Bullet High Heels

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bul�let (blt) n. 1. a. A usually metal projectile in the shape of a pointed cylinder or a ball that is expelled from a firearm, especially a rifle or handgun. b. Such a projectile in a metal casing; a cartridge. 2. An object resembling a projectile in shape, action, or effect. 3. Printing A heavy dot ( � ) used to highlight a particular passage. high (h) adj. high�er, high�est 1. a. Having a relatively great elevation; extending far upward: a high mountain; a high tower. b. Extending a specified distance upward: a cabinet ten feet high. 2. Far or farther from a reference point: was too high in the offensive zone to take a shot. 3. a. Being at or near the peak or culminating stage: the high tourist season; high summer. b. Advanced in development or complexity: high forms of animal life; higher mathematics. c. Far removed in time; remote: high antiquity. 4. a. Slightly spoiled or tainted; gamy. Used of meat. b. Having a bad smell; malodorous. 5. a. Having a pitch corresponding to a relatively large number of sound-wave cycles per second: the high tones of a flute. b. Raised in pitch; not soft or hushed: a high voice. 6. Situated relatively far from the equator: a high latitude. 7. a. Of great importance: set a high priority on funding the housing program. b. Eminent in rank or status: a high official. c. Serious; grave: high crimes and misdemeanors. d. Constituting a climax; crucial: The chase scene is the high point of the film. e. Characterized by lofty or stirring events or themes: high adventure; high drama. 8. Lofty or exalted in quality or character: a person of high morals. 9. a. Greater than usual or expected, as in quantity, magnitude, cost, or degree: "A high price has to be paid for the happy marriage with the four healthy children" (Doris Lessing). b. Favorable: He has a high opinion of himself. 10. Of great force or violence: high winds. 11. a. Indicating excitement or euphoria: high spirits. b. Slang Intoxicated by or as if by alcohol or a drug, such as cocaine or marijuana. 12. Luxurious; extravagant: high living. 13. Linguistics Of or relating to vowels produced with part of the tongue close to the palate, as in the vowel of tree. 14. Of, relating to, or being the gear configuration or setting, as in an automotive transmission, that produces the greatest vehicular speed with respect to engine speed. heel 1 (hl) n. 1. a. The rounded posterior portion of the human foot under and behind the ankle. b. The corresponding part of the hind foot of other vertebrates. c. A similar anatomical part, such as the fleshy rounded base of the human palm or the hind toe of a bird. 2. a. The part, as of a sock, shoe, or stocking, that covers the rounded posterior portion of the human foot. b. The built-up portion of a shoe or boot, supporting the heel. 3. One of the crusty ends of a loaf of bread. 4. The lower or rearward part, as: a. The part of the head of a golf club where it joins the shaft. b. The end of a violin bow where the handle is located. 5. Nautical a. The lower end of a mast. b. The after end of a ship's keel. 6. Botany The basal end of a plant cutting or tuber used in propagation. 7. Oppression; tyranny: under the heel of Stalinism; the heel of an autocrat. 8. Informal A dishonorable man; a cad. v. heeled, heel�ing, heels v.tr. 1. a. To furnish with a heel or heels. b. To repair or replace the heels, as for shoes. 2. Slang To furnish, especially with money. 3. To arm (a gamecock) with gaffs. 4. To press or strike with the heel: heel a horse. v.intr. To follow at one's heels: The dog won't heel. Idioms: down at the heels 1. Having one's shoe heels worn down. 2. Shabby; rundown; poor. lay by the heels To put in fetters or shackles; imprison. on/upon the heels of 1. Directly behind. 2. Immediately following. out at the heel/heels 1. Having holes in one's socks or shoes. 2. Rundown; shabby; seedy. take to (one's) heels To run away; flee. to heel 1. Close behind: The hound followed his master to heel. 2. Under discipline or control: The army swiftly brought the rebels to heel. [Middle English, from Old English hla.] heel 2 (hl) intr. & tr.v. heeled, heel�ing, heels To tilt or cause to tilt to one side. n. A tilt, as of a boat, to one side. [Alteration of Middle English helden, from Old English hieldan.] The American Heritage� Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition copyright �2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. heel1 n 1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Anatomy) the back part of the human foot from the instep to the lower part of the ankle Compare calcaneus 2. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Zoology) the corresponding part in other vertebrates 3. (Clothing & Fashion) the part of a shoe, stocking, etc., designed to fit the heel 4. (Clothing & Fashion) the outer part of a shoe underneath the heel 5. (Clothing & Fashion) the part of the palm of a glove nearest the wrist 6. the lower, end, or back section of something the heel of a loaf 7. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Horticulture) Horticulture the small part of the parent plant that remains attached to a young shoot cut for propagation and that ensures more successful rooting 8. (Transport / Nautical Terms) Nautical a. the bottom of a mast b. the after end of a ship's keel 9. (Individual Sports & Recreations) the back part of a golf club head where it bends to join the shaft 10. (Team Sports / Rugby) Rugby possession of the ball as obtained from a scrum (esp in the phrase get the heel) 11. Slang a contemptible person at (or on) one's heels just behind or following closely dig one's heels in See dig in [5] down at heel a. shabby or worn b. slovenly or careless kick (or cool) one's heels to wait or be kept waiting rock back on one's heels to astonish or be astonished show a clean pair of heels to run off take to one's heels to run off to heel disciplined or under control, as a dog walking by a person's heel vb 1. (Clothing & Fashion) (tr) to repair or replace the heel of (shoes, boots, etc.) 2. (Performing Arts / Dancing) to perform (a dance) with the heels 3. (Individual Sports & Recreations) (tr) Golf to strike (the ball) with the heel of the club 4. (Team Sports / Rugby) Rugby to kick (the ball) backwards using the sole and heel of the boot 5. to follow at the heels of (a person) 6. (Individual Sports, other than specified) (tr) to arm (a gamecock) with spurs 7. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Agriculture) (tr) NZ (of a cattle dog) to drive (cattle) by biting their heels [Old English hēla; related to Old Norse h�̄ll, Old Frisian h�l] heelless adj BULLET

This article was published on Tuesday 09 February, 2010.

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