corner

I. noun Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French cornere, from corne horn Date: 13th century 1. a. the point where converging lines, edges, or sides meet ; angle b. the place of intersection of two streets or roads c. a piece designed to form, mark, or protect a corner 2. the angular part or space between meeting lines, edges, or borders near the vertex of the angle <

the southwest corner of the state

> <

the corners of the tablecloth

>: as a. the area of a playing field or court near the intersection of the sideline and the goal line or baseline b. (1) either of the four angles of a boxing ring; especially the area in which a boxer rests or is worked on by his seconds during periods between rounds (2) a group of supporters, well-wishers, or adherents associated especially with a contestant c. the side of home plate nearest to or farthest from a batter <

a fast ball over the outside corner

> d. corner kick e. (1) the outside of a football formation (2) cornerback 3. a. a private, secret, or remote place <

a quiet corner of New England

> <

to every corner of the earth

> <

dark corners of the mind

> b. a difficult or embarrassing situation ; a position from which escape or retreat is difficult or impossible <

was backed into a corner

> 4. control or ownership of enough of the available supply of a commodity or security especially to permit manipulation of the price 5. a point at which significant change occurs — often used in the phrase turn the corner • cornered adjective II. adjective Date: 13th century 1. situated at a corner <

the corner drugstore

> 2. used or fitted for use in or on a corner <

a corner table

> III. verb Date: 1824 transitive verb 1. a. to drive into a corner <

the animal is dangerous when cornered

> b. to catch and hold the attention of especially to force an interview 2. to get a corner on <

corner the market

> intransitive verb 1. to meet or converge at a corner or angle 2. to turn a corner <

the car corners well

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