figures

Noun

figure (plural figures)

1. A drawing or diagram conveying information.
   • For example, while Figure 1 shows information for 516 visitor groups, Figure 3 presents data for 1,625 individuals. A note above each graph or table specifies the information illustrated. ... For example, although Joshua Tree NP visitors returned 525 questionnaires, Figure 1 shows data for only 516...2004, Joshua Tree National Park 2004 Visitor Study
2. The representation of any form, as by drawing, painting, modelling, carving, embroidering, etc.; especially, a representation of the human body.
   • a figure in bronze; a figure cut in marble
3. A person, thing, or action representative of another
   • Seeing the British establishment struggle with the financial sector is like watching an alcoholic […]. Until 2008 there was denial over what finance had become. When a series of bank failures made this impossible, there was widespread anger, leading to the public humiliation of symbolic figures.2013 June 28, Joris Luyendijk, “Our banks are out of control”, in The Guardian Weekly, volume 189, number 3, page 21
4. The appearance or impression made by the conduct or career of a person.
   • He cut a sorry figure standing there in the rain.
5. (obsolete) Distinguished appearance; magnificence; conspicuous representation; splendour; show.
   • that he may live in figure and indulgence1729, William Law, A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life
6. A human figure, which dress or corset must fit to; the shape of a human body.
   • The origin of the corset is lost in remote antiquity. The figures of the early Egyptian women show clearly an artificial shape of the waist produced by some style of corset.1919, B. G. Jefferis, J. L. Nichols, Searchlights on Health

See all 29 meanings of figure