window

noun Usage: often attributive Etymology: Middle English windowe, from Old Norse vindauga, from vindr wind (akin to Old English wind) + auga eye; akin to Old English ēage eye — more at eye Date: 13th century 1. a. an opening especially in the wall of a building for admission of light and air that is usually closed by casements or sashes containing transparent material (as glass) and capable of being opened and shut b. windowpane c. a space behind a window of a retail store containing displayed merchandise d. an opening in a partition or wall through which business is conducted <

a bank teller's window

> 2. a means of entrance or access; especially a means of obtaining information <

a window on history

> 3. an opening (as a shutter, slot, or valve) that resembles or suggests a window 4. the transparent panel or opening of a window envelope 5. the framework (as a shutter or sash with its fittings) that closes a window opening 6. chaff 4 7. a range of wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum to which a planet's atmosphere is transparent 8. a. an interval of time within which a rocket or spacecraft must be launched to accomplish a particular mission b. an interval of time during which certain conditions or an opportunity exists <

a window of vulnerability

> 9. an area at the limits of the earth's sensible atmosphere through which a spacecraft must pass for successful reentry 10. any of various rectangular boxes appearing on a computer screen that display files or program output, that can usually be moved and resized, and that facilitate multitasking • windowless adjective