also, as _v.i._, to be defeated: to descend, fall, as of continued heavy rain or snow falling.--DING DOUN (_Scot._), to knock or throw down. [M. E. _dingen_; cf. Ice. _dengja_, Sw. _d[:a]nga_, to bang.]

DING, ding, _v.i._ to ring, keep sounding.--_v.t._ to reiterate to a wearisome degree.--_n._ DING'-DONG, the sound of bells ringing: monotony: sameness. [Imit. Cf. RING.]

DINGLE, ding'gl, _n._ a little hollow or narrow valley. [Prob. conn. with _dimple_ and _dip_.]

DINGLE-DANGLE, ding'gl-dang'gl, _adv._ hanging loose: swinging backwards and forwards. [A duplication of DANGLE.]

DINGO, ding'g[=o], _n._ the native dog of Australia.

DINGY, DINGEY, ding'gi, _n._ the smallest ship's boat: in India, a canoe. [Beng. _ding[=i]_, a boat.]

DINGY, din'ji, _adj._ of a dim or dark colour: dull: soiled.--_n._ DIN'GINESS. [Acc. to Skeat = _dungy_.]

DINIC, din'ik, _adj._ relating to vertigo or dizziness.--_n._ a remedy for dizziness. [Gr. _dinos_, whirling.]

DINK, dingk, _adj._ (_Scot._) braw, trim.--_v.t._ to dress neatly.

DINMONT, din'mont, _n._ a Border name for a wether between the first and second shearing.

DINNER, din'[.e]r, _n._ the chief meal of the day: a feast.--_ns._ DINNERETTE', a little dinner; DINN'ER-HOUR.--_adj._ DINN'ERLESS.--_ns._ DINN'ER-T[=A]'BLE; DINN'ER-TIME; DINN'ER-WAG'ON, a set of light movable shelves for a dining-room. [O. Fr. _disner_, prop. breakfast. See DINE.]

DINNLE, din'l, _v.i._ (_Scot._) to tingle.--_n._ a thrill.--Also DIN'DLE.

DINOCERAS, d[=i]-nos'er-as, _n._ an extinct genus of mammals found in Wyoming, approaching the elephant in size, and named from three pairs of osseous protuberances on the skull. [Formed from Gr. _deinos_, terrible, _keras_, horn.]

DINORNIS, d[=i]-nor'nis, _n._ a genus of large extinct birds, the bones of which are found in New Zealand. [Formed from Gr. _deinos_, terrible, and _ornis_, a bird.]

DINOSAUR, d[=i]'no-sawr, _n._ a gigantic extinct reptile, which attained a length of eighty feet. [Formed from Gr. _deinos_, terrible, and _sauros_, lizard.]

DINOTHERIUM, d[=i]-no-th[=e]'ri-um, _n._ an extinct animal of huge size, with elephant-like tusks and trunk. [Gr. _deinos_, terrible, _th[=e]rion_, a beast.]

DINT, dint, _n._ a blow or stroke: the mark of a blow (often DENT): force: power (as in 'by dint of').--_v.t._ to make a dint in. [A.S. _dynt_, a blow; Scot. _dunt_, a blow with a dull sound, Ice. _dyntr_.]

DIOCESE, d[=i]'[=o]-s[=e]s, _n._ the circuit or extent of a bishop's jurisdiction.--_adj._ DIOCESAN (d[=i]-os'es-an, or d[=i]'[=o]-s[=e]-san), pertaining to a diocese.--_n._ a bishop as regards his diocese: one of the clergy in the diocese. [Through Fr. and L. from Gr. _dioik[=e]sis_, _dioikein_, to keep house--_di_, for _dia_, sig. completeness, _oikein_, to manage a household--_oikos_, a house.]

DIODON, d[=i]'o-don, _n._ a genus of globe-fishes which have all their teeth consolidated on the jaws, so as to make them like the beak of a bird. [Gr. _dis_, twice, double, _odous_, _odontos_, a tooth.]

DIOECIA, d[=i]-[=e]'shi-a, _n._ a class of plants having the stamens on one plant and the pistils on another.--_adjs._ DIOE'CIOUS, DIOE'CIAN.--_adv._ DIOE'CIOUSLY.--_n._ DIOE'CIOUSNESS. [Gr. _di-_, twice, _oikos_, a house.]

