ˈfaɪnl adj. & n. --adj. 1 situated at
the end,
coming last. 2
conclusive,
decisive,
unalterable, putting an end to
doubt. 3
concerned with the
purpose or end aimed
at. --n. 1 the last or deciding
heat or game in sports or in a
competition (Cup Final). 2 the
edition of a
newspaper published latest in the
day. 3 (usu. in pl.) the
series of examinations at the end of a
degree course. 4 Mus. the
principal note in
any mode. øfinal
cause Philos. the end
towards which a
thing naturally develops or at which an
action aims. final
clause Gram. a clause expressing purpose, introduced by in
order that,
lest, etc. final
drive the last
part of the
transmission system in a
motor vehicle. final
solution the
Nazi policy (1941-5) of exterminating
European Jews. øøfinally adv. [ME f. OF or f. L finalis f.
finis end]