figure figure /ˈfɪgjɝ/

noun

1. () A diagram or picture illustrating textual material  ( fig , figure )
   a diagram or picture illustrating textual material
    The area covered can be seen from Figure 2
   the area covered can be seen from Figure 2
   
2. () Alternative names for the body of a human being  ( bod , build , chassis , anatomy , human body , material body , physical body , physique , soma , figure , flesh , form , frame , shape )
   alternative names for the body of a human being
    Leonardo studied the human body
   Leonardo studied the human body
    He has a strong physique
   he has a strong physique
    The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak
   the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak
   
   
3. () One of the elements that collectively form a system of numeration  ( digit , figure )
   one of the elements that collectively form a system of numeration
    0 and 1 are digits
   0 and 1 are digits
   
4. () A model of a bodily form (especially of a person)  ( figure )
   a model of a bodily form (especially of a person)
    He made a figure of Santa Claus
   he made a figure of Santa Claus
   
5. () A well-known or notable person  ( public figure , name , figure )
   a well-known or notable person
    They studied all the great names in the history of France
   they studied all the great names in the history of France
    She is an important figure in modern music
   she is an important figure in modern music
   
   
6. () The impression produced by a person  ( figure )
   the impression produced by a person
    He cut a fine figure
   he cut a fine figure
    A heroic figure
   a heroic figure
   
7. () An amount of money expressed numerically  ( figure )
   an amount of money expressed numerically
    A figure of $17 was suggested
   a figure of $17 was suggested
   
8. () A combination of points and lines and planes that form a visible palpable shape  ( figure )
   a combination of points and lines and planes that form a visible palpable shape
     The mathematician studied the geometric figure, trying to prove a theorem.
   The mathematician studied the geometric figure, trying to prove a theorem.
   
9. () The property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals  ( figure , number )
   the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals
    The number of parameters is small
   the number of parameters is small
    The figure was about a thousand
   the figure was about a thousand
   
   
10. A predetermined set of movements in dancing or skating  ( figure )
    a predetermined set of movements in dancing or skating
     She made the best score on compulsory figures
    she made the best score on compulsory figures
    
11. A decorative or artistic work  ( figure , design , pattern )
    a decorative or artistic work
     The coach had a design on the doors
    the coach had a design on the doors
    
    
12. A unitary percept having structure and coherence that is the object of attention and that stands out against a ground  ( figure )
    a unitary percept having structure and coherence that is the object of attention and that stands out against a ground
    
13. Language used in a figurative or nonliteral sense  ( figure , trope , figure of speech , image )
    language used in a figurative or nonliteral sense
    

verb

1. () Judge to be probable  ( count on , forecast , calculate , estimate , figure , reckon )
   judge to be probable
     We need to calculate the total cost of the project before presenting it.
   We need to calculate the total cost of the project before presenting it.
   
2. () Be or play a part of or in  ( enter , figure )
   be or play a part of or in
    Elections figure prominently in every government program
   Elections figure prominently in every government program
    How do the elections figure in the current pattern of internal politics?
   How do the elections figure in the current pattern of internal politics?
   
3. () Imagine; conceive of; see in one's mind  ( image , project , visualise [British] , envision , fancy , figure , picture , see , visualize )
   imagine; conceive of; see in one's mind
    I can't see him on horseback!
   I can't see him on horseback!
    I can see what will happen
   I can see what will happen
    I can see a risk in this strategy
   I can see a risk in this strategy
   
4. () [ N. American] (mathematics) make a mathematical calculation or computation  ( cipher , cypher , work out , calculate , compute , figure [ N. American] , reckon )
   (mathematics) make a mathematical calculation or computation
     He used a calculator to calculate the complex equation.
   He used a calculator to calculate the complex equation.
   
5. () Understand  ( figure )
   understand
    He didn't figure her
   He didn't figure her