[ee-stern] 
| 1. | lying toward or situated in the east: the eastern half of the island. |
| 2. | directed or proceeding toward the east: an eastern route. |
| 3. | coming from the east: an eastern wind. |
| 4. | (often initial capital letter ) of or pertaining to the East in the U.S.: an eastern Congressman. |
| 5. | (initial capital letter) of or pertaining to the Eastern Church or to any of the churches comprising it. |
| 6. | (usually initial capital letter) Oriental. |
| 7. | (usually initial capital letter) (formerly) of or pertaining to the Soviet Union and its allies. |
| east·ern (ē'stərn) adj.
[Middle English estern, from Old English ēasterne; see aus- in Indo-European roots.] east'ern·ness' n. |
