figure
 fig·ure (fĭgʹyər)n.
1.
a. A written or printed symbol representing something other than a letter, especially a number.
b. figures Mathematical calculations:
good at figures.
c. An amount represented in numbers:
sold for a large figure.
2.
a. Mathematics. A geometric form consisting of any combination of points, lines, or planes:
A triangle is a plane figure.
b. The outline, form, or silhouette of a thing.
c. The shape or form of a human body.
d. An indistinct object or shape:
saw figures dashing down the street.
3.
a. A person, especially a well-known one:
a famous historical figure.
b. A person's public image or presence:
became a tragic figure overnight.
4. Impression or appearance made:
cuts a dashing figure.
5. A person, animal, or object that symbolizes something.
6. A pictorial or sculptural representation, especially of the human body.
7.
a. A diagram.
b. A design or pattern, as in a textile:
silk with a paisley figure.
8. An illustration printed from an engraved plate or block.
9.
a. A configuration or distinct group of steps in a dance.
b. A pattern traced by a series of movements, as in ice skating.
10. Music. A brief melodic or harmonic unit often constituting the basis of a larger phrase or structure.
11. Logic. Any one of the forms that a syllogism can take, depending on the position of the middle term.v. fig·ured, fig·ur·ing, fig·uresv. tr.
1. Mathematics. To calculate with numbers.
2. To make a likeness of; depict.
3. To adorn with a design or figures.
4. Music.
a. To write a sequence of conventionalized numbers below or above (the bass line) to indicate harmony.
b. To embellish with an ornamental pattern.
5. Informal.
a. To conclude, believe, or predict:
I never figured that this would happen.
b. To consider or regard:
figured them as con artists.v. intr.
1. Mathematics. To calculate; compute.
2.
a. To be or seem important or prominent.
b. To be pertinent or involved:
politicians who figured in the scandal.
3. Informal. To seem reasonable or expected:
It figures.Phrasal Verbs:figure in
To include, as in making an account:
figured in travel expenses.figure on Informal
1. To depend on:
We figured on your support.
2. To take into consideration; expect:
I figured on an hour's delay.
3. To plan:
We figure on leaving at noon.figure out Informal
1. To discover or decide:
Let's figure out a way to help.
2. To solve or decipher:
Can you figure out this puzzle? [Middle English, from Old French, from Latin figūra. See dheigh- in Indo-European Roots.] figʹur·er n.
Synonyms: figure, design, device, motif, pattern
These nouns denote an element or a component in a decorative composition: a tapestry with a floral figure; a rug with a geometric design; a brooch with a fanciful and intricate device; a scarf with a heart motif; fabric with a plaid pattern. See also synonyms at calculate See also synonyms at form
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