noun
- a portion or division of a whole; specif.,
- any of several equal portions, quantities, numbers, pieces, etc. of which something is composed or into which it can be divided: a cent is a 100th part of a dollar
- an essential element or constituent; integral portion which can be separated, replaced, etc.: automobile parts
- a portion detached or cut from a whole; fragment; piece
- a certain amount but not all: to lose part of one's fortune
- a certain amount or section regarded as a separate division
- a segment or organ of the body of men and animals
- a division of a literary work
- Math. an aliquot part
- a portion assigned or given; share; specif.,
- something a person must do; share of work or duty: to do one's part
- interest or concern: to have some part in a matter
- talent; ability: a man of parts
- a character or role in a theatrical presentation; also, the words, actions, etc. of a character in a play
- Music the score for a particular voice or instrument in a concerted piece; also, any of the voices or instruments in a musical ensemble
- a region; area
- a portion of a country; district
- one of the different sides or parties in a transaction, dispute, conflict, etc.
- ☆ the dividing line formed by combing the hair in different directions
Origin:
ME < OE & OFr, both < L pars (gen. partis) < IE base *per-, to sell, hand over in sale, make equal > L par, equal, parare, to equate
transitive verb
- to break or divide into separate parts
- to comb (the hair) in different directions so as to leave a dividing line
- to break up (a connection or relationship) by separating those involved
- to separate (two or more persons or things); break or hold apart
- to separate (substances) as by a chemical process
- Archaic to distribute; share; apportion
- Naut. to break or undergo the breaking of (a hawser, chain, etc.)
Origin:
ME parten < OFr partir < L partire, to divide, separate < the n.
adjective
of or having to do with only a part; partial