■ noun (usu. the ~ )
1》 the direction towards the point of the horizon where the sun rises at the equinoxes, on the right-hand side of a person facing north.
2》 the ~ern part of a country, region, or town.
↘( the East ) the regions or countries lying to the ~ of Europe, especially China, Japan, and India.
↘( the East ) historical the former communist states of ~ern Europe.
■ adjective
1》 lying towards, near, or facing the ~.
2》 (of a wind) blowing from the ~.
■ adverb to or towards the ~.
Derivatives
~bound adjective & adverb
Origin
OE ēast- , of Gmc origin.