/ee"steuhrn/ , adj.
1. lying toward or situated in the east: the eastern half of the island.
2. directed or proceeding toward the east: an eastern route.
3. coming from the east: an eastern wind.
4. ( often cap. ) of or pertaining to the East in the U.S.: an eastern Congressman.
5. ( cap. ) of or pertaining to the Eastern Church or to any of the churches comprising it.
6. ( usually cap. ) Oriental.
7. ( usually cap. ) (formerly) of or pertaining to the Soviet Union and its allies.
[ bef. 1000; ME esterne, OE easterne; akin to ON austroenn, OHG ostroni. See EAST, -ERN ]