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ces, or by direct contact, and not through elastic connections, nor by means of friction, gravity, etc.; definite motion. -- Positive philosophy. See Positivism. -- Positive pole. (a) (Elec.) The pole of a battery or pile which yields positive or vitreous electricity; -- opposed to Ant: negative pole. (b) (Magnetism)…

To descend by gravity; to sink. [R.] Boyle.

volume of alcohol, the alcohol when at a temperature of 60º Fahrenheit being of specific gravity 0.7939 referred to water at its maximum density as unity. Proof spirit has at 60º Fahrenheit a specific gravity of 0.93353, 100 parts by volume of the same consisting of 50 parts of absolute alcohol and 53.71 parts of wate…

A specific gravity bottle; a standard flask for measuring and comparing the densities of liquids. [Also written pyknometer.]

oncentration; self-control. [Archaic] From such an education Charles contracted habits of gravity and recollection. Robertson.

inert metal which it is very difficult to fuse. Symbol Rh. Atomic weight 104.1. Specific gravity 12.

An amusement railroad in which cars coast by gravity over a long winding track, with steep pitches and ascents.

th sexes, now only by women and children. Here to-morrow with his best ruff on. Shak. His gravity is much lessened since the late proclamation came out against ruffs; . . . they were come to that height of excess herein, that twenty shillings were used to be paid for starching of a ruff. Howell.

rittle steel-gray metal which is very infusible. Symbol Ru. Atomic weight 103.5. Specific gravity 12.26. See Platinum metals, under Platinum.

Seriousness; gravity; discretion. [Obs.] Her sadness and her benignity. Chaucer.

A wise man; a man of gravity and wisdom; especially, a man venerable for years, and of sound judgment and prudence; a grave philosopher. At his birth a star, Unseen before in heaven, proclaims him come, And guides the Eastern sages. Milton.

The quality or state of being sage; wisdom; sagacity; prudence; gravity. Ascham.

Gravity or austerity; extreme strictness; rigor; harshness; as, the severity of a reprimand or a reproof; severity of discipline or government; severity of penalties. "Strict age, and sour severity." Milton.

o be shattered. There shiver shafts upon shields thick. Chaucer The natural world, should gravity once cease, . . . would instantly shiver into millions of atoms. Woodward.

ate, and a great variety of articles. Symbol Ag (Argentum). Atomic weight 107.7. Specific gravity 10.5.

y high degree; rarely equaled; eminent; extraordinary; exceptional; as, a man of singular gravity or attainments.

Being on the left side; inclined to the left; sinistral. "Sinistrous gravity." Sir T. Browne.

To fall by, or as by, the force of gravity; to descend lower and lower; to decline gradually; to subside; as, a stone sinks in water; waves rise and sink; the sun sinks in the west. I sink in deep mire. Ps. lxix. 2.

over snow or ice with a smooth, uninterrupted motion, as on a sled moving by the force of gravity, or on the feet. They bathe in summer, and in winter slide. Waller.

eedom from enthusiasm, inordinate passion, or overheated imagination; calmness; coolness; gravity; seriousness; as, the sobriety of riper years. Mirth makes them not mad, Nor sobriety sad. Denham.