season

season [sē′zən]

n.

[ME sesoun < OFr seson < VL satio, season for sowing < L, a sowing, planting < base of serere, to sow: see SEED]

1. any of the four arbitrary divisions of the year, characterized chiefly by differences in temperature, precipitation, amount of daylight, and plant growth; spring, summer, fall (or autumn), or winter

2. a time or part of the year during which a specified kind of agricultural work is done or a specified kind of weather prevails [the harvest season, the rainy season]

3. the time when something specified flourishes, develops, takes place, or is popular, permitted, or at its best [the opera season, the hunting season]

4. a period of time [a slack season in business]

5. the suitable, fitting, or convenient time

6. the period of time during which a specified festival or holiday occurs [the Christmas season]

7. [< the v.] Obs. something that seasons

vt.

[ME sesonen, aphetic < MFr assaisonner, to season, orig., to ripen < a- (< L ad-), to + saison]

1. to make (food) more tasty by adding salt, spices, etc.

2. to add zest or interest to [to season a lecture with humor]

3.

a) to make more suitable for use; improve the quality of, as by aging, drying, etc.; cure; mature [to season lumber]

b) to give (an athlete, actor, etc.) experience to increase skill [many tours seasoned him as an actor]

4. to make used to; accustom; inure; acclimate [seasoned to a hard life]

5. to make less harsh or severe; temper; soften [discipline seasoned with kindness]

vi.

to become seasoned, as wood by drying

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for a season

for a while

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in good season

early enough

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in season

1. available fresh for use as food: said of fruits, vegetables, seafood, etc.

2. at the legally established time for being hunted or caught: said of game

3. in or at the suitable or proper time

4. in good season; early enough

5. in heat: said of animals

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out of season

not in season

seasoner

n.