move|ment

move|ment «MOOV muhnt», noun.

1. the act or fact of moving: »

We run by movements of the legs. Sometimes he binds his limbs with rope so that reflex movements will not jar his hand (Newsweek).

SYNONYM(S): move, action, stir. See syn. under motion. (Cf. ↑motion)

2. a change in the placing of troops or ships, especially as part of a tactical maneuver.

3. the moving parts of a machine or mechanism; special group of parts that move on each other. The movement of a watch consists of many little wheels.

4. Music. a) the kind of rhythm and speed a piece has: »

The movement of a waltz is very different from the movement of a march.

b) one division of a sonata, symphony, concerto, or other long selection. One movement is distinguished from the others by tempo and by melodic and rhythmical structure.

5. Figurative. rhythmical or accentual structure or character in poetry.

6. Figurative. the suggestion of action in a painting or sculpture.

7. abundance of incidents; action.

8. the efforts and results of a group of people working together to bring about some one thing: »

the movement for a safe and sane Fourth of July.

9. a notable change in the price of something.

10. activity in the market for some commodity, stock, or other security: »

The movement in coffee is insignificant.

11. a) an emptying of the bowels. b) the waste matter emptied from the bowels.