adj., n., & v.
--adj.
1. complete, comprising the whole (the total number of people).
2 absolute, unqualified (in total ignorance; total abstinence).
--n. a total number or amount.
--v. (totalled, totalling; US totaled, totaling)
1. tr. a amount in number to (they totalled 131). b find the total of (things, a set of figures, etc.).
2 intr. (foll. by to, up to) amount to, mount up to.
3 tr. US sl. wreck completely.
Phrases and idioms:
total abstinence abstaining completely from alcohol. total eclipse an eclipse in which the whole disc (of the sun, moon, etc.) is obscured. total internal reflection reflection without refraction of a light-ray meeting the interface between two media at more than a certain critical angle to the normal. total recall the ability to remember every detail of one's experience clearly. total war a war in which all available weapons and resources are employed.
Derivatives:
totally adv.
Etymology: ME f. OF f. med.L totalis f. totus entire