1. Symbol S For a closed thermodynamic system, a quantitative measure of the amount of thermal energy not available to do work.
2. A measure of the disorder or randomness in a closed system.
3. A measure of the loss of information in a transmitted message.
4. The tendency for all matter and energy in the universe to evolve toward a state of inert uniformity.
5. Inevitable and steady deterioration of a system or society.

1. The 19th letter of the modern English alphabet.
2. Any of the speech sounds represented by the letter s.
3. The 19th in a series.
4. Something shaped like the letter S.

1. second (unit of time)
2. Mathematics second (of arc)
3. stere
4. strange quark

1. The symbol for the element sulfur.
2. The symbol for entropy.

1. Bible Samuel
2. satisfactory
3. Saturday
4. siemens
5. small
6. soprano
7. 1. south
   2. southern
8. Baseball strike
9. Sunday

1. Abbr. Sat. or S The seventh day of the week.
2. The Jewish Sabbath.

1. Abbr. sec.
   1. A unit of time equal to one sixtieth of a minute.
   2. The time needed for a cesium-133 atom to perform 9,192,631,770 complete oscillations. See Table at measurement.
2. A brief interval of time; a moment. See Synonyms at moment.
3. Abbr. s Mathematics A unit of angular measure equal to one sixtieth of a minute.

1. The highest singing voice of a woman or young boy.
2. A singer having such a voice.
3. The tonal range characteristic of a soprano.
4. An instrument that sounds within this range.
5. Abbr. S A vocal or instrumental part written within this range.

1. Abbr. S
   1. The direction along a meridian 90° clockwise from east; the direction to the right of sunrise.
   2. The cardinal point on the mariner's compass 180° clockwise from due north and directly opposite north.
   3. The southern part of the earth.
   4. The southern part of a region or country.
2. An area or region lying in the south.
3. often South
   1. The southern part of the earth.
   2. The southern part of a region or country.
4. South The southern part of the United States, especially the states that fought for the Confederacy in the Civil War.

1. To, toward, of, facing, or in the south.
2. Originating in or coming from the south: a hot south wind.

1. In, from, or toward the south.
2. Slang Into a worse or inferior position, as of decreased value: a stock that went south shortly after he bought it.

Word History: Though a south-facing house on the north side of a street sometimes gets more sun, etymologically speaking, the sunny side of the street is the south side. "South" in Old English was sūth. This came from an earlier *sunth, from a still earlier *sunthaz, "sunny," whose first element, *sun-, means "sun." As the first word in compounds, Old English sūth was subject to shortening, showing up in Modern English pronounced (sŭ). This is seen in place names like Suffolk (where the "south folk" were; compare Norfolk), Sutton, "south town," and Sussex, the location of the "South Saxons" (whose eastern and western cousins were located in Essex and Wessex, respectively).

