spirit [spir-it]
Origins: 1200-50; Middle English (noun) < Latin spiritus orig., a breathing, equivalent to spiri, combining form representing spirare to breathe + -tus suffix of action
noun
- the principle of conscious life; the vital principle in humans, animating
the body or mediating between body and soul. - the incorporeal part of humans: present in spirit though absent in
body. - the soul regarded as separating from the body at death.
- conscious, incorporeal being, as opposed to matter: the world of spirit.
- a supernatural, incorporeal being, especially one inhabiting a place, object, etc., or having a particular character: evil spirits.
- a fairy, sprite, or elf.
- an angel or demon.
- an attitude or principle that inspires, animates, or pervades thought, feeling, or action: the spirit of reform.
- (initial capital letter) the divine influence as an agency working in the human heart.
- a divine, inspiring, or animating being or influence.
- (initial capital letter) the third person of the Trinity; Holy Spirit.
- the soul or heart as the seat of feelings or sentiments, or as prompting to action: a man of broken spirit.
- spirits, feelings or mood with regard to exaltation or depression: low spirits; good spirits.
- excellent disposition or attitude in terms of vigor, courage, firmness of intent, etc.; mettle: That’s the spirit!
- temper or disposition: meek in spirit.
- an individual as characterized by a given attitude, disposition, character, action, etc.: A few brave spirits remained to face the danger.
- the dominant tendency or character of anything: the spirit of the age.
- vigorous sense of membership in a group: college spirit.
- the general meaning or intent of a statement, document, etc. (opposed to letter): the spirit of the law.
- Chemistry: the essence or active principle of a substance as extracted in liquid form, especially by distillation.
- a strong distilled alcoholic liquor.
- Chiefly British: alcohol.
- Pharmacology: a solution in alcohol of an essential or volatile principle; essence.
- any of certain subtle fluids formerly supposed to permeate the body.
- the Spirit, God.