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The quality of being risible; as, risibility is peculiar to the human species. A strong and obvious disposition to risibility. Sir W. Scott.

estruction. The imminent and constant risk of assassination, a risk which has shaken very strong nerves. Macaulay.

Hence, to fasten firmly; to make firm, strong, or immovable; as, to rivet friendship or affection. Rivet and nail me where I stand, ye powers! Congreve. Thus his confidence was riveted and confirmed. Sir W. Scott.

sphere. So called from the boisterous and prevailing westerly winds, which are especially strong in the South Indian Ocean up to 50º S.

Evincing strength; indicating vigorous health; strong; sinewy; muscular; vigorous; sound; as, a robust body; robust youth; robust health.

whalebone whale (Physalus antiquorum, or Balænoptera physalus). It has a dorsal fin, and strong longitudinal folds on the throat and belly. Called also razorback.

nia Jambos. It is an edible berry an inch or more in diameter, and is said to have a very strong roselike perfume. -- Rose beetle. (Zoöl.) (a) A small yellowish or buff longlegged beetle (Macrodactylus subspinosus), which eats the leaves of various plants, and is often very injurious to rosebushes, apple trees, grapev…

Large; strong; -- from the gigantic bones shown at Roncesvalles, and alleged to be those of old heroes. [Obs.]

To pull or haul strongly and all together, as upon a rope, without the assistance of mechanical appliances.

A strong tide or current, especially in a narrow channel. [Written also rost, and roost.] Jamieson.

A perennial suffrutescent plant (Ruta graveolens), having a strong, heavy odor and a bitter taste; herb of grace. It is used in medicine. Then purged with euphrasy and rue The visual nerve, for he had much to see. Milton. They [the exorcists] are to try the devil by holy water, incense, sulphur, rue, which from thence,…

tions; to smuggle; -- said of contraband or dutiable goods. heavy impositions . . . are a strong temptation of running goods. Swift.

To have a strong sexual impulse at the reproductive period; -- said of deer, cattle, etc.

A strong and fireproof receptacle (as a movable chest of steel, etc., or a closet or vault of brickwork) for money, valuable papers, or the like.

Strong propensity to venery; lust; lecherousness.

ution, which merely gives an acid reaction; thus, copper sulphate, which is composed of a strong acid united with a weak base, is an acid salt in this sense, though theoretically it is a neutral salt. -- Alkaline salt (Chem.), a salt which gives an alkaline reaction, as sodium carbonate. -- Amphid salt (Old Chem.), a…

s in which it is produced by the process of nitrification (see Nitrification, 2). It is a strong oxidizer, is the chief constituent of gunpowder, and is also used as an antiseptic in curing meat, and in medicine as a diuretic, diaphoretic, and refrigerant. Chili salpeter (Chem.), sodium nitrate (distinguished from pota…

eat strength; hence, a man of extraordinary physical strength. Samson post. (a) (Naut.) A strong post resting on the keelson, and supporting a beam of the keelson, and supporting a beam of the deck; also, a temporary or movable pilar carrying a leading block or pulley for various purposes. Brande & C. (b) In deepwell b…

Exception; reservation. Contend not with those that are too strong for us, but still with a saving to honesty. L'Estrange. Savings bank, a bank in which savings or earnings are deposited and put at interest.

An exhibition of passionate or strong feeling before others; often, an artifical or affected action, or course of action, done for effect; a theatrical display. Probably no lover of scenes would have had very long to wait De Quincey. Behind the scenes, behind the scenery of a theater; out of the view of the audience, b…