n.
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural selves \ ' selvz, Southern also ' sevz \
Date: 13th century
1 a : the entire person of an individual b : the realization or embodiment of an abstraction
2 a (1) : an individual's typical character or behavior <her true self was revealed> (2) : an individual's temporary behavior or character <his better self > b : a person in prime condition <feel like my old self today>
3 : the union of elements (as body, emotions, thoughts, and sensations) that constitute the individuality and identity of a person
4 : personal interest or advantage
5 : material that is part of an individual organism <ability of the immune system to distinguish self from nonself>