spirit

spir•it

[[t]ˈspɪr ɪt[/t]] n.

1) rel the animating principle of life, esp. of humans; vital essence

2) rel the incorporeal part of humans, or an aspect of this, as the mind or soul

3) conscious, incorporeal being, as opposed to matter

4) a supernatural, incorporeal being, esp. one having a particular character:

evil spirits[/ex]

5) a fairy, sprite, or elf

6) an attitude or principle that pervades thought, stirs one to action, etc.:

the spirit of reform[/ex]

7) rel (cap.) the third person of the Trinity; Holy Spirit

8) the soul or heart as the seat of feelings or as prompting to action:

a man of broken spirit[/ex]

9) spirits, feelings or mood with regard to exaltation or depression:

high spirits[/ex]

10) a vigorous, courageous, or optimistic attitude:

That's the spirit![/ex]

11) temper or disposition:

meek in spirit[/ex]

12) an individual as characterized by a particular attitude, character, etc.:

a few brave spirits[/ex]

13) dominant tendency or character:

the spirit of the age[/ex]

14) vigorous sense of membership in a group:

community spirit[/ex]

15) general meaning or intent

(opposed to letter 7)):

the spirit of the law[/ex]

16) chem. the essence or active principle of a substance as extracted in liquid form, esp. by distillation

17) vin Often, spirits. a strong distilled alcoholic liquor

18) brit. alcohol

19) pha a solution in alcohol of an essential or volatile principle; essence

20) rel the Spirit

God

21) operating by burning alcoholic spirits:

a spirit stove[/ex]

22) of or pertaining to spiritualist bodies or activities

23) to carry off mysteriously or secretly (often fol. by away or off):

to be spirited away by unknown captors[/ex]

24) to encourage; urge on or stir up

•

Etymology: 1200–50; ME (n.) < L spīritus orig., a breathing =spīri-, comb. form repr. spīrāre to breathe +-tus suffix of v. action