Dictionary
ex•er•cise
Pronunciation: (ek'sur-sīz"), [key]
—n., v., -cised, -cis•ing.
—
n.
1. bodily or mental exertion, esp. for the sake of training or improvement of health:
Walking is good exercise.
2. something done or performed as a means of practice or training:
exercises for the piano.
3. a putting into action, use, operation, or effect:
the exercise of caution.
4. a written composition, musical piece, or artistic work executed for practice or to illustrate a particular aspect of technique.
5. Often,
exercises. a traditional ceremony:
graduation exercises.
6. a religious observance or service.
—
v.t.
1. to put through exercises, or forms of practice or exertion, designed to train, develop, condition, or the like:
to exercise a horse.
2. to put (faculties, rights, etc.) into action, practice, or use:
to exercise freedom of speech.
3. to use or display in one's action or procedure:
to exercise judgment.
4. to make use of (one's privileges, powers, etc.):
to exercise one's constitutional rights.
5. to discharge (a function); perform:
to exercise the duties of one's office.
6. to have as an effect:
to exercise an influence on someone.
7. to worry; make uneasy; annoy:
to be much exercised about one's health.
—
v.i.
to go through exercises; take bodily exercise.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
