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n. 1. also rôle A character or part played by a performer. 2. The characteristic and expected social behavior of an individual. 3. A function or position. See Synonyms at function. 4. Linguistics The function of a word or construction, as in a sentence. [French rôle, from Old French rolle, roll of parchment (on which an actor's part was written), from Latin rotula, diminutive of rota, wheel; see ROLL.] |
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