Webster's English Dictionary

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method

meth.od \'meth-*d\ n [MF or L; MF methode, fr. L methodus, fr. Gk methodos, 
   fr. Xmeta- + hodos way - more at CEDE 1: a procedure or process for 
   attaining an object : as  1a1: a discipline that deals with the principles 
   and techniques of scientif ic inquiry 1a2: a systematic procedure, 
   technique, or mode of inquiry employed by or p roper to a particular 
   discipline or art 1a3: a systematic plan followed in presenting material 
   for instruction  1b1: a way, technique, or process of or for doing 
   something  1b2: a body of skills or techniques  2a: orderly arrangement, 
   development, or classification : PLAN  2b: the habitual practice of 
   orderliness and regularity MSYSTEM denote the means taken or procedure 
   followed in achieving an end. METHOD implies an orderly logical effective 
   arrangement usu. in steps; MODE implies an order or course followed by 
   custom, tradition, or personal preference; MANNER is close to MODE but may 
   imply a procedure or method that is individual or distinctive; WAY may be 
   used for any of the preceding words with more expressive or intimate 
   effect; FASHION may be a less formal equivalent to MODE or it may connote 
   something more superficial or ephemeral that WAY; SYSTEM suggests a fully 
   developed or carefully formulated method often emphasizing the idea of 
   rational orderliness SYN syn METHOD, MODE, MANNER, WAY, FASHION,