lower

lower

lower¹ [lō′ər]

adj.

[compar. of LOW¹]

1. in a place or on a level below another [lower lip]

2. inferior in rank, authority, or dignity [the lower classes]

3. less in quantity, degree, value, intensity, etc.

4. being farther south, closer to a shore or to the mouth of a river, or below land of higher elevation

5. [L-] Archaeol. Geol. earlier: used of a division of a period [Lower Devonian, Lower Paleolithic]

n.

Informal

☆ 1. a lower berth, as in a Pullman car

2. [pl.] the lower teeth or dentures

vt.

1. to let or put down [lower the window]

2. to reduce in height, elevation, amount, value, etc. [to lower prices]

3. to weaken or lessen [to lower one's resistance]

4. to bring down in respect, dignity, etc.; demean [to lower oneself by accepting a bribe]

5. to reduce (a sound) in volume or pitch

vi.

to become lower; sink, fall, become reduced, etc.

lower² [lou′ər]

vi.

[ME louren, akin to LURK, Ger lauern, to lurk, MHG luren, to watch]

1. to scowl or frown

2. to appear dark and threatening

n.

a frowning or threatening look