[ace] n [ME as, fr. MF, fr. L, unit, a copper coin] (14c) 1 a: a die face marked with one spot b: a playing card marked in its center with one pip c: a domino end marked with one spot
2: a very small amount or degree: particle
3: a point scored esp. on a service (as in tennis or handball) that an opponent fails to touch
4: a golf score of one stroke on a hole; also: a hole made in one stroke
5: a combat pilot who has brought down at least five enemy airplanes
6: one that excels at something -- ace in the hole 1: an ace dealt face down to a player (as in stud poker) and not exposed until the showdown
2: an effective and decisive argument or resource held in reserve -- within an ace of : on the point of: very near to "came within an ace of winning"
[2]ace vt aced ; ac.ing (1923) 1: to score an ace against (an opponent)
2: to make (a hole in golf) in one stroke
3: to gain a decisive advantage over: defeat--usu. used with out
4: to earn a high grade on (as an examination); esp: to get an A on [3]ace adj (1926): of first or high rank or quality