| 释义 |
vulnerability|vʌlnərəˈbɪlɪtɪ|
[f. next + -ity.]
a. The quality or state of being vulnerable, in various senses.
1808H. More Cœlebs ix. I. 108 For fear, however, that your heart of adamant should hold out against all these perilous assaults, its vulnerability was tried in other quarters. 1864Reader 31 Dec. 825/1 Up to the last, however, the self-blinded rulers of China refused to believe in their vulnerability. 1869Reed Our Iron-Clad Ship xi. 253 This report also bears testimony to the vulnerability of the low decks.
b. spec. in Path. (see quot. 1880).
1880A. Flint Princ. Med. 92 The term vulnerability has been, of late, applied to a condition of the system favorable for the morbific operation of any causes, either ordinary or specific. 1898Allbutt's Syst. Med. V. 176 A fact which points to the existence of a special vulnerability of this part of the lung itself.
c. spec. in Contract Bridge, the quality or state of being vulnerable (see vulnerable a. 2 d).
1927M. C. Work Contract Bridge ii. 10 Trick values, the number of points to a game, game and rubber bonuses..are not affected by vulnerability. 1942E. Culbertson Official Bk. Contract Bridge 239 The consequence of vulnerability is exposure to greater penalties and entitlement to greater premiums. 1975Times 15 Nov. 13/5 In May 1925, Mr Vanderbilt..joined in a rubber of the continental game of plafond. He saw possibilities in the game, added the attraction of vulnerability..and..introduced it to the Whist Club under the name of Contract Bridge.
d. pl. The weaknesses in a military defence system.
1972Science 19 May 819/1 The purpose of this conference is to define a comprehensive but balanced assessment of the risks, vulnerabilities, capabilities, and intentions for subversive disruption. 1978Time 3 July 36/3 ‘There is no doubt in my mind,’ he said, ‘that the U.S. is the most powerful country in the world.’ He admitted ‘concern’ about ‘vulnerabilities’ in NATO, but said he felt the U.S. could ‘outthink, outdesign and outperform the Soviets with the resources we have and the steady increases we are requesting’. |