orient

American  

[awr-ee-uhnt, ‑ee-ent, ohr-, awr-ee-ent, ohr‑] / ˈɔr i ənt, ‑iˌɛnt, ˈoʊr-, ˈɔr iˌɛnt, ˈoʊr‑ /

noun

1. Older Use. the Orient,

   1. the countries of Asia, especially East Asia.

   2. (formerly) the countries to the east of the Mediterranean.

2. Jewelry.

   1. an orient pearl.

   2. the iridescence of a pearl.

3. the east; the eastern region of the heavens or the world.

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verb (used with object)

1. to adjust with relation to, or bring into due relation to surroundings, circumstances, facts, etc.

2. to familiarize (a person) with new surroundings or circumstances, or the like.

   lectures designed to orient the new students.

   Synonyms:

   relate, accustom

3. to place in any definite position with reference to the points of the compass or other locations.

   to orient a building north and south.

4. to direct or position toward a particular object.

   Orient it toward that house.

5. to determine the position of in relation to the points of the compass; get the bearings of.

6. 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.

7. Surveying. to set (the horizontal circle of a surveying instrument) so that readings give correct azimuths.

8. Mathematics. to assign to (a surface) a constant, outward direction at each point.

verb (used without object)

1. to turn toward the east or in any specified direction.

adjective

1. (of a gem or pearl) exceptionally fine and lustrous; oriental.

2. Archaic. rising or appearing, especially as from below the horizon.

   the orient sun.

orient ¹ British  

noun

1. poetic another word for east Compare occident

2. archaic the eastern sky or the dawn

3. 1. the iridescent lustre of a pearl

   2. ( as modifier )

      orient pearls

4. a pearl of high quality

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adjective

1. poetic eastern

2. archaic (of the sun, stars, etc) rising

verb

1. to adjust or align (oneself or something else) according to surroundings or circumstances

2. (tr) to position, align, or set (a map, surveying instrument, etc) with reference to the points of the compass or other specific directions

3. (tr) to set or build (a church) in an easterly direction

Orient ² British  

/ ˈɔːrɪənt /

noun

1. the countries east of the Mediterranean

2. the eastern hemisphere

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Other Word Forms

• orienter noun
• self-oriented adjective
• well-oriented adjective

Etymology

Origin of orient

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin orient- (stem of oriēns ) “the east, sunrise,” noun use of present participle of orīrī “to rise”; -ent

Example Sentences

Although the overall structure of the cells remained intact, these small abnormalities may be enough to permanently alter how cells orient themselves during division.

From Science Daily

The gusts were the product of mountain wave wind conditions, meaning they were oriented in a way where they would rapidly drop down the slopes of the San Gabriel Mountains, causing strong, dangerous bursts.

From Los Angeles Times

The company is the largest holder of timberland in the U.S. and a leading producer of logs, lumber and oriented strand board.

From Barron's

“The economy may well be losing jobs right now, which underscores the point that the risks are oriented towards more Fed support being implemented next year,” ING economist James Knightley said in a note.

From The Wall Street Journal

A lot of my job is oriented toward night, but even before comedy, something about the night called to me.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• adapt
• adjust
• align
• conform