From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
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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