braces
b ray suhz
- n an appliance that corrects dental irregularities
- n a support that steadies or strengthens something else
- n two items of the same kind
- n a set of two similar things considered as a unit
- n either of two punctuation marks ({ or }) used to enclose textual material
- n a rope on a square-rigged ship that is used to swing a yard about and secure it
- n elastic straps that hold trousers up (usually used in the plural)
- n an appliance that corrects dental irregularities
- n a carpenter's tool having a crank handle for turning and a socket to hold a bit for boring
- n a structural member used to stiffen a framework
- v prepare (oneself) for something unpleasant or difficult
- v support or hold steady and make steadfast, with or as if with a brace
- v support by bracing
- v cause to be alert and energetic
- Metal leg braces are all too familiar to the victims of such disorders as muscular dystrophy or polio.