ˈhɪstərɪ n. (pl. -ies) 1 a
continuous, usu.
chronological,
record of
important or
public events. 2 a
the study of
past events,
esp.
human affairs. b the
total accumulation of past events, esp. relating to human affairs or to the accumulation of developments
connected with a
particular nation,
person,
thing, etc. (our
island history; the history of astronomy). 3 an
eventful past (this
house has a history). 4 a a
systematic or
critical account of or
research into a past
event or events etc. b a
similar record or account of
natural phenomena. 5 a
historical play. ømake history 1
influence the
course of history. 2 do
something memorable. [ME f. L historia f. Gk historia
finding out,
narrative, history f. histor
learned, wise
man, rel. to WIT(2)]