exercise

ex•er•cise

[[t]ˈɛk sərˌsaɪz[/t]] n. v. -cised, -cis•ing

1) bodily or mental exertion, esp. for the sake of training or improvement

2) something done or performed as a means of practice or training

3) a putting into action, use, or effect:

the exercise of caution[/ex]

4) a written composition, musical piece, or artistic work executed for practice of technique

5) Often, exercises. a traditional ceremony:

graduation exercises[/ex]

6) rel a religious observance or service

7) to put through exercises, or forms of practice or exertion, designed to train, develop, condition, etc

8) to put (faculties, rights, etc.) into action, practice, or use

9) to use or display in one's action or procedure:

to exercise judgment[/ex]

10) to make use of (one's privileges, powers, etc.)

11) to discharge (a function); perform:

to exercise the duties of one's office[/ex]

12) to have as an effect:

to exercise an influence on someone[/ex]

13) to worry; make uneasy; annoy

14) to go through exercises; take bodily exercise

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Etymology: 1300–50; ME (n.) < MF exercice < L exercitium, der. of exercitāre, freq. of exercēre to train, exercise ex′er•cis`a•ble, adj. ex′er•cis`er, n.