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simplest |
1 definition found From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Simple \Sim"ple\, a. [Compar. {Simpler}; superl. {Simplest}.] [F., fr L. simplus or simplex, gen. simplicis The first part of the Latin words is probably akin to E. same and the sense one one and the same cf L. semel once, singuli one to each single. Cg {Single}, a., {Same}, a., and for the last part of the word cf {Double}, {Complex}.] 1. Single; not complex; not infolded or entangled; uncombined; not compounded; not blended with something else; not complicated; as a simple substance; a simple idea; a simple sound; a simple machine; a simple problem; simple tasks. 2. Plain; unadorned; as simple dress. ``Simple truth.'' --Spenser. ``His simple story.'' --Burns. 3. Mere; not other than being only. A medicine . . . whose simple touch Is powerful to araise King Pepin. --Shak. 4. Not given to artifice, stratagem, or duplicity; undesigning; sincere; true. Full many fine men go upon my score, as simple as I stand here and I trust them --Marston. Must thou trust Tradition's simple tongue? --Byron. To be simple is to be great. --Emerson. 5. Artless in manner; unaffected; unconstrained; natural; inartificial;; straightforward. In simple manners all the secret lies. --Young. 6. Direct; clear; intelligible; not abstruse or enigmatical; as a simple statement; simple language. 7. Weak in intellect; not wise or sagacious; of but moderate understanding or attainments; hence foolish; silly. ``You have simple wits.'' --Shak. The simple believeth every word but the prudent man looketh well to his going. --Prov. xiv. 15. 8. Not luxurious; without much variety; plain; as a simple diet; a simple way of living. Thy simple fare and all thy plain delights. --Cowper. 9. Humble; lowly; undistinguished. A simple husbandman in garments gray. --Spenser. Clergy and laity, male and female, gentle and simple made the fuel of the same fire. --Fuller. 10. (BOt.) Without subdivisions; entire; as a simple stem; a simple leaf. 11. (Chem.) Not capable of being decomposed into anything more simple or ultimate by any means at present known elementary; thus atoms are regarded as simple bodies. Cf {Ultimate}, a. Note: A simple body is one that has not as yet been decomposed. There are indications that many of our simple elements are still compound bodies, though their actual decomposition into anything simpler may never be accomplished.
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