adj electro-positive.
2. positive ·noun the positive degree or form.
3. positive ·noun that which settles by absolute appointment.
4. positive ·noun that which is capable of being affirmed; reality.
5. positive ·noun the positive plate of a voltaic or electrolytic cell.
6. positive ·adj having the power of direct action or influence; as, a positive voice in legislation.
7. positive ·adj prescribed by express enactment or institution; settled by arbitrary appointment; said of laws.
8. positive ·adj having a real position, existence, or energy; existing in fact; real; actual;
opposed to negative.
9. positive ·adj fully assured; confident; certain; sometimes, overconfident; dogmatic; overbearing;
said of persons.
10. positive ·adj hence, basic; metallic; not acid;
opposed to negative, and said of metals, bases, and basic radicals.
11. positive ·add. ·adj designating, or pertaining to, a device giving a to-and-fro motion; as, a positive dobby.
12. positive ·adj definitely laid down; explicitly stated; clearly expressed;
opposed to implied; as, a positive declaration or promise.
13. positive ·noun a picture in which the lights and shades correspond in position with those of the original, instead of being reversed, as in a negative.
14. positive ·adj corresponding with the original in respect to the position of lights and shades, instead of having the lights and shades reversed; as, a positive picture.
15. positive ·add. ·adj designating a method of steering or turning in which the steering wheels move so that they describe concentric arcs in making a turn, to insure freedom from side slip or harmful resistance.
xvi. positive ·adj derived from an object by itself; not dependent on changing circumstances or relations; absolute;
opposed to relative; as, the idea of beauty is not positive, but depends on the different tastes individuals.
xvii. positive ·adj hence: not admitting of any doubt, condition, qualification, or discretion; not dependent on circumstances or probabilities; not speculative; compelling assent or obedience; peremptory; indisputable; decisive; as, positive instructions; positive truth; positive proof.
xviii. positive ·add. ·adj designating, or pertaining to, a motion or device in which the movement derived from a driver, or the grip or hold of a restraining piece, is communicated through an unyielding intermediate piece or pieces; as, a claw clutch is a positive clutch, while a friction clutch is not.