exercise

exercise [ek′sər sīz΄]

n.

[ME & OFr exercice < L exercitium < pp. of exercere, to drive out (farm animals to work), hence drill, exercise < ex-, out + arcere, to enclose < IE base * areq-, to protect, enclose > Gr arkein]

1. active use or operation; employment [the exercise of an option]

2. performance (of duties, functions, etc.)

3. activity for the purpose of training or developing the body or mind; systematic practice; esp., bodily exertion for the sake of health

4. a regular series of specific movements designed to strengthen or develop some part of the body or some faculty [finger exercises for the piano]

5. a problem or group of written examples, passages, etc. to be studied and worked out for developing technical skill, as in mathematics, grammar, etc.

☆ 6. [pl.] a set program of formal ceremonies, speeches, etc. [graduation exercises]

vt.

exercised, exercising

1. to put into action; use; employ [to exercise self-control]

2. to carry out (duties, etc.); perform; fulfill

3. Now Rare to use habitually; practice; train: used reflexively or in the passive [she was exercised in virtue]

4. to put (the body, a muscle, the mind, a skill, etc.) into use so as to develop or train

5. to drill (troops)

6. to engage the attention and energy of, esp. so as to worry, perplex, or harass: used esp. in the passive [greatly exercised about the decision]

7. to exert or have (influence, control, authority, etc.)

vi.

to take exercise; do exercises

SYN.- PRACTICE

exercisable

adj.