select

 
Pronunciation: /sɪˈlɛkt/

verb

[with object]
  • carefully choose as being the best or most suitable: children must select their GCSE subjects [with object and infinitive]: he has been selected to take part [no object]: you can select from a range of quality products
  • [no object] (select for/against) Biology (in terms of evolution) determine whether (a characteristic or organism) will survive: the commonest phenotype in a population can be selected against
  • use a mouse or keystrokes to mark (something) on a computer screen for a particular operation: you can move and copy text by selecting it and then holding down the mouse button

adjective

  • (of a group of people or things) carefully chosen from a larger number as being the best or most valuable: he joined his select team of young Intelligence operatives
  • (of a place or group of people) only used by or consisting of a wealthy or sophisticated elite; exclusive: the opera was seen by a small and highly select audience

Derivatives

selectable

adjective

selectness

noun

Origin:

mid 16th century: from Latin select- 'chosen', from the verb seligere, from se- 'apart' + legere 'choose'