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or1 definition

or (ôr)

conjunction

a coordinating conjunction introducing an alternative; specif.,
  1. introducing the second of two possibilities beer or wine
  2. introducing any of the possibilities in a series, but usually used only before the last apples or pears or plums; apples, pears, or plums
  3. introducing a synonymous word or phrase botany, or the science of plants
  4. introducing the second of two possibilities when the first is introduced by either or whether either go or stay; decide whether to go or stay
  5. Old Poet. substituted for either or whether as the first correlative “or in the heart or in the head”

Etymology: ME, in form a contr. of other, auther, either, but actually < OE oththe (in āther ... oththe, either ... or)

or2 definition

or (ôr)

conjunction,

Now Chiefly Dial. before; ere

Etymology: ME < OE ār, var. of ær, ere: see ere

or3 definition

or (ôr)

noun

Heraldry the representation of the metal gold: indicated in engravings by small black dots on a white field

Etymology: Fr < L aurum, gold: for IE base see east

OR definition

OR

  1. operating room
  2. Oregon

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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