low·er 1
(lou′ər, lour) also lour (lour)intr.v. low·ered,
low·er·ing,
low·ers also
loured or
lour·ing or
lours 1. To look angry, sullen, or threatening. See Synonyms at
frown.
2. To appear dark or stormy, as the sky.
n.1. A threatening, sullen, or angry look.
2. A dark or stormy appearance: the lower of thunderheads.
[Middle English louren.]
low′er·ing·ly adv.
low·er 2
(lō′ər)adj. Comparative of low 2 1. Below another in rank, position, or authority.
2. Physically situated below a similar or comparable thing: a lower shelf.
3. Lower Geology & Archaeology Relating to or being an earlier or older division of the period named.
4. Biology Less complex in organization or having traits similar to those of organisms that evolved earlier in the history of life on Earth.
5. Denoting the larger and usually more representative house of a bicameral legislature.
v. low·ered, low·er·ing, low·ers
v.tr.1. To let, bring, or move down to a lower level.
2. To reduce in value, degree, or quality.
3. To weaken; undermine: lower one's energy.
4. To reduce in standing or respect.
v.intr.1. To move down: Her hand lowered.
2. To become less; diminish: The temperature has lowered gradually this month.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.