shape

Noun · Verb

Synonyms: form configuration contour conformation human body physical body material body soma build figure physique anatomy

WordNet 3.0

Noun (8)

any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline)“he could barely make out their shapes”Synonyms: form configuration contour conformation
the spatial arrangement of something as distinct from its substance“geometry is the mathematical science of shape”Synonyms: form
alternative names for the body of a human being“Leonardo studied the human body”“he has a strong physique”“the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak”Synonyms: human body physical body material body soma build figure physique anatomy bod chassis frame form flesh
a concrete representation of an otherwise nebulous concept“a circle was the embodiment of his concept of life”Synonyms: embodiment
the visual appearance of something or someone“the delicate cast of his features”Synonyms: form cast
the state of (good) health (especially in the phrases `in condition' or `in shape' or `out of condition' or `out of shape')Synonyms: condition
the supreme headquarters that advises NATO on military matters and oversees all aspects of the Allied Command EuropeSynonyms: Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe SHAPE
a perceptual structure“the composition presents problems for students of musical form”“a visual pattern must include not only objects but the spaces between them”Synonyms: form pattern

Verb (3)

shape or influence; give direction to“experience often determines ability”“mold public opinion”Synonyms: determine mold influence regulate
make something, usually for a specific function“She molded the rice balls carefully”“Form cylinders from the dough”“shape a figure”“Work the metal into a sword”Synonyms: form work mold mould forge
give shape or form to“shape the dough”“form the young child's character”Synonyms: form

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Shape \Shape\ (sh[=a]p), v. t. [imp. Shaped (sh[=a]pt); p. p. Shaped or Shapen (sh[=a]p"'n); p. pr. & vb. n. Shaping.] [OE. shapen, schapen, AS. sceapian. The p. p. shapen is from the strong verb, AS. scieppan, scyppan, sceppan, p. p. sceapen. See Shape, n.]

1.To form or create; especially, to mold or make into a particular form; to give proper form or figure to. [1913 Webster]

I was shapen in iniquity.— Ps. li. 5.[1913 Webster]

Grace shaped her limbs, and beauty decked her face.— Prior.[1913 Webster]

2.To adapt to a purpose; to regulate; to adjust; to direct; as, to shape the course of a vessel. [1913 Webster]

To the stream, when neither friends, nor force, Nor speed nor art avail, he shapes his course.— Denham.[1913 Webster]

Charmed by their eyes, their manners I acquire, And shape my foolishness to their desire.— Prior.[1913 Webster]

3.To imagine; to conceive; to call forth (ideas). [archaic] [1913 Webster]

Oft my jealousy Shapes faults that are not.— Shak.[1913 Webster]

4.To design; to prepare; to plan; to arrange. [1913 Webster]

When shapen was all this conspiracy, From point to point.— Chaucer.[1913 Webster]

Shaping machine. (Mach.) Same as Shaper.

To shape one's self, to prepare; to make ready. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]

I will early shape me therefor.— Chaucer.[1913 Webster]

Shape \Shape\, v. i. To suit; to be adjusted or conformable. [R.] --Shak. [1913 Webster]

Shape \Shape\, n. [OE. shap, schap, AS. sceap in gesceap creation, creature, fr. the root of scieppan, scyppan, sceppan, to shape, to do, to effect; akin to OS. giskeppian, OFries. skeppa, D. scheppen, G. schaffen, OHG. scaffan, scepfen, skeffen, Icer. skapa, skepja, Dan. skabe, skaffe, Sw. skapa, skaffa, Goth. gaskapjan, and perhaps to E. shave, v. Cf. -ship.]

1.Character or construction of a thing as determining its external appearance; outward aspect; make; figure; form; guise; as, the shape of a tree; the shape of the head; an elegant shape. [1913 Webster]

He beat me grievously, in the shape of a woman.— Shak.[1913 Webster]

2.That which has form or figure; a figure; an appearance; a being. [1913 Webster]

Before the gates three sat, On either side, a formidable shape.— Milton.[1913 Webster]

3.A model; a pattern; a mold. [1913 Webster]

4.Form of embodiment, as in words; form, as of thought or conception; concrete embodiment or example, as of some quality. --Milton. [1913 Webster]

5.Dress for disguise; guise. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]

Look better on this virgin, and consider This Persian shape laid by, and she appearing In a Greekish dress.— Messinger.[1913 Webster]

6.(Iron Manuf.) (a) A rolled or hammered piece, as a bar, beam, angle iron, etc., having a cross section different from merchant bar. (b) A piece which has been roughly forged nearly to the form it will receive when completely forged or fitted. [1913 Webster]

To take shape, to assume a definite form.