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adv. /oh"veuhr hed"/; adj., n. /oh"veuhr hed'/, adv.1. over one's head; aloft; up in the air or sky, esp. near the zenith: There was a cloud overhead.2. so as to be completely submerged or deeply involved: to plunge overhead in water; to sink overhead in debt.adj.3. situated, operating, or passing above, aloft, or over the head: an overhead sprinkler system.4. of or pertaining to the general cost of running a business: overhead expenses; an overhead charge.n.5. the general, fixed cost of running a business, as rent, lighting, and heating expenses, which cannot be charged or attributed to a specific product or part of the work operation.6. Accounting. that part of manufacturing costs for which cost per unit produced is not readily assignable.7. (in a hoistway) the distance between the last floor level served and the beam supporting the hoisting sheaves or machinery.8. (in racket sports) a stroke in which the ball or shuttlecock is hit with a downward motion from above the head; smash.9. an overhead compartment, shelf, etc.: Pillows are in the overhead above each passenger's seat.10. Also called overhead shot. Motion Pictures, Television. a shot in which the camera is positioned above the actors, esp. directly overhead.11. a ceiling light in a room: Turn off the overheads when you leave.12. Also called overhead projector. a projector capable of projecting images above and behind the person operating it, thus allowing a lecturer or speaker to remain facing the audience while using it.13. Also called overhead projection. a picture or image projected in this manner: a lecture enhanced with overheads.[1425-75; late ME; see OVER-, HEAD]
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Universalium. 2010.