outstanding

a calculus or concretion found in the stomach or intestines of certain animals, esp. ruminants, formerly reputed to be an effective remedy for poison.

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verb (used without object)

to be prominent.

verb (used with object)

to stay or remain beyond: to outstand the hour.

Origin:
1565–75; out- + stand

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Link To outstanding

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World English Dictionary

outstand (ˌaʊtˈstænd)

—vb , -stands, -standing, -stood
1.	(intr) to be outstanding or excel
2.	(intr) nautical to stand out to sea
3.	archaic (tr) to last beyond

outstanding (ˌaʊtˈstændɪŋ)

—*adj*
1.	superior; excellent; distinguished
2.	prominent, remarkable, or striking
3.	still in existence; unsettled, unpaid, or unresolved
4.	(of shares, bonds, etc) issued and sold
5.	projecting or jutting upwards or outwards

out'standingly

—*adv*

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Etymonline

Word Origin & History

outstanding

1571, "projecting, prominent, detached" (implied in outstand (v.)), from out + stand (v.). Figurative sense of "conspicuous, striking" is first recorded 1830. Meaning "unpaid, unsettled" is from 1797.

Example sentences

The savings will be used to pay off outstanding pensions and wages.

Milk dispensing and cleaning systems are also outstanding.

As a by-product, some outstanding lunar science was done, leading ultimately to

an understanding of the moon's origin.

Its colors and handsome erect shape make it an outstanding container plant for

autumn.

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"We must bear in mind the distinction between fame and honor. A virtuous person is an honorable person, a person who ought to be honored by the community in which he or she lives. But the virtuous person does not seek honor, being secure in his or her own self-respect. Lack of honor does not in any way detract from the efficacy of moral virtue as an indispensable operative means in the pursuit of happiness.... Those totally lacking in virtue may achieve fame as readily as, perhaps even more easily than those who are virtuous. Fame belongs to the great, the outstanding, the exceptional, without regard to virtue or vice. Infamy is fame no less than good repute. The great scoundrel can be as famous as the great hero; there can be famous villains as well as famous saints. Existing in the reputation a person has regardless of his or her accomplishments, fame does not tarnish as honor does when it is unmerited."

-Mortimer J. Adler