Толковый словарь английского языка Oxford English Reference - or

abbr. 1 operational research. 2 US Oregon (in official postal use). 3 other ranks. OR 1. conj. 1 a introducing the second of two alternatives (white or black). b introducing all but the first, or only the last, of any number of alternatives (white or grey or black; white, grey, or black). 2 (often prec. by either) introducing the only remaining possibility or choice given (take it or leave it; either come in or go out). 3 (prec. by whether) introducing the second part of an indirect question or conditional clause (ask him whether he was there or not; must go whether I like or dislike it). 4 introducing a synonym or explanation of a preceding word etc. (suffered from vertigo or giddiness). 5 introducing a significant afterthought (he must know - or is he bluffing?). 6 = or else (run or you'll be late). 7 poet. each of two; either (or in the heart or in the head). Phrases and idioms not A or B not A, and also not B. one or two (or two or three etc.) colloq. a few. or else 1 otherwise (do it now, or else you will have to do it tomorrow). 2 colloq. expressing a warning or threat (hand over the money or else). or rather introducing a rephrasing or qualification of a preceding statement etc. (he was there, or rather I heard that he was). or so (after a quantity or a number) or thereabouts (send me ten or so). Etymology: reduced form of obs. other conj. (which superseded OE oththe or), of uncert. orig. 2. n. & adj. Heraldry --n. a gold or yellow colour. --adj. (usu. following noun) gold or yellow (a crescent or). Etymology: F f. L aurum gold OR 1. suffix forming nouns denoting a person or thing performing the action of a verb, or an agent more generally (actor; escalator; tailor) (see also -ATOR, -ITOR). Etymology: L -or, -ator, etc., sometimes via AF -eour, OF -{euml}or, -{euml}ur 2. suffix forming nouns denoting state or condition (error; horror). Etymology: L -or -oris, sometimes via (or after) OF -or, -ur 3. suffix forming adjectives with comparative sense (major; senior). Etymology: AF -our f. L -or 4. suffix US = -OUR(1).