a closed plane curve resulting from the intersection of a circular cone and a plane cutting completely through it; "the sums of the distances from the foci to any point on an ellipse is constant"
the curve theoretically assumed by a perfectly flexible and inextensible cord of uniform density and cross section hanging freely from two fixed points
an embellishment consisting of a decorative representation of a string of flowers suspended between two points; used on pottery or in architectural work
a curtain of fabric draped and bound at intervals to form graceful loops
decorate with strings of flowers; "The public buildings were festooned for the holiday"
the weather in some location averaged over some long period of time; "the dank climate of southern Wales"; "plants from a cold clime travel best in winter"
the prevailing psychological state; "the climate of opinion"; "the national mood had changed radically since the last election"
the violent interaction of individuals or groups entering into combat; "the armies met in the shock of battle"
an unpleasant or disappointing surprise; "it came as a shock to learn that he was injured"
an instance of agitation of the earth's crust; "the first shock of the earthquake came shortly after noon while workers were at lunch"
a bushy thick mass (especially hair); "he had an unruly shock of black hair"
a pile of sheaves of grain set on end in a field to dry; stalks of Indian corn set up in a field; "corn is bound in small sheaves and several sheaves are set up together in shocks"; "whole fields of wheat in shock"
(pathology) bodily collapse or near collapse caused by inadequate oxygen delivery to the cells; characterized by reduced cardiac output and rapid heartbeat and circulatory insufficiency and pallor; "loss of blood is an important cause of shock"
subject to electrical shocks
collect or gather into shocks; "shock grain"
collide violently
strike with horror or terror; "The news of the bombing shocked her"
surprise greatly; knock someone's socks off; "I was floored when I heard that I was promoted"
strike with disgust or revulsion; "The scandalous behavior of this married woman shocked her friends"
an imaginary line around the Earth forming the great circle that is equidistant from the north and south poles; "the equator is the boundary between the northern and southern hemispheres"
a circle dividing a sphere or other surface into two usually equal and symmetrical parts
an embankment built around a space for defensive purposes; "they stormed the ramparts of the city"; "they blew the trumpet and the walls came tumbling down"