Part 77

MESH, mesh, _n._ the opening between the threads of a net: the threads and knots which bound the opening: network.--_v.t._ to catch in a net: to engage or interlock, as gear-teeth.--_v.i._ to become engaged thus.--_n._ MESH'-WORK, a network, web.--_adj._ MESH'Y, formed like network. [A.S. _max_, a net; Ger. _masche_.]

MESIAL, m[=e]'zi-al, _adj._ pertaining to the middle: median--also MES'AL, MES'IAN.--_advs._ MES'ALLY, MES'IALLY. [Gr. _mesos_, middle.]

MESMERISE, mez'm[.e]r-[=i]z, _v.t._ to induce an extraordinary state of the nervous system, in which the operator is supposed to control the actions and thoughts of the subject.--_n._ MESMEREE', one mesmerised.--_adjs._ MESMER'IC, -AL, of or relating to mesmerism.--_ns._ MESMERIS[=A]'TION; MES'MERISER, MES'MERIST, one who mesmerises: MES'MERISM, act of mesmerising. [From Friedrich Anton or Franz _Mesmer_, a German physician (1733-1815), who first published his discovery in 1775.]

MESNE, m[=e]n, _adj._ intermediate: applied to a writ issued between the beginning and end of a suit.--MESNE LORD, one who held land of a superior, but had granted part of it to another person. [Norm. Fr. _mesne_, middle.]

MESOBLAST, mes'o-blast, _n._ the middle one of the three germinal layers of any metazoic embryo between the epiblast and the hypoblast: the mesoderm.--_adj._ MESOBLAS'TIC.

MESOCARP, mes'o-k[:a]rp, _n._ (_bot._) the middle one of the three layers of a seed-vessel.

MESOCEPHALIC, mes-[=o]-s[=e]-fal'ik, _adj._ of medium breadth or capacity--of the skull--also MESOCEPH'ALOUS.--_ns._ MESOCEPH'ALISM, MESOCEPH'ALY.

MESODERM, mes'o-derm, _n._ Same as MESOBLAST.

MESODIC, me-sod'ik, _adj._ (_pros._) pertaining to a system of different form intervening between a strophe and its antistrophe.

MESOGASTRIC, mes-o-gas'trik, _adj._ of or belonging to the middle of the stomach: denoting the membrane which sustains the stomach.

MESOPHLOEUM, mes-[=o]-fl[=e]'um, _n._ (_bot._) the middle or green layer of bark.

MESOTHORAX, mes-o-th[=o]'raks, _n._ the middle one of the three segments of an insect's thorax.--_adj._ MESOTHORAC'IC.

MESOZOIC, mes-o-z[=o]'ik, _adj._ of the _Secondary_ geological period, including the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous systems. [Gr. _mesos_, middle, _z[=o][=e]_, life.]

MESPRISE, mes-pr[=i]z', _n._ (_Spens._) contempt, scorn. [O. Fr. _mespriser_, to despise--L. _minus_, less, _preti[=a]re_, to prize.]

MESQUITE, mes'k[=e]t, mes-k[=e]t', _n._ a leguminous tree or shrub of America, with nutritious pods. [Sp.]

MESS, mes, _n._ a mixture disagreeable to the sight or taste: a medley: disorder: confusion.--_v.t._ to make a mess of: to muddle.--_adj._ MESS'Y, confused, untidy. [A form of _mash_.]

MESS, mes, _n._ a dish or quantity of food served up at one time: a number of persons who take their meals together at the same table, esp. in the army and navy: the take of fish at one time.--_v.t._ to supply with a mess.--_v.i._ to eat of a mess: to eat at a common table. [O. Fr. _mes_ (Fr. _mets_), a dish--L. _mitt[)e]re_, _missum_, to send, in Low L. to place.]

MESS, mes, _n._=mass.--MESS JOHN, a domestic chaplain.

MESSAGE, mes'[=a]j, _n._ any communication sent from one person to another: an errand: an official communication, of advice, &c., as a President's Message in the United States.--_n._ MESS'ENGER, the bearer of a message: a forerunner: a light scudding cloud preceding a storm: a piece of paper, &c., blown up the string to the kite: the secretary-bird: a rope or chain by which cables were formerly connected to the capstan when heaving up the anchor: (_Scots law_) an officer who executes the summonses of the Court of Session, called a MESS'ENGER-AT-ARMS.--QUEEN'S, or KING'S, MESSENGER, an officer who carries official despatches whether at home or abroad. [Fr.,--Low L. _missaticum_--L. _mitt[)e]re_, _missum_, to send.]

