blank

views updated May 29 2018

blank / blangk/ • adj. 1. (of a surface or background) unrelieved by decorative or other features; bare, empty, or plain: the blank skyline. ∎  not written or printed on: a blank sheet of paper. ∎  (of a document) with spaces left for a signature or details: blank tax-return forms. ∎  (of a recording medium) with nothing recorded on it: blank cassettes.2. showing incomprehension or no reaction: we were met by blank looks. ∎  having temporarily no knowledge or understanding: her mind went blank. • n. 1. a space left to be filled in a document: this game required players to fill in the blanks in a story. ∎  a document with blank spaces to be filled.2. (also blank cartridge) a cartridge containing gunpowder but no bullet, used for training or as a signal.3. an empty space or period of time, esp. in terms of a lack of knowledge or understanding: my mind was a total blank.4. an object that has no mark or design on it, in particular: ∎  a roughly cut metal or wooden block intended for further shaping or finishing. ∎  a plain metal disk from which a coin is made by stamping a design on it.5. a dash written instead of a word or letter, esp. instead of an obscenity or profanity. ∎  used euphemistically in place of a noun regarded as obscene, profane, or abusive.• v. [tr.] 1. cover up, obscure, or cause to appear blank or empty: electronic countermeasures blanked out the radar signals. ∎  [intr.] become blank or empty: the picture blanked out.2. inf. defeat (a sports opponent) without allowing the opposition to score: Baltimore blanked Toronto in a 7–0 victory.PHRASES: draw a blank elicit no successful response; fail: the search drew a blank.DERIVATIVES: blank·ly adv.blank·ness n.

Blank

views updated May 14 2018

BLANK

Lacking something essential to fulfillment or completeness; unrestricted or open. A space left empty for the insertion of one or more words or marks in a written document that will effectuate its meaning or make it legally operative. A printed legal form in which the standard or necessary words are printed in their proper order with spaces left open, to be filled with names, dates, figures, and additional clauses.

A blank check is one that is unrestricted as to the amount to be paid.

blank

views updated May 21 2018

blank. Blind, meaning with no openings. Blank door or window is a sealed recess with the appearance of a door or window placed to create symmetry in a façade. A blank, blind, or dead wall has no apertures.

blank

views updated Jun 08 2018

blank Empty, i.e. not containing meaningful data. In a memory, blank cells may contain a particular bit pattern that has no assigned value.

blank

views updated May 21 2018

blank XIV (orig. †‘white’). — (O)F. blanc white :- Rom. *blancus -Gmc. *blaŋkaz.

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