| / English Dictionary |
WHOLE
| Pronunciation (US): |  | (GB): | |
I. (noun)
Sense 1
Meaning:
An assemblage of parts that is regarded as a single entity
Example:
the team is a unit
Synonyms:
Classified under:
Hypernyms ("whole" is a kind of...):
object; physical object (a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow)
Meronyms (parts of "whole"):
part; portion (something less than the whole of a human artifact)
section; segment (one of several parts or pieces that fit with others to constitute a whole object)
Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "whole"):
congener (a whole (a thing or person) of the same kind or category as another)
animate thing; living thing (a living (or once living) entity)
natural object (an object occurring naturally; not made by man)
artefact; artifact (a man-made object taken as a whole)
assembly (a unit consisting of components that have been fitted together)
item (a whole individual unit; especially when included in a list or collection)
aggregate; sum; total; totality (the whole amount)
Derivation:
whole (acting together as a single undiversified whole)
Sense 2
Meaning:
All of something including all its component elements or parts
Example:
the whole of American literature
Classified under:
Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents
Hypernyms ("whole" is a kind of...):
concept; conception; construct (an abstract or general idea inferred or derived from specific instances)
Meronyms (parts of "whole"):
division; part; section (one of the portions into which something is regarded as divided and which together constitute a whole)
Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "whole"):
unit (a single undivided whole)
compound (a whole formed by a union of two or more elements or parts)
complex; composite (a conceptual whole made up of complicated and related parts)
Derivation:
whole (including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete)
II. (adjective)
Sense 1
Meaning:
Including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete
Example:
a whole loaf of bread
Classified under:
Similar:
entire; full; total (constituting the full quantity or extent; complete)
full-length (representing or accommodating the entire length)
full-page (occupying an entire page in a book or paper)
entire; intact; integral (constituting the undiminished entirety; lacking nothing essential especially not damaged)
livelong ((of time) constituting the full extent or duration)
undivided (not separated into parts or shares; constituting an undivided unit)
Also:
complete (having every necessary or normal part or component or step)
Attribute:
integrity; unity; wholeness (an undivided or unbroken completeness or totality with nothing wanting)
Antonym:
fractional (constituting or comprising a part or fraction of a possible whole or entirety)
Derivation:
whole (all of something including all its component elements or parts)
Sense 2
Meaning:
(of siblings) having the same parents
Example:
whole brothers and sisters
Classified under:
Antonym:
half ((of siblings) related through one parent only)
Sense 3
Meaning:
Acting together as a single undiversified whole
Example:
a solid voting bloc
Synonyms:
Classified under:
Adjectives
Similar:
undiversified (not diversified)
Derivation:
whole (an assemblage of parts that is regarded as a single entity)
wholeness (an undivided or unbroken completeness or totality with nothing wanting)
Sense 4
Meaning:
Exhibiting or restored to vigorous good health
Example:
a whole person again
Synonyms:
hale; whole
Classified under:
Adjectives
Similar:
healthy (having or indicating good health in body or mind; free from infirmity or disease)
Derivation:
wholeness (a state of robust good health)
Sense 5
Meaning:
Not injured or harmed
Synonyms:
unharmed; unhurt; unscathed; whole
Classified under:
Adjectives
Similar:
uninjured (not injured physically or mentally)
III. (adverb)
Sense 1
Meaning:
To a complete degree or to the full or entire extent ('whole' is often used informally for 'wholly')
Example:
he fell right into the trap
Synonyms:
all; altogether; completely; entirely; right; totally; whole; wholly
Classified under:
Context examples:
A whole cell melanoma cancer vaccine with potential immunostimulating and antineoplastic activities.
(B16alphaGal Melanoma Vaccine, NCI Thesaurus)
The intravenous administration of red blood cells (whole blood without the plasma) into an individual.
(Packed Red Blood Cell Transfusion, NCI Thesaurus)
One of the portions into which something is regarded as divided and which together constitute a whole.
(Part, NCI Thesaurus)
Surrounding the kidney in whole or in part.
(Perinephric, NCI Thesaurus)
I never thought of Miss Smith in the whole course of my existence—never paid her any attentions, but as your friend: never cared whether she were dead or alive, but as your friend.
(Emma, by Jane Austen)
A whole night lost, and I know by bitter experience what may happen in a night.
(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)
If a weight-loss program is necessary, involve the whole family in healthy habits so your child doesn't feel singled out.
(Obesity in Children, NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases)
An allogenic whole tumor cell vaccine with potential antineoplastic activity.
(B7 Transfected Melanoma Cell Vaccine, NCI Thesaurus)
Well, the whole thing hinges upon two points.
(The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
When there is a problem with your nose, your whole body can suffer.
(Nose Injuries and Disorders, NIH)
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