plural parts
1
a(1)
: one of the often indefinite or unequal subdivisions into which something is or is regarded as divided and which together constitute the whole
… the road was passable only part of the year …—Samuel Johnson
(2)
: an essential portion or integral element
Change is an inevitable part of life.
b
: one of several or many equal units of which something is composed or into which it is divisible : an amount equal to another amount
mix one part of the powder with three parts of water
c(1)
: an exact divisor of a quantity : aliquot
(2)
d
: one of the constituent elements of a plant or animal body: such as
(2)
e
: a division of a literary work
a novel in four parts
f(1)
: a vocal or instrumental line or melody in concerted music or in harmony
(2)
: a particular voice or instrument in concerted music
also
: the score for it
the violin part
g
: a constituent member of a machine or other apparatus
the parts of an airplane
also
: a spare part
automobile parts
2
: something falling to one in a division or apportionment : share
wanted no part of the proposal
3
: one's share or allotted task (as in an action) : duty
one must do one's part
4
: one of the opposing sides in a conflict or dispute
he that is not against us is on our part—Mark 9:40 (King James Version)
5
: a general area of indefinite boundaries
—usually used in plural
you're not from around these parts
took off for parts unknown
6
: a function or course of action performed
objected to the government's part in the strike
see also take part
7
a
: an actor's lines in a play, movie, etc.
The actress learned her part well.
b
: the role of a character in a play, movie, etc.
played the part of the villain
8
: a constituent of character or capacity : talent
a man of many parts
9
: the line where the hair is parted
His part was on the left side of his head.
parted; parting; parts
1
a
: to separate from or take leave of someone
b
: to take leave of one another
2
: to become separated into parts
4
: to become separated, detached, or broken
5
: to relinquish possession or control
hated to part with that money
1
a
: to divide into parts
b
: to separate by combing on each side of a line
c
: to break or suffer the breaking of (something, such as a rope or anchor chain)
2
: to divide into shares and distribute : apportion
3
a
: to remove from contact or association
if aught but death part thee and me—Ruth 1:17 (King James Version)
b
: to keep separate
the narrow channel that parts England from France
c
: to hold (people, such as brawlers) apart
d
: to separate by a process of extraction, elimination, or secretion
4
b
dialectal British
: relinquish, give up
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share