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loss definition

loss (lôs, läs)

noun

  1. a losing or being lost
  2. an instance of this
  3. the damage, trouble, disadvantage, deprivation, etc. caused by losing something
  4. the person, thing, or amount lost
  5. any reduction, lessening, etc. a loss of strength, power, etc.
  6. any reduction of heat energy, electrical energy, etc. in a system, esp. the reduction of power, voltage, or current in a circuit due to the resistance of the components
  7. Insurance
    1. death, injury, damage, etc. that is the basis for a valid claim for indemnity under the terms of an insurance policy
    2. the amount paid by the insurer on this basis
  8. Mil.
    1. the losing of military personnel in combat by death, injury, or capture
    2. those lost in this way
    3. ships, aircraft, etc. lost in battle

Etymology: ME los < pp. of losen, lesen, to lose

loss Idioms

at a loss

  1. in an uncertain or perplexed state; puzzled
  2. so as to lose money to operate a business at a loss
  3. not able to; uncertain how to: followed by an infinitive he was at a loss to explain the missing funds

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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