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The science of nature, or of natural objects; that branch of science which treats of the laws and properties of matter, and the forces acting upon it; especially, that department of natural science which treats of the causes (as gravitation, heat, light, magnetism, electricity, etc.) that modify the general properties…

o, in the 18th century, founded a system of political economy based upon the supremacy of natural order. F. A. Walker. -- Phys`i*o*crat"ic, a.

The natural constitution, or physical structure, of a person. With his white hair and splendid physique. Mrs. Stowe.

te to a picture; expressing that peculiar kind of beauty which is agreeable in a picture, natural or artificial; graphic; vivid; as, a picturesque scene or attitude; picturesque language. What is picturesque as placed in relation to the beautiful and the sublime It is . . . the characteristic pushed into a sensible exc…

A large cavity or hole in the ground, either natural or artificial; a cavity in the surface of a body; an indentation; specifically:

any direction. -- Pivot tooth (Dentistry), an artificial crown attached to the root of a natural tooth by a pin or peg.

To infest or afflict with disease, calamity, or natural evil of any kind. Thus were they plagued And worn with famine. Milton.

Not highly cultivated; unsophisticated; free from show or pretension; simple; natural; homely; common. "Plain yet pious Christians." Hammond. "The plain people." A. Lincoln.

An oyster which has been bedded, in distinction from one of natural growth.

A natural alloy of platinum and iridium occurring in grayish metallic rounded or cubical grains with platinum.

Any exercise, or series of actions, intended for amusement or diversion; a game. John naturally loved rough play. Arbuthnot.

ch are gradually unfolded, sometimes by unexpected means. If the plot or intrigue must be natural, and such as springs from the subject, then the winding up of the plot must be a probable consequence of all that went before. Pope.

Pertaining to natural order (Plumbagineæ) of gamopetalous herbs, of which plumbago is the type. The order includes also the marsh rosemary, the thrift, and a few other genera.

With all small arms, the second point in which the natural line of sight, when horizontal, cuts the trajectory.

Of or pertaining to a natural order of plants (Polemoniaceæ), which includes Polemonium, Phlox, Gilia, and a few other genera.

Of or pertaining to a natural order of plants (Polygalaceæ) of which Polygala is the type.

Of or pertaining to a natural order of apetalous plants (Polygonaceæ), of which the knotweeds (species of Polygonum) are the type, and which includes also the docks (Rumex), the buckwheat, rhubarb, sea grape (Coccoloba), and several other genera.

A body of water, naturally or artificially confined, and usually of less extent than a lake. "Through pond or pool." Milton. Pond hen (Zoöl.), the American coot. See Coot (a). -- Pond lily (Bot.), the water lily. See under Water, and Illust. under Nymphæa. -- Pond snail (Zoöl.), any gastropod living in fresh-water po…

Destitute of such qualities as are desirable, or might naturally be expected; as:

To furnish with inhabitants, either by natural increase or by immigration or colonization; to cause to be inhabited; to people.