MESSIAH, mes-s[=i]'a, _n._ the anointed One, the Christ--also MESS[=I]'AS.--_n._ MESS[=I]'AHSHIP, the character and work of Christ as the Saviour of the world.--_adj._ MESSIAN'IC, relating to the Messiah. [Heb. _m[=a]sh[=i]ach_, anointed--_m[=a]shach_, to anoint.]

MESSIDOR, mes-si-d[=o]r', _n._ the tenth month of the French revolutionary calendar, June 19th-July 18th. [Fr.,--L. _messis_, harvest, Gr. _d[=o]ron_, a gift.]

MESSIEURS, plural of _Monsieur_ (q.v.).

MESSIN, mes'in, _n._ (_Scot._) a mongrel dog, a cur.--_adj._ mongrel. [Cf. _Mastiff_.]

MESSMATE, mes'm[=a]t, _n._ one who eats at the same table. [_Mess_ and _mate_.]

MESSUAGE, mes'w[=a]j, _n._ (_law_) a dwelling and offices with the adjoining lands appropriated to the household: a mansion-house and grounds. [O. Fr.,--Low L. _messuagium_--L. _mansa_, pa.p. of _man[=e]re_, to remain.]

MESTEE, mes-t[=e]', _n._ the offspring of a white person and a quadroon. [Cf. Fr. _m['e]tis_, mongrel.]

MESTIZO, mes-t[=e]'z[=o], _n._ the offspring of a person of mixed Spanish and American Indian parentage, &c. [Sp.,--L. _mixtus_--_misc[=e]re_, to mix.]

MET, _pa.t._ and _pa.p._ of _meet_.

METABASIS, me-tab'a-sis, _n._ a change, as in treatment or remedies: a transition.--_adj._ METABAT'IC. [Gr., _meta_, beyond, _bainein_, to go.]

METABOLISM, me-tab'o-lizm, _n._ a general term for the chemical changes of living matter: retrograde metamorphosis, catabolism: complete metamorphosis, as in _Diptera_, &c.--_adj._ METABOL'IC, undergoing complete metamorphosis: polymorphic: exhibiting metabolism.--_v.t._ METAB'OLISE. [Gr. _metabol[=e]_, change.]

METACARPAL, met-a-k[:a]r'pal, _adj._ pertaining to the part of the hand between the wrist and the fingers, the METACAR'PUS: denoting the foreleg of a horse between knee and fetlock joint.

METACENTRE, met-a-sen't[.e]r, _n._ that point in a floating body slightly displaced from equilibrium through which the resultant upward pressure of the fluid always passes.

METACHRONISM, me-tak'ron-izm, _n._ an error made by placing an event after its real time. [Fr.,--Gr. _metachronos_--_meta_, beyond, _chronos_, time.]

METACHROSIS, met-a-kr[=o]'sis, _n._ colour-change, as of a chameleon.

METACISM. See MYTACISM.

METAGE, m[=e]t'[=a]j, _n._ measurement of coal: price of measurement. [_Mete_.]

METAGENESIS, met-a-jen'e-sis, _n._ (_biol._) a kind of alteration of generations in which a series of generations of unlike forms come between the egg and the parent type.--_adj._ METAGENET'IC.

METAGNOSTIC, met-ag-nos'tik, _adj._ transcending present knowledge.--_n._ one who holds that there is a supreme being, but that he transcends knowledge.--_n._ METAGNOS'TICISM.

METAIRIE, m[=e]-t[=a]'r[=e], _n._ a piece of land cultivated for a share of the produce. [Fr. See METAYER.]

