Dictionary
nat•u•ral
Pronunciation: (nach'ur-ul, nach'rul), [key]—
adj.
1. existing in or formed by nature (opposed to
artificial):
a natural bridge.
2. based on the state of things in nature; constituted by nature:
Growth is a natural process.
3. of or pertaining to nature or the universe:
natural beauty.
4. of, pertaining to, or occupied with the study of natural science:
conducting natural experiments.
5. in a state of nature; uncultivated, as land.
6. growing spontaneously, without being planted or tended by human hand, as vegetation.
7. having undergone little or no processing and containing no chemical additives:
natural food; natural ingredients. Cf.
organic (def. 11).
8. having a real or physical existence, as opposed to one that is spiritual, intellectual, fictitious, etc.
9. of, pertaining to, or proper to the nature or essential constitution:
natural ability.
10. proper to the circumstances of the case:
a natural result of his greed.
11. free from affectation or constraint:
a natural manner.
12. arising easily or spontaneously:
a natural courtesy to strangers.
13. consonant with the nature or character of.
14. in accordance with the nature of things:
It was natural that he should hit back.
15. based upon the innate moral feeling of humankind:
natural justice.
16. in conformity with the ordinary course of nature; not unusual or exceptional.
17. happening in the ordinary or usual course of things, without the intervention of accident, violence, etc.
18. related only by birth; of no legal relationship; illegitimate:
a natural son.
19. related by blood rather than by adoption.
20. based on what is learned from nature rather than on revelation.
21. true to or closely imitating nature:
a natural representation.
22. unenlightened or unregenerate:
the natural man.
23. being such by nature; born such:
a natural fool.
24. Music.
a. neither sharp nor flat.
b. changed in pitch by the sign ♮.
25. not treated, tanned, refined, etc.; in its original or raw state:
natural wood; natural cowhide.
26. (of a horn or trumpet) having neither side holes nor valves.
27. not tinted or colored; undyed.
28. having a pale tannish or grayish-yellow color, as many woods and untreated animal skins.
29. Cards.
a. being a card other than a wild card or joker.
b. (of a set or sequence of cards) containing no wild cards.
30. having or showing feelings, as affection, gratitude, or kindness, considered part of basic human nature.
31. Afro (def. 1).
—
n.
1. any person or thing that is or is likely or certain to be very suitable to and successful in an endeavor without much training or difficulty.
2. Music.
a. a white key on a piano, organ, or the like.
b. the sign ♮, placed before a note, canceling the effect of a previous sharp or flat.
c. a note affected by a ♮, or a tone thus represented.
3. an idiot.
4. Cards.blackjack (def. 2b).
5. Afro (def. 2).
6. (in craps) a winning combination of seven or eleven made on the first cast.
7. a natural substance or a product made with such a substance:
an ointment containing mink oil and other naturals. Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
