rɪˈsɔ:s n. 1 an
expedient or
device (escape
was their only resource). 2 (usu. in pl.) a
the means available to
achieve an
end,
fulfil a
function, etc. b a
stock or supply
that can be
drawn on. c US available assets. 3 (in pl.) a country's
collective wealth or means of
defence. 4 a
leisure occupation (reading is a
great resource). 5 a
skill in devising expedients (a
person of great resource). b
practical ingenuity;
quick wit (full of resource). 6
archaic the
possibility of
aid (lost
without resource). øone's
own resources one's own abilities, ingenuity, etc. øøresourceful adj. resourcefully adv. resourcefulness n. resourceless adj. resourcelessness n. [F ressource, ressourse, fem.
past part. of OF
dial. resourdre (as
RE-, L surgere rise)]