exercise: Meaning and Definition of

ex•er•cise

Pronunciation: (ek'sur-sīz"), [key]
— n., v., -cised, -cis•ing.
—n.
  1. bodily or mental exertion, esp. for the sake of training or improvement of health: Walking is good exercise.
  2. something done or performed as a means of practice or training: exercises for the piano.
  3. a putting into action, use, operation, or effect: the exercise of caution.
  4. a written composition, musical piece, or artistic work executed for practice or to illustrate a particular aspect of technique.
  5. Often,a traditional ceremony: graduation exercises.
  6. a religious observance or service.
—v.t.
  1. to put through exercises, or forms of practice or exertion, designed to train, develop, condition, or the like: to exercise a horse.
  2. to put (faculties, rights, etc.) into action, practice, or use: to exercise freedom of speech.
  3. to use or display in one's action or procedure: to exercise judgment.
  4. to make use of (one's privileges, powers, etc.): to exercise one's constitutional rights.
  5. to discharge (a function); perform: to exercise the duties of one's office.
  6. to have as an effect: to exercise an influence on someone.
  7. to worry; make uneasy; annoy: to be much exercised about one's health.
—v.i.
  1. to go through exercises; take bodily exercise.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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