spleen
spleen definition
spleen (splēn)
noun
- a large, vascular, lymphatic organ in the upper left part of the abdominal cavity of vertebrates, near the stomach: it has various functions in modifying the structure of the blood, and was formerly regarded as the seat of certain emotions
- malice; spite; bad temper
- Archaic melancholy; low spirits
- Obsolete a whim or caprice
Etymology: ME splen < OFr esplen < L splen < Gr splēn, spleen < IE *sp(h)elĝh- > Sans plīhan, OSlav slězena, spleen
Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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