METAL, met'al, _n._ an opaque substance, possessing a peculiar lustre, fusibility, conductivity for heat and electricity, &c., such as gold, &c.: courage or spirit (now spelt _mettle_): intrinsic quality: the number and power of guns carried by a ship-of-war: broken stones used for macadamised roads: (_pl._) the rails of a railroad.--_v.t._ to put metal on, as a road.--_n._ METALIC'ITY.--_adjs._ MET'ALLED, covered with metal, as a road; METAL'LIC, pertaining to, or like, a metal: consisting of metal.--_adv._ METAL'LICALLY.--_adjs._ METALLIF'EROUS, producing or yielding metals; METAL'LIFORM, having the form of metals: like metal; MET'ALLINE, pertaining to a metal: consisting of, or mixed with, metal.--_ns._ MET'ALLING, road-metal, broken stones; METALLIS[=A]'TION.--_v.t._ MET'ALLISE, to form into metal: to give to a substance its metallic properties.--_ns._ MET'ALLIST, a worker in metals: one who is skilled in metals: an advocate of the use of metal as currency; METAL'LOGRAPH, a print produced by metallographic process.--_adj._ METALLOGRAPH'IC--_ns._ METALLOG'RAPHIST; METALLOG'RAPHY, an account or description of metals: a process for utilising metal plates in a manner similar to lithographic stones: a process of imitating the grain of wood on metals; MET'ALLOID, one of the metallic bases of the fixed alkalies and alkaline earths: any of the elements which are non-metallic in the chemical sense of being able to replace hydrogen in an acid, and thus forming a salt: one of the inflammable non-metallic elements (sulphur, phosphorus, &c.).--_adjs._ MET'ALLOID, METALLOID'AL, pertaining to, or of the nature of, the metalloids.--_ns._ METAL'LOPHONE, a kind of piano, having graduated metal bars in place of strings: a musical instrument, differing from the xylophone in having metal instead of wooden bars; MET'ALLOTHERAPY, the treatment of disease by the external application of metals.--METALLIC OXIDE, a compound of metal and oxygen; METALLIC SALTS, salts having a metal or metallic oxide for base.--BASE METALS, lead, zinc, copper, iron; FUSIBLE METAL, a metallic alloy that fuses at a very low temperature--usually of lead, tin, and bismuth; LIGHT METALS, those whose specific gravity is less than 5; NOBLE, or PERFECT, METALS, gold, silver, platinum, so called because they keep their lustre when exposed to the air. [Fr.,--L. _metallum_--Gr. _metallon_, a mine, a metal.]

METALEPSIS, met-a-lep'sis, _n._ (_rhet._) a compound figure that consists in uniting two or more different tropes in the same word, or in so using a word as to suggest two or three different figures by it.--_adjs._ METALEP'TIC, -AL. [Gr.]

METALLURGY, met'al-ur-ji, _n._ the art of working metals: the art of separating metals from their ores.--_adj._ METALLUR'GIC, pertaining to metallurgy.--_n._ MET'ALLURGIST, one who works metals: one skilled in metallurgy. [Gr. _metallon_, a metal, _ergon_, work.]

METAMERISM, met'a-me-rizm, _n._ (_chem._) a particular form of isomerism, seen in substances having the same molecular formula, but in which _all_ the atoms in the molecule are not directly united: (_zool._) segmentation of the body of an animal along the primary axis, producing a series of homologous parts.--_adjs._ MET'AM[=E]RAL, METAMER'IC.--_n._ MET'AMERE. [Gr. _meta_, after, _meros_, a part.]

METAMORPHIC, met-a-mor'fik, _adj._ subject to change of form: (_geol._) applied to the alteration undergone by rocks under heat, pressure, &c., so that they assume a crystalline or semi-crystalline structure.--_ns._ METAMOR'PHISM, state or quality of being metamorphic; METAMOR'PHIST, one who believes that the body of Christ merged into the Deity when He ascended.--_v.t._ METAMOR'PHOSE, to transform.--_n._ METAMOR'PHOSIS, change of shape, transformation: the frequent transformation of human beings to beasts, stones, trees, &c.--an essential part of folklore everywhere: the marked change which some living beings undergo in the course of their growth, as caterpillar to insect, tadpole to frog, &c.:--_pl._ METAMOR'PHOSES. [Gr. _metamorph[=o]sis_--_meta_, expressing change, _morph[=e]_, form.]

METAPHERY, me-taf'e-ri, _n._ (_bot._) the transposition of various floral organs. [Gr.: see METAPHOR.]

METAPHOR, met'a-fur, _n._ a transference of meaning, the putting of one thing for another which it only resembles, as when words are said to be bitter: an implicit simile.--_adjs._ METAPHOR'IC, -AL, pertaining to, or containing, metaphor: figurative.--_adv._ METAPHOR'ICALLY.--_ns._ METAPHOR'ICALNESS; MET'APHORIST.--MIXED METAPHOR, an expression in which two or more metaphors are confused, where one only is capable of being intelligibly evolved or conceived objectively, as Cromwell's 'God has kindled a seed in this nation.' [Fr.,--Gr. _metaphora_--_metapherein_--_meta_, over, _pherein_, to carry.]

METAPHRASE, met'a-fr[=a]z, _n._ a translation from one language into another word for word--opp. to _Paraphrase_: a repartee--also METAPH'RASIS.--_n._ MET'APHRAST, one who translates word for word.--_adj._ METAPHRAS'TIC, literal in translation. [Gr. _metaphrasis_--_meta_, over, _phrasis_, a speaking.]

