[deep] adj [ME dep, fr. OE deop; akin to OHG tiof deep, OE dyppan to dip--more at dip] (bef. 12c) 1: extending far from some surface or area: as a: extending far downward "a ~ well" b (1): extending well inward from an outer surface "a ~ gash" "a deep-chested animal" (2): not located superficially within the body "~ pressure receptors in muscles" c: extending well back from a surface accepted as front "a ~ closet" d: extending far laterally from the center "~ borders of lace" e: occurring or located near the outer limits of the playing area "hit to ~ right field" f: thrown deep "a ~ pass"
2: having a specified extension in an implied direction usu. downward or backward "a shelf 20 inches ~" "cars parked three-deep" 3 a: difficult to penetrate or comprehend: recondite "~ mathematical problems" b: mysterious, obscure "a ~ dark secret" c: grave in nature or effect "in ~est disgrace" d: of penetrating intellect: wise "a ~ thinker" e: involved, engrossed "~ in debt" f: characterized by profundity of feeling or quality "a ~ sleep"; also: deep-seated "~ religious beliefs"
4. a of color: high in saturation and low in lightness b: having a low musical pitch or pitch range "a ~ voice"
5. a: situated well within the boundaries "a house ~ in the woods" b: remote in time or space c: being below the level of the conscious "~ neuroses" d: covered, enclosed, or filled to a specified degree--usu. used in combination "ankle-deep in mud"
6: large "~ discounts" 7: having many good players "a ~ bull pen" syn see broad -- deep.ly adv -- deep.ness n -- in deep water : in difficulty or distress
[2]deep adv (bef. 12c) 1: to a great depth: deeply "still waters run ~"
2: far on: late "danced ~ into the night" 3 a: near the outer limits of the playing area "the shortstop was playing ~" b: long
6. [3]deep n (bef. 12c) 1 a: a vast or immeasurable extent: abyss b (1): the extent of surrounding space or time (2): ocean
2: any of the deep portions of a body of water; specif: a generally long and narrow area in the ocean where the depth exceeds 3000 fathoms (5500 meters)
3: the middle or most intense part "the ~ of winter"
4: any of the fathom points on a sounding line other than the marks