dictionary definitions for "profuse"


From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Profuse \Pro*fuse"\, a. [L. profusus, p. p. of profundere to
     pour forth or out; pro forward, forth + fundere to pour: cf.
     F. profus. See Fuse to melt.]
     1. Pouring forth with fullness or exuberance; bountiful;
        exceedingly liberal; giving without stint; as, a profuse
        government; profuse hospitality.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              A green, shady bank, profuse of flowers. --Milton.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. Superabundant; excessive; prodigal; lavish; as, profuse
        expenditure. "Profuse ornament." --Kames.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     Syn: Lavish; exuberant; bountiful; prodigal; extravagant.
  
     Usage: Profuse, Lavish, Prodigal. Profuse denotes
            pouring out (as money, etc.) with great fullness or
            freeness; as, profuse in his expenditures, thanks,
            promises, etc. Lavish is stronger, implying
            unnecessary or wasteful excess; as, lavish of his
            bounties, favors, praises, etc. Prodigal is stronger
            still, denoting unmeasured or reckless profusion; as,
            prodigal of one's strength, life, or blood, to secure
            some object. --Dryden.
            [1913 Webster]

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Profuse \Pro*fuse"\, v. t.
     To pour out; to give or spend liberally; to lavish; to
     squander. [Obs.] --Chapman.
     [1913 Webster]

From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:

  profuse
      adj 1: produced or growing in extreme abundance; "their riotous
             blooming" [syn: exuberant, lush, luxuriant,
             profuse, riotous]


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