winter

winter [win′tər]

n.

[ME < OE, akin to ON vetr, Goth wintrus, prob. < IE * wed-, to make wet: see WATER]

1.

a) the coldest season of the year: in the North Temperate Zone, generally regarded as including the months of December, January, and February: in the astronomical year, that period between the winter solstice and the vernal equinox

b) the typically cold weather of this season

2. a year as reckoned by this season [a man of eighty winters]

3. any period of decline, dreariness, adversity, etc.

adj.

1. of or characteristic of winter

2. designed for or taking place during winter [winter sports]

3. that will keep during the winter [winter apples]

4. planted in the fall to be harvested in the spring [winter wheat]

vi.

1. to pass the winter

2. to be supplied with food and shelter in the winter

vt.

to keep, feed, or maintain during the winter