Dictionary
dent
Pronunciation: (dent), [key]—
n.
1. a hollow or depression in a surface, as from a blow.
2. a noticeable effect, esp. of reduction:
to leave a dent in one's savings; a dent in one's pride.
3. make a dent, Informal.to cause a person to take heed; make an impression:
The doctor told him to stop smoking, but it didn't make a dent.
4. make a dent in, to show initial progress; pass an initial stage of (work, thought, solving a problem, etc.):
I haven't even made a dent in this pile of work.
—
v.t.
1. to make a dent in or on; indent:
The impact dented the car's fender.
2. to have the effect of reducing or slightly injuring:
The caustic remark dented his ego.
—
v.i.
1. to show dents; become indented:
Tin dents more easily than steel.
2. to sink in, making a dent:
Nails dent into metal. dent
Pronunciation: (dent), [key]—
n.
1. a toothlike projection, as a tooth of a gearwheel.
2. Textiles.the space between two wires through which the warp ends are drawn in the reed of a loom.
dent-
var. of
denti- before a vowel:
dentin. dent.
1. dental.
2. dentist.
3. dentistry.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
