as

n. (Chem.) the chemical symbol for arsenic. [ PJC ]

‖n.; pl. Asses [ L. as. See Ace. ] 1. A Roman weight, answering to the libra or pound, equal to nearly eleven ounces Troy weight. It was divided into twelve ounces. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A Roman copper coin, originally of a pound weight (12 oz.); but reduced, after the first Punic war, to two ounces; in the second Punic war, to one ounce; and afterwards to half an ounce. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. & conj. [ OE. as, als, alse, also, al swa, AS. eal swā, lit. all so; hence, quite so, quite as: cf. G. als as, than, also so, then. See Also. ] 1. Denoting equality or likeness in kind, degree, or manner; like; similar to; in the same manner with or in which; in accordance with; in proportion to; to the extent or degree in which or to which; equally; no less than; <as>as, ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil; you will reap as you sow; do as you are bidden.as> [ 1913 Webster ]

His spiritual attendants adjured him, as he loved his soul, to emancipate his brethren. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ As is often preceded by one of the antecedent or correlative words such, same, so, or as, in expressing an equality or comparison; as, give us such things as you please, and so long as you please, or as long as you please; he is not so brave as Cato; she is as amiable as she is handsome; come as quickly as possible. “Bees appear fortunately to prefer the same colors as we do.” Lubbock. As, in a preceding part of a sentence, has such or so to answer correlatively to it; as with the people, so with the priest. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. In the idea, character, or condition of, -- limiting the view to certain attributes or relations; <as>as, virtue considered as virtue; this actor will appear as Hamlet.as> [ 1913 Webster ]

The beggar is greater as a man, than is the man merely as a king. Dewey. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. While; during or at the same time that; when; <as>as, he trembled as he spokeas>. [ 1913 Webster ]

As I return I will fetch off these justices. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. Because; since; it being the case that. [ 1913 Webster ]

As the population of Scotland had been generally trained to arms . . . they were not indifferently prepared. Sir W. Scott. [ 1913 Webster ]

[ See Synonym under Because. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

5. Expressing concession. (Often approaching though in meaning). [ 1913 Webster ]

We wish, however, to avail ourselves of the interest, transient as it may be, which this work has excited. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]

6. That, introducing or expressing a result or consequence, after the correlatives so and such. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

I can place thee in such abject state, as help shall never find thee. Rowe. [ 1913 Webster ]

So as, so that. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ] The relations are so uncertain as they require a great deal of examination. Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ]

7. As if; as though. [ Obs. or Poetic ] [ 1913 Webster ]

He lies, as he his bliss did know. Waller. [ 1913 Webster ]

8. For instance; by way of example; thus; -- used to introduce illustrative phrases, sentences, or citations. [ 1913 Webster ]

9. Than. [ Obs. & R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

The king was not more forward to bestow favors on them as they free to deal affronts to others their superiors. Fuller. [ 1913 Webster ]

10. Expressing a wish. [ Obs. ] “As have, ” i. e., may he have. Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ]

As . . as. See So . . as, under So. --
As far as, to the extent or degree. “As far as can be ascertained.” Macaulay. --
As far forth as, as far as. [ Obs. ] Chaucer. --
As for, or
As to, in regard to; with respect to. --
As good as, not less than; not falling short of. --
As good as one's word, faithful to a promise. --
As if, or
As though, of the same kind, or in the same condition or manner, that it would be if. --
As it were (as if it were), a qualifying phrase used to apologize for or to relieve some expression which might be regarded as inappropriate or incongruous; in a manner. --
As now, just now. [ Obs. ] Chaucer. --
As swythe, as quickly as possible. [ Obs. ] Chaucer. --
As well, also; too; besides. Addison. --
As well as, equally with, no less than. “I have understanding as well as you.” Job xii. 3. --
As yet, until now; up to or at the present time; still; now. [ 1913 Webster ]

‖n. [ NL. asa, of oriental origin; cf. Per. azā mastic, Ar. asā healing, isā remedy. ] An ancient name of a gum. [ 1913 Webster ]

{ } n. [ Asa + L. foetidus fetid. ] The fetid gum resin or inspissated juice of a large umbelliferous plant (Ferula asafoetida) of Persia and the East Indies. It is used in medicine as an antispasmodic. [ Written also <asp>assafoetidaasp>. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

‖n. [ NL., fr. Gr. &unr_; indistinct, uncertain. ] (Paleon.) A genus of trilobites found in the Lower Silurian formation. See Illust. in Append. [ 1913 Webster ]

‖n. [ L. asarum + bacca a berry. See Asarone. ] (Bot.) An acrid herbaceous plant (Asarum Europæum), the leaves and roots of which are emetic and cathartic. It is principally used in cephalic snuffs. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. asarum hazelwort, wild spikenard, Gr. 'a`saron ] (Chem.) A crystallized substance, resembling camphor, obtained from the Asarum Europæum; -- called also camphor of asarum. [ 1913 Webster ]