| manteltree | The lintel of a fireplace when of wood, as frequently in early houses. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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| mantis | <zoology> Any one of numerous species of voracious orthopterous insects of the genus Mantis, and allied genera. They are remarkable for their slender grotesque forms, and for holding their stout anterior legs in a manner suggesting hands folded in prayer. The common American species is M. Carolina. Mantis shrimp. <zoology> See Sguilla. Origin: NL, fr. Gr. A prophet. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| mantispid | <zoology> Any neuropterous insect of the genus Mantispa, and allied genera. The larvae feed on plant lice. Also used adjectively. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| mantissa | <mathematics> The decimal part of a logarithm, as distinguished from the integral part, or characteristic. Origin: L, an addition, makeweight; of Tuscan origin. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| mantle | 1. To unfold and spread out the wings, like a mantle; said of hawks. Also used figuratively. "Ne is there hawk which mantleth on her perch." (Spenser) "Or tend his sparhawk mantling in her mew." (Bp. Hall) "My frail fancy fed with full delight. Doth bathe in bliss, and mantleth most at ease." (Spenser) 2. To spread out; said of wings. "The swan, with arched neck Between her white wings mantling proudly, rows." (Milton) 3. To spread over the surface as a covering; to overspread; as, the scum mantled on the pool. "Though mantled in her cheek the blood." (Sir W. Scott) 4. To gather, assume, or take on, a covering, as froth, scum, etc. "There is a sort of men whose visages Do cream and mantle like a standing pond." (Shak) "Nor bowl of wassail mantle warm." (Tennyson) 1. A loose garment to be worn over other garments; an enveloping robe; a cloak. Hence, figuratively, a covering or concealing envelope. "[The] children are clothed with mantles of satin." (Bacon) "The green mantle of the standing pool." (Shak) "Now Nature hangs her mantle green On every blooming tree." (Burns) 2. Same as Mantling. 3. <marine biology> The external fold, or folds, of the soft, exterior membrane of the body of a mollusk. It usually forms a cavity inclosing the gills. Any free, outer membrane. 4. The back of a bird together with the folded wings. 5. The outer wall and casing of a blast furnace, above the hearth. 6. <physics> A penstock for a water wheel. Origin: OE. Mantel, OF. Mantel, F. Manteau, fr. L. Mantellum, mantelum, a cloth, napkin, cloak, mantle (cf. Mantele, mantile, towel, napkin); prob. From manus hand + the root of tela cloth. See Manual, Textile, and cf. Mandil, Mantel, Mantilla. (19 Mar 1998) |
| mantle layer | The nuclear zone of the developing neural tube between the marginal layer and the ependymal layer; forms the gray matter of the central nervous system. Synonym: intermediate layer, mantle zone. (05 Mar 2000) |
| mantle sclerosis | A common cerebral lesion in the palsied states of early life characterised by nodular cortical atrophy. (05 Mar 2000) |
| mantle zone | A layer of small B lymphocytes surrounding the paler-staining germinal centres of lymphoid follicles. (05 Mar 2000) |
| mantologist | One who is skilled in mantology; a diviner. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| Mantoux pit | Shallow 2-3 mm depressions of the palms and soles in basal cell nevus syndrome. (05 Mar 2000) |
| Mantoux test | <investigation> Test for tuberculin reactivity in which tuberculin PPD (purified protein derivative) is injected intracutaneously. The injection site is examined after 2-3 days, a positive reaction, indicating current or previous infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (in an uninoculated individual), is an oedomatous and reddened area caused by T-cell reactivity. (18 Nov 1997) |
| Mantoux, Charles | <person> French physician, 1877-1947. See: Mantoux pit, Mantoux test. (05 Mar 2000) |
| mantua | 1. A superior kind of rich silk formerly exported from Mantua in Italy. 2. A woman's cloak or mantle; also, a woman's gown. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| manu | One of a series of progenitors of human beings, and authors of human wisdom. Origin: Skr. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| manual | Of or pertaining to the hand; done or made by the hand; as, manual labour; the king's sign manual. "Manual and ocular examination." Manual alphabet. See Dactylology. Manual exercise the exercise by which soldiers are taught the use of their muskets and other arms. Seal manual, the impression of a seal worn on the hand as a ring. Sign manual. See Sign. Origin: OE. Manuel, F. Manuel, L. Manualis, fr. Manus hand; prob. Akin to AS. Mund hand, protection, OHG. Munt, G. Mundel a ward, vormund guardian, Icel. Mund hand. Cf. Emancipate, Legerdemain, Maintain, Manage, Manner, Manur, Mound a hill. 1. A small book, such as may be carried in the hand, or conveniently handled; a handbook; specifically, the service book of the Roman Catholic Church. "This manual of laws, styled the Confessor's Laws." (Sir M. Hale) 2. A keyboard of an organ or harmonium for the fingers, as distinguished from the pedals; a clavier, or set of keys. 3. A prescribed exercise in the systematic handing of a weapon; as, the manual of arms; the manual of the sword; the manual of the piece (cannon, mortar, etc). Origin: Cf. F. Manuel, LL. Manuale. See Manual. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |