- shape
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n.1. the quality of a distinct object or body in having an external surface or outline of specific form or figure.2. this quality as found in some individual object or body form: This lake has a peculiar shape.3. something seen in outline, as in silhouette: A vague shape appeared through the mist.4. an imaginary form; phantom.5. an assumed appearance; guise: an angel in the shape of a woman.6. a particular or definite organized form or expression: He could give no shape to his ideas.7. proper form; orderly arrangement.8. condition or state of repair: The old house was in bad shape. He was sick last year, but is in good shape now.9. the collective conditions forming a way of life or mode of existence: What will the shape of the future be?10. the figure, physique, or body of a person, esp. of a woman: A dancer can keep her shape longer than those of us who have sedentary jobs.11. something used to give form, as a mold or a pattern.12. Also called section. Building Trades, Metalworking. a flanged metal beam or bar of uniform section, as a channel iron, I-beam, etc.13. Naut. a ball, cone, drum, etc., used as a day signal, singly or in combinations, to designate a vessel at anchor or engaged in some particular operation.14. take shape, to assume a fixed form; become definite: The house is beginning to take shape.v.t.15. to give definite form, shape, organization, or character to; fashion or form.16. to couch or express in words: to shape a statement.17. to adjust; adapt: He shaped everything to suit his taste.19. to file the teeth of (a saw) to uniform width after jointing.20. Animal Behav., Psychol. to teach (a desired behavior) to a human or other animal by successively rewarding the actions that more and more closely approximate that behavior.21. Obs. to appoint; decree.v.i.22. to come to a desired conclusion or take place in a specified way: If discussions shape properly, the companies will merge.23. shape up,a. to assume a specific form: The plan is beginning to shape up.b. to evolve or develop, esp. favorably.c. to improve one's behavior or performance to meet a required standard.d. to get oneself into good physical condition.e. (of longshoremen) to get into a line or formation in order to be assigned the day's work.[bef. 900; (n.) ME; OE gesceapu (pl.); r. dial. shap, ME; OE gesceap (sing.); c. ON skap state, mood; (v.) ME; OE sceapen (ptp.); r. ME sheppe, shippe, OE sceppan, scyppan; c. G schaffen, ON skepja, Goth -skapjan to make]Syn. 1. silhouette, appearance. See form. 4. specter, illusion. 7. order, pattern. 8. order, situation. 15. mold, model.
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Universalium. 2010.