charm

charm [chärm]

n.

[ME charme < OFr < L carmen, song, verse, charm < * canmen < canere, to sing: see CHANT]

1.

a) a chanted word, phrase, or verse assumed to have magic power to help or hurt; incantation

b) the chanting of such a word, phrase, or verse

2. any object assumed to have such power, as an amulet or talisman

3. any trinket worn as a decoration on a bracelet, necklace, watch chain, etc.

4. any action or gesture assumed to have magic power

5. a quality or feature in someone or something that attracts or delights people

6. Particle Physics an individuating property of quarks and other elementary particles: it is expressed as a quantum number, with +1 used of a particle that has charm (charmed particle) and 0 used of one that does not

vt.

1. to act on as though by magic; seemingly cast a spell on

2. to protect from harm as though by magic

3. to attract or please greatly; enchant; allure; fascinate; delight

vi.

1. to practice magic

2. to be charming; please greatly

SYN.- ATTRACT