Search the Dictionary

A body which, in solution, diffuses readily through animal membranes, and generally is capable of being crystallized; -- opposed to colloid.

That which curbs, restrains, or subdues; a check or hindbrance; esp., a chain or strap attached to the upper part of the branches of a bit, and capable of being drawn tightly against the lower jaw of the horse. He that before ran in the pastures wild Felt the stiff curb control his angry jaws. Drayton. By these men, re…

aint and curiousvolume of forgotten lore. E. A. Poe. Abstruse investigations in recondite branches of learning or sciense often bring to light curious results. C. J. Smith. Curious arts, magic. [Obs.] Many . . . which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them. Acts xix. 19.

A multiple point of a curve at which two or more branches of the curve have a common tangent.

A variety of cellulose, occuring as a fine transparent membrane covering the aerial organs of plants, and forming an essential ingredient of cork; by oxidation it passes to suberic acid.

ulated suckers, by means of which it secures its prey. The name is sometimes applied to dibranchiate cephalopods generally.

ical order, information in all departments of knowledge, or on a particular department or branch; as, a cyclopedia of the physical sciences, or of mechanics. See Encyclopedia.

A glass of fishes having a suckerlike mouth, without jaws, as the lamprey; the Marsipobranchii.

A pouch or sac without opening, usually membranous and containing morbid matter, which is accidentally developed in one of the natural cavaties or in the substance of an organ.

The most westerly branch of the great Slavic family of nations, numbering now more than 6,000,000, and found principally in Bohemia and Moravia.

That branch of archæology which has to do with gem engraving.

Dead trees or branches; useless material.

ers having ten arms or tentacles; -- called also Decapoda. [Written also Decacera.] See Dibranchiata.

A division of the dibranchiate cephalopods including the cuttlefishes and squids. See Decacera.

or parts at certain seasons, stages, or intervals; as, deciduous trees; the deciduous membrane.

hich the deck is framed. -- To clear the decks (Naut.), to remove every unnecessary incumbrance in preparation for battle; to prepare for action. -- To sweep the deck (Card Playing), to clear off all the stakes on the table by winning them.

A determination or judgment of an umpire on a case submitted to him. Brande.

ach of which is at right angles to the next pair above or below; as, decussated leaves or branches.

amily Cervidæ. The males, and in some species the females, have solid antlers, often much branched, which are shed annually. Their flesh, for which they are hunted, is called venison.

The separation of ripened leaves from a branch or stem; the falling or shedding of the leaves.