transitive verb

1. to direct (spoken or written words) to someone
2. to speak to or write to [to address an audience]: sometimes used reflexively he addressed himself to both of us
3. to write the destination on (a letter or parcel)
4. to use a proper form in speaking to address the judge as “Your Honor”
5. to apply (oneself) or direct (one's energies)
6. to deal or cope with; handle (problems, issues, etc.)
7. 1. to take a stance beside and prepare to hit (a golf ball)
   2. to take a stance before (a target in archery)
8. Comput. to store (data) in, or retrieve it from, a specific location in memory
9. Obsolete to make ready; prepare

Etymology: ME adressen, to guide, direct < OFr adresser < a-, to + dresser < VL *directiare, to direct < L dirigere: see direct

noun

1. a written or spoken speech, esp. a formal one
2. the place to which mail, etc. can be sent to someone; place where someone lives or works
3. the writing on an envelope, parcel, etc. showing its destination
4. skill and tact in handling situations
5. conversational manner
6. attentions paid in courting or wooing
7. Comput.
   1. a number or other code identifying the specific location of stored data in memory or a storage device
   2. a string of keyboard characters serving as an assigned name or designation, as for a network mailbox, a Web site, etc.