style

style [stīl]

n.

[ME < L stilus (sp. infl. by unrelated Gr stylos, pillar) < IE base * (s)tei-, pointed > L stimulus]

1. a sharp, slender, pointed instrument used by the ancients in writing on wax tablets

2. any of several devices, etc. similar in shape or use; specif.,

a) Obs. a pen

b) an etching needle

c) an engraving tool

d) the pointer on a dial, chart, etc.

e) the gnomon of a sundial

f) Bot. the slender, stalklike part of a carpel between the stigma and the ovary: see PISTIL

g) Zool. a small, pointed projection or bristlelike process, as on some insects

h) manner or mode of expression in language, as distinct from the ideas expressed; way of using words to express thoughts

i) specific or characteristic manner of expression, execution, construction, or design, in any art, period, work, employment, etc. [the Byzantine style, modern style]

3. distinction, excellence, originality, and character in any form of artistic or literary expression [an author who lacks style]

4. the way in which anything is made or done

5.

a) the current, fashionable way of dressing, speaking, acting, etc.

b) something stylish; esp., a garment of current, smart design

c) a fashionable, luxurious existence [to live in style]

6. distinction and elegance of manner and bearing

7. form of address; title [entitled to the style of Mayor]

8. sort; kind; variety; type

9. a way of reckoning time, dates, etc.: see OLD STYLE (sense 1), NEW STYLE

10. Printing a particular manner of dealing with spelling, punctuation, word division, etc., as by a specific publisher, newspaper, etc.

vt.

styled, styling

1. to name; call [Abraham Lincoln, styled the Great Emancipator ]

☆ 2. to design the style of

3. to treat (hair) by cutting, blow-drying, coloring, etc. in order to achieve a desired, usually fashionable, style

4. to bring into accord with an accepted style, as of a publisher; normalize spelling, punctuation, etc. of

SYN.- FASHION

styleless

adj.

styler

n.