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Definition
re·spect [ri-spekt]
noun
1.
a particular, detail, or point (usually preceded by in ): to differ in some respect.
2.
relation or reference: inquiries with respect to a route.
3.
esteem for or a sense of the worth or excellence of a person, a personal quality or ability, or something considered as a manifestation of a personal quality or ability: I have great respect for her judgment. |
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Definition
in·spect [in-spekt] Show IPA
verb (used with object)
1.
to look carefully at or over; view closely and critically: to inspect every part of the motor.
2.
to view or examine formally or officially: The general inspected the troops.
Origin:
1615–25; < Latin inspectus, past participle of inspicere to look into, inspect. See in-2 , species |
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Term
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Definition
spec·ta·cle [spek-tuh-kuhl] Show IPA
noun
1.
anything presented to the sight or view, especially something of a striking or impressive kind: The stars make a fine spectacle tonight.
2.
a public show or display, especially on a large scale: The coronation was a lavish spectacle.
3.
spectacles, eyeglasses, especially with pieces passing over or around the ears for holding them in place.
4.
Often, spectacles.
a.
something resembling spectacles in shape or function.
b.
any of various devices suggesting spectacles, as one attached to a semaphore to display lights or different colors by colored glass.
5.
Obsolete . a spyglass. |
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Term
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Definition
spec·ta·tor [spek-tey-ter, spek-tey-] Show IPA
noun
1.
a person who looks on or watches; onlooker; observer.
2.
a person who is present at and views a spectacle, display, or the like; member of an audience.
3.
Also called spectator shoe. a white shoe with a perforated wing tip and back trim, traditionally of dark brown, dark blue, or black but sometimes of a lighter color. |
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Term
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Definition
spec·trum [spek-truhm] Show IPA
noun, plural spec·tra [-truh] Show IPA , spec·trums.
1.
Physics.
a.
an array of entities, as light waves or particles, ordered in accordance with the magnitudes of a common physical property, as wavelength or mass: often the band of colors produced when sunlight is passed through a prism, comprising red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet.
b.
this band or series of colors together with extensions at the ends that are not visible to the eye, but that can be studied by means of photography, heat effects, etc., and that are produced by the dispersion of radiant energy other than ordinary light rays. Compare band spectrum, electromagnetic spectrum, mass spectrum.
2.
a broad range of varied but related ideas or objects, the individual features of which tend to overlap so as to form a continuous series or sequence: the spectrum of political beliefs.
Origin:
1605–15; < Latin: appearance, form, equivalent to spec ( ere ) to look, regard + -trum instrumental noun suffix |
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Definition
spe·cif·ic [spi-sif-ik] Show IPA
adjective
1.
having a special application, bearing, or reference; specifying, explicit, or definite: to state one's specific purpose.
2.
specified, precise, or particular: a specific sum of money.
3.
peculiar or proper to somebody or something, as qualities, characteristics, effects, etc.: His specific problems got him into trouble.
4.
of a special or particular kind.
5.
concerned specifically with the item or subject named (used in combination): The Secretary addressed himself to crop-specific problems. |
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con·struct [v. kuhn-struhkt; n. kon-struhkt] Show IPA
verb (used with object)
1.
to build or form by putting together parts; frame; devise.
2.
Geometry . to draw (a figure) fulfilling certain given conditions.
noun
3.
something constructed.
4.
an image, idea, or theory, especially a complex one formed from a number of simpler elements.
Origin:
1400–50 for earlier past participle sense; 1655–65 for current senses; late Middle English < Latin constrūctus (past participle of construere to construe), equivalent to con- con- + strūc- (variant stem of struere to build) + -tus past participle suffix |
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Definition
de·struc·tion [dih-struhk-shuhn] Show IPA
noun
1.
the act of destroying: wanton destruction of a town.
2.
the condition of being destroyed; demolition; annihilation.
3.
a cause or means of destroying.
Origin:
1275–1325; Middle English (< Anglo-French ) < Latin dēstructiōn- (stem of dēstructiō ), equivalent to dēstruct ( us ) (past participle of dēstruere; see destroy) + -iōn- -ion |
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Definition
in·struct [in-struhkt] Show IPA
verb (used with object)
1.
to furnish with knowledge, especially by a systematic method; teach; train; educate.
2.
to furnish with orders or directions; direct; order; command: The doctor instructed me to diet.
3.
to furnish with information; inform; apprise.
4.
Law. (of a judge) to guide (a jury) by outlining the legal principles involved in the case under consideration.
Origin:
1375–1425; late Middle English < Latin instructus past participle of instruere to equip, train, set in order, equivalent to in- in-2 + struc- (variant stem of struere to put together) + -tus past participle suffix |
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struc·ture [struhk-cher] Show IPA noun, verb, struc·tured, struc·tur·ing.
noun
1.
mode of building, construction, or organization; arrangement of parts, elements, or constituents: a pyramidal structure.
2.
something built or constructed, as a building, bridge, or dam.
3.
a complex system considered from the point of view of the whole rather than of any single part: the structure of modern science.
4.
anything composed of parts arranged together in some way; an organization.
5.
the relationship or organization of the component parts of a work of art or literature: the structure of a poem. |
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