First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
pure
adjective \ˈpyu̇r\
: not mixed with anything else
: clean and not harmful in any way
: having a smooth and clear sound that is not mixed with any other sounds
pur·erpur·est
Full Definition of PURE
1
a (1) : unmixed with any other matter <pure gold> (2) : free from dust, dirt, or taint <pure springwater> (3) : spotless, stainless b : free from harshness or roughness and being in tune —used of a musical tone c of a vowel : characterized by no appreciable alteration of articulation during utterance
2
a : being thus and no other : sheer, unmitigated <pure folly> b (1) : abstract, theoretical <pure research> (2) : a priori <pure mechanics> c : not directed toward exposition of reality or solution of practical problems <pure literature> d : being nonobjective and to be appraised on formal and technical qualities only <pure form>
3
a (1) : free from what vitiates, weakens, or pollutes (2) : containing nothing that does not properly belong b : free from moral fault or guilt c : marked by chastity : continent d (1) : of pure blood and unmixed ancestry (2) : homozygous in and breeding true for one or more characters e : ritually clean
4
: having exactly the talents or skills needed for a particular role <a pure shooter in basketball>
— pure·ness noun
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Origin of PURE
Middle English pur, from Anglo-French, from Latin purus; akin to Old High German fowen to sift, Sanskrit punāti he cleanses, Middle Irish úr fresh, new
Related to PURE
Synonym Discussion of PURE
chaste, pure, modest, decent mean free from all taint of what is lewd or salacious. chaste primarily implies a refraining from acts or even thoughts or desires that are not virginal or not sanctioned by marriage vows <they maintained chaste relations>. pure differs from chaste in implying innocence and absence of temptation rather than control of one's impulses and actions <the pure of heart>. modest and decent apply especially to deportment and dress as outward signs of inward chastity or purity <preferred more modest swimsuits> <decent people didn't go to such movies>.
PURE Defined for Kids
pure
adjective \ˈpyu̇r\
pur·erpur·est
Definition of PURE for Kids
1
: not mixed with anything else : free from everything that might injure or lower the quality <pure water> <pure silk>
Medical Dictionary
pure
adjective \ˈpyu̇(ə)r\
pur·erpur·est
Medical Definition of PURE
1
: unmixed with any other matter <pure gold>
2
: free from dust, dirt, or taint <pure food>
3
a : of unmixed ancestry : purebred b : homozygous in and breeding true for one or more characters
—pure·ness noun
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