stanch (2) definition - Dictionary

MSN homeMailMy MSN

encartagreeting cards

encarta®

Dictionary

Thesaurus

Translations

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

	stalling angle

	stallion

	stalwart

	stamen

	Stamford

	Stamford Bridge

	stamina

	staminate

	staminode

	stammel

	stammer

	stamp

	Stamp Act

	stamp collecting

	stamp duty

	stamp mill

	stamp out

Also available:

World English Dictionary
Dictionnaire Français

stanch (2)

stanch [ stawnch, staanch, stanch ] (past and past participle stanched, present participle stanch·ing, 3rd person present singular stanch·es) or staunch [ stáwnch ] (past and past participle staunched, present participle staunch·ing, 3rd person present singular staunch·es)

verb

Definition:

1. transitive and intransitive verb stop liquid flow: to stop the flow of a liquid, particularly blood, or be stopped from flowing

2. transitive verb stop wound from bleeding: to stop a wound from bleeding or exuding pus

3. transitive verb assuage something: to assuage or allay something bad

[14th century. < Old French estanchier< Latin stant-, present participle of stare (see station)]

stanch·a·ble adjective

stanch·er noun

Word Usage


	stanch or staunch? There are two words spelled both staunch and stanch. The adjective staunch is the most commonly used form in the meaning "loyal" (a staunch defender of freedom), though stanch can also mean the same thing. Conversely, stanch is much more common as a verb meaning "to stop the flow of liquid," though staunch can also mean the same thing: trying to stanch the flow of blood.