[win.dow] n, often attrib [ME windowe, fr. ON vindauga, fr. vindr wind (akin to OE wind) + auga eye; akin to OE eage eye--more at eye] (13c) 1 a: an opening esp. in the wall of a building for admission of light and air that is usu. closed by casements or sashes containing transparent material (as glass) and capable of being opened and shut b: windowpane c: a space behind a window of a retail store containing displayed merchandise d: an opening in a partition or wall through which business is conducted "a bank teller's ~"
2: a means of entrance or access; esp: a means of obtaining information "a ~ on history"
3: an opening (as a shutter, slot, or valve) that resembles or suggests a window
4: the transparent panel or opening of a window envelope
5: the framework (as a shutter or sash with its fittings) that closes a window opening
6: chaff
4. 7: a range of wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum to which a planet's atmosphere is transparent
8. a: an interval of time within which a rocket or spacecraft must be launched to accomplish a particular mission b: an interval of time during which certain conditions or an opportunity exists "a ~ of vulnerability" 9: an area at the limits of the earth's sensible atmosphere through which a spacecraft must pass for successful reentry 10: any of the areas into which a computer display may be divided and on which distinctly different types of information are displayed -- win.dow.less adj -- out the window : out of existence, use, or consideration