METAPHYSICS, met-a-fiz'iks, _n.sing._ the science which investigates the first principles of nature and thought: ontology or the science of being.--_adj._ METAPHYS'ICAL, pertaining to metaphysics; abstract.--_adv._ METAPHYS'ICALLY.--_n._ METAPHYSIC'IAN, one versed in metaphysics. [From certain works of Aristotle to be studied after his physics--Gr. _meta_, after, _physika_, physics--_physis_, nature.]

METAPHYTA, met-a-f[=i]'ta, _n.pl._ many-celled plants, in contrast to the single-celled _Protophytes_.

METAPLASIA, met-a-pl[=a]'si-a, _n._ the direct conversion of one form of an adult tissue into another--also METAP'LASIS.--_n._ MET'APLASM, a grammatical change in a word by adding or dropping a letter. [Gr. _meta_, over, _plasis_--_plassein_, to form.]

METAPOPHYSIS, met-a-pof'i-sis, _n._ (_anat._) a dorsolateral apophysis on the anterior articular process of a vertebra. [Gr. _meta_, after, _apophysis_, a process.]

METASTASIS, me-tas'ta-zis, _n._ a change in nature, form, or quality; a change from one part to another, as a disease: (_bot._) metabolism.--_adj._ METASTAT'IC. [Gr.,--_methist[=e]mi_, I change place.]

METATARSAL, met-a-t[:a]r'sal, _adj._ belonging to the front part of the foot, behind the toes, nearly the same as the instep in man.--_n._ METATAR'SUS. [Gr. _meta_, beyond, _tarsos_, the flat of the foot.]

METATHESIS, me-tath'es-is, _n._ (_gram._) a change of place of the letters or syllables of a word.--_adjs._ METATHET'IC, -AL. [Gr.,--_metatithenai_, to transpose--_meta_, over, _tithenai_, to place.]

METATHORAX, met-a-th[=o]'raks, _n._ the third segment of an insect's thorax.--_adj._ METATHORAC'IC.

METATOME, met'a-t[=o]m, _n._ (_archit._) the space between two dentils.

METAYER, me-t[=a]'y[.e]r, _n._ a farmer who pays, instead of money rent, a fixed proportion of the crops.--_n._ MET[=A]'YAGE, this system. [Fr.,--Low L. _medietarius_--L. _medietas_, the half--_medius_, middle.]

METAZOA, met-a-z[=o]'a, _n.pl._ many-celled animals possessing cellular differentiation:--opp. to single-celled _Protozoa_.--_adjs._ METAZ[=O]'AN, METAZ[=O]'IC.--_n.sing._ MET'AZ[=O]ON. [Gr. _meta_, after, _z[=o]on_, animal.]

METE, m[=e]t, _v.t._ to measure.--_ns._ METE'WAND, a measuring-stick; METE'YARD (_B._), a yard or rod for meting or measuring. [A.S. _metan_; Ger. _messen_.]

METEMPIRIC, -AL, met-em-pir'ik, -al, _adj._ beyond or outside of experience:--opp. to _Empirical_ or _Experiential_.--_ns._ METEMPIR'ICISM; METEMPIR'ICIST.

METEMPSYCHOSIS, me-temp-si-k[=o]'sis, _n._ the passing of the soul after death into some other body, whether that of a human being or of an animal:--_pl._ METEMPSYCH[=O]'SES. [Gr.,--_meta_, expressing change, _empsych[=o]sis_, an animating--_en_, in, _psych[=e]_, soul.]

METENSOMATOSIS, met-en-s[=o]-ma-t[=o]'sis, _n._ transference of the elements of one body into another.

METEOR, m[=e]'te-or, _n._ one of numberless small bodies travelling through space, continually being encountered by the earth on its orbital path, and then revealed to our observation as aerolites, fire-balls, or shooting-stars: formerly used of any appearance in the atmosphere, as clouds, rain: (_fig._) anything that for a time dazzles or strikes with wonder.--_adj._ METEOR'IC, pertaining to, or consisting of, meteors: proceeding from a meteor: flashing like a meteor: influenced by the weather.--_ns._ M[=E]'TEOROGRAPH, an instrument by which several meteorological elements are recorded in combination; METEOR'OLITE, M[=E]'TEORITE, a meteoric stone.--_adjs._ METEOROLOG'IC, -AL.--_ns._ METEOROL'OGIST; one skilled in meteorology; METEOROL'OGY, that department of physics which treats of the phenomena of the atmosphere as regards weather and climate.--_adj._ M[=E]'T[=E]OROUS (_Milt._), having the nature of a meteor.--METEORIC IRON, iron as found in meteoric stones; METEORIC SHOWERS, showers of meteors or shooting-stars; METEORIC STONES, aerolites. [Gr. _mete[=o]ron_--_meta_, beyond, _e[=o]ra_, anything suspended--_aeirein_, to lift.]

