frame Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the framework for a pair of eyeglasses
  2. noun a single one of a series of still transparent pictures forming a cinema, television or video film
  3. noun alternative names for the body of a human being
    form; figure; flesh; soma; physique; material body; anatomy; shape; chassis; build; human body; physical body; bod.
    • Leonardo studied the human body
    • he has a strong physique
    • the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak
  4. noun (baseball) one of nine divisions of play during which each team has a turn at bat
    inning.
  5. noun a single drawing in a comic_strip
  6. noun an application that divides the user's display into two or more windows that can be scrolled independently
  7. noun a system of assumptions and standards that sanction behavior and give it meaning
    frame of reference.
  8. noun the hard structure (bones and cartilages) that provides a frame for the body of an animal
    skeletal system; systema skeletale; skeleton.
  9. noun the internal supporting structure that gives an artifact its shape
    underframe; skeleton; skeletal frame.
    • the building has a steel skeleton
  10. noun a framework that supports and protects a picture or a mirror
    framing.
    • the frame enhances but is not itself the subject of attention
    • the frame was much more valuable than the miror it held
  11. noun one of the ten divisions into which bowling is divided
  12. verb enclose in or as if in a frame
    frame in; border.
    • frame a picture
  13. verb enclose in a frame, as of a picture
  14. verb take or catch as if in a snare or trap
    entrap; ensnare; set up.
    • I was set up!
    • The innocent man was framed by the police
  15. verb formulate in a particular style or language
    put; redact; couch; cast.
    • I wouldn't put it that way
    • She cast her request in very polite language
  16. verb make up plans or basic details for
    draw up; compose.
    • frame a policy
  17. verb construct by fitting or uniting parts together
    frame up.

WordNet

Frame transitive verb
Etymology
OE. framen, fremen, to execute, build, AS. fremman to further, perform, effect, fr. fram strong, valiant; akin to E. foremost, and prob. to AS. fram from, Icel. fremja, frama, to further, framr forward, G. fromm worthy, excellent, pious. See Foremost, From, and cf. Furnish.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Framed ; present participle & verbal noun Framing
Definitions
  1. (Arch. & Engin.) To construct by fitting and uniting the several parts of the skeleton of any structure; specifically, in woodwork, to put together by cutting parts of one member to fit parts of another. See Dovetail, Halve, v. t., Miter, Tenon, Tooth, Tusk, Scarf, and Splice.
  2. To originate; to plan; to devise; to contrive; to compose; in a bad sense, to invent or fabricate, as something false.
    How many excellent reasonings are framed in the mind of a man of wisdom and study in a length of years. I. Watts.
  3. To fit to something else, or for some specific end; to adjust; to regulate; to shape; to conform.
    And frame my face to all occasions. Shak.
    We may in some measure frame our minds for the reception of happiness. Landor.
    The human mind is framed to be influenced. I. Taylor.
  4. To cause; to bring about; to produce. Obs.
    Fear frames disorder, and disorder wounds. Shak.
  5. To support. Obs. & R.
    That on a staff his feeble steps did frame. Spenser.
  6. To provide with a frame, as a picture.
Frame intransitive verb
Definitions
  1. To shape; to arrange, as the organs of speech. Obs. Judg. xii. 6.
  2. To proceed; to go. Obs.
    The bauty of this sinful dame Made many princes thither frame. Shak.
Frame noun
Definitions
  1. Anything composed of parts fitted and united together; a fabric; a structure; esp., the constructional system, whether of timber or metal, that gives to a building, vessel, etc., its model and strength; the skeleton of a structure.
    These are thy glorius works, Parent of good, Almighty! thine this universal frame. Milton.
  2. The bodily structure; physical constitution; make or build of a person.
    Some bloody passion shakes your very frame. Shak.
    No frames could be strong enough to endure it. Prescott.
  3. A kind of open case or structure made for admitting, inclosing, or supporting things, as that which incloses or contains a window, door, picture, etc.; that on which anything is held or stretched; as: (a) The skeleton structure which supports the boiler and machinery of a locomotive upon its wheels. (b) (Founding) A molding box or flask, which being filled with sand serves as a mold for castings. (c) The ribs and stretchers of an umbrella or other structure with a fabric covering. (d) A structure of four bars, adjustable in size, on which cloth, etc., is stretched for quilting, embroidery, etc. (e) (Hort.) A glazed portable structure for protecting young plants from frost. (f) (Print.) A stand to support the type cases for use by the compositor.
  4. (Mach.) A term applied, especially in England, to certain machines built upon or within framework; as, a stocking frame; lace frame; spinning frame, etc.
  5. Form; shape; proportion; scheme; structure; constitution; system; as, a frameof government.
    She that hath a heart of that fine frame To pay this debt of love but to a brother. Shak.
    Put your discourse into some frame. Shak.
  6. Particular state or disposition, as of the mind; humor; temper; mood; as, to be always in a happy frame.
  7. Contrivance; the act of devising or scheming. Obs.
    John the bastard Whose spirits toil in frame of villainies. Shak.

Webster 1913