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or¹ Definition

or (ôr)

a coordinating conjunction introducing an alternative; specif.,

  1. introducing the second of two possibilities beer or wine
  2. introducing any of the possibilities in a series, but usually used only before the last apples or pears or plums; apples, pears, or plums
  3. introducing a synonymous word or phrase botany, or the science of plants
  4. introducing the second of two possibilities when the first is introduced by either or whether either go or stay; decide whether to go or stay
  5. Old Poet. substituted for either or whether as the first correlative or in the heart or in the head”

Etymology: ME, in form a contr. of other, auther, either, but actually < OE oththe (in āther ... oththe, either ... or)

or² Definition

or (ôr)

,

Now Chiefly Dial. before; ere

Etymology: ME < OE ār, var. of ær, ere: see ere

or³ Definition

or (ôr)

noun

Heraldry the representation of the metal gold: indicated in engravings by small black dots on a white field

Etymology: Fr < L aurum, gold: for IE base see east

OR Definition

OR

  1. operating room
  2. Oregon

or Synonyms

or

conj.

  1. A suggestion of choice

    or only, or but, as an alternative, as a choice, as a substitute, on the other hand, in turn, conversely, in other words, or else, in preference to, preferentially; see also either.

    Antonyms neither*, nor*, without choice.

  2. A suggestion of correction

    or not, or not exactly, in reverse, reversing it, on the contrary, contrary to, oppositely, or rather, instead of, correctly speaking; see also instead, rather 2.

  3. A suggestion of approximation

    roughly, about, practically; see approximately.

Browse dictionary entries near or

  1. OQPSK
  2. -opy
  3. OPX
  4. opuscule
  5. opus
  6. opuntia
  7. opulently
  8. opulent
  9. optometry
  10. optometrist
  1. -or
  2. ora
  3. orach
  4. oracle
  5. oracular
  6. orad
  7. Oradea
  8. oral
  9. oral argument
  10. oral contract