METER, a form of _metre_.

METER, m[=e]'t[.e]r, _n._ one who, or that which, measures, esp. an apparatus for recording automatically the quantity of a fluid passing through it, as in _gas-meter_, _water-meter_, &c.--_v.t._ to measure by a meter.--_n._ M[=E]'TERAGE.--DRY METER, a gas-meter with bellows-like apparatus and no liquid. [_Metre_.]

METHANE, meth'[=a]n, _n._ marsh-gas, the simplest hydrocarbon, found wherever the decomposition of vegetable matter is taking place under water, also in coal-mines, forming when mixed with air the deadly fire-damp.--_n._ METHANOM'ETER.

METHEGLIN, meth-eg'lin, _n._ mead, a fermented liquor made from honey.--_n._ METHER (-th'-) a vessel for mead. [W. _meddyglyn_--_medd_, mead, _llyn_, liquor.]

METHINKS, me-thingks', (_B._) METHINK'ETH, _v.impers._ it seems to me: I think:--_pa.t._ methought (me-thawt'). [A.S. _m['e] thyncth_, it seems to me. _Thyncan_, to seem, is often confused with _Thencan_, to think. Cf. Ger. _d[:u]nken_, to seem, _denken_, to think.]

METHOD, meth'ud, _n._ the mode or rule of accomplishing an end: orderly procedure: manner: orderly arrangement: system, rule, classification: manner of performance: an instruction-book systematically arranged.--_adjs._ METHOD'IC, -AL, arranged with method: disposed in a just and natural manner: formal.--_adv._ METHOD'ICALLY.--_v.t._ METH'ODISE, to reduce to method: to dispose in due order.--_ns._ METH'ODISM, the principles and practice of the Methodists; METH'ODIST, one who observes method: one of a sect of Christians founded by John Wesley (1703-91), noted for the strictness of its discipline: one who is very strict in religion.--_adjs._ METHODIST'IC, -AL, resembling the Methodists: strict in religious matters.--_adv._ METHODIST'ICALLY.--_n._ METHODOL'OGY, the science of method in scientific procedure. [Fr.,--L. _methodus_--Gr. _methodos_--_meta_, after, _hodos_, a way.]

METHOMANIA, meth-o-m[=a]'ni-a, _n._ morbid craving for alcohol. [Gr. _methy_, drink, _mania_, madness.]

METHOUGHT. See METHINKS.

METHUSELAH, me-th[=u]'ze-la, _n._ a patriarch said to have lived 969 years (Gen. v. 27): any very aged person.

METHYL, meth'il, _n._ (_chem._) the name given to the hypothetical radical of methylic alcohol or wood spirit.--_n._ METH'YLENE, a highly inflammable and volatile liquid, obtained by the destructive distillation of wood.--_adj._ METHYL'IC, denoting alcohol obtained by the destructive distillation of wood.--METHYLATED SPIRIT, a mixture of nine parts of alcohol with one of pyroxylic or wood spirit (to prevent people drinking it), used for spirit-lamps, varnishes, &c. [Gr. _meta_, after, with, _hyl[=e]_, wood.]

METHYSIS, meth'i-sis, _n._ (_path._) drunkenness.--_adj._ METHYS'TIC, intoxicating. [Gr.]

METIC, met'ik, _n._ an immigrant, a resident alien. [Gr. _meta_, over, _oikos_, a house.]

METICULOUS, m[=e]-tik'[=u]-lus, _adj._ (_arch._) timid, over careful.--_adv._ METIC'ULOUSLY. [L. _metus_, fear.]

M['E]TIER, met'y[=a]r, _n._ one's calling or business. [Fr.]

METIF, m[=e]'tif, _n._ the offspring of a white and a quadroon.--_n._ M[=E]'TIS, a half-breed of French and Indian parentage in Canada. [Cf. _Mastiff_.]

METIS, m[=e]'tis, _n._ a Greek personification of prudence.

METONIC, me-ton'ik, _adj._ pertaining to the lunar cycle of nineteen years, after which the new and full moon happen again on the same day of the year as at its beginning. [From _Meton_, c. 430.]

