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indeterminate problems. -- Indeterminate coefficients (Math.), coefficients arbitrarily assumed for convenience of calculation, or to facilitate some artifice of analysis. Their values are subsequently determined. -- Indeterminate equation (Math.), an equation in which the unknown quantities admit of an infinite num…

An infinitely small quantity which is assumed to admit of no further division. Method of indivisibles, a kind of calculus, formerly in use, in which lines were considered as made up of an infinite number of points; surfaces, as made up of an infinite number of lines; and volumes, as made up of an infinite number of sur…

One who intervenes; especially (Law), a person who assumes a part in a suit between others.

To assume the right to pass judgment on another; to sit in judgment or commendation; to criticise or pass adverse judgment upon others. See Judge, v. t., 3. Forbear to judge, for we are sinners all. Shak.

The ancient title of emperors of Germany assumed by King William of Prussia when crowned sovereign of the new German empire in 1871.

e Tortoise. -- Land warrant, a certificate from the Land Office, authorizing a person to assume ownership of a public land. [U.S.] -- Land wind. Same as Land breeze (above). -- To make land (Naut.), to sight land. To set the land, to see by the compass how the land bears from the ship. -- To shut in the land, to hid…

To assume an expression of weariness or tender grief, appealing for sympathy. Tennyson.

A Mormon; -- the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints being the name assumed by the whole body of Mormons.

gdom hath been thought Greater and nobler done, and to law down Far more magnanimousan to assume. Milton.

ts its influence. -- Magnetic fluid, the hypothetical fluid whose existence was formerly assumed in the explanations of the phenomena of magnetism. -- Magnetic iron, or Magnetic iron ore. (Min.) Same as Magnetite. -- Magnetic needle, a slender bar of steel, magnetized and suspended at its center on a sharp-pointed p…

rt. In all the public writs which he [Emperor Charles V.] now issued as King of Spain, he assumed the title of Majesty, and required it from his subjects as a mark of respect. Before that time all the monarchs of Europe were satisfied with the appellation of Highness or Grace. Robertson.

To gather, assume, or take on, a covering, as froth, scum, etc. There is a sort of men whose visages Do cream and mantle like a standing pond. Shak. Nor bowl of wassail mantle warm. Tennyson.

A bird without beak or feet; -- generally assumed to represent a martin. As a mark of cadency it denotes the fourth son.

To cause to assume a character appropriate to material things; to occupy with material interests; as, to materialize thought.

more receptive of dyes. If the yarn or cloth is kept under tension during the process, it assumes a silky luster. -- Mer`cer*i*za"tion (#), n.

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

Imitating reality, but not real; false; counterfeit; assumed; sham. That superior greatness and mock majesty. Spectator. Mock bishop's weed (Bot.), a genus of slender umbelliferous herbs (Discopleura) growing in wet places. -- Mock heroic, burlesquing the heroic; as, a mock heroic poem. -- Mock lead. See Blende (a).…

In the represented or assumed character of. " I'll to him again in name of Brook." Shak. -- Name plate, a plate as of metal, glass, etc., having a name upon it, as a sign; a doorplate. -- Pen name, a name assumed by an author; a pseudonym or nom de plume. Bayard Taylor. -- Proper name (Gram.), a name applied to a par…

native character; according to nature; essential; characteristic; not artifical, foreign, assumed, put on, or acquired; as, the natural growth of animals or plants; the natural motion of a gravitating body; natural strength or disposition; the natural heat of the body; natural color. With strong natural sense, and rare…

Name. Nom de guerre (, literally, war name; hence, a fictitious name, or one assumed for a time. -- Nom de plume (, literally, pen name; hence, a name assumed by an author as his or her signature.