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To assume a resemblance to (some other organism of a totally different nature, or some surrounding object), as a means of protection or advantage.

ksome sameness, or want of variety. At sea, everything that breaks the monotony of the surrounding expanse attracts attention. W. Irving.

mass of earth, or earth and rock, rising considerably above the common surface of the surrounding land; a mountain; a high hill; -- used always instead of mountain, when put before a proper name; as, Mount Washington; otherwise, chiefly in poetry.

n the observer is between the sun and a mass of cloud. The figures of the observer and surrounding objects are seen projected on the cloud, greatly enlarged and often encircled by rainbow colors.

A short hollow cylinder surrounding an object, as a pipe.

A small convex molding surrounding a column at the jinction of the shaft and capital. Weale.

ging to the region below; lower; under; -- opposed to upper. 'Twixt upper, nether, and surrounding fires. Milton. This darksome nether world her light Doth dim with horror and deformity. Spenser. All my nether shape thus grew transformed. Milton.

as the brightest star in the sky. By July it had almost disappeared, after which faint surrounding nebulous masses were discovered, apparently moving radially outward from the star at incredible velocity.

A body, usually spheroidal, in a cell or a protozoan, distinguished from the surrounding protoplasm by a difference in refrangibility and in behavior towards chemical reagents. It is more or less protoplasmic, and consists of a clear fluid (achromatin) through which extends a network of fibers (chromatin) in which may…

A small circular opening, and ring of moldings surrounding it, used in window tracery in Gothic architecture. [Written also oylet.]

Of or pertaining to the mouth; surrounding or lining the mouth; as, oral cilia or cirri.

The part of a target which is beyond the circles surrounding the bull's-eye.

To render impervious, as by filling or surrounding with suitable material, or to fit or adjust so as to move without giving passage to air, water, or steam; as, to pack a joint; to pack the piston of a steam engine.

A wooden implement used by potters, crucible makers, etc., for forming, beating, and rounding their works. It is oval, round, and of other forms.

One of the eight facets surrounding the table of a brilliant cut diamond.

A board having its edges inserted in the groove of a surrounding frame; as, the panel of a door.

A framework of heavy timber surrounding an opening in a deck, to strengthen it for the support of a mast, pump, capstan, or the like. Dormant, or Silent, partner. See under Dormant, a.

eive the strain of the pawls. -- Pawl rim or ring (Naut.), a stationary metallic ring surrounding the base of a capstan, having notches for the pawls to catch in.

In ancient architecture, an inclosed court, esp., one surrounding a temple.

Surrounding the branchiæ; as, a peribranchial cavity.