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mantlepiece
mantlet
mantling
Mantoux test
mantra
mantrap
Mantua
mantua
manual
manual alphabet
manual transmission
manubrium
Manueline
manuf.
manufactory
manufacture
manufactured home
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manual

man·u·al [ mánnyoo əl ]


adjective 
Definition:
 
1. using hands: relating to, done with, or involving the hands
manual dexterity

2. physical: involving physical rather than mental exertion
manual tasks

3. operated by human being: operated by a person rather than a machine or computer, or by human effort rather than electricity or another type of power
switching to manual control



noun  (plural man·u·als)
Definition:
 
1. handbook: a book that contains information and instructions about the operation of a machine or how to do something

2. music keyboard played with hands: an organ or harpsichord keyboard that is played with the hands alone

3. arms rifle drill: a drill or exercise in the use of a handheld weapon
cadets practicing the manual of arms

[15th century. Directly or via French manuel< Latin manualis "of the hand" < manus "hand"]

man·u·al·ly adverb

Word History

The Latin word manus "hand," from which manual derives, is also the source ofEnglishamanuensis,command,demand,manacle,manage,mandate,maneuver,manifest,manipulate,manner,manufacture,manure,mastiff,maundy, andremand.

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