■ noun (usu. the ~ )
1》 the direction in which a compass needle normally points, towards the horizon on the left-hand side of a person facing east.
2》 the ~ern part of a country, region, or town.
↘( the North ) the NE states of the United States.
■ adjective
1》 lying towards, near, or facing the ~.
2》 (of a wind) blowing from the ~.
■ adverb to or towards the ~.
Phrases
~ by east (or west ) between ~ and ~-~-east (or ~-~-west).
Derivatives
~bound adjective & adverb
Origin
OE, of Gmc origin.