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ply1 definition

ply (plī)

transitive verb plied, plying ply′·ing

Now Rare to bend, twist, fold, or mold

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

intransitive verb

Obsolete to bend or submit

noun pl. plies

  1. a single thickness, fold, or layer, as of doubled cloth, plywood, etc.
  2. one of the twisted strands in rope, yarn, etc.
    1. the state of being bent or twisted
    2. bias or inclination

Etymology: MFr pli < the v.

adjective

having (a specified number of) layers, thicknesses, or strands: usually in hyphenated compounds three-ply
ply2 definition

ply (plī)

transitive verb plied, plying ply′·ing

  1. to do work with; wield or use (a tool, faculty, etc.), esp. with energy
  2. to work at (a trade)
  3. to address (someone) urgently and constantly (with questions, etc.)
  4. to keep supplying (with gifts, food, drink, etc.)
  5. to sail regularly back and forth across boats ply the channel

Etymology: ME plien, aphetic for applien, apply

intransitive verb

  1. to keep busy or work (at something or with a tool, etc.)
  2. to travel regularly (between places): said of ships, buses, etc.
  3. Old Poet. to steer a course

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

ply Synonyms

ply

n.

  1. A sheet

    thickness, fold, overlay; see layer.

  2. An inclination

    tendency, bent, bias; see inclination 1.


ply

v.

  1. To use

    utilize, employ, handle, wield; see use 1.

  2. To practice

    work at, exercise, pursue; see practice 2.

  3. To supply

    replenish, equip, furnish; see provide 1.

  4. To beat

    hurt, whip, strike; see beat 2. See syn. study at handle.


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

ply Usage Examples

Object

  • canal: In Amsterdam, water busses ply the busy canals.

Adjective modifier

  • birch: The CNC parts are in the harder birch ply for parts in more highly stressed areas.

Modifies a noun

  • roofing: You've probably seen single ply roofing attached to buildings as sheets.

Noun used with modifier

  • com: Must com ply took effect in cshcn states may.

Preposition: of

  • yarn: This would have been to distinguish between departments or the ply of the yarns that were wrapped round the bobbins.

Preposition: for

  • hire: Private Hire Vehicles - these vehicles cannot ply for hire in the street or at taxi ranks.
ply usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

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"ply." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 4 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/ply>

APA Style

ply. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 4th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/ply

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