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CruelDesires -> RE: At Wits End (5/21/2008 9:48:34 PM)
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Two words.
Main Entry: strength
Function: noun
Pronunciation: 'stre[ng](k)th, 'stren(t)th
Inflected Form(s): plural strengths
/'stre[ng](k)ths, 'stren(t)ths, 'stre[ng]ks/
Etymology: Middle English strengthe, from Old English strengthu; akin to Old High German strengi strong -- more at STRONG
1 : the quality or state of being strong : capacity for exertion or endurance
2 : power to resist force : SOLIDITY , TOUGHNESS
3 : power of resisting attack : IMPREGNABILITY
4 a : legal, logical, or moral force b : a strong attribute or inherent asset <the strengths and the weaknesses of the book are evident>
5 a : degree of potency of effect or of concentration b : intensity of light, color, sound, or odor c : vigor of expression
6 : force as measured in numbers : effective numbers of any body or organization <an army at full strength>
7 : one regarded as embodying or affording force or firmness : SUPPORT
8 : maintenance of or a rising tendency in a price level : firmness of prices
9 : BASIS -- used in the phrase on the strength of
synonym see POWER
- from strength to strength : vigorously forward : from one high point to the next
Main Entry: 1Power
Function: noun
Pronunciation: 'pau(-&)r
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Middle English, from Old French poeir, from poeir to be able, from (assumed) Vulgar Latin potere, alteration of Latin posse -- more at POTENT
1 a (1) : ability to act or produce an effect (2) : ability to get extra-base hits (3) : capacity for being acted upon or undergoing an effect b : legal or official authority, capacity, or right
2 a : possession of control, authority, or influence over others b : one having such power ; specifically : a sovereign state c : a controlling group : ESTABLISHMENT -- often used in the phrase the powers that be d archaic : a force of armed men e chiefly dialect : a large number or quantity
3 a : physical might b : mental or moral efficacy c : political control or influence
4 plural : an order of angels -- see CELESTIAL HIERARCHY
5 a : the number of times as indicated by an exponent that a number occurs as a factor in a product ; also : the product itself b : CARDINAL NUMBER 2
6 a : a source or means of supplying energy ; especially : ELECTRICITY b : MOTIVE POWER c : the time rate at which work is done or energy emitted or transferred
7 : MAGNIFICATION 2b
8 : 1 scope 3
9 : the probability of rejecting the null hypothesis in a statistical test when a particular alternative hypothesis happens to be true
synonyms POWER , AUTHORITY , JURISDICTION , CONTROL , COMMAND , SWAY , DOMINION mean the right to govern or rule or determine. POWER implies possession of ability to wield force, permissive authority, or substantial influence <the power to mold public opinion>. AUTHORITY implies the granting of power for a specific purpose within specified limits <gave her attorney the authority to manage her estate>. JURISDICTION applies to official power exercised within prescribed limits <the bureau having jurisdiction over alcohol and firearms>. CONTROL stresses the power to direct and restrain <you are responsible for the students under your control>. COMMAND implies the power to make arbitrary decisions and compel obedience <the army officer in command>. SWAY suggests the extent or scope of exercised power or influence <an empire that extended its sway over the known world>. DOMINION stresses sovereign power or supreme authority <given dominion over all the animals>.
synonyms POWER , FORCE , ENERGY , STRENGTH , MIGHT mean the ability to exert effort. POWER may imply latent or exerted physical, mental, or spiritual ability to act or be acted upon <the awesome power of flowing water>. FORCE implies the actual effective exercise of power <used enough force to push the door open>. ENERGY applies to power expended or capable of being transformed into work <a worker with boundless energy>. STRENGTH applies to the quality or property of a person or thing that makes possible the exertion of force or the withstanding of strain, pressure, or attack <use weight training to build your strength>. MIGHT implies great or overwhelming power or strength <the belief that might makes right>.
There endeth the lesson.
CD
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