orient

orient [ôr′ē ənt, ōr′ē ənt; ] for v. [, ôr′ēent΄, ōr′ēent, ôr′ēənt, ōr′ēənt]

n.

[OFr < L oriens: see the adj.]

1. Old Poet. the east

2.

a) the quality that determines a pearl's value; luster

b) a pearl of high quality

adj.

[L oriens, direction of the rising sun, prp. of oriri, to arise < IE base * er-, to set in motion, elevate > RISE, RUN, Gr oros, mountain]

1. brilliant; shining; precious: said originally of pearls, now used more generally

2. Old Poet.

a) eastern; oriental

b) rising, as the sun

vt.

[Fr orienter < the adj.]

1. to arrange with reference to the east; esp., to build (a church) with the chief altar at the eastern end

2. to set (a map or chart) in agreement with the points of the compass

3. to adjust with relation to facts or principles; correct

4. to adjust or adapt to, or acquaint with, a particular situation

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the Orient

the East, or Asia; esp., the Far East