obsolete
[ob-suh-leet, ob-suh-leet]
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adjective
no longer in general use; fallen into disuse: an obsolete expression.
of a discarded or outmoded type; out of date: an obsolete battleship.
(of a linguistic form) no longer in use, especially, out of use for at least the past century.Compare archaic.
effaced by wearing down or away.
Biology. imperfectly developed or rudimentary in comparison with the corresponding character in other individuals, as of the opposite sex or of a related species.
verb (used with object), ob·so·let·ed, ob·so·let·ing.
to make obsolete by replacing with something newer or better; antiquate: Automation has obsoleted many factory workers.
Origin of obsolete
Synonyms for obsolete
Antonyms for obsolete
Usage note
Terms and definitions labeled Obsolete in this dictionary have not been in widespread use since the mid 1700s. Unlike some relatively familiar archaic words and phrases, like prithee and thou art, obsolete words and phrases are not easily understood by a modern reader, and obsolete senses of current terms, as found in definitions 13, 14, and 15 of nice, are even more difficult for a contemporary reader to recognize.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for obsoletely
Historical Examples of obsoletely
Cocconeis is generally considered as a degenerated form of Mastogloia, as indicated by the "obsoletely loculiferous rim."
The Diatomaceae of Philadelphia and VicinityCharles Sumner Boyer
obsolete
adjective
Word Origin for obsolete
C16: from Latin obsolētus worn out, past participle of obsolēre (unattested), from ob- opposite to + solēre to be used
usage
The word obsoleteness is hardly ever used, obsolescence standing as the noun form for both obsolete and obsolescent
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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obsolete
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper