con·tain
(kən-tāń)
[Middle English conteinen, from Old French contenir, from Latin continēre, com-, com-, + tenēre, to hold.]
transitive verb: -tained, -tain·ing, -tains.
- To have within; hold.
- To be capable of holding.
- To have as component parts; include or comprise: The album contains many memorable songs.
- To hold or keep within limits; restrain: I could hardly contain my curiosity.
- To halt the spread or development of; check: Science sought an effective method of containing the disease.
- To check the expansion or influence of (a hostile power or ideology) by containment.
- Mathematics To be exactly divisible by.
derivatives
- con·taińa·ble
- adjective
synonyms:
contain, hold1accommodate These verbs mean to have within or have a capacity. Contain means to have within or have as a part or constituent: The book contains some amusing passages. Hold stresses capacity for containing: The pitcher holds two pints but contains only one. Accommodate refers to capacity for holding comfortably: The restaurant accommodates 50 customers.
