n.
Function: verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English fealdan; akin to Old High German faldan to fold, Greek di plasios twofold
Date: before 12th century
transitive verb
1 : to lay one part over another part of < fold a letter>
2 : to reduce the length or bulk of by doubling over < fold a tent>
3 : to clasp together : ENTWINE < fold the hands>
4 : to clasp or enwrap closely : EMBRACE
5 : to bend (as a layer of rock) into folds
6 a : to incorporate (a food ingredient) into a mixture by repeated gentle overturnings without stirring or beating b : to incorporate closely
7 a : to concede defeat by withdrawing (one's cards) from play (as in poker) b : to bring to an end
intransitive verb
1 : to become doubled or pleated
2 : to fail completely : COLLAPSE especially : to go out of business
3 : to fold one's cards (as in poker)
– fold · able \ ' f ō l-d ə -b ə l \ adjective