figure meaning and definition

FIGURE noun

Definition of figure (noun)

1. a diagram or picture illustrating textual material
   • "the area covered can be seen from Figure 2"
   • synonyms: fig
2. 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: anatomy, bod, build, chassis, flesh, form, frame, human body, material body, physical body, physique, shape, soma
3. one of the elements that collectively form a system of numeration
   • "0 and 1 are digits"
   • synonyms: digit
4. a model of a bodily form (especially of a person)
   • "he made a figure of Santa Claus"
5. a well-known or notable person
   • "they studied all the great names in the history of France"; "she is an important figure in modern music"
   • synonyms: name, public figure
6. a combination of points and lines and planes that form a visible palpable shape
7. an amount of money expressed numerically
   • "a figure of $17 was suggested"
8. the impression produced by a person
   • "he cut a fine figure"; "a heroic figure"
9. the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals
   • "he had a number of chores to do"; "the number of parameters is small"; "the figure was about a thousand"
   • synonyms: number
10. language used in a figurative or nonliteral sense
    • synonyms: figure of speech, image, trope
11. a unitary percept having structure and coherence that is the object of attention and that stands out against a ground
    • antonym: ground
12. a decorative or artistic work
    • "the coach had a design on the doors"
    • synonyms: design, pattern
13. a predetermined set of movements in dancing or skating
    • "she made the best score on compulsory figures"

FIGURE verb

Definition of figure (verb)

1. judge to be probable
   • synonyms: calculate, count on, estimate, forecast, reckon
2. be or play a part of or in
   • "Elections figure prominently in every government program"; "How do the elections figure in the current pattern of internal politics?"
   • synonyms: enter
3. imagine; conceive of; see in one's mind
   • "I can't see him on horseback!"; "I can see what will happen"; "I can see a risk in this strategy"
   • synonyms: envision, fancy, image, picture, project, see, visualise, visualize
4. make a mathematical calculation or computation
   • synonyms: calculate, cipher, compute, cypher, reckon, work out
5. understand
   • "He didn't figure her"