| fifth column |
a clandestine, subversive group working within its native country to betray it to an enemy force or nation. |
| fifth wheel |
a coupling structure, consisting of two rotating disks placed on the front axle of a cart or carriage, that supports the body while allowing it to turn, or a similar structure that acts as a coupling between the cab and trailer on a tractor-trailer. [2 definitions] |
| fiftieth |
indicating rank or position between forty-ninth and fifty-first. [3 definitions] |
| fifty |
the number represented by the Arabic numeral 50 and by the Roman numeral L. [5 definitions] |
| fifty-fifty |
shared equally by two. [3 definitions] |
| fig |
any of several broad-leafed trees native to the Mediterranean that bear oblong or pear-shaped soft fruit having many small seeds, or the fruit itself. [3 definitions] |
| fig. |
abbreviation of "figure." [2 definitions] |
| figeater |
see "June bug." |
| fight |
a battle, struggle, or angry disagreement. [9 definitions] |
| fighter |
a boxer. [3 definitions] |
| fighting chance |
a slight possibility of victory or success if great effort is exerted. |
| fightorflight response |
activation of the sympathetic nervous system that occurs in response to a perceived harmful event and readies the body for action. |
| figment |
something imaginary or invented. |
| figuration |
the act of forming something into a particular figure, or the resulting figure. [3 definitions] |
| figurative |
not meant to be interpreted in a literal way; metaphorical. [3 definitions] |
| figure |
a number or other written symbol other than a letter of the alphabet. [16 definitions] |
| figured |
shaped, formed, or fashioned. [3 definitions] |
| figurehead |
the titular head of an organization who has no real power. [2 definitions] |
| figure of speech |
an expression, such as a metaphor, hyperbole, or simile, that uses words in a nonliteral, unusual, or intensive manner to produce a certain effect; trope. |
| figure on |
to take (something) into consideration; expect; plan for. |
| figure out |
to find an answer to a problem or puzzling question by using the power of the mind. |