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fold1 definition

fold (fōld)

transitive verb

    1. to bend or press (something) so that one part is over another; double up on itself to fold a sheet
    2. to make more compact by so doubling a number of times
  1. to draw together and intertwine to fold the arms
  2. to draw (wings) close to the body
  3. to clasp in the arms; embrace
  4. to wrap up; envelop

Etymology: ME folden < OE faldan (WS fealdan), akin to Ger falten < IE *pel-to < base *pel-, to fold > (sim)ple, (tri)ple

intransitive verb

  1. to be or become folded
  2. Informal to fail; specif.,
    1. to be forced to close, as a business, play, etc.
    2. to succumb, as to exhaustion; collapse
  3. Poker to withdraw from the betting on a hand, specif. by turning over one's exposed cards

noun

  1. a folded part or layer
  2. a mark made by folding
  3. a hollow or crease produced by folded parts or layers
  4. Brit. a hollow; small valley
  5. Geol. a rock layer folded by pressure
fold Idioms

fold in

Cooking to blend (an ingredient) into a mixture, using gentle, cutting strokes
fold2 definition

fold (fōld)

noun

  1. a pen in which to keep sheep
  2. sheep kept together; flock of sheep
  3. a group or organization with common interests, aims, faith, etc., as a church

Etymology: ME < OE fald, akin to Du vaalt, enclosed place, Dan fold, sheep pen

transitive verb

to keep or confine in a pen

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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