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Webster’s Dictionary (1828)



1,045 words match “MOTION”

PHENAKISTOSCOPE n.
e attitudes are seen successively, so as to produce the appearance of an object in actual motion, as an animal leaping, etc., in consequence of the persistence of the successive visual impressions of the retina. It is often arranged so that the figures may be projected upon a screen.
PHONEIDOSCOPE n.
An instrument for studying the motions of sounding bodies by optical means. It consists of a tube across the end of which is stretched a film of soap solution thin enough to give colored bands, the form and position of which are affected by sonorous vibrations.
PHONOMOTOR n.
An instrument in which motion is produced by the vibrations of a sounding body.
PHONOSCOPE n.
An instrument for observing or exhibiting the motions or properties of sounding bodies; especially, an apparatus invented by König for testing the quality of musical strings.
PHORONOMICS n.
The science of motion; kinematics. [R.] Weisbach.
PHOTODROME n.
ting disk. By properly timing the succession of flashes the wheel is made to appear to be motionless, or to rotate more or less slowly in either direction.
PHOTOGRAMMETRY n.
method of surveying or map making by photography, used also in determining the height and motions of clouds, sea waves, and the like.
PHOTOTAXIS; PHOTOTAXY n.
the zoöspores of certain algæ, etc.; also, the tendency to follow definite directions of motion or assume definite positions under such influence. If the migration is toward the source of light, it is termed positive phototaxis; if away from the light, negative phototaxis. --Pho`to*tac"tic (#), a. --Pho`to*tac"tic*al*…
PHYSICAL a. 2 definitions
ysical part of man. Labor, in the physical world, is . . . employed in putting objects in motion. J. S. Mill. A society sunk in ignorance, and ruled by mere physical force. Macaulay.
PIN n.
his pins. [Slang] Banking pin (Horol.), a pin against which a lever strikes, to limit its motion. -- Pin drill (Mech.), a drill with a central pin or projection to enter a hole, for enlarging the hole, or for sinking a recess for the head of a bolt, etc.; a counterbore. -- Pin grass. (Bot.) See Alfilaria. -- Pin hol…
PISTON n.
rical vessel along which it moves, back and forth. It is used in steam engines to receive motion from the steam, and in pumps to transmit motion to a fluid; also for other purposes. Piston head (Steam Eng.), that part of a piston which is made fast to the piston rod. -- Piston rod, a rod by which a piston is moved, or…
PLANETARY a.
Of or pertaining to the planets; as, planetary inhabitants; planetary motions; planetary year.
PLANT n.
A vegetable; an organized living being, generally without feeling and voluntary motion, and having, when complete, a root, stem, and leaves, though consisting sometimes only of a single leafy expansion, or a series of cellules, or even a single cellule.
PLASMODIUM n.
free protoplasm, without any union of amoeboid cells, and endowed with life and power of motion.
PLAY v. 3 definitions
To move in any manner; especially, to move regularly with alternate or reciprocating motion; to operate; to act; as, the fountain plays. The heart beats, the blood circulates, the lungs play. Cheyne.
PLEASE v. 2 definitions
To give pleasure to; to excite agreeable sensations or emotions in; to make glad; to gratify; to content; to satisfy. I pray to God that it may plesen you. Chaucer. What next I bring shall please thee, be assured. Milton.
PLEASING a.
Giving pleasure or satisfaction; causing agreeable emotion; agreeable; delightful; as, a pleasing prospect; pleasing manners. "Pleasing harmony." Shak. "Pleasing features." Macaulay. -- Pleas"ing*ly, adv. -- Pleas"ing*ness, n.
PLEASURE n.
The gratification of the senses or of the mind; agreeable sensations or emotions; the excitement, relish, or happiness produced by the expectation or the enjoyment of something good, delightful, or satisfying; -- opposed to Ant: pain, Ant: sorrow, etc. At thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Ps. xvi. 11.…
PLUCK v.
To make a motion of pulling or twitching; -- usually with at; as, to pluck at one's gown.
POETRY n.
is the blossom and the fragrance of all human knowledge, human thoughts, human passions, emotions, language. Coleridge.
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