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adj. 1. Twice as much in size, strength, number, or amount: a double dose. 2. Composed of two like parts: double doors. 3. Composed of two unlike parts; dual: a double meaning; a double role for an actor. 4. Accommodating or designed for two: a double bed; a double room. 5. Characterized by duplicity; deceitful: speak with a double tongue. 6. Botany Having many more than the usual number of petals, usually in a crowded or an overlapping arrangement: a double chrysanthemum. n. 1. Something increased twofold. 2. One that closely resembles another; a duplicate. 3. a. Something having two identifiable or prominent parts or members. b. Something capable of carrying, moving, or holding two people or things, as a mattress. 4. a. An actor's understudy. b. An actor who takes the place of another actor in scenes requiring special skills or preparations: a stunt double; a body double. 5. An apparition; a wraith. 6. a. A sharp turn in a direction of movement; a reversal. b. A sharp, often devious change in position or argument; a shift. 7. doubles Sports A form of a game, such as tennis or handball, having two players on each side. 8. Baseball A hit enabling the batter to reach second base. Also called two-bagger, two-base hit. 9. Games a. A bid in bridge indicating strength to one's partner; a request for a bid. b. A bid doubling one's opponent's bid in bridge, thus increasing the penalty for failure to fulfill the contract. c. A hand justifying such a bid. v. dou·bled, dou·bling, dou·bles v.tr. 1. To make twice as great. 2. To be twice as much as: doubled the score of his opponent. 3. To fold in two. 4. To clench (one's fist). 5. To duplicate; repeat. 6. To turn (an enemy spy) into a double agent. 7. Baseball a. To cause the scoring of (a run) by hitting a double. b. To advance or score (a runner) by hitting a double. c. To put out (a runner) as the second part of a double play. 8. Games To challenge (an opponent's bid) with a double in bridge. 9. Music To duplicate (another part or voice) an octave higher or lower or in unison. 10. Nautical To sail around: double a cape. v.intr. 1. To be increased twofold: The debt soon doubled. 2. To turn sharply or all the way around; reverse one's course: had to double back to touch the missed base. 3. To serve in an additional capacity: a frying pan that doubles as a pie tin; a conductor who doubles as a pianist. 4. To replace an actor in the actor's absence or in a certain scene. 5. Baseball To hit a double. 6. Games To announce a double in bridge. adv. Phrasal Verb: 1. To twice the amount or extent; doubly: paid double for the customized car. 2. Two together; in pairs: sleeping double. 3. In two: bent double. double up Idiom: 1. To bend suddenly, as in pain or laughter. 2. To share accommodations meant for one person. on/at the double 1. Immediately. 2. In double time. [Middle English, from Old French, from Latin duplus; see dwo- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] double·ness n. |
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