fold1

verb

• 1bend (something flexible and relatively flat) over on itself so that one part of it covers another:she folded all her clothes and packed all her bags
• (fold something in/into) mix an ingredient gently with (another ingredient), especially by lifting a mixture with a spoon so as to enclose it without stirring or beating:fold the egg whites into the chocolate mixture
• [no object] (of a piece of furniture or equipment) be able to be bent or rearranged into a flatter or more compact shape, typically in order to make it easier to store or carry: [with complement]:the deck chair folds flat (as adjective folding)a folding chair
• bend or rearrange (a piece of folding furniture or equipment):he folded up his tripod
• [no object] (fold out) be able to be opened out; unfold:the sofa folds out
• Geology cause (rock strata) to undergo bending or curvature: (as noun folding)a more active period of igneous activity caused intense folding

• 2 [with adverbial] cover or wrap something in (a soft or flexible material):a plastic bag was folded around the book
• hold or clasp (someone) closely in one’s arms with passion or deep affection:Bob folded her in his arms and kissed her

• 3 [no object] informal (of an enterprise or organization) cease operating as a result of financial problems or a lack of support:the club folded earlier this year
• (especially of a sports player or team) suddenly stop performing well or effectively:he folded in the second round
• (of a poker player) drop out of a hand:an unerring knack for knowing when to fold and when to stay in

noun

• 1 (usually folds) a form or shape produced by the gentle draping of a loose, full garment or piece of cloth:the fabric fell in soft folds
• an area of skin that sags or hangs loosely.
• chiefly British an undulation or gentle curve of the ground; a slight hill or hollow:the house lay in a fold of the hills
• Geology a bend or curvature of strata.

• 2a line or crease produced in paper or cloth as the result of folding it.
• a piece of paper or cloth that has been folded:a fold of paper slipped out of the diary