METONYMY, me-ton'i-mi, _n._ (_rhet._) a trope in which the name of one thing is put for that of another related to it, the effect for the cause, &c., as 'the heart' for 'the affections,' 'the bottle' for 'drink,' &c.--_adjs._ METONYM'IC, -AL, used by way of metonymy.--_adv._ METONYM'ICALLY. [L.,--Gr. _met[=o]nymia_--_meta_, expressing change, _onoma_, a name.]

METOPE, met'o-p[=e], _n._ (_archit._) the space between the triglyphs in the frieze of the Doric order, generally ornamented with carved work: the face, forehead, frontal surface generally.--_adj._ METOP'IC.--_ns._ MET'OPISM, the condition of having a persistent metopic or frontal suture. [Gr.,--_meta_, between, and _op[=e]_, the hole in the frieze receiving one of the beam-ends.]

METOPOSCOPY, met-[=o]-pos'k[=o]-pi, _n._ the study of character from the physiognomy.--_adjs._ METOPOSCOP'IC, -AL.--_n._ METOPOS'COPIST.

METRA, met'ra, _n._ a pocket-instrument, combining the uses of thermometer, level, plummet, and lens. [Gr., pl. of _metron_, measure.]

METRE, m[=e]'t[.e]r, _n._ that regulated succession of certain groups of syllables in which poetry is usually written--these groups of long and short (_classical_) or accented (_English_) syllables being called _feet_: rhythm: verse, or poetry generally: a plan of versification, the character of a stanza as consisting of a given number of lines composed of feet of a given number, construction, and accent: musical time.--_adjs._ MET'RIC, -AL, pertaining to metre or to metrology: consisting of verses.--_adv._ MET'RICALLY.--_ns._ METRIC'IAN, MET'RICIST, one skilled in metres, one who writes in metre; MET'RICS, the art or science of versification; METRIFIC[=A]'TION. (_Tenn._), the act of making verses; MET'RIFIER, a versifier; MET'RIST, one skilled in metres, a skilful versifier; METROM[=A]'NIA, a mania for writing verses.--COMMON METRE, the stanza forming a quatrain in eights and sixes, of four and of three iambic feet alternately--also SERVICE METRE, from its use in the metrical psalms, &c., and BALLAD METRE, from its use in old romances and ballads; LONG METRE, an octosyllabic quatrain, the four lines with four feet each; SHORT METRE, the quatrain in sixes, with the third line octosyllabic. [Fr.,--L. _metrum_--Gr. _metron_.]

M[`E]TRE, m[=a]'tr, _n._ the fundamental unit of length in the metric system--one ten-millionth of a quadrant of the Meridian--39.3707904 English inches.--_adj._ MET'RIC.--METRIC SYSTEM, the French system of weights and measures, founded on the French m[`e]tre--dividing or multiplying by ten, and therefore a decimal system.

METRE. Same as METER.

METRIC, met'rik, _adj._ quantitative.--_adj._ MET'RICAL, pertaining to measurement.--_n.pl._ MET'RICS, the theory of measurement.--_ns._ MET'ROGRAPH, an apparatus for registering the speed of a railway-train and the places and duration of stops; METROL'OGY, the science of weights and measures; MET'RONOME, an instrument like an inverted pendulum which measures musical time.--_adj._ METRONOM'IC.--_n._ METRON'OMY, measurement of time by a metronome.

METRONYMIC, met-ro-nim'ik, _adj._ derived from the name of one's mother, or other female ancestor.--_n._ an appellation so derived; cf. _Patronymic_. [Gr. _m[=e]t[=e]r_, a mother, _onoma_, name.]

METROPOLIS, me-trop'o-lis, _n._ the capital of a country; the chief cathedral city, as Canterbury of England: the mother-city of an ancient Greek colony: a generic focus in the distribution of plants or animals:--_pl._ METROP'OLISES.--_adj._ METROPOL'ITAN, belonging to a metropolis: pertaining to the mother-church.--_n._ the bishop of a metropolis, presiding over the other bishops of a province: an archbishop.--_n._ METROPOL'ITANATE.--_adjs._ METROPOL'ITIC, -AL. [L.,--Gr. _m[=e]t[=e]r_, mother, _polis_, a city.]

METTLE, met'l, _n._ ardent temperament: spirit: sprightliness: courage.--_adjs._ METT'LED, METT'LESOME, high-spirited: ardent.--_n._ METT'LESOMENESS, quality or state of being mettlesome.--PUT ONE ON HIS METTLE, to rouse a person up to putting forth his best efforts. [From the _metal_ of a blade.]

