orient

[awr-ee-uhnt, ‑ee-ent, ohr-, awr-ee-ent, ohr‑]

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.

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

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

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

/ ˈɔːrɪənt /

noun

1. the countries east of the Mediterranean

2. the eastern hemisphere

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of orient¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of orient¹

C18: via French from Latin oriēns rising (sun), from orīrī to rise

Example Sentences

"Patients need to wake up clear-headed, alert and oriented, and ideally pain-free. With better pain management, the stress response is curtailed."

Read more on BBC

The cross-shaped tower designed by Seattle architecture firm Mithun would include common courtyard and terrace areas oriented toward Levering Avenue, the study said.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Alexander had drawn a map of the nursery, tinted with watercolors and oriented according to the compass, with all the furniture drawn to scale, down to the last footstool.

Read more on Literature

Beyond my own square radius, I have seen an art world that is far less individualistic than those in other major cities — one oriented toward collaboration and joining forces to make something more meaningful.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

He explains that the ideal position for the tag was directly behind the blowhole and oriented toward the head so it could capture feeding activity during deep dives.

Read more on Science Daily

Related Words

• adapt 
• adjust 
• align 
• conform