lad´der|like´

lad|der «LAD uhr», noun, verb.

–n.

1. a set of rungs or steps fastened into two long sidepieces of wood, metal, or rope, for use in climbing: »

The boys climbed the rope ladder to get into their tree house.

2. Figurative. a means of climbing higher: »

Hard work is often a ladder to success.

3. Figurative: »

This company has an elaborate promotion ladder. The mathematician has reached the highest rung on the ladder of human thought (Havelock Ellis).

4. a series of steps to enable fish to ascend a fall or dam by a succession of leaps; fish ladder.

5. British. a run in a stocking or other knitted garment, especially a silk or nylon stocking.

–v.i., v.t.

British. to develop runs in (a knitted garment, such as a stocking) as the result of the breaking of a thread.

╂[Old English hl]

–lad´der|less, adjective.

–lad´der|like´, adjective.