Definitions for the word "keen" from multiple English dictionaries.
1. superl.
Sharp; having a fine edge or point; as, a keen razor, or a razor with a keen edge.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
2. superl.
Acute of mind; sharp; penetrating; having or expressing mental acuteness; as, a man of keen understanding; a keen look; keen features.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. superl.
Bitter; piercing; acrimonious; cutting; stinging; severe; as, keen satire or sarcasm.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
4. superl.
Piercing; penetrating; cutting; sharp; -- applied to cold, wind, etc, ; as, a keen wind; the cold is very keen.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
5. superl.
Eager; vehement; fierce; as, a keen appetite.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
6. v. t.
To sharpen; to make cold.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
7. n.
A prolonged wail for a deceased person. Cf. Coranach.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
8. v. i.
To wail as a keener does.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
9. adj.
1 enthusiastic, eager. 2 (foll. By on) enthusiastic about, fond of. 3 (of the senses) sharp. 4 intellectually acute. 5 (of a knife etc.) Sharp. 6 (of a sound, light, etc.) Penetrating, vivid. 7 (of a wind etc.) Piercingly cold. 8 (of a pain etc.) Acute. 9 (of a price) competitive. keenly adv. Keenness n. [old english]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
10. n.
Irish wailing funeral song. v. (often foll. By over, for) wail mournfully, esp. At a funeral. [irish caoine from caoinim wail]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
Dictionary entries nearby:
Additional Info
This page provides a list of definitions and meanings for "keen" from various historical English dictionaries. By displaying multiple definitions, you can compare and
contrast different meanings and nuances of a word, phrase, or slang. You can also see the changes in meaning of "keen" over time by viewing the definitions from different dictionaries published at different times in history.
The page also includes other information to help users expand their vocabulary and understand the context of the word.
Important Notes
The definitions for words, phrases and slang (such as "keen") in this dictionary are sourced from multiple sources - including sources historical in nature. The sources may contain outdated, inaccurate or even offensive information when viewed from a modern context. It is important to consider the date the dictionary was published and view such content from a historical perspective and consider that the meanings, interpretations and usage of words may have evolved over time. Users should cross-reference this information with contemporary sources for a more complete understanding.
This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by any brands mentioned on the page. Trademarks and logos are the property of their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only.