释义 |
clas·sic I. \ˈklasik, -aas-, -ēk\ adjective Etymology: French or Latin; French classique, from Latin classicus of the classes of the Roman people, of the first class, of the first rank, from classis class — more at class 1. a. : of the highest quality or rank : having recognized and permanent value : of enduring interest and appeal — used especially of literature, art, and music < his achievement as a writer was that out of his knowledge of common speech he forged a classic prose > < a classic quartet for strings > b. : forming part of the permanent cultural achievement of mankind : felt to be among the great works especially literary and artistic of mankind < the annals of the Jews and the Scots have become a classic heritage > < the really classic products of the human imagination endure for all time > c. : characterized by simple tailored lines correct for a variety of places and occasions and basically in fashion year after year — used of wearing apparel 2. : classical II 2 3. a. : classical II 3a, 3b(5), 3c b. usually capitalized (1) : of or belonging to the Hohokam culture of the period A.D. 1150-1400 characterized by polished red pottery, houses having solid walls and contiguous rooms, and artifacts for use rather than ornament (2) : of or relating to the culture of the Old Empire period of the Maya c. of a postage stamp : obsolete and scarce and having special significance in postal or philatelic history; especially : dating from mid-19th century when postage stamps first came into use 4. a. : historically memorable < their execution became a classic national tragedy > b. : noted because of special literary or historical associations < the classic districts of London > c. : well known as customary or traditional < Paris, the classic refuge of expatriates > 5. : particularly definitive, reliable, or authoritative — used generally of reference works and scholarly studies < a classic study of the American Indian > 6. a. : standard or recognized especially because of great frequency or consistency of occurrence < classic symptoms of pneumonia > < a classic appeal to patriotism > b. : typical or regarded as typical : ideally illustrative < a classic instance of guilt by association > < he had the classic eccentricities of the absent-minded professor > 7. a. : particularly appropriate or effective (to a given end) < his appointment was a classic answer to many problems > b. : basic and often traditional to an art or skill < he demonstrated the five classic passes in bullfighting > II. noun (-s) 1. a. : a work of literature of ancient Greece or Rome b. : the body of such writings < study of the classics is no longer required for a college degree > — usually used in plural and with the c. archaic : a student of the literature of Greece and Rome 2. a. : a work that is classic < his manual of botany has become a classic among scientists > b. : a work especially of literature, art, or music meriting the highest respect < a classic of operettas > c. : the author of any such work < he had already become a classic many years before his death > 3. : something regarded as perfect of its kind or fitting to serve as a model < his march through the wilderness of Maine has been regarded as a classic of perseverance > 4. : a traditional contest or race having special significance and honorific value < the racing classic at Churchill Downs > 5. : a classic article of clothing 6. : a classic postage stamp |