ply

Ply is defined as to make multiple layers, to work at, to keep supplying or to keep asking questions.

(verb)

An example of ply is to stack thin sheets of wood together to make plywood.
An example of ply is to use your skills at a job, to ply your craft.
An example of ply is to keep giving snacks to a group of teens to keep them motivated to complete a project, to ply them with snacks.
An example of ply is to continually ask questions of someone, to ply them with questions.

The definition of a ply is a layer of fabric, wood or a strand of fiber.

(noun)

An example of a ply is a layer of wood glued into a sheet of plywood.
An example of a ply is a three-ply cashmere sweater which is a sweater knit from triple strands of cashmere.

See ply in Webster's New World College Dictionary

transitive verb plied, plying

Now Rare to bend, twist, fold, or mold

Origin: ME plien < OFr plier < L plicare, to fold < IE base *plek-, to entwine > flax

intransitive verb

Obsolete to bend or submit

noun pl. plies

Origin: MFr pli < the v.

adjective

having (a specified number of) layers, thicknesses, or strands: usually in hyphenated compounds: three-ply

transitive verb plied, plying

Origin: ME plien, aphetic for applien, apply

intransitive verb

See ply in American Heritage Dictionary 4

transitive verb plied plied (plīd), ply·ing, plies plies (plīz)

noun pl. plies plies (plīz)

A layer, as of doubled-over cloth or of paperboard.
One of the sheets of wood glued together to form plywood.
A layer of rubber-coated fabric, often of nylon or polyester cords, forming the body of an automobile tire.
One of the strands twisted together to make yarn, rope, or thread. Often used in combination: three-ply cord.
A bias; an inclination.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English plien

Origin: , from Old French plier

Origin: , alteration of pleier

Origin: , from Latin plicāre, to fold; see plek- in Indo-European roots

verb plied plied (plīd), ply·ing, plies plies (plīz)

verb, transitive

To use diligently; wield: ply a knitting needle.
To engage in diligently; practice: plied the carpenter's trade. See Synonyms at handle.
To traverse or sail over regularly: Trading ships plied the routes between coastal ports.
To continue offering something to; ensure that (another) is abundantly served: plied their guests with excellent food.
To assail vigorously.

verb, intransitive

To traverse a route or course regularly: The boat plies between the islands on a weekly schedule.
To perform or work diligently or regularly: plied at the weaver's trade for 20 years.
Nautical To work against the wind by a zigzag course; tack.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English plien

Origin: , from applien, to apply; see apply

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