Search results for 'figure':

figure noun 1 the form of anything in outline. 2 a symbol representing a number; a numeral. 3 a number representing an amount; a cost or price • He quoted a figure of £50 to do the job. 4 an indistinctly seen or unidentified person • He saw a figure coming through the mist. 5 a representation of the human form, especially in painting or sculpture. 6 (figures) arithmetical calculations; statistics. 7 a well-known person • a public figure. 8 a specified impression that one makes by one's behaviour • He cut a lonely figure walking down the street. 9 a diagram or illustration, especially in a text. 10 the shape of one's body • to have a good figure. 11 an image, design or pattern. 12 a geometrical shape, formed from a combination of points, lines, curves or surfaces. 13 music a short distinctive series of notes in music. 14 dancing, sport, etc a set pattern of steps or movements. Compare figure skating. 15 a figure of speech. verb (figured, figuring) 1 N Amer to think; to reckon. 2 to imagine; to envisage. 3 intrans, colloq to be probable or predictable; to make sense • That figures! 4 to decorate (a surface) with a design; to add elaborations to (music). keep one's figure to remain slim. lose one's figure to become fat.
ETYMOLOGY: 13c: from Latin figura, from fingere to mould.