Rationalize
(Ra"tion*al*ize) v. t.
1. To make rational; also, to convert to rationalism.
2. To interpret in the manner of a rationalist.
3. To form a rational conception of.
4. (Alg.) To render rational; to free from radical signs or quantities.
Rationalize
(Ra"tion*al*ize), v. i. To use, and rely on, reason in forming a theory, belief, etc., especially
in matters of religion: to accord with the principles of rationalism.
Theodore . . . is justly considered the chief rationalizing doctor of antiquity.
J. H. Newman. Rationally
(Ra"tion*al*ly), adv. In a rational manner.
Rationalness
(Ra"tion*al*ness), n. The quality or state of being rational; rationality.
Ratitæ
(||Ra*ti"tæ) n. pl. [NL., fr. L. ratis a raft; cf. L. ratitus marked with the figure of a raft.] (Zoöl.) An
order of birds in which the wings are small, rudimentary, or absent, and the breastbone is destitute of a
keel. The ostrich, emu, moa, and apteryx are examples.
Ratitate
(Rat"i*tate) a. (Zoöl.) Of or pertaining to the Ratitæ.
Ratite
(Rat"ite) a. (Zoöl.) Of or pertaining to the Ratitæ. - - n. One of the Ratitæ.
Ratlines
(Rat"lines, Rat"lins) n. pl. [Of uncertain origin.] (Naut.) The small transverse ropes attached
to the shrouds and forming the steps of a rope ladder. [Written also ratlings, and rattlings.] Totten.
Raton
(Rat"on) n. [Cf. Raccoon.] A small rat. [Obs.] Piers Plowman.
Ratoon
(Ra*toon") n.
1. Same as Rattoon, n.
2. A rattan cane. [Obs.] Pepys.
Ratoon
(Ra*toon"), v. i. Same as Rattoon, v. i.
Ratsbane
(Rats"bane`) n. [Rat + bane.] Rat poison; white arsenic.
Ratsbaned
(Rats"baned`) a. Poisoned by ratsbane.
Rat-tail
(Rat"-tail`) a. Like a rat's tail in form; as, a rat-tail file, which is round, slender, and tapering.
See Illust. of File.
Rat-tail
(Rat"-tail`), n.
1. (Far.) pl. An excrescence growing from the pastern to the middle of the shank of a horse.
2. (Zoöl.) (a) The California chimæra. See Chimæra. (b) Any fish of the genus Macrurus. See Grenadier,
2.
Rat-tailed
(Rat"-tailed`) a. (Zoöl.) Having a long, tapering tail like that of a rat.
