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Any one of a group of metametric hydrocarcons (C8H18) of the methane series. The most important is a colorless, volatile, inflammable liquid, found in petroleum, and a constituent of benzene or ligroin.

embling, octane; -- used specifically, to designate any one of a group of acids, the most important of which is called caprylic acid.

An elaborate discourse, delivered in public, treating an important subject in a formal and dignified manner; especially, a discourse having reference to some special occasion, as a funeral, an anniversary, a celebration, or the like; -- distinguished from an argument in court, a popular harangue, a sermon, a lecture, e…

An assemblage of genera having certain important characters in common; as, the Carnivora and Insectivora are orders of Mammalia.

An instrument or medium by which some important action is performed, or an important end accomplished; as, legislatures, courts, armies, taxgatherers, etc., are organs of government.

To give too important or difficult a part to. [Obs.] B. Jonson.

uropean oyster (Ostrea edulis), and the American oyster (Ostrea Virginiana), are the most important species.

The most ancient and important festival of Athens, celebrated in honor of Athena, the tutelary goddess of the city.

ess alkaline fluid secreted intermittently by the pancreatic gland. It is one of the most important of the digestive fluids, containing at least three distinct ferments, trypsin, steapsin and an amylolytic ferment, by which it acts upon all three classes of food stuffs. See Pancreas.

Something unimportant, incidental, or superfluous. [Obs.] Sir T. Browne.

ple of Athene, on the Acropolis at Athens. It was of the pure Doric order, and has had an important influence on art.

Separate or distinct by reason of superiority; distinguished; important; noteworthy; unusual; special; as, he brought no particular news; she was the particular belle of the party.

ction. It is obtained by lixiviating wood ashes, and evaporating the lye, and has been an important source of potassium compounds. It is used in making soap, glass, etc.

ent, must be of a brand that has stood the test of a specified number of years' use in an important public work. [Cant, U. S.]

etc., much used in the later styles of Gothic architecture, where it is of stone, and an important part of the construction. There are imitations in plaster and wood, which are mere decorative features. "[A bridge] with . . . pendants graven fair." Spenser.

line substance, H3PO4, which is the most highly oxidized acid of phosphorus, and forms an important and extensive series of compounds, viz., the phosphates. -- Soluble phosphoric acid, Insoluble phosphoric acid (Agric. Chem.), phosphoric acid combined in acid salts, or in neutral or basic salts, which are respectively…

A large, important class of parasitic or saprophytic fungi, the algal or algalike fungi. The plant body ranges from an undifferentiated mass of protoplasm to a well-developed and much- branched mycelium. Reproduction is mainly sexual, by the formation of conidia or sporangia; but the group shows every form of transitio…

al in trifles; to concern one's self with trivial matters rather than with those that are important. Ascham.

Hence, figuratively: A turning point or condition; that on which important results depend; as, the pivot of an enterprise.

United States and West Indies, a large estate appropriated to the production of the more important crops, and cultivated by laborers who live on the estate; as, a cotton plantation; a coffee plantation.