nəut n. & v. --n. 1 a
brief record of facts, topics, thoughts,
etc., as an
aid to
memory,
for use in
writing,
public speaking, etc. (often in
pl.:
make notes; spoke
without notes). 2 an
observation, usu.
unwritten, of experiences etc. (compare notes). 3 a
short or
informal letter. 4 a
formal diplomatic or
parliamentary communication. 5 a short annotation or
additional explanation in a
book etc.; a
footnote. 6 a
Brit. =
BANKNOTE (a five-pound note). b a
written promise or
notice of
payment of
various kinds. 7 a notice,
attention (worthy of note). b
distinction,
eminence (a
person of note). 8 a a written
sign representing
the pitch
and duration of a
musical sound. b a
single tone of
definite pitch
made by a musical
instrument, the
human voice, etc. c a key of a piano etc. 9 a a bird's
song or
call. b a single tone in
this. 10 a
quality or tone of speaking, expressing mood or
attitude etc. (sound a note of
warning; ended on a note of optimism). 11 a
characteristic; a distinguishing
feature. --v.tr. 1
observe, notice;
give or
draw attention
to. 2 (often foll. by down) record as a
thing to be remembered or observed. 3 (in
passive;
often foll. by for) be
famous or well
known (for a quality,
activity, etc.) (were noted for
their generosity). øhit (or strike) the
right note
speak or
act in
exactly the right
manner. of note
important,
distinguished (a person of note).
take note (often foll. by of) observe; pay attention (to). øønoted adj. (in
sense 3 of v.). noteless adj. [ME f. OF note (n.), noter (v.) f. L nota mark]