1. 1. To hit sharply, as with the hand, the fist, or a weapon.
   2. To inflict (a blow).
   3. To collide with or crash into: She struck the desk with her knee.
   4. To cause to come into violent or forceful contact: She struck her knee against the desk.
   5. To thrust (a weapon, for example) in or into someone or something: struck the sword into the dragon.
   6. To damage or destroy, as by forceful contact: Lightning struck the tree.
   7. To snap at or seize (a bait).
   8. To hook (a fish that has taken the bait) by a pull on the line.
   9. To produce by friction or a blow: struck fire from the flints.
   10. To produce flame, light, or a spark from by friction: strike a match.
   11. To come upon; discover: struck gold.
   12. To come to; attain: finally struck the main trail.
   13. To fall upon; shine on: A bright light struck her face.
   14. To become audible to: An odd sound struck his ear.
   15. To cause (a strong emotion) to penetrate deeply: struck terror into their hearts.
   16. To affect or overcome with strong emotion: She was struck with alarm at the news.
   17. To make and confirm the terms of (a bargain).
   18. To achieve (a balance, for example) by careful weighing or reckoning.
   19. To haul down (a mast or sail).
   20. To lower (a flag or sail) in salute or surrender.
   21. To lower (cargo) into a hold.
   22. To level or even (a measure, as of grain).
   23. To smooth or shape with a strickle.
   24. To send (plant roots) out or down.
   25. To cause (a plant cutting) to take root.
2. To penetrate or pierce: was struck in the leg by a bullet.
3. 1. To collide with or crash into: She struck the desk with her knee.
   2. To cause to come into violent or forceful contact: She struck her knee against the desk.
   3. To thrust (a weapon, for example) in or into someone or something: struck the sword into the dragon.
   4. To damage or destroy, as by forceful contact: Lightning struck the tree.
   5. To snap at or seize (a bait).
   6. To hook (a fish that has taken the bait) by a pull on the line.
   7. To produce by friction or a blow: struck fire from the flints.
   8. To produce flame, light, or a spark from by friction: strike a match.
   9. To come upon; discover: struck gold.
   10. To come to; attain: finally struck the main trail.
   11. To fall upon; shine on: A bright light struck her face.
   12. To become audible to: An odd sound struck his ear.
   13. To cause (a strong emotion) to penetrate deeply: struck terror into their hearts.
   14. To affect or overcome with strong emotion: She was struck with alarm at the news.
   15. To make and confirm the terms of (a bargain).
   16. To achieve (a balance, for example) by careful weighing or reckoning.
   17. To haul down (a mast or sail).
   18. To lower (a flag or sail) in salute or surrender.
   19. To lower (cargo) into a hold.
   20. To level or even (a measure, as of grain).
   21. To smooth or shape with a strickle.
   22. To send (plant roots) out or down.
   23. To cause (a plant cutting) to take root.
4. To make a military attack on; assault.
5. To afflict suddenly, as with a disease or impairment: was stricken with cancer.
6. To cause to become by or as if by a blow: struck him dead.
7. 1. To snap at or seize (a bait).
   2. To hook (a fish that has taken the bait) by a pull on the line.
   3. To produce by friction or a blow: struck fire from the flints.
   4. To produce flame, light, or a spark from by friction: strike a match.
   5. To come upon; discover: struck gold.
   6. To come to; attain: finally struck the main trail.
   7. To fall upon; shine on: A bright light struck her face.
   8. To become audible to: An odd sound struck his ear.
   9. To cause (a strong emotion) to penetrate deeply: struck terror into their hearts.
   10. To affect or overcome with strong emotion: She was struck with alarm at the news.
   11. To make and confirm the terms of (a bargain).
   12. To achieve (a balance, for example) by careful weighing or reckoning.
   13. To haul down (a mast or sail).
   14. To lower (a flag or sail) in salute or surrender.
   15. To lower (cargo) into a hold.
   16. To level or even (a measure, as of grain).
   17. To smooth or shape with a strickle.
   18. To send (plant roots) out or down.
   19. To cause (a plant cutting) to take root.
8. To wound by biting. Used especially of a snake.
9. To form by stamping, printing, or punching: strike a medallion.
10. To produce or play by manipulating strings or keys: strike a B flat; strike w, t, and y on the typewriter.
11. To indicate by a percussive or chiming sound: The clock struck nine.
12. To produce as if by playing a musical instrument: The report struck a positive note in the final paragraph.
13. 1. To produce by friction or a blow: struck fire from the flints.
    2. To produce flame, light, or a spark from by friction: strike a match.
    3. To come upon; discover: struck gold.
    4. To come to; attain: finally struck the main trail.
    5. To fall upon; shine on: A bright light struck her face.
    6. To become audible to: An odd sound struck his ear.
    7. To cause (a strong emotion) to penetrate deeply: struck terror into their hearts.
    8. To affect or overcome with strong emotion: She was struck with alarm at the news.
    9. To make and confirm the terms of (a bargain).
    10. To achieve (a balance, for example) by careful weighing or reckoning.
    11. To haul down (a mast or sail).
    12. To lower (a flag or sail) in salute or surrender.
    13. To lower (cargo) into a hold.
    14. To level or even (a measure, as of grain).
    15. To smooth or shape with a strickle.
    16. To send (plant roots) out or down.
    17. To cause (a plant cutting) to take root.
14. To remove or separate with or as if with a blow: struck the wasp from his shoulder; struck off the diseased branch with a machete.
15. To eliminate or expunge: strike a statement from the court records.
16. 1. To come upon; discover: struck gold.
    2. To come to; attain: finally struck the main trail.
    3. To fall upon; shine on: A bright light struck her face.
    4. To become audible to: An odd sound struck his ear.
    5. To cause (a strong emotion) to penetrate deeply: struck terror into their hearts.
    6. To affect or overcome with strong emotion: She was struck with alarm at the news.
    7. To make and confirm the terms of (a bargain).
    8. To achieve (a balance, for example) by careful weighing or reckoning.
    9. To haul down (a mast or sail).
    10. To lower (a flag or sail) in salute or surrender.
    11. To lower (cargo) into a hold.
    12. To level or even (a measure, as of grain).
    13. To smooth or shape with a strickle.
    14. To send (plant roots) out or down.
    15. To cause (a plant cutting) to take root.
17. 1. To fall upon; shine on: A bright light struck her face.
    2. To become audible to: An odd sound struck his ear.
    3. To cause (a strong emotion) to penetrate deeply: struck terror into their hearts.
    4. To affect or overcome with strong emotion: She was struck with alarm at the news.
    5. To make and confirm the terms of (a bargain).
    6. To achieve (a balance, for example) by careful weighing or reckoning.
    7. To haul down (a mast or sail).
    8. To lower (a flag or sail) in salute or surrender.
    9. To lower (cargo) into a hold.
    10. To level or even (a measure, as of grain).
    11. To smooth or shape with a strickle.
    12. To send (plant roots) out or down.
    13. To cause (a plant cutting) to take root.
18. To affect keenly or forcibly; impress. See Synonyms at affect¹.
19. To enter the mind of: The thought struck me from out of the blue.
20. 1. To cause (a strong emotion) to penetrate deeply: struck terror into their hearts.
    2. To affect or overcome with strong emotion: She was struck with alarm at the news.
    3. To make and confirm the terms of (a bargain).
    4. To achieve (a balance, for example) by careful weighing or reckoning.
    5. To haul down (a mast or sail).
    6. To lower (a flag or sail) in salute or surrender.
    7. To lower (cargo) into a hold.
    8. To level or even (a measure, as of grain).
    9. To smooth or shape with a strickle.
    10. To send (plant roots) out or down.
    11. To cause (a plant cutting) to take root.
21. 1. To make and confirm the terms of (a bargain).
    2. To achieve (a balance, for example) by careful weighing or reckoning.
    3. To haul down (a mast or sail).
    4. To lower (a flag or sail) in salute or surrender.
    5. To lower (cargo) into a hold.
    6. To level or even (a measure, as of grain).
    7. To smooth or shape with a strickle.
    8. To send (plant roots) out or down.
    9. To cause (a plant cutting) to take root.
22. To take on or assume (a pose, for example).
23. Nautical
    1. To haul down (a mast or sail).
    2. To lower (a flag or sail) in salute or surrender.
    3. To lower (cargo) into a hold.
    4. To level or even (a measure, as of grain).
    5. To smooth or shape with a strickle.
    6. To send (plant roots) out or down.
    7. To cause (a plant cutting) to take root.
24. To remove (theatrical properties, a set, or technical equipment) from a stage.
25. To dismantle and pack up for departure: strike camp.
26. To undertake a strike against (an employer).
27. 1. To level or even (a measure, as of grain).
    2. To smooth or shape with a strickle.
    3. To send (plant roots) out or down.
    4. To cause (a plant cutting) to take root.
28. 1. To send (plant roots) out or down.
    2. To cause (a plant cutting) to take root.

