Dictionaryex•er•cisePronunciation: (ek'sur-sīz"), [key] —n., v., -cised, -cis•ing. —n. 1. bodily or mental exertion, esp. for the sake of training or improvement of health: Walking is good exercise. 2. something done or performed as a means of practice or training: exercises for the piano. 3. a putting into action, use, operation, or effect: the exercise of caution. 4. a written composition, musical piece, or artistic work executed for practice or to illustrate a particular aspect of technique. 5. Often, exercises. a traditional ceremony: graduation exercises. 6. a religious observance or service. —v.t. 1. to put through exercises, or forms of practice or exertion, designed to train, develop, condition, or the like: to exercise a horse. 2. to put (faculties, rights, etc.) into action, practice, or use: to exercise freedom of speech. 3. to use or display in one's action or procedure: to exercise judgment. 4. to make use of (one's privileges, powers, etc.): to exercise one's constitutional rights. 5. to discharge (a function); perform: to exercise the duties of one's office. 6. to have as an effect: to exercise an influence on someone. 7. to worry; make uneasy; annoy: to be much exercised about one's health. —v.i. to go through exercises; take bodily exercise. Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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