Dictionary
tame
Pronunciation: (tām), [key]
—adj., tam•er, tam•est,
—v., tamed, tam•ing.
—
adj.
1. changed from the wild or savage state; domesticated:
a tame bear.
2. without the savageness or fear of humans normal in wild animals; gentle, fearless, or without shyness, as if domesticated:
That lion acts as tame as a house cat.
3. tractable, docile, or submissive, as a person or the disposition.
4. lacking in excitement; dull; insipid:
a very tame party.
5. spiritless or pusillanimous.
6. not to be taken very seriously; without real power or importance; serviceable but harmless:
They kept a tame scientist around.
7. brought into service; rendered useful and manageable; under control, as natural resources or a source of power.
8. cultivated or improved by cultivation, as a plant or its fruit.
—
v.t.
1. to make tame; domesticate; make tractable.
2. to deprive of courage, ardor, or zest.
3. to deprive of interest, excitement, or attractiveness; make dull.
4. to soften; tone down.
5. to harness or control; render useful, as a source of power.
6. to cultivate, as land or plants.
—
v.i.
to become tame.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
