̘. ̈n.ˈɔ:rɪənt n.,
adj., & v. --n. 1 (the Orient) a
poet.
the east. b the countries E. of the
Mediterranean,
esp. E. Asia. 2 an orient pearl. --adj. 1 poet.
oriental. 2 (of
precious stones
and esp. the finest pearls
coming orig.
from the East) lustrous; sparkling; precious. 3
archaic a
radiant. b (of the
sun,
daylight, etc.)
rising. --v. 1 tr. a
place or
exactly determine the
position of
with the
aid of a
compass; settle or
find the bearings
of. b (often foll. by towards)
bring (oneself,
different elements, etc.)
into a clearly
understood position or
relationship;
direct. 2 tr. a place or
build (a
church,
building, etc.)
facing towards the East. b
bury (a person) with the
feet towards the East. 3 intr.
turn eastward or in a specified
direction. øorient
oneself determine how
one stands in
relation to one's
surroundings. [ME f. OF orient, orienter f. L oriens -entis rising,
sunrise, east, f. oriri rise]