n., adj., & adv.
--n.
1. a the point of the horizon where the sun sets at the equinoxes (cardinal point 90° to the left of north). b the compass point corresponding to this. c the direction in which this lies.
2 (usu. the West) a European in contrast to Oriental civilization. b the non-Communist States of Europe and N. America. c the western part of the late Roman Empire. d the western part of a country, town, etc.
3 Bridge a player occupying the position designated 'west'.
--adj.
1. towards, at, near, or facing west.
2 coming from the west (west wind).
--adv.
1. towards, at, or near the west.
2 (foll. by of) further west than.
Phrases and idioms:
go west sl. be killed or destroyed etc. West Bank a region west of the River Jordan assigned to Jordan in 1948 and occupied by Israel since 1967. West Country the south-western counties of England. West End the entertainment and shopping area of London to the west of the City. West Indian
1. a native or national of any island of the West Indies.
2 a person of West Indian descent. West Indies the islands of Central America, including Cuba and the Bahamas. west-north- (or south-) west the direction or compass-point midway between west and north-west (or south-west). West Side US the western part of Manhattan.
Etymology: OE f. Gmc