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sheath

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sheath

  [sheeth] noun, plural sheaths  [sheethz] , verb
Use sheath in a Sentence
–noun
1. a case or covering for the blade of a sword, dagger, or the like.
2. any similar close-fitting covering or case.
3. a condom.
4. Biology. a closely enveloping part or structure, as in an animal or plant.
5. Botany. the leaf base when it forms a vertical coating surrounding the stem.
6. a close-fitting dress, skirt, or coat, esp. an unbelted dress with a straight drape.
7. Electricity. the metal covering of a cable.
8. Electronics.
a. the metal wall of a wave guide.
b. a space charge formed by ions near an electrode in a tube containing low-pressure gas.
c. the region of a space charge in a cathode-ray tube.
–verb (used with object)
9. to sheathe.
Origin:
bef. 950; ME s(c)heth(e), OE scēath; c. G Scheide; see shed 2

Related forms:
sheathless, adjective
sheathlike, sheathy, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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Multi-Position Sheath
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sheath   (shēth)   
n.   pl. sheaths (shēthz, shēths)

    1. A case for a blade, as of a sword.

    2. Any of various similar coverings.

  2. Biology An enveloping tubular structure, such as the base of a grass leaf that surrounds the stem or the tissue that encloses a muscle or nerve fiber.

  3. A close-fitting dress.

  4. A condom.

tr.v.   sheathed, sheath·ing, sheaths (shēthz, shēths)
To encase or cover with or as if with a sheath; sheathe.

[Middle English schethe, from Old English scēath; see skei- in Indo-European roots.]
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

sheath 
O.E. sceað, scæð, from P.Gmc. *skaithiz (cf. O.S. scethia, O.N. skeiðir (pl.), O.Fris. skethe, M.Du. schede, Du. schede, O.H.G. skaida, Ger. scheide "scabbard"), possibly from base *skaith "divide, split" (see shed (v.)) on notion of a split stick with the sword blade inserted. Meaning "condom" is recorded from 1861; sense of "close-fitting dress or skirt" is attested from 1904.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: sheath
Pronunciation: 'shEth
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural sheaths /'shEthz, 'shEths/
1 : an investing cover or case of a plant or animal body or body part: as a : the tubular fold of skin into which the penis of many mammals is retracted b : the connectivetissue of an organ or part that binds together its component elements and holds it in place
2 : CONDOM 1 —sheathed adjective
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Medical Dictionary

sheath (shēth)
n. pl. sheaths (shē&phonth;z, shēths)
An enveloping tubular structure, such as the tissue that encloses a muscle or nerve fiber.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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