open
adj 1 a : not covered, enclosed, or scabbed over <an lesion> <an running ulcer> b : not involving or encouraging a covering (as by bandages or overgrowth of tissue) or enclosure < treatment of burns> c : relating to or being a compound fracture d : being an operation or surgical procedure in which an incision is made such that the tissues and organs are fully exposed - compare OPEN-HEART 2 : shedding the infective agent to the exterior < tuberculosis> - compare CLOSED3 3 a : unobstructed by congestion < sinuses> b : not constipated < bowels> 4 : using a minimum of physical restrictions and custodial restraints on the freedom of movement of the patients or inmates <an psychiatric ward> vb, opened open*ing vt 1 a : to make available for entry or passage by removing (as a cover) or clearing away (as an obstruction) b : to free (a body passage) of an occluding agent <used cathartics to the bowels> <an inhalator for ing congested nasal passages> 2 : to make one or more openings in <ed the boil> vi : to spread out <the wound ed> .
Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated. © 1997-2024.
|
|
|