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consist

 - 3 dictionary results

con⋅sist

[v. kuhn-sist; n. kon-sist]
–verb (used without object)
1. to be made up or composed (usually fol. by of): This cake consists mainly of sugar, flour, and butter.
2. to be comprised or contained (usually fol. by in): Her charm does not consist only in her beauty.
3. Archaic. to exist together or be capable of existing together.
4. Obsolete. to insist; urge.
–noun
5. Railroads.
a. the rolling stock, exclusive of the locomotive, making up a train.
b. a record made of this rolling stock.

Origin:
1520–30; < L consistere to stand together, stand firm, equiv. to con- con- + sistere to cause to stand, reduplicative v. akin to stāre to stand
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To consist
con·sist   (kən-sĭst')   
intr.v.   con·sist·ed, con·sist·ing, con·sists
  1. To be made up or composed: New York City consists of five boroughs. See Usage Note at include.

  2. To have a basis; reside or lie: The beauty of the artist's style consists in its simplicity.

  3. To be compatible; accord: The information consists with her account.


[Latin cōnsistere, to stand still, to be composed of : com-, intensive pref.; see com- + sistere, to cause to stand; see stā- in Indo-European roots.]
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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Word Origin & History

consist 
1526, from L. consistere "to stand firm," from com- "together" + sistere "to place," caus. of stare "to be standing" (see assist). Consistory "meeting place" is from c.1320.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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