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orient

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The orient is the luster of a pearl.

(noun)

An example of orient is an expensive string of pearls with very shiny pearls.

Orient is defined as to align or position something towards a particular point or reference.

(verb)

Facing toward the East is an example of how to orient a person for prayer.

See orient in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

Old Poet. the east
1. the quality that determines a pearl's value; luster
2. a pearl of high quality

Origin: OFr < L oriens: see the adj.

adjective

brilliant; shining; precious: said originally of pearls, now used more generally
Old Poet.
1. eastern; oriental
2. rising, as the sun

Origin: L oriens, direction of the rising sun, prp. of oriri, to arise < IE base *er-, to set in motion, elevate > rise, run, Gr oros, mountain

transitive verb

to arrange with reference to the east; esp., to build (a church) with the chief altar at the eastern end
to set (a map or chart) in agreement with the points of the compass
to adjust with relation to facts or principles; correct
to adjust or adapt to, or acquaint with, a particular situation

Origin: Fr orienter < the adj.

See orient in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

Orient The countries of Asia, especially of eastern Asia.
a. The luster characteristic of a pearl of high quality.
b. A pearl having exceptional luster.
Archaic The place on the horizon where the sun rises; the east.

adjective

Having exceptional luster: orient gemstones.
Archaic Eastern; oriental.
Archaic Rising in the sky; ascending.

verb (ôrˈē-ĕntˌ, ōrˈ-) or·i·ent·ed, or·i·ent·ing, or·i·ents

verb, transitive

To locate or place in a particular relation to the points of the compass: orient the swimming pool north and south.
a. To locate or position so as to face the east.
b. To build (a church) with the nave laid out in an east-west direction and the main altar usually at the eastern end.
To align or position with respect to a point or system of reference: oriented the telescope toward the moon; oriented her interests toward health care.
To determine the bearings of.
To make familiar with or adjusted to facts, principles, or a situation.
To focus (the content of a story or film, for example) toward the concerns and interests of a specific group.

verb, intransitive