at

I. preposition Etymology: Middle English, from Old English æt; akin to Old High German az at, Latin ad Date: before 12th century 1. — used as a function word to indicate presence or occurrence in, on, or near <

staying at a hotel

> <

at a party

> <

sick at heart

> 2. — used as a function word to indicate the goal of an indicated or implied action or motion <

aim at the target

> <

creditors are at him again

> 3. — used as a function word to indicate that with which one is occupied or employed <

at work

> <

at the controls

> <

good at chess

> 4. — used as a function word to indicate situation in an active or passive state or condition <

at liberty

> <

at rest

> 5. — used as a function word to indicate the means, cause, or manner <

sold at auction

> <

laughed at my joke

> <

act at your own discretion

> 6. a. — used as a function word to indicate the rate, degree, or position in a scale or series <

the temperature at 90

> <

at first

> b. — used as a function word to indicate age or position in time <

will retire at 65

> II. noun also att (plural at; also att) Etymology: Lao Date: 1955 — see kip at money table III. abbreviation 1. airtight 2. atmosphere 3. atomic