colon 1
/koh"leuhn/ , n. , pl. colons for 1, cola /-leuh/ for 2.
1. the sign (:) used to mark a major division in a sentence, to indicate that what follows is an elaboration, summation, implication, etc., of what precedes; or to separate groups of numbers referring to different things, as hours from minutes in 5:30; or the members of a ratio or proportion, as in 1 : 2 : : 3 : 6.
2. Class. Pros. one of the members or sections of a rhythmical period, consisting of a sequence of from two to six feet united under a principal ictus or beat.
[ 1580-90; kôlon limb, member, clause ]
colon 2
/koh"leuhn/ , n. , pl. colons, cola /-leuh/ .
1. Anat. the part of the large intestine extending from the cecum to the rectum. See diag. under intestine .
2. Zool. the portion of the digestive tract that is posterior to the stomach or gizzard and extends to the rectum.
[ 1350-1400; ME kólon large intestine ]
colon 3
/koh lohn"/ ; Sp. /kaw lawn"/ , n. , pl. colons , Sp. colones /-law"nes/ .
1. the paper monetary unit of El Salvador, equal to 100 centavos. Abbr.: C.
2. a cupronickel or steel coin and monetary unit of Costa Rica, equal to 100 centimos.
[ 1890-95; Cristobal ) Colón (Christopher) Columbus ]
colon 4
/koh"lon, keuh lon"/ , n.
a colonial farmer or plantation owner, esp. in Algeria.
[ 1600-10, in sense "husbandmen"; 1955-60 in present sense; colonus colonist ]