Dictionary
sea•son
Pronunciation: (sē'zun), [key]—
n.
1. one of the four periods of the year (spring, summer, autumn, and winter), beginning astronomically at an equinox or solstice, but geographically at different dates in different climates.
2. a period of the year characterized by particular conditions of weather, temperature, etc.:
the rainy season.
3. a period of the year when something is best or available:
the oyster season.
4. a period of the year marked by certain conditions, activities, etc.:
baseball season.
5. a period of the year immediately before and after a special holiday or occasion:
the Christmas season.
6. Sports.
a. a period with reference to the total number of games to be played by a team:
a 162-game season.
b. a period with reference to the won-lost record of a team after it has completed its schedule:
a .700 season.
7. any period or time:
in the season of my youth.
8. a suitable, proper, fitting, or right time:
This is not the season for frivolity.
9. for a season, for a time, esp. a short time:
He lived in Paris for a season.
10. in good season, in enough time; sufficiently early:
Applicants will be notified of our decision in good season.
11. in season,
a. in the time or state for use, eating, etc.:
Asparagus is now in season.
b. in the period regulated by law, as for hunting and fishing.
c. at the right time; opportunely.
d. (of an animal, esp. female) in a state of readiness for mating; in heat.
e. in good season.
12. in season and out of season, regardless of time or season; at all times:
Misfortunes plague this family in season and out of season.
13. out of season, not in season:
The price is so high because lilacs are out of season now.
—
v.t.
1. to heighten or improve the flavor of (food) by adding condiments, spices, herbs, or the like.
2. to give relish or a certain character to:
conversation seasoned with wit.
3. to mature, ripen, or condition by exposure to suitable conditions or treatment:
a writer seasoned by experience.
4. to dry or otherwise treat (lumber) so as to harden and render immune to shrinkage, warpage, etc.
5. to accustom or harden:
troops seasoned by battle.
—
v.i.
to become seasoned, matured, hardened, or the like.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
