| LBO |
abbreviation of "leveraged buyout," the takeover of a corporation by a group of investors using borrowed money that is secured by the assets of the corporation being acquired. |
| lbs. |
abbreviation of "pounds," a plural form of "pound." |
| l.c. |
abbreviation of "lowercase." |
| LCD |
abbreviation of "liquid crystal display," a device that employs a film of transparent liquid crystals that become opaque when electrified, so that the pattern of opaque and transparent crystals can form letters or numbers, as in electronic watches, calculators, and the like. |
| L-dopa |
a synthetic substance that converts to dopamine in the brain, used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. |
| lea |
an open, usu. grassy piece of land; meadow. |
| leach |
to extract (soluble matter) by means of a percolating liquid. [9 definitions] |
| leachable |
combined form of leach. |
| lead1 |
to conduct or give direction to; guide. [20 definitions] |
| lead2 |
a chemical element that has eighty-two protons in each nucleus and that occurs in pure form as a very dense, malleable bluish gray metal used in many applications requiring high density, such as radiation shielding, shot, and weights. (symbol: Pb) [10 definitions] |
| lead a dog's life |
to have a life of misery and trouble. |
| leaden |
not easily moved; heavy. [4 definitions] |
| leader |
one that leads. [4 definitions] |
| leaderless |
combined form of leader. |
| leadership |
the abilities or qualities, such as confidence, courage, and sound judgement, that make one a leader. [3 definitions] |
| lead glass |
a brilliant optical glass containing lead oxide, characterized by high refraction and low dispersion; flint glass; crystal. |
| lead-in |
an introductory statement or segment, esp. in a television performance or program. [3 definitions] |
| leading |
highest in rank or most important; principal; main. [3 definitions] |
| leading edge |
the front edge of an airfoil, propeller blade, or sail that faces the wind or direction of motion. [2 definitions] |
| leading light |
an influential or guiding member, as of a community, club, or the like. |
| leading question |
a question worded in such a way as to suggest the correct or desired answer. |