brace
brace Lexical Profile
brace Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A device that clamps things together or holds and supports them in position, such as a structural beam or an orthopedic support for a weak joint.
"The physical therapist recommended that she wear a knee brace for six weeks to stabilize the ligament."
A wire device fitted in the mouth by an orthodontist to straighten crooked teeth (usually used in the plural).
"Many teenagers wear dental braces for a year or two to correct their bite and align their teeth."
Either of the two typographical marks { and }, used to connect lines of text or music, or to enclose mathematical sets and programming code.
"In many programming languages, curly braces are used to define the beginning and end of a block of code."
A pair of two things of the same kind, especially game birds or hounds, or two goals scored by one player in a single soccer match.
"The striker scored a second-half brace to secure a decisive victory for his club."
A hand tool with a cranked handle and a socket for holding a bit, used for boring holes in wood.
"The carpenter used a traditional hand brace and bit to drill clean holes into the oak beam."
• verb
To prepare oneself or someone else for something difficult, unpleasant, or forceful.
"Coastal residents were urged to brace for heavy winds and flooding ahead of the approaching hurricane."
To make a structure stronger or firmer with wood, iron, or other forms of support.
"Engineers had to brace the aging bridge with additional steel girders to ensure its safety."
To press one's body or part of one's body firmly against a surface in order to stay balanced or avoid falling.
"He had to brace his feet against the bulkhead as the fishing boat pitched in the rough waves."
Word Nuance & Usage
When referring to a pair of things (especially game birds), the plural of 'brace' often remains 'brace' after a number (e.g., 'three brace of pheasants'). In British English, the plural 'braces' commonly refers to straps worn over the shoulders to hold up trousers (called 'suspenders' in American English).
• Rhymes for brace
Word Origin & Etymology
Entered Middle English from Old French 'brace' (meaning 'the two arms'), which derives from the Latin plural 'brachia' ('arms'), ultimately from Ancient Greek 'brakhion' ('arm').