ETYM Cf. Latin addictio an adjudging.
State of dependence caused by habitual use of drugs, alcohol, or other substances. It is characterized by uncontrolled craving, tolerance, and symptoms of withdrawal when access is denied. Habitual use produces changes in body chemistry and treatment must be geared to a gradual reduction in dosage.
Initially, only opium and its derivatives (morphine, heroin, codeine) were recognized as addictive, but many other drugs, whether therapeutic (for example, tranquilizers) or recreational (such as cocaine and alcohol), are now known to be addictive.
Research points to a genetic predisposition to addiction; environment and psychological makeup are other factors. Although physical addiction always has a psychological element, not all psychological dependence is accompanied by physical dependence. A carefully controlled withdrawal program can reverse the chemical changes of habituation. Cure is difficult because of the many other factors contributing to addiction.
1. An abnormally strong craving.
2. Being abnormally dependent on something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming (especially alcohol or narcotic drugs); SYN. dependence, dependency.
Quality of being addictive
The side or slope of a hill.
Possession that is owed to someone else; SYN. financial obligation, indebtedness, pecuniary obligation.
In accounting, a financial obligation. Liabilities are placed alongside assets on a balance sheet to show the wealth of the individual or company concerned at a given date. Business organizations often distinguish between current liabilities such as overdrafts, trade credit and provisions, and long-term liabilities such as debentures, mortgages, and unsecured loans.
The state of being legally obliged and responsible.
The quality of being something that holds one back.
ETYM French, from pencher to bend, from (assumed) Late Lat. pendicare, Latin pendere. Related to Pendant.
(French) Inclination; liking.
Inclination; decided taste; bias.
ETYM Formed (like abode from abide) from Old Eng. slipen. Related to Slip.
Another name for gradient.
An elevated geological formation; SYN. incline, side.
ETYM Latin tendents, -entis, p. pr. of tendere: cf. French tendance. Related to Tend to move.
1. A characteristic likelihood of or natural disposition toward a certain condition or character or effect; SYN. inclination.
2. A general direction in which something tends to move; SYN. trend.
ETYM Old Eng. veine, French veine, Latin vena.
In animals with a circulatory system, any vessel that carries blood from the body to the heart. Veins contain valves that prevent the blood from running back when moving against gravity. They always carry deoxygenated blood, with the exception of the veins leading from the lungs to the heart in birds and mammals, which carry newly oxygenated blood.
The term is also used more loosely for any system of channels that strengthens living tissues and supplies them with nutrients —for example, leaf veins (see vascular bundle), and the veins in insects' wings.
(Homonym: vain, vein).
1. A blood vessel that carries blood from the capillaries toward the heart; all veins except the pulmonary carry unaerated blood; SYN. vena.
2. A distinctive style or manner.
3. One of the horny ribs that stiffen and support the wing of an insect; SYN. nervure.
4. One of the vascular bundles or ribs that form the branching framework of conducting and supporting tissues in a leaf or other plant organ; SYN. nervure.