~ 1
■ noun
1》 a contest in which people or teams compete against each other.
2》 a person or thing able to contend with another as an equal.
3》 a person or thing that resembles or corresponds to another.
↘ Computing a string that fulfils the specified conditions of a computer search.
↘a pair that corresponds or is very similar.
4》 a person viewed in regard to their eligibility for marriage.
↘a marriage.
■ verb
1》 correspond or cause to correspond in some essential respect; make or be harmonious.
2》 be equal to in quality or strength.
↘equalize (two coupled electrical impedances) so as to bring about the maximum transfer of power from one to the other.
3》 place in contest or competition with another.
4》 ( ~ someone with ) archaic bring about the marriage of someone to.
Derivatives
~able adjective
~ing adjective
Origin
OE gemæcca 'mate, companion', of W. Gmc origin.
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~ 2
■ noun
1》 a short, thin piece of wood or cardboard used to light a fire, being tipped with a composition that ignites when rubbed against a rough surface.
2》 historical a piece of wick or cord designed to burn at a uniform rate, used for firing a cannon or lighting gunpowder.
Origin
ME: from OFr. meche , perh. from L. myxa 'spout of a lamp', later 'lamp wick'.