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efficient

 - 2 dictionary results

ef⋅fi⋅cient

  [i-fish-uhnt]
Use efficient in a Sentence
–adjective
1. performing or functioning in the best possible manner with the least waste of time and effort; having and using requisite knowledge, skill, and industry; competent; capable: a reliable, efficient secretary.
2. satisfactory and economical to use: Our new air conditioner is more efficient than our old one.
3. producing an effect, as a cause; causative.
4. utilizing a particular commodity or product with maximum efficiency (usually used in combination): a fuel-efficient engine.
Origin:
1350–1400; ME (< MF) < L efficient- (s. of efficiēns), equiv. to ef- ef- + fic-, comb. form of facere to make, do 1 + -ent- -ent

Related forms:
ef⋅fi⋅cient⋅ly, adverb

Synonyms:
1. effectual. See effective.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To efficient
ef·fi·cient   (ĭ-fĭsh'ənt)   
adj.  

  1. Acting directly to produce an effect: an efficient cause. See Synonyms at effective.

    1. Acting or producing effectively with a minimum of waste, expense, or unnecessary effort.

    2. Exhibiting a high ratio of output to input.


[Middle English, from Old French, from Latin efficiēns, efficient-, present participle of efficere, to effect; see effect.]
ef·fi'cient·ly adv.
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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