figuring

fig·ure  (fgyr)

n.

1.

a. A written or printed symbol representing something other than a letter, especially a number.

b. figures Mathematical calculations: good at figures.

c. An amount represented in numbers: sold for a large figure.

2.

a. Mathematics A geometric form consisting of any combination of points, lines, or planes: A triangle is a plane figure.

b. The outline, form, or silhouette of a thing.

c. The shape or form of a human body.

d. An indistinct object or shape: saw figures dashing down the street.

3.

a. A person, especially a well-known one: a famous historical figure.

b. A person's public image or presence: became a tragic figure overnight.

4. Impression or appearance made: cuts a dashing figure.

5. A person, animal, or object that symbolizes something.

6. A pictorial or sculptural representation, especially of the human body.

7.

a. A diagram.

b. A design or pattern, as in a textile: silk with a paisley figure.

8. An illustration printed from an engraved plate or block.

9.

a. A configuration or distinct group of steps in a dance.

b. A pattern traced by a series of movements, as in ice skating.

10. Music A brief melodic or harmonic unit often constituting the basis of a larger phrase or structure.

11. Logic Any one of the forms that a syllogism can take, depending on the position of the middle term.

v. fig·ured, fig·ur·ing, fig·ures

v.tr.

1. Mathematics To calculate with numbers.

2. To make a likeness of; depict.

3. To adorn with a design or figures.

4. Music

a. To write a sequence of conventionalized numbers below or above (the bass line) to indicate harmony.

b. To embellish with an ornamental pattern.

5. Informal

a. To conclude, believe, or predict: I never figured that this would happen.

b. To consider or regard: figured them as con artists.

v.intr.

1. Mathematics To calculate; compute.

2.

a. To be or seem important or prominent.

b. To be pertinent or involved: politicians who figured in the scandal.

3. Informal To seem reasonable or expected: It figures.

Phrasal Verbs:

figure in

To include, as in making an account: figured in travel expenses.

figure on Informal

1. To depend on: We figured on your support.

2. To take into consideration; expect: I figured on an hour's delay.

3. To plan: We figure on leaving at noon.

figure out Informal

1. To discover or decide: Let's figure out a way to help.

2. To solve or decipher: Can you figure out this puzzle?

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[Middle English, from Old French, from Latin figra; see dheigh- in Indo-European roots.]

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figur·er n.

Synonyms: figure, design, device, motif, pattern
These nouns denote an element or a component in a decorative composition: a tapestry with a floral figure; a rug with a geometric design; a brooch with a fanciful and intricate device; a scarf with a heart motif; fabric with a plaid pattern. See Also Synonyms at calculate, form.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

figuring - problem solving that involves numbers or quantities reckoning, calculation, computation problem solving - the thought processes involved in solving a problem extrapolation - (mathematics) calculation of the value of a function outside the range of known values interpolation - (mathematics) calculation of the value of a function between the values already known conversion - a change in the units or form of an expression: "conversion from Fahrenheit to Centigrade" approximation, estimate, estimation, idea - an approximate calculation of quantity or degree or worth; "an estimate of what it would cost"; "a rough idea how long it would take" derivative, derived function, differential, differential coefficient, first derivative - the result of mathematical differentiation; the instantaneous change of one quantity relative to another; df(x)/dx integral - the result of a mathematical integration; F(x) is the integral of f(x) if dF/dx = f(x)