contact

con-tact · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    (noun) The state of physical touching or being in communication with someone.

  2. 2.

    (noun) A person who can provide useful information or assistance, especially in business.

  3. 3.

    (noun) A person's phone number, email, or other means of reaching them.

  4. 4.

    (noun) Short for contact lens.

  5. 5.

    (verb) To communicate with someone, especially for the first time or after a period.

Forms

plural: contacts

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    contact information — details for reaching someone
  • •
    contact lens — a thin lens worn on the eye
  • •
    make contact — to establish communication or touch
  • •
    point of contact — a person or place for communication
  • •
    eye contact — looking directly at someone's eyes
  • •
    in contact with — in communication or physical touch with

Related words

Antonyms: disconnection, isolation, separation
See also: communicate, connection, reach, touch
Synonyms: communication, connection, touch

Etymology

From Latin contactus, past participle of contingere ("to touch, seize"), from con- ("together") + tangere ("to touch"). Entered English in the early 17th century as a noun; the verb use developed in the 19th century, though it was initially criticized as jargon.