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or at stated times, as at the maxima and minima of variations; as, a self-registering anemometer or barometer.

very slight changes of condition; delicacy; as, the sensibility of a balance, or of a thermometer.

ensitive; also, readily moved or affected by natural agents; delicate; as, a sensible thermometer. "With affection wondrous sensible." Shak.

A mist, or very fine rain, which sometimes falls from a clear sky a few moments after sunset. Tyndall.

ost; as, the shades of departed heroes. Swift as thought the flitting shade Thro' air his momentary journey made. Dryden.

To meet with a shock; to meet in violent encounter. "They saw the moment approach when the two parties would shock together." De Quincey.

To move ahead by force of momentum, as a sailing vessel when the helm is put hard alee. To shoot ahead, to pass or move quickly forward; to outstrip others.

Importance; moment; weight; consequence. With this brain I must work, in order to give significancy and value to the few facts which I possess. De Quincey.

Deserving to be considered; important; momentous; as, a significant event. Significant figures (Arith.), the figures which remain to any number, or decimal fraction, after the ciphers at the right or left are canceled. Thus, the significant figures of 25,000, or of .0025, are 25.

Relative position; circumstances; temporary state or relation at a moment of action which excites interest, as of persons in a dramatic scene. There's situation for you! there's an heroic group! Sheridan.

An undecided, inquiring state of mind; doubt; uncertainty. That momentary amazement, and irresolution, and confusion, which is the result of skepticism. Hune.

A moment. [Prov. Eng.] Halliwell.

ast, To soften rocks, or bend a knotted oak. Congreve. Though the sound of Fame May for a moment soothe, it can not slake The fever of vain longing. Byron.

well at first view; plausible; as, specious reasoning; a specious argument. Misled for a moment by the specious names of religion, liberty, and property. Macaulay. In consequence of their greater command of specious expression. J. Morley.

Earnest and active in matters of no moment; bustling. [Colloq. Eng.] Dickens.

To assume a spread-eagled position; -- it may be done reclining, for relaxation, or momentarily, as an exhibitionary maneuver in a sport.

vancing in a line. Dryden. At intervals some bird from out the brakes Starts into voice a moment, then is still. Byron.

rest or in equilibrium. Statical electricity. See Note under Electricity, 1. -- Statical moment. See under Moment.

A brief space of time; a moment. [Obs.] Chaucer. In a stound, suddenly. [Obs.] Chaucer.

ould be so stupid grown . . . As to forsake the living God! Milton. With wild surprise, A moment stupid, motionless he stood. Thomson.