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orient

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Definition of orient

noun

Pronunciation: /ˈɔːrɪənt, ˈɒr-/
  • 1 (the Orient) literary the countries of the East, especially East Asia: the treasures of the Orient
  • 2 [mass noun] the special lustre of a pearl of the finest quality (with reference to fine pearls from the East).
  • [count noun] a pearl of the finest quality.

adjective

Pronunciation: /ˈɔːrɪənt, ˈɒr-/
  • 1 literary situated in or belonging to the east; oriental: orient kings
  • 2(especially of precious stones) lustrous.

verb

Pronunciation: /ˈɔːrɪɛnt, ˈɒr-/
[with object and adverbial]
  • 1align or position (something) relative to the points of a compass or other specified positions:the fires are oriented in direct line with the midsummer sunset
  • (orient oneself) find one’s position in relation to unfamiliar surroundings:there were no street names to enable her to orient herself
  • guide (someone) in a specified direction: we were oriented towards the building
  • 2tailor or adapt (something) to specified circumstances:magazines oriented to the business community (as adjective, in combination -oriented)market-oriented economic reforms

Origin:

late Middle English: via Old French from Latin orient- 'rising or east', from oriri 'to rise'

orient in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of orient in the US English dictionary

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