— exercisable , adj.
/ek"seuhr suyz'/ , n. , v. , exercised, exercising .
n.
1. bodily or mental exertion, esp. for the sake of training or improvement of health: Walking is good exercise.
2. something done or performed as a means of practice or training: exercises for the piano.
3. a putting into action, use, operation, or effect: the exercise of caution.
4. a written composition, musical piece, or artistic work executed for practice or to illustrate a particular aspect of technique.
5. Often, exercises . a traditional ceremony: graduation exercises.
6. a religious observance or service.
v.t.
7. to put through exercises, or forms of practice or exertion, designed to train, develop, condition, or the like: to exercise a horse.
8. to put (faculties, rights, etc.) into action, practice, or use: to exercise freedom of speech.
9. to use or display in one's action or procedure: to exercise judgment.
10. to make use of (one's privileges, powers, etc.): to exercise one's constitutional rights.
11. to discharge (a function); perform: to exercise the duties of one's office.
12. to have as an effect: to exercise an influence on someone.
13. to worry; make uneasy; annoy: to be much exercised about one's health.
v.i.
14. to go through exercises; take bodily exercise.
[ 1300-50; ME (n.) exercice exercitium, equiv. to exercit ( us ) ptp. of exercere to train ( ex- EX- 1 + -ercit-, s. of comb. form of arcere to restrain) + -ium n. suffix ]
Syn. 1. activity; calisthenics, gymnastics. 2. EXERCISE, DRILL, PRACTICE refer to activities undertaken for training in some skill. EXERCISE is the most general term and may be either physical or mental: an exercise in arithmetic. DRILL is disciplined repetition of set exercises, often performed in a group, directed by a leader: military drill. PRACTICE is repeated or methodical exercise: Even great musicians require constant practice. 3. employment, application, practice, performance. 6. ritual. 7. discipline, drill, school. 9. employ, apply, exert, practice. 13. try, trouble.
Ant. 1. inaction.