nobler

1 definition found

nobler - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Noble \No"ble\, a. [Compar. Nobler; superl. Noblest.] [F.
     noble, fr. L. nobilis that can be or is known, well known,
     famous, highborn, noble, fr. noscere to know. See know.]
     1. Possessing eminence, elevation, dignity, etc.; above
        whatever is low, mean, degrading, or dishonorable;
        magnanimous; as, a noble nature or action; a noble heart.
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              Statues, with winding ivy crowned, belong
              To nobler poets for a nobler song.    --Dryden.
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     2. Grand; stately; magnificent; splendid; as, a noble
        edifice.
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     3. Of exalted rank; of or pertaining to the nobility;
        distinguished from the masses by birth, station, or title;
        highborn; as, noble blood; a noble personage.
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     Note: Noble is used in the formation of self-explaining
           compounds; as, noble-born, noble-hearted, noble-minded.
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     Noble gas (Chem.), a gaseous element belonging to group
        VIII of the periodic table of elements, not combining with
        other elements under normal reaction conditions;
        specifically, helium, neon, argon, krypton,
        xenon, or radon; also called inert gas.
  
     Noble metals (Chem.), silver, gold, and platinum; -- so
        called from their resistance to oxidation by air and to
        dissolution by acids. Copper, mercury, aluminium,
        palladium, rhodium, iridium, and osmium are sometimes
        included.
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     Syn: Honorable; worthy; dignified; elevated; exalted;
          superior; sublime; great; eminent; illustrious;
          renowned; stately; splendid; magnificent; grand;
          magnanimous; generous; liberal; free.
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