figure

Definitions of figure in various dictionaries:

noun - a diagram or picture illustrating textual material

noun - alternative names for the body of a human being

noun - one of the elements that collectively form a system of numeration

noun - a model of a bodily form (especially of a person)

noun - a well-known or notable person

noun - a combination of points and lines and planes that form a visible palpable shape

noun - an amount of money expressed numerically

noun - the impression produced by a person

noun - the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals

noun - language used in a figurative or nonliteral sense

noun - a unitary percept having structure and coherence that is the object of attention and that stands out against a ground

noun - a decorative or artistic work

noun - a predetermined set of movements in dancing or skating

verb - judge to be probable

verb - be or play a part of or in

verb - imagine

verb - make a mathematical calculation or computation

verb - understand

A written or printed symbol representing something other than a letter, especially a number.

An amount represented in numbers: sold for a large figure.

A geometric form consisting of any combination of points, lines, or planes: A triangle is a plane figure.

The outline, form, or silhouette of a thing.

The shape or form of a human body.

An indistinct object or shape: saw figures dashing down the street.

A person, especially a well-known one: a famous historical figure.

A person’s public image or presence: became a tragic figure overnight.

Impression or appearance made: cuts a dashing figure.

A person, an animal, or an object that symbolizes something.

A pictorial or sculptural representation, especially of the human body.

A diagram.

A design or pattern, as in a textile: silk with a paisley figure.

An illustration printed from an engraved plate or block.

A configuration or distinct group of steps in a dance.

A pattern traced by a series of movements, as in ice skating.

A brief melodic or harmonic unit often constituting the base for a larger phrase or structure.

Any one of the forms that a syllogism can take, depending on the position of the middle term.

To calculate with numbers.

To make a likeness of; depict.

To adorn with a design or figures.

To indicate the chordal structure of (a bass line of single notes) with a sequence of conventionalized numbers.

Informal.

To conclude, believe, or predict: I never figured that this would happen.

To consider or regard: figured them as con artists.

To calculate; compute.

To be or seem important or prominent.

To be pertinent or involved: politicians who figured in the scandal.

To seem reasonable or expected: It figures.

To depend on: We figured on your support.

To take into consideration; expect: I figured on an hour’s delay.

To plan: We figure on leaving at noon.

To discover or decide: Let’s figure out a way to help.

The central meaning shared by these noun s is “an element or a component in a decorative composition”: a tapestry with a floral figure; a rug with a geometric design; a brooch with a fanciful and intricate device; a scarf with a heart motif; fabric with a plaid pattern.