Pleuroptera
(||Pleu*rop"te*ra) n. pl [NL., fr. Gr. side + wing.] (Zoöl.) A group of Isectivora, including the
colugo.
Pleurosigma
(||Pleu`ro*sig"ma) n. [NL. See Pleuro-, and Sigma.] (Bot.) A genus of diatoms of elongated
elliptical shape, but having the sides slightly curved in the form of a letter S. Pleurosigma angulatum
has very fine striations, and is a favorite object for testing the high powers of microscopes.
Pleurosteon
(||Pleu*ros"te*on) n.; pl. L. Pleurostea E. -ons [NL., fr. Gr. a rib + a bone.] (Anat.) The
antero- lateral piece which articulates the sternum of birds.
Pleurothotonus
(||Pleu`ro*thot"o*nus) n. [NL., fr. Gr. pleyro`qen from the side + to`nos a stretching.]
(Med.) A species of tetanus, in which the body is curved laterally. Quain. Dunglison.
Pleurotoma
(||Pleu*rot"o*ma) n.; pl. L. Pleurotomæ E. Pleurotomas [NL., fr. Gr. the side + tomh`
a cut.] (Zoöl.) Any marine gastropod belonging to Pleurotoma, and ether allied genera of the family
Pleurotmidæ. The species are very numerous, especially in tropical seas. The outer lip has usually a
posterior notch or slit.
Plevin
(Plev"in) n. [OF. plevine. See Replevin.] A warrant or assurance. [Obs.]
Plexiform
(Plex"i*form) a. [Plexus + -form: cf. F. Plexiforme.] Like network; complicated. Quincy.
Pleximeter
(Plex*im"e*ter) n. [Gr. stroke, percussion (from to strike) + -meter.] (Med.) A small, hard,
elastic plate, as of ivory, bone, or rubber, placed in contact with body to receive the blow, in examination
by mediate percussion. [Written also plexometer.]
Plexure
(Plex"ure) n. [See Plexus.] The act or process of weaving together, or interweaving; that which
is woven together. H. Brooke.
Plexus
(Plex"us) n.; pl. L. Plexus, E. Plexuses [L., a twining, braid, fr. plectere, plexum, to twine,
braid.]
1. (Anat.) A network of vessels, nerves, or fibers.
2. (Math.) The system of equations required for the complete expression of the relations which exist
between a set of quantities. Brande & C.
Pley
(Pley) v. & n. See Play. [Obs.] Chaucer.
Pley
(Pley) a. Full See Plein. [Obs.] Chaucer.
Pleyt
(Pleyt) n. (Naut.) An old term for a river boat.
Pliability
(Pli`a*bil"i*ty) n. The quality or state of being pliable; flexibility; as, pliability of disposition. "Pliability
of movement." Sir W. Scott.
Pliable
(Pli"a*ble) a. [F., fr. plier to bend, to fold. See Ply, v.]
1. Capable of being plied, turned, or bent; easy to be bent; flexible; pliant; supple; limber; yielding; as, willow
is a pliable plant.
2. Flexible in disposition; readily yielding to influence, arguments, persuasion, or discipline; easy to be
persuaded; — sometimes in a bad sense; as, a pliable youth. "Pliable she promised to be." Dr. H. More.
— Pli"a*ble*ness, n. — Pli"a*bly, adv.
