figure

figure [fig′yər, figyoor; ] often, esp. for v., & Brit always [, fig′ər]

n.

[ME < OFr < L figura < fingere, to form, shape: see DOUGH]

1. the outline or shape of something; form

2. the shape of the human body; human form

3. a person, esp. one seen or thought of in a specified way [a great social figure]

4. a likeness or representation of a person or thing

5. an illustration; diagram; picture; drawing

6. an artistic design in fabrics, etc.; pattern

7.

a) the symbol for a number [the figure 5]

b) [pl.] calculation with such symbols; arithmetic [very good at figures]

8. a sum of money

9. Dancing Skating a series or pattern of steps or movements

10. Geom. a surface or space bounded on all sides by lines or planes

11. Logic the form of a syllogism with reference to the use of the middle term as variously the subject or the predicate of the premises

12. Music a series of consecutive tones or chords forming a distinct group which with other similar groups completes a phrase or theme; motif

13. Rhetoric FIGURE OF SPEECH

vt.

figured, figuring [ME figuren < the n.]

1. to represent in definite form; give a shape to

2. to represent mentally; imagine

3. to ornament with a design

4. to compute with figures

5. Informal to believe; consider; decide

6. Music to indicate chords for (the bass) by writing the appropriate figures next to the notes

vi.

1.

a) to appear, often prominently: with in [you figure in all my dreams]

b) to be a causal factor: with in [poor food figured in his ill health]

2. to do arithmetic

☆ 3. Informal to consider; calculate

☆ 4. Informal to be just as expected or as anticipated

SYN.- FORM

——————

figure in

☆ to add in; include

——————

☆ figure on

1. to count on; rely on

2. to consider as part of a scheme or project; plan on

——————

☆ figure out

1. to solve; compute

2. to understand; reason out

——————

☆ figure up

to add; total

figurer

n.