top
1. top \'ta:p\ \'ta:pt\ n [ME, fr. OE; akin to OHG zopf tip, tuft of hair]
1a1: the highest point, level, or part of something : SUMMIT, CR OWN 1a2:
the head or top of the head - used esp. in the phrase top to toe)X 1a3: the
head of a plant and esp. one with edible roots {beet ~s } 1b1: the highest
or uppermost region or part 1b2: the upper end, edge, or surface 2: a
fitted, integral, or attached part or unit serving as an upper piece, lid,
or covering 3a: a platform surrounding the head of a lower mast that serves
to spread t he topmast rigging, strengthen the mast, and furnish a standing
place for men aloft 3b: a comparable part of the superstructure; esp : such
a part on a warship used as a fire-control station or antiaircraft gun
platform 4: the highest degree or pitch conceivable or attained : ACME, P
INNACLE 5a1: the highest position (as in rank or achievement) 5a2: a
person or thing at the top pl 5b: aces and kings in a hand or the three
highest honors in a suit 6: the choicest part : CREAM, PICK 7: a forward
spin given to a ball (as in golf, tennis, or billiards) by str iking it on
or near the top or above the center; also : the stroke so given - topped aj
2. top vb or topped; or top.ping 1: to remove or cut the top of : as 1a:
to shorten or remove the top of (a plant) 1b: PINCH 1c: to remove the
most volatile parts from (as crude petroleum) 2a: to cover with a top or
on the top : provide, form, or serve as a top : CROWN, CAP 2b: to supply
with a decorative or protective finish 3a: to be or become higher than :
OVERTOP {~s the pr evious record} 3b: to be superior to : EXCEL, SURPASS
3c: to gain ascendancy over : DOMINATE 4a: to rise to, reach, or be at the
top of 4b: to go over the top of : CLEAR, SURMOUNT 5: to strike (a golf
ball) above the center; also : to make (as a stroke) by hitting the ball
in this way : to make an end, finish, or conclusion {a trail topping out on
a mesa -J. F. Dobie}
3. top aj : of, relating to, or at the top : HIGHEST, UPPERMOST
4. top n [ME, fr. OE] : a commonly cylindrical or conoidal child's toy that
has a tapering usu. steel-shod point on which it is made to spin