n. & adj.
--n.
1. one more than eight, or one less than ten; the sum of five units and four units.
2 a symbol for this (9, ix, IX).
3 a size etc. denoted by nine.
4 a set or team of nine individuals.
5 the time of nine o'clock (is it nine yet?).
6 a card with nine pips.
7 (the Nine) the nine muses.
--adj. that amount to nine.
Phrases and idioms:
dressed up to the nines dressed very elaborately. nine days' wonder a person or thing that is briefly famous. nine times out of ten nearly always. nine to five a designation of typical office hours.
Etymology: OE nigon f. Gmc