DIOGENIC, d[=i]-o-jen'ik, _adj._ resembling the Cynic philosopher _Diogenes_ (412-323 B.C.), cynical.

DIONAEA, d[=i]-[=o]-n[=e]'a, _n._ Venus's fly-trap: an American insectivorous plant. [L., from Gr., a name of Aphrodite or Venus, from her mother _Di[=o]n[=e]_.]

DIONYSIA, d[=i]-o-niz'i-a, _n.pl._ dramatic and orgiastic festivals in honour of _Dionysus_ (Bacchus), god of wine.--_adjs._ DIONYS'IAC, DIONYS'IAN.

DIOPHANTINE, d[=i]-o-fan't[=i]n, _adj._ pertaining to the Alexandrian mathematician _Diophantus_ (c. 275 A.D.).--DIOPHANTINE ANALYSIS, the part of algebra which treats of finding particular rational values for general expressions under a surd form.

DIOPSIDE, d[=i]-op'sid, _n._ a grayish and readily cleavable variety of pyroxene. [Gr., _dia_, through, _opsis_, a view.]

DIOPSIS, d[=i]-op'sis, _n._ a genus of dipterous insects, of the fly family.

DIOPTASE, d[=i]-op't[=a]s, _n._ emerald copper ore.

DIOPTRATE, d[=i]-op'tr[=a]t, _adj._ (_entom._) divided transversely.

[Illustration]

DIOPTRIC, -AL, d[=i]-op'trik, -al, _adj._ pertaining to dioptrics.--_ns._ DIOP'TER, an ancient form of theodolite: the index-arm of a graduated circle; DIOP'TRICS, the part of optics which treats of the transmission of light from one medium to another.--DIOPTRIC SYSTEM, in lighthouses (as opposed to _reflecting system_), illumination from a central lamp whose rays are transmitted through a combination of lenses. [Gr. _dia_, through, _opt-_, as in _opsesthai_, to see, &c.]

DIORAMA, d[=i]-[=o]-r[:a]'ma, _n._ an exhibition of pictures, illuminated, and viewed through an opening in the wall of a darkened chamber.--_adj._ DIORAM'IC. [Gr. _dia_, through, _horama_, a sight.]

DIORISM, d[=i]'[=o]-rizm, _n._ distinction, definition.--_adjs._ DIORIS'TIC, -AL.--_adv._ DIORIS'TICALLY. [Gr. _diorizein_, to divide, _dia_, through, _horos_, a boundary.]

DIORITE, d[=i]'o-r[=i]t, _n._ a crystalline granular igneous rock composed of feldspar and hornblende. [Gr. _diorizein_, to distinguish--_dia_, through, _horos_, a boundary.]

DIORTHOSIS, d[=i]-or-th[=o]'sis, _n._ (_surg._) the reduction of a dislocation, the correction of a deformity: a critical revision of a text.--_adj._ DIORTHROT'IC. [Gr., _dia_, through, _orthos_, straight.]

DIOSCOREA, di-os-k[=o]r'e-a, _n._ a genus of twining plants, containing the yams.--_n._ DIOSCOR[=A]'CEAE, the order to which Dioscorea belongs.--_adj._ DIOSCOR[=A]'CEOUS. [From the 1st-cent. Greek physician _Dioscorides_.]

DIOSCURI, di-os-k[=u]'ri, _n.pl._ Castor and Pollux, as sons of Jupiter. [Gr. _Dios_, gen. of Zeus (Jupiter), and _koros_ (Ion. _kouros_), a son, a lad.]

DIOSMOSIS, d[=i]-oz-m[=o]'zis, _n._ the transfusion of a liquid through a membrane.--Also DIOS'MOSE. [Gr. _dia_, through, _[=o]smos_, a pushing--_[=o]thein_, to thrust.]

DIOTA, d[=i]-[=o]'ta, _n._ a two-handled Roman vase.

DIOTHELISM, d[=i]-oth'e-lizm, _n._ the doctrine that Christ during His life on earth possessed two wills, a human and a divine--opp. to _Monothelism_--also DYOTH'ELISM.--_n._ DIOTH'ELITE, one who holds this.

DIOXIDE, d[=i]-oks'[=i]d, _n._ an oxide containing two equivalents of oxygen to one of a metal. [Gr. _di-_, twice, and _oxide_.]