Shape - Dictionary Definition and Overview

Shape :  (noun)
1: any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline); "he could barely make out their shapes through the smoke" [syn: form, configuration, contour, conformation]
2: the spatial arrangement of something as distinct from its substance; "geometry is the mathematical science of shape" [syn: form]
3: alternative names for the body of a human being; "Leonardo studied the human body"; "he has a strong physique"; "the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak" [syn: human body, physical body, material body, soma, build, figure, physique, anatomy, bod, chassis, frame, form, flesh]
4: a concrete representation of an otherwise nebulous concept; "a circle was the embodiment of his concept of life" [syn: embodiment]
5: the visual appearance of something or someone; "the delicate cast of his features" [syn: form, cast]
6: the state of (good) health (especially in the phrases `in condition' or `in shape' or `out of condition' or `out of shape') [syn: condition]
7: the supremem headquarters that advises NATO on military matters and oversees all aspects of the Allied Command Europe [syn: Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, SHAPE]
8: a perceptual structure; "the composition presents problems for students of musical form"; "a visual pattern must include not only objects but the spaces between them" [syn: form, pattern] (verb)
1: shape or influence; give direction to; "experience often determines ability"; "mold public opinion" [syn: determine, mold, influence, regulate]
2: make something, usually for a specific function; "She molded the riceballs carefully"; "Form cylinders from the dough"; "shape a figure"; "Work the metal into a sword" [syn: form, work, mold, mould, forge]
3: give a shape or form to; "shape the dough" [syn: form]

Based on WordNet 2.0

Shape : \Shape\ (sh[=a]p), v. t. [imp. Shaped (sh[=a]pt); p. p. Shaped or Shapen (sh[=a]p"'n); p. pr. & vb. n. Shaping.] [OE. shapen, schapen, AS. sceapian. The p. p. shapen is from the strong verb, AS. scieppan, scyppan, sceppan, p. p. sceapen. See Shape, n.] 1. To form or create; especially, to mold or make into a particular form; to give proper form or figure to.

I was shapen in iniquity. --Ps. li. 5.

Grace shaped her limbs, and beauty decked her face. --Prior.

2. To adapt to a purpose; to regulate; to adjust; to direct; as, to shape the course of a vessel.

To the stream, when neither friends, nor force, Nor speed nor art avail, he shapes his course. --Denham.

Charmed by their eyes, their manners I acquire, And shape my foolishness to their desire. --Prior.

3. To image; to conceive; to body forth.

Oft my jealousy Shapes faults that are not. --Shak.

4. To design; to prepare; to plan; to arrange.

When shapen was all this conspiracy, Based on point to point. --Chaucer.

Shaping machine. (Mach.) Same as Shaper.

To shape one's self, to prepare; to make ready. [Obs.]

I will early shape me therefor. --Chaucer.

Based on Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary

Shape : \Shape\ (sh[=a]p), v. i. To suit; to be adjusted or conformable. [R.] --Shak.

Based on Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary

Shape : \Shape\, n. [OE. shap, schap, AS. sceap in gesceap creation, creature, fr. the root of scieppan, scyppan, sceppan, to shape, to do, to effect; akin to OS. giskeppian, OFries. skeppa, D. scheppen, G. schaffen, OHG. scaffan, scepfen, skeffen, Icer. skapa, skepja, Dan. skabe, skaffe, Sw. skapa, skaffa, Goth. gaskapjan, and perhaps to E. shave, v. Cf. -ship.] 1. Character or construction of a thing as determining its external appearance; outward aspect; make; figure; form; guise; as, the shape of a tree; the shape of the head; an elegant shape.

He beat me grievously, in the shape of a woman. --Shak.

2. That which has form or figure; a figure; an appearance; a being.

Before the gates three sat, On either side, a formidable shape. --Milton.

3. A model; a pattern; a mold.

4. Form of embodiment, as in words; form, as of thought or conception; concrete embodiment or example, as of some quality. --Milton.

5. Dress for disguise; guise. [Obs.]

Look better on this virgin, and consider This Persian shape laid by, and she appearing In a Greekish dress. --Messinger.

6. (Iron Manuf.) (a) A rolled or hammered piece, as a bar, beam, angle iron, etc., having a cross section different from merchant bar. (b) A piece which has been roughly forged nearly to the form it will receive when completely forged or fitted.

To take shape, to assume a definite form.

Based on Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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