foul
1foul
adj \ˈfau̇(-ə)l\Definition of FOUL
1
a : offensive to the senses : loathsome b : filled or covered with offensive matter
2
: full of dirt or mud
3
a : morally or spiritually odious : detestable <a foul crime> b : notably unpleasant or distressing : wretched, horrid <in a foul mood>
5
a : being wet and stormy b : obstructive to navigation <a foul tide>
7
a : treacherous, dishonorable <fair means or foul> b : constituting an infringement of rules in a game or sport <a foul blow in boxing>
8
: containing marked-up corrections <a foul manuscript> <foul proofs>
9
: encrusted, clogged, or choked with a foreign substance <the chimney was foul and smoked badly>
10
: being odorous and impure : polluted <foul air>
11
: placed in a situation that impedes physical movement : entangled
12
: being outside the foul lines in baseball
— foul·ly \ˈfau̇(l)-lē\ adverb
— foul·ness noun
See Examples of FOUL
- the foul odor of rotten eggs
- The medicine left a foul taste in my mouth.
- The weather has been foul all week.
Origin of FOUL
Middle English, from Old English fūl; akin to Old High German fūl rotten, Latin pus pus, putēre to stink, Greek pyon pus
First Known Use: before 12th century
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