1. To deal a blow or blows with or as if with the fist or a weapon; hit.
2. To aim a stroke or blow.
3. To make contact suddenly or violently; collide: A car and a bus struck at the intersection.
4. To begin a military attack: The enemy struck unexpectedly.
5. To penetrate or pierce: The cold struck right through our jackets.
6. To take bait: The fish are striking.
7. To dart or shoot suddenly forward in an attempt to inflict a bite or wound. Used of snakes and wild animals.
8. To set out or proceed, especially in a new direction: struck off into the forest.
9. To begin to move: The horse struck into a gallop.
10. 1. To send out roots.
    2. To sprout.
    3. To indicate the time by making a percussive or chiming sound: The clock struck just as we left.
    4. To become indicated by a percussive or chiming sound: The hour has struck.
11. 1. To indicate the time by making a percussive or chiming sound: The clock struck just as we left.
    2. To become indicated by a percussive or chiming sound: The hour has struck.
12. To become ignited.
13. To discover something suddenly or unexpectedly: struck on a new approach.
14. To fall, as light or sound: sunlight striking on the cliffs; a din struck upon their ears.
15. To have an effect; make an impression.
16. To engage in a strike against an employer.
17. To interrupt by pushing oneself forward: struck rudely into the conversation.
18. To strive diligently for a specific technical rating in the U.S. Navy.

