— cuplike , adj.
/kup/ , n. , v. , cupped, cupping .
n.
1. a small, open container made of china, glass, metal, etc., usually having a handle and used chiefly as a receptable from which to drink tea, soup, etc.
2. the bowllike part of a goblet or the like.
3. a cup with its contents.
4. the quantity contained in a cup.
5. a unit of capacity, equal to 8 fluid ounces (237 milliliters) or 16 tablespoons; half-pint.
6. an ornamental bowl, vase, etc., esp. of precious metal, offered as a prize for a contest.
7. any of various beverages, as a mixture of wine and various ingredients: claret cup.
8. the chalice used in the Eucharist.
9. the wine of the Eucharist.
10. something to be partaken of or endured; one's portion, as of joy or suffering.
11. cups , the drinking of intoxicating liquors.
12. any cuplike utensil, organ, part, cavity, etc.
13. either of the two forms that cover and usually support the breasts in a brassiere or other garment, as a bathing suit.
14. an athletic supporter reinforced with rigid plastic or metal for added protection.
15. Golf.
a. the metal receptacle within the hole.
b. the hole itself.
16. ( cap. ) Astron. the constellation Crater.
17. See cupping glass .
18. Metalworking. a cylindrical shell closed at one end, esp. one produced in the first stages of a deep-drawing operation.
19. Math. a cup-like or U-shape symbol, used to indicate the union of two sets. Cf. union (def. 10a).
20. in one's cups , intoxicated; drunk.
v.t.
21. to take or place in, or as in, a cup: He cupped his ear with the palm of his hand.
22. to form into a cuplike shape: He cupped his hands.
23. to use a cupping glass on.
24. Metalworking. to form (tubing, containers, etc.) by punching hot strip or sheet metal and drawing it through a die. Cf. deep-draw .
[ bef. 1000; ME, OE cuppe cuppa, var. of cupa tub, cask ]