v. (dies, died, dying)
1 intr. (often foll. by of) (of a person, animal, or plant) cease to live; expire, lose vital force (died of hunger).
2 intr. a come to an end, cease to exist, fade away (the project died within six months). b cease to function; break down (the engine died). c (of a flame) go out.
3 intr. (foll. by on) die or cease to function while in the presence or charge of (a person).
4 intr. (usu. foll. by of, from, with) be exhausted or tormented (nearly died of boredom; was dying from the heat).
5 tr. suffer (a specified death) (died a natural death).
Phrases and idioms:
be dying (foll. by for, or to + infin.) wish for longingly or intently (was dying for a drink; am dying to see you). die away become weaker or fainter to the point of extinction. die-away adj. languishing. die back (of a plant) decay from the tip towards the root. die down become less loud or strong. die hard die reluctantly, not without a struggle (old habits die hard). die-hard n. a conservative or stubborn person. die out become extinct, cease to exist. never say die keep up courage, not give in.
Etymology: ME, prob. f. ON deyja f. Gmc
2.
n.
1 sing. of DICE n. 1a.
Usage:
Dice is now standard in general use in this sense.
2 (pl. dies) a an engraved device for stamping a design on coins, medals, etc. b a device for stamping, cutting, or moulding material into a particular shape.
3 (pl. dice) Archit. the cubical part of a pedestal between the base and the cornice; a dado or plinth.
Phrases and idioms:
as straight (or true) as a die
1 quite straight.
2 entirely honest or loyal. die-cast cast (hot metal) in a die or mould. die-casting the process or product of casting from metal moulds. the die is cast an irrevocable step has been taken. die-sinker an engraver of dies. die-stamping embossing paper etc. with a die.
Etymology: ME f. OF de f. L datum neut. past part. of dare give, play
Useful english dictionary. 2012.