1. An act or a gesture of striking.
2. An attack, especially a military air attack on a single group of targets.
3. 1. A cessation of work by employees in support of demands made on their employer, as for higher pay or improved conditions.
   2. A temporary stoppage of normal activity undertaken as a protest.
   3. The taking of bait by a fish.
   4. A pull on a fishing line indicating this.
   5. Abbr. S A pitched ball that is counted against the batter, typically one that is swung at and missed, fouled off, or judged to have passed through the strike zone.
   6. A perfectly thrown ball.
   7. To pitch three strikes to (a batter), putting the batter out.
   8. To be struck out.
   9. To start to play music or sing: The band suddenly struck up.
   10. To start to play or sing (something): The orchestra struck up a waltz.
   11. To cause to start to play or sing: Strike up the band!
4. A sudden achievement or valuable discovery, as of a precious mineral.
5. 1. The taking of bait by a fish.
   2. A pull on a fishing line indicating this.
   3. Abbr. S A pitched ball that is counted against the batter, typically one that is swung at and missed, fouled off, or judged to have passed through the strike zone.
   4. A perfectly thrown ball.
   5. To pitch three strikes to (a batter), putting the batter out.
   6. To be struck out.
   7. To start to play music or sing: The band suddenly struck up.
   8. To start to play or sing (something): The orchestra struck up a waltz.
   9. To cause to start to play or sing: Strike up the band!
6. A quantity of coins or medals struck at the same time.
7. Baseball
   1. Abbr. S A pitched ball that is counted against the batter, typically one that is swung at and missed, fouled off, or judged to have passed through the strike zone.
   2. A perfectly thrown ball.
   3. To pitch three strikes to (a batter), putting the batter out.
   4. To be struck out.
   5. To start to play music or sing: The band suddenly struck up.
   6. To start to play or sing (something): The orchestra struck up a waltz.
   7. To cause to start to play or sing: Strike up the band!
8. An unfavorable condition, circumstance, or characteristic; a disadvantage: "[They] were trying to sell a movie with several strikes against it as a mass-audience 'property'" (John Sayles).
9. An unlawful act, especially one that results in a conviction.
10. Sports The knocking down of all the pins in bowling with the first bowl of a frame.
11. The taking root and growing of a plant cutting.
12. Geology The course or bearing of a structural surface, such as an inclined bed, as it intersects a horizontal plane.
13. The removal of all properties, sets, and technical equipment following a final performance, as of a play or concert.
14. A strickle.
15. To cause to fall by a blow.
16. To incapacitate or kill: He was struck down by tuberculosis.
17. To render ineffective; cancel: The court struck down the law.
18. To begin a course of action.
19. To set out energetically.
20. Baseball
    1. To pitch three strikes to (a batter), putting the batter out.
    2. To be struck out.
    3. To start to play music or sing: The band suddenly struck up.
    4. To start to play or sing (something): The orchestra struck up a waltz.
    5. To cause to start to play or sing: Strike up the band!
21. To fail in an endeavor.
22. 1. To start to play music or sing: The band suddenly struck up.
    2. To start to play or sing (something): The orchestra struck up a waltz.
    3. To cause to start to play or sing: Strike up the band!
23. To initiate or begin: strike up a conversation.

1. To cause to fall by a blow.
2. To incapacitate or kill: He was struck down by tuberculosis.
3. To render ineffective; cancel: The court struck down the law.

1. To begin a course of action.
2. To set out energetically.
3. Baseball
   1. To pitch three strikes to (a batter), putting the batter out.
   2. To be struck out.
4. To fail in an endeavor.

1. 1. To start to play music or sing: The band suddenly struck up.
   2. To start to play or sing (something): The orchestra struck up a waltz.
   3. To cause to start to play or sing: Strike up the band!
2. To initiate or begin: strike up a conversation.

Our Living Language  : The central role that baseball has played in American culture is known to all, but is particularly evident in the abundance of baseball expressions applied to circumstances outside the sport. When people say that they have struck out in an endeavor, they are using one such expression. We routinely speak of ballpark figures or estimates, of some unexpected quirk of fate or tricky question on an exam being a curve ball, of minor-league or bush-league players in a field or business, who might one day enter the big leagues. If we can't go to lunch with a person who invites us, we take a rain check. We can go to bat or pinch-hit for a friend. We can be off base about something or so disconnected we are out in left field. When we cooperate we are playing ball, and when we get serious or even ruthless about something, we are playing hardball. Some unfortunate people are said to have been born with two strikes against them if bad things come their way right off the bat. The list could go on and on, but that would only be running up the score.

1. Abbr. Sun. or S The first day of the week.
2. The Sabbath for many Christians.

1. Abbreviation of second (of time), second (of an arc)
2. The symbol for strangeness.