THING

noun Etymology: Middle English, from Old English, ~, assembly; akin to Old High German ding ~, assembly, Gothic theihs time Date: before 12th century 1. a matter of concern ; affair , state of affairs in general or within a specified or implied sphere , a particular state of affairs ; situation , event , circumstance , 2. deed , act , accomplishment , a product of work or activity , the aim of effort or activity , 3. a separate and distinct individual quality, fact, idea, or usually entity, the concrete entity as distinguished from its appearances, a spatial entity, an inanimate object distinguished from a living being, 4. possessions, effects , whatever may be possessed or owned or be the object of a right, an article of clo~ , equipment or utensils especially for a particular purpose , an object or entity not precisely designated or capable of being designated , 6. detail , point , a material or substance of a specified kind , 7. a spoken or written observation or point, idea , notion , a piece of news or information , individual , the proper or fashionable way of behaving, talking, or dressing, 10. a mild obsession or phobia , some~ (as an activity) that makes a strong appeal to the individual ; forte , specialty