GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 2 definitions

  1.       
    Induce (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Induced (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Inducing (?).] [L. inducere, inductum; pref. in- in + ducere to lead. See Duke, and cf. Induct.]

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    1. To lead in; to introduce. [Obs.]

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    The poet may be seen inducing his personages in the first Iliad. Pope.

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    2. To draw on; to overspread. [A Latinism] Cowper.

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    3. To lead on; to influence; to prevail on; to incite; to persuade; to move by persuasion or influence. Shak.

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    He is not obliged by your offer to do it, . . . though he may be induced, persuaded, prevailed upon, tempted. Paley.

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    Let not the covetous desire of growing rich induce you to ruin your reputation. Dryden.

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    4. To bring on; to effect; to cause; as, “a fever induced by fatigue or exposure; anaphylactic shock induced by exposure to a allergen”.

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    Sour things induces a contraction in the nerves. Bacon.

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    5. (Physics) To produce, or cause, by proximity without contact or transmission, as a particular electric or magnetic condition in a body, by the approach of another body in an opposite electric or magnetic state.

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    6. (Logic) To generalize or conclude as an inference from all the particulars; -- the opposite of deduce.


    7. (Genetics, Biochemistry) To cause the expression of (a gene or gene product) by affecting a transcription control element on the genome, either by inhibiting a negative control or by activating a positive control; to derepress; as, “lactose induces the production of beta-galactosidase in Eschericia coli.”.

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    Syn. -- To move; instigate; urge; impel; incite; press; influence; actuate.

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  2.       
    induced adj. brought about or caused; not spontaneous; as, “a case of steroid-induced weakness”.   Contrasted to spontaneous. [Narrower terms: elicited, evoked ]

    [WordNet 1.5]