dent: Meaning and Definition of

dent

Pronunciation: (dent), [key]
— n.
  1. a hollow or depression in a surface, as from a blow.
  2. a noticeable effect, esp. of reduction: to leave a dent in one's savings; a dent in one's pride.
  3. to cause a person to take heed; make an impression: The doctor told him to stop smoking, but it didn't make a dent.
  4. to show initial progress; pass an initial stage of (work, thought, solving a problem, etc.): I haven't even made a dent in this pile of work.
—v.t.
  1. to make a dent in or on; indent: The impact dented the car's fender.
  2. to have the effect of reducing or slightly injuring: The caustic remark dented his ego.
—v.i.
  1. to show dents; become indented: Tin dents more easily than steel.
  2. to sink in, making a dent: Nails dent into metal.

dent

Pronunciation: (dent), [key]
— n.
  1. a toothlike projection, as a tooth of a gearwheel.
  2. the space between two wires through which the warp ends are drawn in the reed of a loom.

dent-

Pronunciation: [key]
  1. var. ofbefore a vowel: dentin.

dent.

Pronunciation: [key]
  1. dental.
  2. dentist.
  3. dentistry.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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