–noun

1.	a musical percussion instrument consisting of a hollow, usually cylindrical, body covered at one or both ends with a tightly stretched membrane, or head, which is struck with the hand, a stick, or a pair of sticks, and typically produces a booming, tapping, or hollow sound.

2.	any hollow tree or similar object or device used in this way.

3.	the sound produced by such an instrument, object, or device.

4.	any rumbling or deep booming sound.

5.	a natural organ by which an animal produces a loud or bass sound.

6.

eardrum.

7.	any cylindrical object with flat ends.

8.	a cylindrical part of a machine.

9.	a cylindrical box or receptacle, esp. a large, metal one for storing or transporting liquids.

10.	Also called tambour. Architecture. a. any of several cylindrical or nearly cylindrical stones laid one above the other to form a column or pier. b. a cylindrical or faceted construction supporting a dome.

11.	any of several marine and freshwater fishes of the family Sciaenidae that produce a drumming sound.

12.	Also called drum memory. < 1066 /span>Computers. magnetic drum.

13.	Archaic. an assembly of fashionable people at a private house in the evening.

14.	a person who plays the drum.

15.	Australian Informal. reliable, confidential, or profitable information: to give someone the drum.

–verb (used without object)

16.	to beat or play a drum.

17.	to beat on anything rhythmically, esp. to tap one's fingers rhythmically on a hard surface.

18.	to make a sound like that of a drum; resound.

19.	(of ruffed grouse and other birds) to produce a sound resembling drumming.

–verb (used with object)

20.	to beat (a drum) rhythmically; perform by beating a drum: to drum a rhythm for dancers.

21.	to call or summon by, or as if by, beating a drum.

22.	to drive or force by persistent repetition: to drum an idea into someone.

23.	to fill a drum with; store in a drum: to drum contaminated water and dispose of it.

—Verb phrases

24.	drum out, a. (formerly) to expel or dismiss from a military service in disgrace to the beat of a drum. b. to dismiss in disgrace: He was drummed out of the university for his gambling activities.

25.	drum up, a. to call or summon by, or as if by, beating a drum. b. to obtain or create (customers, trade, interest, etc.) through vigorous effort: They were unable to drum up enthusiasm for the new policies. c. to concoct; devise: to drum up new methods of dealing with urban crime.

—Idiom

26.	beat the drum, to promote, publicize, or advertise: The boss is out beating the drum for a new product.

–verb (used with object)

1.	to put (something or someone) in a particular place: to set a vase on a table.

2.	to place in a particular position or postur 3e8 e: Set the baby on his feet.

3.	to place in some relation to something or someone: We set a supervisor over the new workers.

4.	to put into some condition: to set a house on fire.

5.	to put or apply: to set fire to a house.

6.	to put in the proper position: to set a chair back on its feet.

7.	to put in the proper or desired order or condition for use: to set a trap.

8.	to distribute or arrange china, silver, etc., for use on (a table): to set the table for dinner.

9.	to place (the hair, esp. when wet) on rollers, in clips, or the like, so that the hair will assume a particular style.

10.	to put (a price or value) upon something: He set $7500 as the right amount for the car. The teacher sets a high value on neatness.

11.	to fix the value of at a certain amount or rate; value: He set the car at $500. She sets neatness at a high value.

12.	to post, station, or appoint for the purpose of performing some duty: to set spies on a person.

13.	to determine or fix definitely: to set a time limit.

14.	to resolve or decide upon: to set a wedding date.

15.	to cause to pass into a given state or condition: to set one's mind at rest; to set a prisoner free.

16.	to direct or settle resolutely or wishfully: to set one's mind to a task.

17.	to present as a model; place before others as a standard: to set a good example.

18.	to establish for others to follow: to set a fast pace.

19.	to prescribe or assign, as a task.

20.	to adjust (a mechanism) so as to control its performance.

21.	to adjust the hands of (a clock or watch) according to a certain standard: I always set my watch by the clock in the library.

22.	to adjust (a timer, alarm of a clock, etc.) so as to sound when desired: He set the alarm for seven o'clock.

