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Shaper

 - 2 dictionary results

shap⋅er

[shey-per]
–noun
1. a person or thing that shapes.
2. a machine tool for forming flat surfaces, consisting of a frame, usually horizontal, on which the work is held while a cutting tool moves along it with a reciprocating motion. Compare planer (def. 2).
3. (in woodworking) a stationary power tool driving a vertical spindle to which cutters are locked, used in joinery and for forming decorative edges.

Origin:
1250–1300; ME; see shape, -er 1
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To Shaper
shape   (shāp)   
n.  
    1. The characteristic surface configuration of a thing; an outline or contour. See Synonyms at form.

    2. Something distinguished from its surroundings by its outline.

    3. A definite distinctive form: "The bomb gave the shape of life, outer and inner, an irreversible charge; a sense of fatefulness would now lie on all things" (Alfred Kazin).

    4. A desirable form: a fabric that holds its shape.

  1. The contour of a person's body; the figure.

    1. A definite distinctive form: "The bomb gave the shape of life, outer and inner, an irreversible charge; a sense of fatefulness would now lie on all things" (Alfred Kazin).

    2. A desirable form: a fabric that holds its shape.

  2. A form or condition in which something may exist or appear; embodiment: a god in the shape of a swan.

  3. Assumed or false appearance; guise.

  4. A ghostly form; a phantom.

  5. Something, such as a mold or pattern, used to give or determine form.

  6. The proper condition of something necessary for action, effectiveness, or use: an athlete in excellent shape.

v.   shaped, shap·ing, shapes

v.   tr.
  1. To give a particular form to; create.

  2. To cause to conform to a particular form or pattern; adapt to fit.

    1. To plan to bring about the realization or accomplishment of; devise.

    2. To embody in a definite form: shaped a folk legend into a full-scale opera.

    3. To adapt to a particular use or purpose; adjust.

    4. To direct the course of: "He shaped history as well as being shaped by it" (Robert J. Samuelson).

    1. To adapt to a particular use or purpose; adjust.

    2. To direct the course of: "He shaped history as well as being shaped by it" (Robert J. Samuelson).

v.   intr.
  1. To come to pass; happen.

  2. To take on a definite shape or form. Often used with up or into.

Phrasal Verb(s):
shape up
  1. Informal To turn out; develop.

  2. To improve so as to meet a standard: Either shape up or ship out.


[Middle English, from Old English gesceap, a creation.]
shap'a·ble, shape'a·ble adj., shaped adj., shap'er n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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