ˈeksəsaɪz n. & v. --n. 1
activity requiring
physical effort,
done esp. as
training or to
sustain or
improve health. 2
mental or
spiritual activity, esp. as
practice to
develop a
skill. 3 (often in pl.) a
particular task or set of tasks devised as exercise, practice in a
technique, etc. 4 a
the use or
application of a mental
faculty,
right, etc. b practice of an
ability,
quality, etc. 5 (often in pl.)
military drill or manoeuvres. 6 (foll. by in) a process directed at or
concerned with something specified (was an exercise in
public relations). --v. 1 tr. use or
apply (a faculty, right,
influence,
restraint, etc.). 2 tr.
perform (a function). 3 a intr.
take (esp. physical) exercise; do exercises. b tr.
provide (an animal) with exercise. c tr.
train (a person). 4 tr. a
tax the powers
of. b
perplex,
worry. øexercise
book 1 a book containing exercises. 2 a book
for writing school
work, notes,
etc.,
in. øøexercisable adj. exerciser n. [ME f. OF exercice f. L exercitium f. exercere exercitkeep at work (as
EX-(1), arcere restrain)]