figure

fig•ure

[[t]ˈfɪg yər[/t]] esp. brit. [[t]ˈfɪg ər[/t]] n. v. -ured, -ur•ing

1) math. a numerical symbol, esp. an Arabic numeral

2) math. an amount or value expressed in numbers

3) figures, the use of numbers in calculating; arithmetic

4) a written symbol other than a letter

5) the form or shape of something; outline

6) the bodily form or frame:

a graceful figure[/ex]

7) a character or personage, esp. one of distinction:

a well-known figure in society[/ex]

8) the appearance or impression made by a person or sometimes a thing

9) fia a representation, pictorial or sculptured, esp. of the human form

10) an emblem, type, or symbol:

The dove is a figure of peace[/ex]

11) rht a figure of speech

12) fia a textural pattern, as in cloth or wood

13) mad a distinct movement or division of a dance

14) spo a movement or series of movements in skating

15) mad a short succession of musical notes, as either a melody or a group of chords, that produces a single complete and distinct impression

16) math. a combination of geometric elements disposed in a plane shape or solid form, as a circle, polygon, or sphere

17) pho logic the form of a categorical syllogism with respect to the relative position of the middle term

18) to compute or calculate (often fol. by up):

to figure up a total[/ex]

19) to express in figures

20) fia to mark or adorn with a design or pattern

21) to represent or express by a figure of speech

22) fia to represent by a pictorial or sculptured figure, a diagram, or the like; picture or depict; trace (an outline, silhouette, etc.)

23) inf Informal. to conclude, judge, reason, or think:

I figured that you wanted me to stay[/ex]

24) math. to compute or work with numerical figures

25) to be or appear:

Your name figures importantly in my report[/ex]

26) inf Informal. to be logical, expected, or reasonable: It figures: when I have the time to travel, I don't have the money

27) phv inf figure on

a) to count or rely on

b) to take into consideration; plan on

28) phv inf figure out

a) to understand; solve

b) to calculate; compute

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Etymology: 1175–1225; ME < OF < L figūra shape, trope, der. of fingere to shape fig′ur•a•ble, adj. fig′ure•less, adj. fig′ur•er, n.