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A composition, in prose or poetry, accommodated to action, and intended to exhibit a picture of human life, or to depict a series of grave or humorous actions of more than ordinary interest, tending toward some striking result. It is commonly designed to be spoken and represented by actors on the stage. A divine pastor…

The author of a dramatic composition; a writer of plays.

The art of dramatic composition and representation.

A tool used in driving down compactly the composition contained in a rocket, or like firework.

A monotonous bass, as in a pastoral composition.

Any animal, vegetable, or mineral substance used in the composition of medicines; any stuff used in dyeing or in chemical operations. Whence merchants bring Their spicy drugs. Milton.

s considered the cause of the decay; but it is more probable that the real cause is the decomposition of the wood itself. D. C. Eaton. Called also sap rot, and, in the United States, powder post. Hebert. -- Dry stove, a hothouse adapted to preserving the plants of arid climates. Brande & C. -- Dry vat, a vat, basket,…

A composition for two performers, whether vocal or instrumental.

A composition for two performers; a duet.

nitroglycerin, being less liable to explosion from moderate shocks, or from spontaneous decomposition.

A resinous substance formed in the decomposition of cholic acid of bile; -- so called because it is difficult to solve.

Having (such or so many) ears; -- used in composition; as, long- eared-eared; sharp-eared; full-eared; ten-eared.

A composition of dust of ivory or of bone with a cement; -- used for imitations of valuable stones and in making moldings, seals, etc. Knight.

A colorless, crystalline, nitrogenous base, obtained by the decomposition of cocaine.

the surface, or throughout, to a whitish, mealy, or crystalline powder, from a gradual decomposition, esp. from the loss of water, on simple exposure to the air; as, Glauber's salts, and many others, effloresce.

rabian tree (Trichilia emetica). The fruit, which is emetic, is sometimes employed in the composition of an ointment for the cure of the itch.

The act or process of chemical decomposition, by the action of electricity; as, the electrolysis of silver or nickel for plating; the electrolysis of water.

A compound decomposable, or subjected to decomposition, by an electric current.

the like; graceful; tasteful and highly attractive; as, elegant manners; elegant style of composition; an elegant speaker; an elegant structure. A more diligent cultivation of elegant literature. Prescott.

The peculiar smell and taste arising from products of decomposition of animal or vegetable substances when burnt in close vessels.