Dictionary
Thesaurus
Reference
Translate
Web
manual
7 dictionary results for: manual
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source - Share This
man·u·al       [man-yoo-uhl] Pronunciation Key
–adjective
1.done, operated, worked, etc., by the hand or hands rather than by an electrical or electronic device: a manual gearshift.
2.involving or using human effort, skill, power, energy, etc.; physical: manual labor.
3.of or pertaining to the hand or hands: manual deformities.
4.of the nature of a manual or handbook: manual instructions.
–noun
5.a small book, esp. one giving information or instructions: a manual of mathematical tables.
6.a nonelectric or nonelectronic typewriter; a typewriter whose keys and carriage may be powered solely by the typist's hands.
7.Military. the prescribed drill in handling a rifle: the manual of arms.
8.Music. a keyboard, esp. one of several belonging to a pipe organ.
9.Automotive. manual transmission.

[Origin: 1375–1425; < L manuālis (adj.), manuāle (n.) (something) that can be held in the hand (manu(s) hand + -ālis, -āle -al1, -al2); r. late ME manuel < MF < L, as above]

man·u·al·ly, adverb
American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
man·u·al       (mān'yōō-əl)  Pronunciation Key 
adj.  
    1. Of or relating to the hands: manual skill.
    2. Done by, used by, or operated with the hands.
    3. Employing human rather than mechanical energy: manual labor.
  1. Of, relating to, or resembling a small reference book.

n.  
  1. A small reference book, especially one giving instructions.
  2. Music A keyboard, as of an organ or harpsichord, played with the hands.
  3. A machine operated by hand.
  4. Prescribed movements in the handling of a weapon, especially a rifle: the manual of arms.


[Middle English, from Old French manuel, from Latin manuālis, from manus, hand; see manus.]

man'u·al·ly adv.
Online Etymology Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
manual  (adj.)
1406, from L. manualis "of or belonging to the hand," from manus "hand, strength, power over, armed force, handwriting," from PIE *men- "hand, to take in one's hand" (cf. O.E. mund "hand, protection, guardian," Ger. Vormund "guardian," Gk. mane "hand"). The noun is attested from 1431 and originally meant "service book used by a priest," from O.Fr. manuel, from L.L. manuale "case or cover of a book, handbook," neut. of L. manualis. Meaning "a concise handbook" of any sort is from 1533.

WordNet - Cite This Source - Share This
manual

adjective
1. of or relating to the hands; "manual dexterity" 
2. requiring human effort; "a manual transmission" [ant: automatic
3. doing or requiring physical work; "manual labor"; "manual laborer" 

noun
1. a small handbook 
2. (military) a prescribed drill in handling a rifle [syn: manual of arms

Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law - Cite This Source - Share This
Main Entry: man·u·al
Pronunciation: 'man-y&-w&l
Function: adjective
: involving or as if involving use of the hands; specifically : of, relating to, or being a gift of a corporeal movable object that is actually delivered manual donation> —man·u·al·ly adverb

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

Manual

Man"u*al\ (m[a^]n"[-u]*al), a. [OE. manuel, F. manuel, L. manualis, fr. manus hand; prob. akin to AS. mund hand, protection, OHG. munt, G. m["u]ndel a ward, vormund guardian, Icel. mund hand. Cf. Emancipate, Legerdemain, Maintain, Manage, Manner, Manure, Mound a hill.] Of or pertaining to the hand; done or made by the hand; as, manual labor; the king's sign manual. "Manual and ocular examination." --Tatham.

Manual alphabet. See Dactylology.

Manual exercise (Mil.) the exercise by which soldiers are taught the use of their muskets and other arms.

Seal manual, the impression of a seal worn on the hand as a ring.

Sign manual. See under Sign.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

Manual

Man"u*al\, n. [Cf. F. manuel, LL. manuale. See Manual, a.]

1. A small book, such as may be carried in the hand, or conveniently handled; a handbook; specifically, the service book of the Roman Catholic Church.

This manual of laws, styled the Confessor's Laws. --Sir M. Hale.

2. (Mus.) A keyboard of an organ or harmonium for the fingers, as distinguished from the pedals; a clavier, or set of keys. --Moore (Encyc. of Music).

3. (Mil.) A prescribed exercise in the systematic handing of a weapon; as, the manual of arms; the manual of the sword; the manual of the piece (cannon, mortar, etc.).

Share This:Share This: digg.comShare This: ma.gnolia.comShare This: www.stumbleupon.comShare This: del.icio.usShare This: FacebookShare This: favorites.live.comShare This: www.technorati.comShare This: furl.netShare This: myweb2.search.yahoo.comShare This: www.google.com