ˈwɪndəu n. 1 a an
opening in a
wall,
roof, or
vehicle etc., usu.
with glass in fixed, sliding, or hinged frames, to
admit light or
air etc.
and allow the occupants to see
out. b the glass
filling this opening (have
broken the window). 2 a
space for display behind the
front window of a
shop. 3 an
aperture in a wall etc.
through which customers are served in a bank,
ticket office, etc. 4 an
opportunity to
observe or
learn. 5 an opening or
transparent part in an
envelope to
show an
address. 6 a part of a
VDU display selected to show a
particular category or part of the
data. 7 a an
interval during which atmospheric and
astronomical circumstances are
suitable for the launch of a
spacecraft. b
any interval or opportunity for
action. 8 strips of
metal foil dispersed in the air to
obstruct radar detection. 9 a
range of
electromagnetic wavelengths for which a
medium is transparent. øout of the window colloq. no longer taken
into account. window-box a box placed on an
outside window-sill for growing flowers. window-cleaner a
person who is employed to
clean windows. window-dressing 1 the art of arranging a display in a shop-window etc. 2 an
adroit presentation of facts etc. to
give a deceptively
favourable impression. window-ledge = window-sill. window-pane a
pane of glass in a window. window-seat 1 a
seat below a window,
esp. in a bay or
alcove. 2 a seat
next to a window in an
aircraft,
train, etc. window-shop (-shopped, -shopping)
look at goods displayed in shop-windows, usu.
without buying
anything. window-shopper a person who window-shops. window-sill a
sill below a window. window
tax Brit.
hist. a tax on windows or
similar openings (abolished in 1851). øøwindowed adj. (also in comb.). windowless adj. [ME f. ON vindauga (as
WIND(1), EYE)]