less
1. less \'les\ aj [ME, partly fr. OE l-s, adv. & n.; partly fr. l B-ssa, adj.; akin to OFris le-s less, Gk limos hunger 1: FEWER {~ than three} 2: of lower rank, degree, or importance {no ~ a person than the pr esident himself} 3a: SMALLER, SLIGHTER 3b: more limited in quantity {in ~ time} 2. less av : to a lesser extent or degree 3. less pp : diminished by : MINUS 4. less n or less pl 1: a smaller portion or quantity 2: something of less importance