orient
Older Use.the Orient,
the countries of Asia, especially East Asia.
(formerly) the countries to the east of the Mediterranean.
Jewelry.
an orient pearl.
the iridescence of a pearl.
the east; the eastern region of the heavens or the world.
to adjust with relation to, or bring into due relation to surroundings, circumstances, facts, etc.
to familiarize (a person) with new surroundings or circumstances, or the like: lectures designed to orient the new students.
to place in any definite position with reference to the points of the compass or other locations: to orient a building north and south.
to direct or position toward a particular object: Orient it toward that house.
to determine the position of in relation to the points of the compass; get the bearings of.
to place so as to face the east, especially to build (a church) with the chief altar to the east and the chief entrance to the west.
Surveying. to set (the horizontal circle of a surveying instrument) so that readings give correct azimuths.
Mathematics. to assign to (a surface) a constant, outward direction at each point.
to turn toward the east or in any specified direction.
(of a gem or pearl) exceptionally fine and lustrous; oriental.
Archaic. rising or appearing, especially as from below the horizon: the orient sun.
Origin of orient
1Other words for orient
Other words from orient
- o·ri·ent·er, noun
- self-o·ri·ent·ed, adjective
- well-o·ri·ent·ed, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use orient in a sentence
What is transformational about this nuclear posture is that it orients our strategy toward defeating these threats.
But hardly anybody will assure the court that in general he orients himself well or ill.
Criminal Psychology | Hans GrossUpon entering their intimate structure, it orients or groups their atoms, and separates their molecules or brings them together.
But if he awakens early or unexpectedly, there may be an appreciable delay before he orients himself.
The Short Life | Francis DonovanThis singular sense orients the possessors of it infallibly.
Lumen | Camille Flammarion
Chesterton seems to obey a negative magnetism and orients himself by his antipathies.
Six Major Prophets | Edwin Emery Slosson
British Dictionary definitions for orient (1 of 2)
the iridescent lustre of a pearl
(as modifier): orient pearls
a pearl of high quality
mainly poetic eastern
archaic (of the sun, stars, etc) rising
to adjust or align (oneself or something else) according to surroundings or circumstances
(tr) to position, align, or set (a map, surveying instrument, etc) with reference to the points of the compass or other specific directions
(tr) to set or build (a church) in an easterly direction
Origin of orient
1British Dictionary definitions for Orient (2 of 2)
/ (ˈɔːrɪənt) /
the countries east of the Mediterranean
the eastern hemisphere
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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