1. A sound or a combination of sounds, or its representation in writing or printing, that symbolizes and communicates a meaning and may consist of a single morpheme or of a combination of morphemes. 2. Something said; an utterance, remark, or comment: May I say a word about that?3.Computer Science A set of bits constituting the smallest unit of addressable memory. 4.words Discourse or talk; speech: Actions speak louder than words.5.wordsMusic The text of a vocal composition; lyrics. 6. An assurance or promise; sworn intention: She has kept her word.7a. A command or direction; an order: gave the word to retreat.b. A verbal signal; a password or watchword. 8a. News: Any word on your promotion? See synonyms at news. b. Rumor: Word has it they're divorcing.9.words Hostile or angry remarks made back and forth. 10. Used euphemistically in combination with the initial letter of a term that is considered offensive or taboo or that one does not want to utter: “Although economists here will not call it a recession yet, the dreaded ‘R’ word is beginning to pop up in the media” (Francine S. Kiefer, Christian Science Monitor October 28, 1992). 11.Worda. See Logos (sense 3). b. The Scriptures; the Bible.
TRANSITIVE VERB:
Inflected forms: word·ed, word·ing, words To express in words: worded the petition carefully.
INTERJECTION:
Slang Used to express approval or an affirmative response to something. Sometimes used with up.
IDIOMS:
at a word In immediate response. good word1. A favorable comment: She put in a good word for me.2. Favorable news. have no words for To be unable to describe or talk about. in a word In short; in summary: In a word, the situation is serious.in so many words1. In precisely those words; exactly: hinted at impending indictments but did not say it in so many words.2. Speaking candidly and straightforwardly: In so many words, the weather has been beastly.of few words Not conversational or loquacious; laconic: a person of few words.of (one's) word Displaying personal dependability: a woman of her word.take at (one's) word To be convinced of another's sincerity and act in accord with his or her statement: We took them at their word that the job would be done on time.upon my word Indeed; really.
ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, from Old English. See wer-5 in Appendix I.
wûrd
