First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1lap
noun \ˈlap\
Definition of LAP
1
a : a loose overlapping or hanging panel or flap especially of a garment b archaic : the skirt of a coat or dress
2
a : the clothing that lies on the knees, thighs, and lower part of the trunk when one sits b : the front part of the lower trunk and thighs of a seated person
3
: responsible custody : control <going to drop the whole thing in your lap — Hamilton Basso>
— lap·ful \ˈlap-ˌfu̇l\ noun
— the lap of luxury
: an environment of great ease, comfort, and wealth
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Origin of LAP
Middle English lappe, from Old English læppa; akin to Old High German lappa flap
Other Anatomy Terms
2lap
verb
lappedlap·ping
Definition of LAP
transitive verb
2
: to fold over especially into layers
3
: to hold protectively in or as if in the lap : cuddle
4
a : to place over and cover a part of : overlap <lap shingles on a roof> b : to join (as two boards) by a lap joint
5
a : to dress, smooth, or polish (as a metal surface) to a high degree of refinement or accuracy b : to shape or fit by working two surfaces together with or without abrasives until a very close fit is produced
6
a : to overtake and thereby lead or increase the lead over (another contestant) by a full circuit of a racecourse b : to complete the circuit of (a racecourse)
intransitive verb
2
a : to project beyond or spread over something b : to lie partly over or alongside of something or of one another : overlap
3
: to traverse a course
— lap·per noun
First Known Use of LAP
14th century
3lap
noun
Definition of LAP
1
a : the amount by which one object overlaps or projects beyond another b : the part of an object that overlaps another
2
: a smoothing and polishing tool usually consisting of a piece of wood, leather, felt, or soft metal in a special shape used with or without an embedded abrasive
3
: a doubling or layering of a flexible substance (as fibers or paper)
4
a : the act or an instance of traversing a course (as a racing track or swimming pool); also : the distance covered b : one segment of a larger unit (as a journey) c : one complete turn (as of a rope around a drum)
First Known Use of LAP
1800
4lap
verb
lappedlap·ping
Definition of LAP
intransitive verb
1
: to take in food or drink with the tongue
2
a : to make a gentle intermittent splashing sound b : to move in little waves : wash
transitive verb
1
a : to take in (food or drink) with the tongue b : to take in or absorb eagerly or quickly —used with up <the crowd lapped up every word he said>
2
: to flow or splash against in little waves
— lap·per noun
Origin of LAP
Middle English, from Old English lapian; akin to Old High German laffan to lick, Latin lambere, Greek laphyssein to devour
First Known Use: before 12th century
5lap
noun
Definition of LAP
1
a : an act or instance of lapping b : the amount that can be carried to the mouth by one lick or scoop of the tongue
2
: a thin or weak beverage or food
3
: a gentle splashing sound
First Known Use of LAP
14th century
LAP Defined for Kids
1lap
noun \ˈlap\
Definition of LAP for Kids
: the front part of a person between the hips and the knees when seated
2lap
verb
lappedlap·ping
Definition of LAP for Kids
: overlap <Lap one paper over another.>
3lap
noun
Definition of LAP for Kids
1
: a part of something that overlaps another part
2
: one time around or over a course (as of a racetrack or swimming pool)
3
: a stage in a trip
4lap
verb
lappedlap·ping
Definition of LAP for Kids
1
: to scoop up food or drink with the tongue <The dog lapped up the water.>
2
: to splash gently <The cold stream lapped his bare heels … — Katherine Paterson, Bridge to Terabithia>
Medical Dictionary
lap
abbreviation
Medical Definition of LAP
laparotomy
Learn More About LAP
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