23.	to fix or mount (a gem or the like) in a frame or setting.

24.	to ornament or stud with gems or the like: a bracelet set with pearls.

25.	to cause to sit; seat: to set a child in a highchair.

26.	to put (a hen) on eggs to hatch them.

27.	to place (eggs) under a hen or in an incubator for hatching.

28.	to place or plant firmly: 89 to set a flagpole in concrete.

29 fdd .

to put into a fixed, rigid, or settled state, as the face, muscles, etc.

30.	to fix at a given point or calibration: to set the dial on an oven; to set a micrometer.

31.	to tighten (often fol. by up): to set nuts well up.

32.	to cause to take a particular direction: to set one's course to the south.

33.	Surgery. to put (a broken or dislocated bone) back in position.

34.	(of a hunting dog) to indicate the position of (game) by standing stiffly and pointing with the muzzle.

35.	Music. a. to fit, as words to music. b. to arrange for musical performance. c. to arrange (music) for certain voices or instruments.

36.	Theater. a. to arrange the scenery, properties, lights, etc., on (a stage) for an act or scene. b. to prepare (a scene) for dramatic performance.

37.	Nautical. to spread and secure (a sail) so as to catch the wind.

38.	Printing. a. to arrange (type) in the order required for printing. b. to put together types corresponding to (copy); compose in type: to set an article.

39.	Baking. to put aside (a substance to which yeast has been added) in order that it may rise.

40.	to change into curd: to set milk with rennet.

41.	to cause (glue, mortar, or the like) to become fixed or hard.

42.	to urge, goad, or encourage to attack: to set the hounds on a trespasser.

43.	Bridge. to cause (the opposing partnership or their contract) to fall short: We set them two tricks at four spades. Only perfect defense could set four spades.

44.	to affix or apply, as by stamping: The king set his seal to the decree.

45.	to fix or engage (a fishhook) firmly into the jaws of a fish by pulling hard on the line once the fish has taken the bait.

46.	to sharpen or put a keen edge on (a blade, knife, razor, etc.) by honing or grinding.

47.	to fix the length, width, and shape of (yarn, fabric, etc.).

48.	Carpentry. to sink (a nail head) with a nail set.

49.	to bend or form to the proper shape, as a saw tooth or a spring.

50.	to bend the teeth of (a saw) outward from the blade alternately on both sides in order to make a cut wider than t b6d he blade itself.

–verb (used without object)

51.	to pass below the horizon; sink: The sun sets early in winter.

52.	to decline; wane.

53.	to assume a fixed or rigid state, as the countenance or the muscles.

54.	(of the hair) to be placed temporarily on rollers, in clips, or the like, in order to assume a particular style: Long hair sets more easily than short hair.

55.	to become firm, solid, or permanent, as mortar, glue, cement, or a dye, due to drying or physical or chemical change.

56.	to sit on eggs to hatch them, as a hen.

57.	to hang or fit, as clothes.

58.	to begin to move; start (usually fol. by forth, out, off, etc.).

59.	(of a flower's ovary) to develop into a fruit.

60.	(of a hunting dog) to indicate the position of game.

61.	to have a certain direction or course, as a wind, current, or the like.

62.	Nautical. (of a sail) to be spread so as to catch the wind.

63.	Printing. (of type) to occupy a certain width: This copy sets to forty picas.

64.	Nonstandard. sit: Come in and set a spell.

–noun

65.	the act or state of setting or the state of being set.

66.	a collection of articles designed for use together: a set of china; a chess set.

67.	a collection, each member of which is adapted f 1386 or a special use in a particular operation: a set of golf clubs; a set of carving knives.

68.	a number, group, or combination of things of similar nature, design, or function: a set of ideas.

69.	a series of volumes by one author, about one subject, etc.

70.	a number, company, or group of persons associated by common interests, occupations, conventions, or status: a set of murderous thieves; the smart set.

71.	the fit, as of an article of clothing: the set of his coat.

72.	fixed direction, bent, or inclination: The set of his mind was obvious.

73.	bearing or carriage: the set of one's shoulders.

74.	the assumption of a fixed, rigid, or hard state, as by mortar or glue.

