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| brace [ brayss ] |
noun (plural brac·es) |
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| Definition: |
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1. clamp: a device that keeps something steady or holds two things together
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2. construction support for something constructed: a device used to hold a structure or part steady or upright, e.g. a beam or wooden framework
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3. medicine support for part of body: an orthopedic appliance that holds or supports part of the body
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4. dentistry appliance affixed to teeth: a dental appliance that is wired or otherwise affixed to the teeth and can be tightened in order to straighten them
(
usually used in the plural
)
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5. (plural brace) pair: a pair of similar things such as wild birds or animals, hunting dogs, or pistols
  two brace of pheasants
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6. woodwork tool for holding drill bit: a tool with an adjustable socket at one end for holding a drill bit, and a handle like a crank at the other for turning the bit
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7. printing mathematics either of symbols { }: either of a pair of symbols, { }, used singly in printing or writing to group items together in a table or list or as a pair in mathematical formulae
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8. mathematics symbol of mathematical grouping: either of a pair of symbols, { }, for additional grouping of mathematical quantities after parentheses and square brackets have been used
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9. music bracket connecting lines of music: in music notation, a thick line or bracket connecting a group of staves such as all the choral parts or the accompaniment
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10. music adjuster for drum tension: a sliding loop on the cords of a drum, used to change its tension
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11. military stiff military posture: a very erect stiff posture with the chest thrust out, hands at the sides, feet together, and chin tucked in, taught to military recruits and cadets
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12. archery fencing
Same as bracer2
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plural noun brac·es |
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| Definition: |
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Canada suspenders: a pair of suspenders
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verb (past and past participle braced, present participle brac·ing, 3rd person present singular brac·es) |
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| Definition: |
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1. transitive and intransitive verb prepare for something bad: to prepare for something difficult, dangerous, or unpleasant that is about to happen
Coastal residents are bracing for the hurricane.
brace yourself
The financial markets braced themselves for a rise in interest rates.
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2. transitive and intransitive verb assume position providing support for body: to put your body or a part of it into a position intended to provide support or to reduce the effects of an impact or blow
braced her back against the wall
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3. transitive verb support or strengthen something with clamp: to support or strengthen something, especially part of a building, with a clamping device
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| [14th century. Via Old French, "two outstretched arms" < Latin bracchia, plural of brachium "arm" (see brachium)] |
