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obsolete

 - 4 dictionary results

ob⋅so⋅lete

  [ob-suh-leet, ob-suh-leet] adjective, verb, -let⋅ed, -let⋅ing.
Use obsolete in a Sentence
–adjective
1. no longer in general use; fallen into disuse: an obsolete expression.
2. of a discarded or outmoded type; out of date: an obsolete battleship.
3. (of a linguistic form) no longer in use, esp., out of use for at least the past century. Compare archaic.
4. effaced by wearing down or away.
5. Biology. imperfectly developed or rudimentary in comparison with the corresponding character in other individuals, as of the opposite sex or of a related species.
–verb (used with object)
6. to make obsolete by replacing with something newer or better; antiquate: Automation has obsoleted many factory workers.
Origin:
1570–80; < L obsolētus, ptp. of obsolēscere to fall into disuse, perh. equiv. to ob- ob- + sol(ēre) to be accustomed to + -ēscere -esce

Related forms:
ob⋅so⋅lete⋅ly, adverb
ob⋅so⋅lete⋅ness, noun

Synonyms:
2. antiquated, ancient, old.

Antonyms:
1, 2. new, modern.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To obsolete
ob·so·lete   (ŏb'sə-lēt', ŏb'sə-lēt')   
adj.  

  1. No longer in use: an obsolete word.

  2. Outmoded in design, style, or construction: an obsolete locomotive.

  3. Biology Vestigial or imperfectly developed, especially in comparison with other individuals or related species; not clearly marked or seen; indistinct. Used of an organ or other part of an animal or plant.

tr.v.   ob·so·let·ed, ob·so·let·ing, ob·so·letes
To cause to become obsolete.

[Latin obsolētus, past participle of obsolēscere, to fall into disuse; see obsolescent.]
ob'so·lete'ly adv., ob'so·lete'ness n., ob'so·let'ism 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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Word Origin & History

obsolete 
1579, from L. obsoletus "grown old, worn out," pp. of obsolescere "fall into disuse," probably from ob "away" + solere "to be used to, be accustomed."
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: ob·so·lete
Pronunciation: "äb-s&-'lEt, 'äb-s&-"
Function: adjective
: no longer active or distinct<obsolete cases of infection> <obsolete pulmonary lesions>
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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