proportion

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition

1. n. A part considered in relation to the whole.
2. n. A relationship between things or parts of things with respect to comparative magnitude, quantity, or degree: the proper proportion between oil and vinegar in the dressing.
3. n. A relationship between quantities such that if one varies then another varies in a manner dependent on the first: "We do not always find visible happiness in proportion to visible virtue” ( Samuel Johnson).
4. n. Agreeable or harmonious relation of parts within a whole; balance or symmetry.
5. n. Dimensions; size. Often used in the plural.
6. n. Mathematics A statement of equality between two ratios. Four quantities, a, b, c, d, are said to be in proportion if ^a/_b = ^c/_d .
7. v. To adjust so that proper relations between parts are attained.
8. v. To form the parts of with balance or symmetry.

Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia

1. n. The relation of one thing to another in respect to size, quantity, magnitude of corresponding parts, capacity, or degree.
2. n. Specifically, the relation of one part to another or to the whole with respect to magnitude; the relative size and arrangement of parts: as, the proportion of the parts of an edifice, or of the human body. Commonly in the plural.
3. n. Symmetrical arrangement, distribution, or adjustment; the proper relation of parts in a whole; symmetry or harmony.
4. n. That which falls to one's lot when a whole is divided according to a rule or principle; just or proper share; in general, portion; lot.
5. n. Form; shape; figure.
6. n. In mathematics, the equality of ratios or relations; analogy. Complicated and difficult definitions of this word were given by Euclid and the old mathematicians, because they were unwilling to regard a ratio as a quantity capable of equality; but it is now recognized that such generalizations are at once the most profound and the most intelligible way throughout mathematics.
7. n. In music: The ratio between the vibration-numbers of two tones.
8. n. Same as rhythm or meter.
9. n. In arithmetic, the rule of three; that rule which, according to the theory of proportion, enables us to find a fourth proportional to three given numbers — that is, a number to which the third bears the same ratio as the first does to the second.
10. n. See mixed.
11. n. Synonyms See symmetry.
12. To adjust in suitable relations; adapt harmoniously to something else as regards dimensions or extent: as, to proportion the size of a building to its height, or the thickness of a thing to its length; to proportion expenditure to income.
13. To form with symmetry; give a symmetrical form to.
14. To bear proportion or adequate relation to; correspond to.
15. To divide into portions; allot; apportion.
16. To compare; estimate the relative proportions of.
17. In type-manuf., to adjust (a font of type) so that it shall contain the proper number of each letter, point, etc.

Wiktionary

1. n. countable A quantity of something that is part of the whole amount or number.
2. n. uncountable Harmonious relation of parts to each other or to the whole.
3. n. countable Proper or equal share.
4. n. uncountable The relation of one part to another or to the whole with respect to magnitude, quantity, or degree.
5. n. mathematics, countable A statement of equality between two ratios.
6. n. countable size
7. v. art To set or render in proportion.

GNU Webster's 1913

1. n. The relation or adaptation of one portion to another, or to the whole, as respect magnitude, quantity, or degree; comparative relation; ratio.
2. n. Harmonic relation between parts, or between different things of the same kind; symmetrical arrangement or adjustment; symmetry.
3. n. The portion one receives when a whole is distributed by a rule or principle; equal or proper share; lot.
4. n. A part considered comparatively; a share.
5. n. The equality or similarity of ratios, especially of geometrical ratios; or a relation among quantities such that the quotient of the first divided by the second is equal to that of the third divided by the fourth; -- called also geometrical proportion, in distinction from arithmetical proportion, or that in which the difference of the first and second is equal to the difference of the third and fourth.
6. n. The rule of three, in arithmetic, in which the three given terms, together with the one sought, are proportional.
7. v. To adjust in a suitable proportion, as one thing or one part to another
8. v. To form with symmetry or suitableness, as the parts of the body.
9. v. To divide into equal or just shares; to apportion.

WordNet 3.0

1. n. the quotient obtained when the magnitude of a part is divided by the magnitude of the whole
2. n. harmonious arrangement or relation of parts or elements within a whole (as in a design)
3. n. the relation between things (or parts of things) with respect to their comparative quantity, magnitude, or degree
4. n. balance among the parts of something
5. v. adjust in size relative to other things
6. n. magnitude or extent
7. v. give pleasant proportions to