I. ˈskȯr noun
( plural scores )
Etymology: Middle English scor, from Old Norse skor notch, tally, twenty; akin to Old English scieran to cut — more at shear
Date: 14th century
1. or plural score
a. : twenty
b. : a group of 20 things — often used in combination with a cardinal number
four score
c. : an indefinitely large number
2.
a. : a line (as a scratch or incision) made with or as if with a sharp instrument
b.
(1) : a mark used as a starting point or goal
(2) : a mark used for keeping account
3.
a. : an account or reckoning originally kept by making marks on a tally
b. : amount due : indebtedness
4. : grudge
a score to settle
5.
a. : reason , ground
was accepted on the score of high academic achievement
b. : subject , topic
has nothing to say on that score
6.
a. : the copy of a musical composition in written or printed notation
b. : a musical composition ; specifically : the music for a movie or theatrical production
c. : a complete description of a dance composition in choreographic notation
7.
a. : a number that expresses accomplishment (as in a game or test) or excellence (as in quality) either absolutely in points gained or by comparison to a standard
b. : an act (as a goal, run, or touchdown) in any of various games or contests that gains points
8. : success in obtaining something (as money or drugs) especially through illegal or irregular means
9. : the stark inescapable facts of a situation
knows the score
II. verb
( scored ; scor·ing )
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
1.
a. : to keep a record or account of by or as if by notches on a tally : record
b. : to enter in a record
c. : to mark with significant lines or notches (as in keeping account)
2. : to mark with lines, grooves, scratches, or notches
3. : berate , scold ; also : denounce
4.
a.
(1) : to make (a score) in a game or contest
scored a touchdown
scored three points
(2) : to enable (a base runner) to make a score
(3) : to have as a value in a game or contest : count
a touchdown score s six points
b.
(1) : achieve , attain
scored a dazzling success
(2) : acquire
help a traveler score local drugs — Poitor Koper
(3) : win 1
scored free tickets over the radio
5. : to determine the merit of : grade
6.
a. : to write or arrange (music) for a specific performance medium
b. : to make an orchestration of
c. : to compose a score for (a movie)
intransitive verb
1. : to keep score in a game or contest
2. : to make a score in a game or contest
3.
a. : to gain or have the advantage
b. : to be successful: as
(1) : to succeed in having sexual intercourse
(2) : to manage to obtain illicit drugs
c. : rate III
• scor·er noun
•
- score points