jar

jar¹

—jarless, adj.

/jahr/, n.

1. a broad-mouthed container, usually cylindrical and of glass or earthenware: a cookie jar.

2. the quantity such a container can or does hold.

[1585-95; < MF jarre < OPr jarra < Ar jarrah earthen water vessel]

jar²

—jarringly, adv.

/jahr/, v., jarred, jarring, n.

v.i.

1. to have a harshly unpleasant or perturbing effect on one's nerves, feelings, thoughts, etc.: The sound of the alarm jarred.

2. to produce a harsh, grating sound; sound discordantly.

3. to vibrate audibly; rattle: The window jarred in the frame.

4. to vibrate or shake.

5. to conflict, clash, or disagree.

v.t.

6. to cause to rattle or shake.

7. to have a sudden and unpleasant effect upon (the feelings, nerves, etc.): The burglary violently jarred their sense of security.

8. to cause to sound harshly or discordantly.

n.

9. a jolt or shake; a vibrating movement, as from concussion.

10. a sudden unpleasant effect upon the mind or feelings; shock.

11. a harsh, grating sound.

12. a discordant sound or combination of sounds.

13. a quarrel or disagreement, esp. a minor one.

[1520-30; prob. imit.; cf. CHIRR]

jar³

/jahr/, n.

1. Archaic. a turn or turning.

2. on the jar, partly opened; ajar: The window was on the jar.

[1665-75; var. of CHAR³, CHARE; cf. AJAR²]

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