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toes - 2 dictionary results

toe

  [toh] ,noun, verb, toed, toe⋅ing.
Use toes in a Sentence
–noun
1. one of the terminal digits of the human foot.
2. an analogous part in certain animals.
3. the forepart of the foot or hoof of a horse or the like.
4. the forepart of anything worn on the foot, as of a shoe or stocking.
5. a part resembling a toe in shape or position.
6. Railroads. the end of a frog in front of the point and in the direction of the switch.
7. Machinery.
a. a journal or part placed vertically in a bearing, as the lower end of a vertical shaft.
b. a curved partial cam lifting the flat surface of a follower and letting it drop; wiper.
8. Golf. the outer end of the head of a club.
–verb (used with object)
9. to furnish with a toe or toes.
10. to touch or reach with the toes: The pitcher toed the mound, wound up, and threw a fastball.
11. to kick with the toe.
12. Golf. to strike (the ball) with the toe of the club.
13. Carpentry.
a. to drive (a nail) obliquely.
b. to toenail.
–verb (used without object)
14. to stand, walk, etc., with the toes in a specified position: to toe in.
15. to tap with the toe, as in dancing.
—Idioms
16. on one's toes, energetic; alert; ready: The spirited competition kept them on their toes.
17. step or tread on (someone's) toes, to offend (a person); encroach on the territory or sphere of responsibility of (another): The new employee stepped on a lot of toes when he suggested reorganizing the office.
18. toe the line. line 1 (def. 82).
Origin:
bef. 900; ME; OE tā; c. D teen, G Zehe, ON tā

Related forms:
toeless, adjective
toelike, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To toes
toe   (tō)   
n.  
    1. One of the digits of a vertebrate.
    2. The forepart of a foot or hoof.
    3. The terminal segment of an invertebrate's limb.
    4. The part of the head of a golf club farthest from the shaft.
    5. The part of a vertical shaft that turns in a bearing.
    6. The lowest part of an embankment or dam.
  2. The part of a sock, shoe, or boot that covers the digits of the foot.
  3. The lowest, outermost, or endmost part, as:
    1. The part of the head of a golf club farthest from the shaft.
    2. The part of a vertical shaft that turns in a bearing.
    3. The lowest part of an embankment or dam.
v.   toed, toe·ing, toes

v.   tr.
  1. To touch, kick, or reach with the toe.
  2. Sports To drive (a golf ball) with the toe of the club.
  3. To set or adjust at an oblique angle. Used with in or out.
    1. To drive (a nail or spike) at an oblique angle.
    2. To fasten or secure with obliquely driven nails or spikes.
v.   intr.
To stand, walk, move, or be formed with the toes pointed in a specified direction: He toes out.

[Middle English, from Old English tā; see deik- 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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