figure (n.)

  1. a diagram or picture illustrating textual material; the area covered can be seen from Figure 2

    [ Syn: fig ]

  2. language used in a figurative or nonliteral sense

    [ Syn: trope , figure of speech , image ]

  3. a unitary percept having structure and coherence that is the object of attention and that stands out against a ground

  4. a decorative or artistic work; the coach had a design on the doors

    [ Syn: design , pattern ]

  5. a predetermined set of movements in dancing or skating; she made the best score on compulsory figures'

  6. alternative names for the body of a human being; Leonardo studied the human body; he has a strong physique; the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak

    [ Syn: human body , physical body , material body , soma , build , physique , anatomy , shape , bod , chassis , frame , form , flesh ]

  7. one of the elements that collectively form a system of numeration; 0 and 1 are digits

    [ Syn: digit ]

  8. a model of a bodily form (especially of a person); he made a figure of Santa Claus'

  9. a well-known or notable person; they studied all the great names in the history of France; she is an important figure in modern music

    [ Syn: name , public figure ]

  10. a combination of points and lines and planes that form a visible palpable shape

  11. an amount of money expressed numerically; a figure of $17 was suggested'

  12. the impression produced by a person; he cut a fine figure; a heroic figure'

  13. the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals; he had a number of chores to do; the number of parameters is small; the figure was about a thousand

    [ Syn: number ]

    figure (v.)

  1. judge to be probable

    [ Syn: calculate , estimate , reckon , count on , forecast ]

  2. be or play a part of or in; Elections figure prominently in every government program; How do the elections figure in the current pattern of internal politics?

    [ Syn: enter ]

  3. imagine; conceive of; see in ones mind; I cant see him on horseback!; I can see what will happen; I can see a risk in this strategy

    [ Syn: visualize , visualise , envision , project , fancy , see , picture , image ]

  4. make a mathematical calculation or computation

    [ Syn: calculate , cipher , cypher , compute , work out , reckon ]

  5. understand; He didn't figure her'

The dictionary is based on the WordNet Electronic Lexical Database.
WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2011 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.