n.
Pronunciation: ' ro ̇
Function: adjective
Inflected Form: raw · er \ ' ro ̇ (- ə )r \ ; raw · est \ ' ro ̇ - ə st \
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English hr ē aw; akin to Old High German hr ō raw, Latin crudus raw, cruor blood, Greek kreas flesh
Date: before 12th century
1 : not cooked
2 a (1) : being in or nearly in the natural state : not processed or purified < raw fibers> < raw sewage> (2) : not diluted or blended < raw spirits> b : unprepared or imperfectly prepared for use c : not being in polished, finished, or processed form < raw data> <a raw draft of a thesis>
3 a (1) : having the surface abraded or chafed (2) : very irritated <a raw sore throat> b : lacking covering : NAKED c : not protected : susceptible to hurt < raw emotions>
4 a : lacking experience or understanding : GREEN <a raw recruit> b (1) : marked by absence of refinements (2) : VULGAR , COARSE < raw language> c : not tempered : UNBRIDLED < raw power>
5 : disagreeably damp or cold <a raw winter day>
synonyms see RUDE
– raw · ly adverb
– raw · ness noun