n., adj., & v.
--n.
1. (the Orient) a poet. the east. b the countries E. of the Mediterranean, esp. E. Asia.
2 an orient pearl.
--adj.
1. poet. oriental.
2 (of precious stones and esp. the finest pearls coming orig. from the East) lustrous; sparkling; precious.
3 archaic a radiant. b (of the sun, daylight, etc.) rising.
--v.
1. tr. a place or exactly determine the position of with the aid of a compass; settle or find the bearings of. b (often foll. by towards) bring (oneself, different elements, etc.) into a clearly understood position or relationship; direct.
2 tr. a place or build (a church, building, etc.) facing towards the East. b bury (a person) with the feet towards the East.
3 intr. turn eastward or in a specified direction.
Phrases and idioms:
orient oneself determine how one stands in relation to one's surroundings.
Etymology: ME f. OF orient, orienter f. L oriens -entis rising, sunrise, east, f. oriri rise