mole
mole1 definition
mole (mōl)
noun
a small, congenital spot on the human skin, usually dark-colored and slightly raised, often hairy
Etymology: ME < OE mal, akin to Goth mail < IE base *mai-, to spot > Gr miainein, to sully
mole2 definition
mole (mōl)
noun
- any of various small, burrowing insectivores (esp. family Talpidae) with small eyes and ears, shovel-like forefeet, and soft fur: moles live mainly underground
- a spy who infiltrates and is assimilated into the ranks of an enemy intelligence agency, government staff, etc., usually long before engaging in any spying activities
Etymology: ME molle, akin to or < MDu mol, < Gmc *mug- > mow, OHG mol: orig. sense, “mound maker”
mole3 definition
mole (mōl)
noun
- a barrier of stone, etc. built in the water to protect from the force of the waves, as a breakwater
- a harbor or anchorage so formed or protected
Etymology: Fr môle < LGr mōlos < L moles, a mass, dam, mole < IE *mo-lo- < base *mo-, to strive > Gr mōlos, effort, Ger müde, tired
mole4 definition
mole (mōl)
noun
- Chem. the quantity of a chemical substance having a weight in grams numerically equal to its molecular weight: one mole of a substance contains 6.022137 × 10 molecules
- the amount of a substance containing the same number of units, including molecules, atoms, or ions, as there are atoms in 12 grams of pure carbon-12: a basic unit in the SI system: abbrev. mol
Etymology: Ger mol, short for molekulargewicht, molecular weight
mole5 definition
mole (mōl)
noun
- a marked growth of grapelike masses of fetal placental tissue
- any of various fleshy or bloody masses in the uterus
Etymology: Fr môle < L mola, false conception, millstone: for IE base see mill
mole6 definition
mole (mō′lā)
noun
any of various spicy Mexican sauces for meat or poultry, typically made with chilies, tomatoes, spices, and ground nuts; esp., such a sauce containing bitter chocolate
Etymology: MexSp
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