voluntary

(vŏlˈən-tĕrˌē)

1. Done or undertaken of one's own free will: a voluntary decision to leave the job.
2. Acting or done willingly and without constraint or expectation of reward: a voluntary hostage; voluntary community work.
3. Normally controlled by or subject to individual volition: voluntary muscle contractions.
4. Capable of making choices; having the faculty of will.
5. Supported by contributions or charitable donations rather than by government appropriations: voluntary hospitals.
6. Law
   a. Without legal obligation or consideration: a voluntary conveyance of property.
   b. Done deliberately; intentional: voluntary manslaughter.

1. Music
   a. A short piece of music, often improvised on a solo instrument, played as an introduction to a larger work.
   b. A piece for solo organ, often improvised, played before, during, or after a religious service.
2. A volunteer.

Related Forms:

• volˌun·tarˈi·ly (-târˈə-lē) adverb

• volˈun·tarˌi·ness noun