adj.
Pronunciation: ' o ̇ r- ē - ˌ ent
Function: transitive verb
Etymology: French orienter, from Middle French, from orient
Date: circa 1741
1 a : to cause to face or point toward the east specifically : to build (a church or temple) with the longitudinal axis pointing eastward and the chief altar at the eastern end b : to set or arrange in any determinate position especially in relation to the points of the compass c : to ascertain the bearings of
2 a : to set right by adjusting to facts or principles b : to acquaint with the existing situation or environment
3 : to direct (as a book or film) toward the interests of a particular group
4 : to cause the axes of the molecules of to assume the same direction