| 释义 |
damp
I. \ˈdamp, ˈdaa(ə)mp, ˈdaimp\ noun
(-s)
Etymology: Middle Dutch or Middle Low German, vapor; akin to Old High German damph vapor, demphen to cause to steam, Middle High German dampf, tampf vapor, dimpfen to steam, smoke, Old English dim — more at dim
1. : a noxious or stifling gas or vapor; especially : such a gas occurring in coal mines — usually used in pl; compare blackdamp, firedamp
2. obsolete : a dazed or stupefied state : stupor, insensibility
3. : moisture:
a. : dampness, humidity
< damp-resisting flour >
< that old hostel, rotting down with damp and time — John Galsworthy >
b. archaic : fog, mist
4.
a. : discouragement, check, damper
< no sentiment of shame gave a damp to her triumph — Jane Austen >
< uncertainties that cast a damp upon trade >
b. archaic : a depression or dejection of mind or spirit
< a secret damp of grief comes o'er my soul — Joseph Addison >
5. : a period of humid weather favorable for the moistening and softening of cured tobacco so that it can be handled
II. verb
(-ed/-ing/-s)
transitive verb
1.
a. : to affect with or as if with a noxious gas or vapor : choke, stifle, extinguish
b. : to check combustion in (a furnace) while keeping the fire alive:
(1) : to cover (a fire in a furnace) with damp coal, ashes, or cinders to diminish the generation of heat or steam
(2) : to stop (a blast) by closing up all the openings in a blast furnace — usually used with down
c.
(1) : to diminish progressively the vibration or oscillation of (as a string or voltage)
(2) : to provide (as piano strings) with dampers
2. : check, restrain
< nothing could damp his enthusiasm — George Meredith >
: retard
< the demand may be damped by increases in costs — M.D.Ketchum >
: depress
< nothing could damp him — even years of failure — Robert Westerby >
3. obsolete : to make (mental powers) stupid or dull : daze
4. : to make damp : moisten
< felt the sweat … damping the palms of his hands — Marcia Davenport >
specifically : to sprinkle (laundry work) with water and fold for the ironers — usually used with down
intransitive verb
1. : to become damp
2. : to diminish progressively in extent of vibration or oscillation
< the wave damped out >
III. adjective
(-er/-est)
1. obsolete : belonging to or having the characteristics of a noxious gas or vapor
2.
a. archaic : dazed, stupefied
b. : having or showing lack of vitality or dejection of spirits : depressed, dull
< the thoughtful expression of a serious able musician, but I thought it a bit damp — New Yorker >
< their meandering witless conversations and their damp love affairs — Time >
3. : slightly or moderately wet : moist, humid
< damp weather >
< a damp day >
< wipe with a damp sponge >
Synonyms: see wet |