— orienter , n.
n. , adj. /awr"ee euhnt, -ee ent', ohr"-/ ; v. /awr"ee ent', ohr"-/ , n.
1. the Orient ,
a. the countries of Asia, esp. East Asia.
b. (formerly) the countries to the E of the Mediterranean.
2. Jewelry.
a. an orient pearl.
b. the iridescence of a pearl.
3. the east; the eastern region of the heavens or the world.
v.t.
4. to adjust with relation to, or bring into due relation to surroundings, circumstances, facts, etc.
5. to familiarize (a person) with new surroundings or circumstances, or the like: lectures designed to orient the new students.
6. to place in any definite position with reference to the points of the compass or other locations: to orient a building north and south.
7. to direct or position toward a particular object: Orient it toward that house.
8. to determine the position of in relation to the points of the compass; get the bearings of.
9. to place so as to face the east, esp. to build (a church) with the chief altar to the east and the chief entrance to the west.
10. Survey. to set (the horizontal circle of a surveying instrument) so that readings give correct azimuths.
11. Math. to assign to (a surface) a constant, outward direction at each point.
v.i.
12. to turn toward the east or in any specified direction.
adj.
13. (of a gem or pearl) exceptionally fine and lustrous; oriental.
14. Archaic. rising or appearing, esp. as from below the horizon: the orient sun.
[ 1350-1400; ME orient- (s. of oriens ) the east, sunrise, n. use of prp. of oriri to rise; see -ENT ]
Syn. 5. accustom, relate, orientate.