north

I. adverb Etymology: Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German nord north and perhaps to Greek nerteros lower, infernal Date: before 12th century to, toward, or in the north II. adjective Date: before 12th century 1. situated toward or at the north <

the north entrance

> 2. coming from the north <

a north wind

> III. noun Date: 13th century 1. a. the direction of the north terrestrial pole ; the direction to the left of one facing east b. the compass point directly opposite to south 2. capitalized a. regions or countries lying to the north of a specified or implied point of orientation b. the industrially and economically developed nations of the world — compare south 5 3. often capitalized a. the one of four positions at 90-degree intervals that lies to the north or at the top of a diagram b. a person occupying this position in the course of a specified activity (as the game of bridge)