target

target [tär′git]

n.

[ME < MFr targette, dim. of targe, a shield < Frank * targa, akin to TARGE]

1. Historical a small shield, esp. a round one

2.

a) a round, flat board, straw coil, etc., often one marked with concentric circles, set up to be aimed at, as in archery or rifle practice

b) any object that is shot at, thrown at, etc.

3. an objective; goal

4. someone or something that is the focus of attention, interest, etc.

5. a ship, building, site, etc. that is the object of a military attack

6. an object of verbal attack, criticism, or ridicule

7. something resembling a target in shape or use; specif.,

☆ a) the sliding sight on a surveyor's leveling rod

☆ b) a disk-shaped signal on a railroad switch

c) a metallic insert, usually of tungsten or molybdenum, in the anode of an X-ray tube, upon which the stream of cathode rays impinges and from which X-rays emanate

d) a surface, object, etc. subjected to irradiation or to bombardment as by nuclear particles

vt.

to establish as a target, goal, etc.

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on target

completely accurate; precise