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smart definition

smart (smärt)

intransitive verb

    1. to cause sharp, stinging pain, as a slap
    2. to be the source of such pain, as a wound
    3. to feel such pain
  1. to feel mental distress or irritation, as in resentment, remorse, etc.

Etymology: ME smerten < OE smeortan, akin to Ger schmerzen < IE *mer-d < base *mer-, to rub away, fret > L mordere, to bite, sting, Gr smerdnos, frightful

transitive verb

to cause to smart

noun

  1. a smarting sensation, pain or distress
  2. Slang shrewdness, intelligence, or acumen

Etymology: ME smerte < base of v.

adjective

  1. causing sharp or stinging pain a smart slap
  2. sharp or stinging, as pain
  3. brisk; vigorous; lively walking at a smart pace
    1. intelligent, alert, clever, witty, etc.
    2. shrewd or sharp, as in one's dealings
  4. neat; trim; spruce
    1. in keeping with the current fashion; stylish
    2. characteristic of or used by those who follow the current fashions
  5. Informal impertinent, flippant, or saucy
  6. Dialectal quite strong, intense, numerous, etc.; considerable a right smart rain
  7. Comput.
    1. intelligent (sense )
    2. aimed, guided, and controlled precisely, through the use of computer technology smart weapons
    3. programmed in advance with certain features, as navigation information or sensing and self-correcting functions smart cars, smart guns

Etymology: ME smerte < OE smeart < base of v.

adverb

in a smart way

Related Forms:

smart Idioms

smart off

Slang to be impertinent or flippant
Smart definition

Smart (smärt)

Smart, Christopher 1722-71; Eng. poet

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