Index of English words, starting with "bi"

(1) - Bissextile (a.) Pertaining to leap year.
(2) - Bissextile (n.) Leap year; every fourth year, in which a day is added to the month of February on account of the excess of the tropical year (365 d. 5 h. 48 m. 46 s.) above 365 days. But one day added every four years is equivalent to six hours each year, which is 11 m. 14 s. more than the excess of the real year. Hence, it is necessary to suppress the bissextile day at the end of every century which is not divisible by 400, while it is retained at the end of those which are divisible by 400.

(1) - Bistoury (n.) A surgical instrument consisting of a slender knife, either straight or curved, generally used by introducing it beneath the part to be divided, and cutting towards the surface.

(1) - Bit () of Bite
(2) - Bit (imp.) of Bite
(3) - Bit () 3d sing. pr. of Bid, for biddeth.
(4) - Bit (v.) In the Southern and Southwestern States, a small silver coin (as the real) formerly current; commonly, one worth about 12 1/2 cents; also, the sum of 12 1/2 cents.
(5) - Bit (v.) The cutting iron of a plane.
(6) - Bit (v.) The part of a key which enters the lock and acts upon the bolt and tumblers.
(7) - Bit (v.) A tool for boring, of various forms and sizes, usually turned by means of a brace or bitstock. See Bitstock.
(8) - Bit (v.) Somewhat; something, but not very great.
(9) - Bit (v.) A part of anything, such as may be bitten off or taken into the mouth; a morsel; a bite. Hence: A small piece of anything; a little; a mite.
(10) - Bit () imp. & p. p. of Bite.
(11) - Bit (v. t.) To put a bridle upon; to put the bit in the mouth of.
(12) - Bit (v.) Fig.: Anything which curbs or restrains.
(13) - Bit (v.) The part of a bridle, usually of iron, which is inserted in the mouth of a horse, and having appendages to which the reins are fastened.

(1) - Bitartrate (n.) A salt of tartaric acid in which the base replaces but half the acid hydrogen; an acid tartrate, as cream of tartar.