/ əbˈteɪn; NAmE / verb ( formal )
1.
[ vn ] to get sth, especially by making an effort :
to obtain advice / information / permission
I finally managed to obtain a copy of the report.
To obtain the overall score, add up the totals in each column.
2.
[ v ] (not used in the progressive tenses) ( formal ) ( of rules, systems, customs, etc. ) to exist
SYN apply :
These conditions no longer obtain.
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from Old French obtenir , from Latin obtinere obtain, gain.