match

I

[[t]mætʃ[/t]]

n.

1) cv a slender piece of wood or other flammable material tipped with a chemical substance that produces fire when rubbed on a rough or chemically prepared surface

2) cv a wick, cord, or the like, prepared to burn at an even rate, used to fire cannon, gunpowder, etc

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Etymology: 1350–1400; ME macche wick < MF meiche II

match

[[t]mætʃ[/t]] n.

1) cv a person or thing that equals or resembles another in some respect

2) cvb a person or thing able to deal with another as an equal:

to meet one's match[/ex]

3) cvb a person or thing that is an exact counterpart of another

4) cvb a corresponding, suitably associated, or harmonious pair

5)

a) spo a game or contest in which two or more contestants or teams oppose each other

b) spo a contest consisting of a specific number of sets:

a tennis match[/ex]

6) cvb any contest or competition that resembles a sports match:

a shouting match[/ex]

7) cvb a person considered with regard to suitability as a partner in marriage:

a good match[/ex]

8) cvb a matrimonial union; marriage

9) cvb to equal:

to match his score[/ex]

10) cvb to be the match or counterpart of:

The skirt matches the jacket[/ex]

11) to cause to correspond:

to match actions and beliefs[/ex]

12) cvb to fit together

13) cvb to place in opposition or conflict

14) cvb to provide with an adversary or competitor of equal power:

The teams were well matched[/ex]

15) cvb to encounter as an adversary with equal power

16) cvb to prove a match for

17) cvb to unite in marriage; procure a matrimonial alliance for

18)

a) to toss (coins) into the air and then compare the matching or contrasting sides that land facing up

b) to match coins with

19) cvb to be equal or suitable

20) cvb to correspond:

These gloves do not match[/ex]

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Etymology: bef. 900; OE gemæcca mate match′a•ble, adj. match′er, n.