— shapable, shapeable , adj.
/shayp/ , n. , v. , shaped, shaping .
n.
1. the quality of a distinct object or body in having an external surface or outline of specific form or figure.
2. this quality as found in some individual object or body form: This lake has a peculiar shape.
3. something seen in outline, as in silhouette: A vague shape appeared through the mist.
4. an imaginary form; phantom.
5. an assumed appearance; guise: an angel in the shape of a woman.
6. a particular or definite organized form or expression: He could give no shape to his ideas.
7. proper form; orderly arrangement.
8. condition or state of repair: The old house was in bad shape. He was sick last year, but is in good shape now.
9. the collective conditions forming a way of life or mode of existence: What will the shape of the future be?
10. the figure, physique, or body of a person, esp. of a woman: A dancer can keep her shape longer than those of us who have sedentary jobs.
11. something used to give form, as a mold or a pattern.
12. Also called section . Building Trades, Metalworking. a flanged metal beam or bar of uniform section, as a channel iron, I-beam, etc.
13. Naut. a ball, cone, drum, etc., used as a day signal, singly or in combinations, to designate a vessel at anchor or engaged in some particular operation.
14. take shape , to assume a fixed form; become definite: The house is beginning to take shape.
v.t.
15. to give definite form, shape, organization, or character to; fashion or form.
16. to couch or express in words: to shape a statement.
17. to adjust; adapt: He shaped everything to suit his taste.
18. to direct (one's course, future, etc.).
19. to file the teeth of (a saw) to uniform width after jointing.
20. Animal Behav. , Psychol. to teach (a desired behavior) to a human or other animal by successively rewarding the actions that more and more closely approximate that behavior.
21. Obs. to appoint; decree.
v.i.
22. to come to a desired conclusion or take place in a specified way: If discussions shape properly, the companies will merge.
23. shape up ,
a. to assume a specific form: The plan is beginning to shape up.
b. to evolve or develop, esp. favorably.
c. to improve one's behavior or performance to meet a required standard.
d. to get oneself into good physical condition.
e. (of longshoremen) to get into a line or formation in order to be assigned the day's work.
[ bef. 900; (n.) ME; OE gesceapu (pl.); r. dial. shap, ME; OE gesceap (sing.); c. ON skap state, mood; (v.) ME; OE sceapen (ptp.); r. ME sheppe, shippe, OE sceppan, scyppan; c. G schaffen, ON skepja, Goth -skapjan to make ]
Syn. 1. silhouette, appearance. See form. 4. specter, illusion. 7. order, pattern. 8. order, situation. 15. mold, model.