lean Definition

lean¹
verb leant, leaned, leaning

tr & intr
1. To slope or be placed in a sloping position.

Thesaurus: slant, tilt, bend, slope, tip.
tr & intr
2. To rest or be rested against something for support.

Thesaurus: recline, repose.
intr
3. To have an inclination to, a preference for or tendency towards.

Form: lean towards (usually)

noun

1. An act or condition of leaning.
2. A slope.

Idiom: lean over backwards (bend over backwards)

See under backwards.

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lean²
adj

1. Said of a person or animal: thin.

Thesaurus: slender, slim, thin, angular, wiry, emaciated, gaunt, scrawny, skinny, bony.
2. Said of meat: containing little or no fat.
3. Producing very little food, money, etc; unfruitful.

Example: lean years

noun

1. Meat with little or no fat.

Derivative: leanness
noun

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon hlæne.