INTIMATE

adj. & n. --adj. 1 closely acquainted; familiar, close (an intimate friend; an intimate relationship). 2 private and personal (intimate thoughts). 3 (usu. foll. by with) having sexual relations. 4 (of knowledge) detailed, thorough. 5 (of a relationship between things) close. 6 (of mixing etc.) thorough. 7 essential, intrinsic. 8 (of a place etc.) friendly; promoting close personal relationships. --n. a very close friend. øøintimately adv. [L intimus inmost]