75.	the arrangement of the hair in a particular style: How much does the beauty parlor charge for a shampoo and set?

76.	a plate for holding a tool or die.

77.	an apparatus for receiving radio or television programs; receiver.

78.	Philately. a group of stamps that form a complete series.

79.	Tennis. a unit of a match, consisting of a group of not fewer than six games with a margin of at least two games between the winner and loser: He won the match in straight sets of 6–3, 6–4, 6–4.

80.	a construction representing a place or scene in which the action takes place in a stage, motion-picture, or television production.

81.	Machinery. a. the bending out of the points of alternate teeth of a saw in opposite directions. b. a permanent deformation or displacement of an object or part. c. a tool for giving a certain form to something, as a saw tooth.

82.	a chisel having a wide blade for dividing bricks.

83.	Horticulture. a young plant, or a slip, tuber, or the like, suitable for planting.

84.	Dance. a. the number of couples required to execute a quadrille or the like. b. a series of movements or figures that make up a quadrille or the like.

85.	Music. a. a group of pieces played by a band, as in a night club, and followed by an intermission. b. the period during which these pieces are played.

86.	Bridge. a failure to take the number of tricks specified by one's contract: Our being vulnerable made the set even more costly.

87.	Nautical. a. the direction of a wind, current, etc. b. the form or arrangement of the sails, spars, etc., of a vessel. c. suit (def. 12).

88.	Psychology. a temporary state of an organism characterized by a readiness to respond to certain stimuli in a specific way.

89.	Mining. a timber frame bracing or supporting the walls or roof of a shaft or stope.

90.	Carpentry. nail set.

91.	Mathematics. a collection of objects or elements classed together.

92.	Printing. the width of a body of type.

93.	sett (def. 3).

–adjective

94.	fixed or prescribed beforehand: a set time; set rules.

95.	specified; fixed: The hall holds a set number of people.

96.	deliberately composed; customary: set phrases.

97.	fixed; rigid: a set smile.

98.	resolved or determined; habitually or stubbornly fixed: to be set in one's opinions.

99.	completely prepared; ready: Is everyone set?

–interjection

100.	(in calling the start of a race): < 16a6 span class="ital-inline">Ready! Set! Go!

—Verb phrases

101.	set about, a. to begin on; start. b. to undertake; attempt. c. to assault; attack.

102.	set against, a. to cause to be hostile or antagonistic. b. to compare or contrast: The advantages must be set against the disadvantages.

103.	set ahead, to set to a later setting or time: Set your clocks ahead one hour.

104.	set apart, a. to reserve for a particular purpose. b. to cause to be noticed; distinguish: Her bright red hair sets her apart from her sisters.

105.	set aside, a. to put to one side; reserve: The clerk set aside the silver brooch for me. b. to dismiss from the mind; reject. c. to prevail over; discard; annul: to set aside a verdict.

106.	set back, a. to hinder; impede. b. to turn the hands of (a watch or clock) to show an earlier time: When your plane gets to California, set your watch back two hours. c. to reduce to a lower setting: Set back the thermostat before you go to bed.

107.	set by, to save or keep for future use.

108.

set down, a. to write or to copy or record in writing or printing. b. to consider; estimate: to set someone down as a fool. c. to attribute; ascribe: to set a failure down to bad planning. d. to put in a position of rest on a level surface. e. to humble or humiliate. f. to land an airplane: We set down in a heavy fog. g. (in horse racing) to suspend (a jockey) from competition because of some offense or infraction of the rules.

109.	set forth, a. to give an account of; state; describe: He set forth his theory in a scholarly report. b. to begin a journey; start: Columbus set forth with three small ships.

110.	set in, a. to begin to prevail; arrive: Darkness set in. b. (of winds or currents) to blow or flow toward the shore.

111.	set off, a. to cause to become ignited or to explode. b. to begin; start. c. to intensify or improve by contrast. d. to beg 770 in a journey or trip; depart.

112.	set on, a. Also, set upon. to attack or cause to attack: to set one's dog on a stranger. b. to instigate; incite: to set a crew to mutiny.

