/path, pahth/ , n. , pl. paths /padhz, pahdhz, paths, pahths/ .
1. a way beaten, formed, or trodden by the feet of persons or animals.
2. a narrow walk or way: a path through a garden; a bicycle path.
3. a route, course, or track along which something moves: the path of a hurricane.
4. a course of action, conduct, or procedure: the path of righteousness.
5. Math. a continuous curve that connects two or more points.
6. Computers. the sequence of steps that a computer follows in carrying out a routine, as in storing and retrieving a file at a specific location.
7. cross one's path , to encounter or meet unexpectedly: Tragedy crossed our path again.
[ bef. 900; ME; OE paeth; c. G Pfad ]
Syn. 1. footpath, pathway. PATH, LANE, TRAIL are passages or routes not as wide as a way or road. A PATH is a way for passing on foot; a track, beaten by feet, not specially constructed, is often along the side of a road: a path through a field. A LANE is a narrow road or track, generally between fields, often enclosed with fences or trees; sometimes it is an alley or narrow road between buildings in towns: a lane leading to a farmhouse; Drury Lane. A TRAIL is a rough way made or worn through woods, or across mountains, prairies, or other untraveled regions: an Indian trail.