orient

[awr-ee-uhnt, ‑ee-ent, ohr-, awr-ee-ent, ohr‑]

noun

1. Older Use.,  the Orient,

   1. the countries of Asia, especially East Asia.

   2. (formerly) the countries to the east of the Mediterranean.

2. Jewelry.

   1. an orient pearl.

   2. the iridescence of a pearl.

3. the east; the eastern region of the heavens or the world.

verb (used with object)

1. to adjust with relation to, or bring into due relation to surroundings, circumstances, facts, etc.

2. to familiarize (a person) with new surroundings or circumstances, or the like.

   lectures designed to orient the new students.

   Synonyms: relate, accustom

3. to place in any definite position with reference to the points of the compass or other locations.

   to orient a building north and south.

4. to direct or position toward a particular object.

   Orient it toward that house.

5. to determine the position of in relation to the points of the compass; get the bearings of.

6. to place so as to face the east, especially to build (a church) with the chief altar to the east and the chief entrance to the west.

7. Surveying.,  to set (the horizontal circle of a surveying instrument) so that readings give correct azimuths.

8. Mathematics.,  to assign to (a surface) a constant, outward direction at each point.

verb (used without object)

1. to turn toward the east or in any specified direction.

adjective

1. (of a gem or pearl) exceptionally fine and lustrous; oriental.

2. Archaic.,  rising or appearing, especially as from below the horizon.

   the orient sun.

orient

¹

noun

1. poetic,  another word for east Compare occident

2. archaic,  the eastern sky or the dawn

3. 1. the iridescent lustre of a pearl

   2. ( as modifier )

      orient pearls

4. a pearl of high quality

adjective

1. poetic,  eastern

2. archaic,  (of the sun, stars, etc) rising

verb

1. to adjust or align (oneself or something else) according to surroundings or circumstances

2. (tr) to position, align, or set (a map, surveying instrument, etc) with reference to the points of the compass or other specific directions

3. (tr) to set or build (a church) in an easterly direction

Orient

²

/ ˈɔːrɪənt /

noun

1. the countries east of the Mediterranean

2. the eastern hemisphere

Other Word Forms

• orienter noun
• self-oriented adjective
• well-oriented adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of orient¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin orient- (stem of oriēns ) “the east, sunrise,” noun use of present participle of orīrī “to rise”; -ent

Word History and Origins

Origin of orient¹

C18: via French from Latin oriēns rising (sun), from orīrī to rise

Example Sentences

But arguably the most exciting battle is that for the final play-off place, with six points separating Leyton Orient, the current occupiers, and Blackpool in 10th.

From BBC

He was forced to leave behind his barbershop, the Orient Salon, in Damascus following the outbreak of war in 2011.

From BBC

But, if recent experience is any guide, he is more likely to be featuring in an FA Cup fourth-round tie at League One Leyton Orient on Saturday.

From BBC

Orient went on to knock out Championship side Derby County on penalties in round three to earn this tie, but I feel a bit sorry for them because they won't be at full strength here.

From BBC

When 16-year-old Oscar checked tickets on the turnstiles for the goalless draw against Leyton Orient earlier this month he became the third generation of his family to do so.

From BBC

Related Words

• adapt 
• adjust 
• align 
• conform