MEUM, m[=a]'um, _n._ mine--in the phrase MEUM AND TUUM, mine and thine. [L.]

MEUTE, m[=u]t, _n._ a mew, a place where hawks are mewed or confined. [_Mew_, a cage for hawks.]

MEW, m[=u], _n._ a sea-fowl: a gull. [A.S. _m['ae]w_; Dut. _meeuw_, Ice. _m[^a]r_, Ger. _m[:o]we_; all imit.]

MEW, m[=u], _v.i._ to cry as a cat.--_n._ the cry of a cat.

MEW, m[=u], _v.t._ to change, as the covering or dress: to shed or cast: to confine, as in a cage.--_v.i._ to change: to cast the feathers: to moult.--_n._ a place for confining: a cage for hawks while mewing: generally in _pl._ a stable, because the royal stables were built where the king's falcons were kept. [O. Fr. _mue_, a changing, esp. of the coat or skin--_muer_, to mew--L. _mut[=a]re_, to change.]

MEWL, m[=u]l, _v.i._ (_Shak._) to cry as an infant. [Imit.]

MEXICAN, meks'i-kan, _n._ a native or inhabitant of _Mexico_.--_adj._ pertaining to Mexico or Mexicans.

MEZEREON, me-z[=e]'re-on, _n._ a deciduous shrub with pink flowers, and having an extremely acrid bark used in medicine. [Fr.,--Pers.]

MEZZANINE, mez'a-n[=i]n, _n._ (_archit._) a low story introduced between two higher ones: a small window used to light such apartments. [Fr.,--It. _mezzanino_--_mezzo_--L. _medius_, middle.]

MEZZO-RILIEVO, med'zo-r[=e]-ly[=a]'v[=o], _n._ a degree of relief in figures, half-way between high and low relief. [It.]

MEZZO-SOPRANO, med'zo-so-pr[:a]'n[=o], _n._ a quality of voice between soprano and alto: low soprano.

MEZZOTINT, mez'[=o]-tint, or med'z[=o]-tint, _n._ a method of copperplate engraving, producing an even gradation of tones, resembling those of a photograph: an impression from a plate so produced.--Also MEZZOTINT'O. [It.,--_mezzo_, middle, half, _tinto_, tint--L. _ting[)e]re_, _tinctum_, to dye.]

MI, m[=e], _n._ the third note in the diatonic scale.

MIASMA, m[=i]-az'ma, _n._ unwholesome exhalations arising from putrescent matter--also M[=I]'ASM:--_pl._ M[=I]'ASMS, MIAS'MATA.--_adjs._ MIAS'MAL, MIASMAT'IC, MIAS'MATOUS, pertaining to, or containing, miasma.--_ns._ MIAS'MATIST; MIASMOL'OGY.--_adj._ MIAS'MOUS. [Gr. _miasma_--_miainein_, to stain.]

MIAUL, mi-awl', _v.i._ to cry as a cat.

MICA, m[=i]'ka, _n._ a group of rock-forming minerals, with perfect cleavage in one direction, the laminae flexible and elastic, and generally transparent.--_adj._ MIC[=A]'CEOUS.--_ns._ M[=I]'CA-SCHIST, M[=I]'CA-SLATE, a metamorphic rock consisting of alternate layers of mica and quartz. [L. _mica_, a crumb.]

MICE, m[=i]s, plural of _mouse_.

MICHAELMAS, mik'el-mas, _n._ the festival of St _Michael_, celebrated Sept. 29: a quarterly rent-day in England.

MICHE, mich, _v.i._ (_obs._) to lie hid, to skulk, to act by stealth: to pilfer meanly--also MICH.--_ns._ MICH'ER; MICH'ING--also _adj._

MICKLE, mik'l, _adj._ (_arch._) much. [A.S. _micel_, _mycel_; Scot. _muckle_.]

MICKY, mik'i, _n._ an Irish boy: a wild young bull.

MICROBE, m[=i]'kr[=o]b, mik'r[=o]b, _n._ a microscopic organism, esp. a bacterium, found wherever organic matter is in process of decomposition.--_adjs._ MICR[=O]'BIAL, MICR[=O]'BIAN, MICR[=O]'BIC.--_n._ MICROBIOL'OGY, the science of micro-organisms. [Fr.,--Gr. _mikros_, small, _bios_, life.]

MICROCEPHALOUS, m[=i]-kr[=o]-sef'a-lus, _adj._ having a small or imperfectly formed head.--Also MICROCEPHAL'IC. [Gr. _mikros_, small, _kephal[=e]_, the head.]

