indent

To indent is defined as to start a line of text further in on the page than the other text around or below it.

(verb)

When you press the "Tab" button in a word processing program so the first line of your text starts further inward than the second, this is an example of indent.

The definition of an indent is a space that is left when a block of text has been spaced inward further than surrounding text.

(noun)

A space left when you "tab" to move text inward in a word processing program is an example of an indent.

YourDictionary definition and usage example. Copyright © 2013 by LoveToKnow Corp.

See indent in Webster's New World College Dictionary

transitive verb

    1. to cut toothlike points into (an edge or border); notch; also, to join by mating notches
    2. to make jagged or zigzag in outline
  1. to sever (a written contract, etc.) along an irregular line, so that the parts may be identified
  2. to write out (a contract, etc.) in duplicate
  3. to bind (a servant or apprentice) by indenture
  4. to space (the first line of a paragraph, an entire paragraph, a column of figures, etc.) in from the regular margin
  5. to order by an indent

Origin: ME endenten < OFr endenter or ML indentare, both < L in, in + dens, tooth

intransitive verb

  1. to form or be marked by notches, points, or a jagged border
  2. to space in from the margin; make an indention
  3. to draw up an order or requisition in duplicate or triplicate

noun

  1. a notch or cut in an edge
  2. an indenture, or written contract
    1. a space in from the margin; indention
    2. an indented line, paragraph, etc.
  3. Business an order form used in foreign trade and usually drawn up in duplicate or triplicate; specif.,
    1. any order for foreign merchandise
    2. an export order to buy certain goods at stated terms

transitive verb

  1. to make a dent, or slight hollow, in
  2. to apply (a mark, etc.) with pressure; impress; stamp in

Origin: in- + dent

noun

a dent

See indent in American Heritage Dictionary 4

verb in·dent·ed, in·dent·ing, in·dents
verb, transitive
  1. To set (the first line of a paragraph, for example) in from the margin.
  2. a. To cut or tear (a document with two or more copies) along an irregular line so that the parts can later be matched for establishing authenticity.
    b. To draw up (a document) in duplicate or triplicate.
  3. a. To notch or serrate the edge of; make jagged.
    b. To make notches, grooves, or holes in (wood, for example) for the purpose of mortising.
    c. To fit or join together by or as if by mortising.
  4. Chiefly British To order (goods) by purchase order or official requisition.
verb, intransitive
  1. To make or form an indentation.
  2. Chiefly British To draw up or order an indent.
noun (ĭn-dĕntˈ, ĭnˈdĕntˌ)
  1. The act of indenting or the condition of being indented.
  2. A blank space before the beginning of an indented line: a two-pica indent.
  3. An indenture.
  4. A U.S. certificate issued at the close of the American Revolution for interest due on the public debt.
  5. Chiefly British An official requisition or purchase order for goods.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English endenten, to notch

Origin: , from Anglo-Norman

Origin: and Old French endenter

Origin: , both from Medieval Latin indentāre

Origin: : Latin in-, in; see in-2

Origin: + Latin dēns, dent-, tooth; see dent- in Indo-European roots

.

transitive verb in·dent·ed, in·dent·ing, in·dents
To impress (a design, for example); stamp.
noun (ĭn-dĕntˈ, ĭnˈdĕntˌ)
An indentation.

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