113.

set out, a. to begin a journey or course: to set out for home. b. to undertake; attempt: He set out to prove his point. c. to design; plan: to set out a pattern. d. to define; describe: to set out one's arguments. e. to plant: to set out petunias and pansies. f. to lay out (the plan of a building) in actual size at the site. g. to lay out (a building member or the like) in actual size.

114.< 1ea /td>

set to, a. to make a vigorous effort; apply oneself to work; begin. b. to begin to fight; contend.

115.

set up, a. t 15de o put upright; raise. b. to put into a high or powerful position. c. to construct; assemble; erect. d. to be assembled or made ready for use: exercise equipment that sets up in a jiffy. e. to inaugurate; establish. f. to enable to begin in business; provide with means. g. Informal. to make a gift of; treat, as to drinks. h. Informal. to stimulate; elate. i. to propound; plan; advance. j. to bring about; cause. k. to become firm or hard, as a glue or cement: a paint that sets up within five minutes. l. to lead or lure into a dangerous, detrimental, or embarrassing situation, as by deceitful prearrangement or connivance. m. to entrap or frame, as an innocent person in a crime or a criminal suspect in a culpable circumstance in order to achieve an arrest. n. to arrange the murder or execution of: His partner set him up with the mob. o. Bridge. to establish (a suit): to set up spades.

—Idioms

116.	all set, Informal. in readiness; prepared: They were at the starting line and all set to begin.

117.	set forward, to turn the hands of (a watch or clock) to show a later time: When your plane lands in New York, set your watch forward two hours.

118.	set one's face against. face (def. 53).

119.	set store by. store (def. 16).

–preposition

1.	with the object or purpose of: to run for exercise.

2.	intended to belong to, or be used in connection with: equipment for the army; a closet for dishes.

3.	suiting the purposes or needs of: medicine for the aged.

4.	in order to obtain, gain, or acquire: a suit for alimony; to work for wages.

5.	(used to express a wish, as of something to be experienced or obtained): O, for a cold drink!

6.	sensitive or responsive to: an eye for beauty.

7.	desirous of: a longing for something; a taste for fancy clothes.

8.	in consideration or payment of; in return for: three for a dollar; to be thanked for one's efforts.

9.	appropriate or adapted to: a subject for speculation; clothes for winter.

10.	with regard or respect to: pressed for time; too warm for April.

11.	during the continuance of: for a long time.

12.	in favor of; on the side of: to be for honest government.

13.	in place of; instead of: a substitute for butter. < 3e8 /td>

14.	in the interest of; on behalf of: to act for a client.

15.	in exchange for; as an offset to: blow for blow; money for goods.

16.	in punishment of: payment for the crime.

17.	in honor of: to give a dinner for a person.

18.	with the purpose of reaching: to start for London.

19.	contributive to: for the advantage of everybody. ed2

20.	in order to save: to flee for one's life.

21.	in order to become: to train recruits for soldiers.

22.	in assignment or attribution to: an appointment for the afternoon; That's for you to decide.

23.	such as to allow of or to require: too many for separate mention.

24.	such as results in: his reason for going.

25.	as affecting the interests or circumstances of: bad for one's health.

26.	in proportion or with reference to: He is tall for his age.

27.	in the character of; as being: to know a thing for a fact.

28.	by reason of; because of: to shout for joy; a city famed for its beauty.

29.	in spite of: He's a decent guy for all that.

30.	to the extent or amount of: to walk for a mile.

31.	(used to introduce a subject in an infinitive phrase): It's time for me to go.

32.	(used to indicate the number of successes out of a specified number of attempts): The batter was 2 for 4 in the game.

–conjunction

33.	seeing that; since.

34.

because.

—Idiom

35.	for it, British. in (def. 33).

late O.E. sala "a sale," from O.N. sala "sale," from P.Gmc. *salo (cf. O.H.G. sala, Swed. salu, Dan. salg), from root *sal-, source of *saljan (cf. O.E. sellan; see sell). Sense of "a selling of shop goods at lower prices than usual" first appeared 1866. Salesman is from 1523; salesmanship first attested 1880.