con|crete «KON kreet; especially for v.t. 2, v.i. 1 kon KREET», adjective, noun, verb, -cret|ed, -cret|ing.
–adj.
1. existing as an actual object, not merely as an idea or as a quality; real: »
A painting is concrete; its beauty is not a concrete thing.
2. not general; specific; particular: »
The daisy is a concrete example of a composite flower. The teacher gave concrete examples to show the meaning of faith, hope, and charity.
3. naming a thing, especially something perceived by the senses: »
“Sugar” and “people” are concrete nouns; “sweetness” and “humanity” are abstract nouns.
4. made of concrete: »
a concrete sidewalk.
6. Obsolete. grown together.
–n.
1. a mixture of cement, sand, gravel, and water that hardens as it dries. Concrete is used for foundations, whole buildings, sidewalks, roads, dams, and bridges.
2. something concrete.
3. a concrete idea or term: »
This blending of the concrete and the abstract was the chief characteristic of almost all his researches (Scientific American).
–v.t.
1. to treat, lay, or cover with concrete.
2. to form or mix into a mass; harden into a mass; make solid.
–v.i.
1. to run into a mass; become solid; solidify.
2. to use or apply concrete.
╂[< Latin concrētus, past participle of concrēscere < com- together + crēscere grow]
–con|crete´ly, adverb.
–con|crete´ness, n
Useful english dictionary. 2012.