MICROCHRONOMETER, m[=i]-kr[=o]-kr[=o]-nom'e-t[.e]r, _n._ an instrument for registering very small periods of time.

MICROCOCCUS, m[=i]-kr[=o]-kok'us, _n._ a microscopic organism of a round form.

MICROCOSM, m[=i]'kr[=o]-kozm, _n._ a little universe or world: (often applied to) man, who was regarded by ancient philosophers as a model or epitome of the universe.--_adjs._ MICROCOS'MIC, -AL, pertaining to the microcosm.--_n._ MICROCOSMOG'RAPHY. [Fr.,--L.,--Gr.--_mikros_, little, _kosmos_, world.]

MICROCOUSTIC, m[=i]-kr[=o]-k[=oo]s'tik, _adj._ serving to augment weak sounds.--_n._ an instrument for such purpose.

MICROCRITH, m[=i]'kr[=o]-krith, _n._ (_chem._) the unit of molecular weight, that of the half-molecule of hydrogen.

MICROCYTE, m[=i]'kr[=o]-s[=i]t, _n._ a small cell or corpuscle: a small blood corpuscle found in anaemia.--_ns._ MICROCYTH[=E]'MIA, MICROCYT[=O]'SIS, a condition of the blood with many very small corpuscles.

MICRODENTISM, m[=i]-kr[=o]-den'tizm, _n._ smallness of the teeth.

MICRODONT, m[=i]'kr[=o]-dont, _adj._ having short or small teeth.

MICROFARAD, m[=i]-kr[=o]-far'ad, _n._ one-millionth of a farad, the practical unit of electrical capacity.

MICROGEOLOGY, m[=i]-kr[=o]-j[=e]-ol'o-ji, _n._ the department of geology concerned with the study of microscopic structures.

MICROGRAPH, m[=i]'kr[=o]-graf, _n._ a pantograph instrument for minute writing or drawing: a microscopic picture.--_n._ MICROG'RAPHER.--_adj._ MICROGRAPH'IC.--_n._ MICROG'RAPHY, the description of microscopic objects. [Gr. _mikros_, little, _graphein_, write.]

MICROHM, mik'r[=o]m, _n._ an electric unit equal to the millionth part of an ohm.

MICROLITE, m[=i]'kr[=o]-l[=i]t, _n._ a mineral related to pyrochlore.--_n._ M[=I]'CROLITH, a name suggested by Vogelsang in 1867 for the microscopic acicular components of rocks.--_adj._ MICROLITH'IC. [Gr. _mikros_, small, _lithos_, a stone.]

MICROLOGY, m[=i]-krol'o-ji, _n._ the branch of science which treats of microscopic objects.--_adjs._ MICROLOG'IC, -AL.--_adv._ MICROLOG'ICALLY.

MICROMETER, m[=i]-krom'e-t[.e]r, _n._ an instrument for measuring minute distances or angles.--_adjs._ MICROMET'RIC, -AL.--_ns._ MICROM'ETRY, measuring with a micrometer; M[=I]'CRON, the millionth part of a metre, or 1/25400 of an inch; M[=I]'CRO-OR'GANISM, a microscopic organism. [Gr. _mikros_, little, _metron_, measure.]

MICROPHONE, m[=i]'kr[=o]-f[=o]n, _n._ an instrument which renders the faintest sounds distinctly audible.--_adjs._ MICROPHON'IC, MICROPH'ONOUS.--_n._ M[=I]'CROPHONY. [Gr. _mikros_, little, _ph[=o]n[=e]_, sound.]

MICROPHOTOGRAPHY, m[=i]-kr[=o]-f[=o]-tog'ra-fi, _n._ the photographing of objects on a microscopic scale.

MICROPHYLLOUS, m[=i]-krof'il-us, _adj._ (_bot._) having small leaves. [Gr. _mikros_, little, _phyllon_, leaf.]

MICROPHYTE, m[=i]'kr[=o]-f[=i]t, _n._ a microscopic plant, esp. one parasitic.--_adjs._ M[=I]'CROPHYTAL, MICROPHYT'IC.

MICROPODA, m[=i]-krop'o-da, _n.pl._ in some systems a division of monomyarian bivalves, with rudimentary feet, including oysters, &c. [Gr. _mikros_, small, _pous_, _podos_, foot.]

MICROPSIA, m[=i]-krop'si-a, _n._ an affection of the eye in which objects appear in less than actual size.

MICROPTEROUS, m[=i]-krop'te-rus, _adj._ having short wings or fins.