poles

poles · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    Long, slender, rounded pieces of wood or metal.

  2. 2.

    The two points (North Pole and South Pole) at opposite ends of the Earth's axis.

  3. 3.

    (Physics) Each of the two opposite points where lines of force of a magnetic or electric field emerge or converge.

  4. 4.

    Extreme positions in a range of opinions or qualities.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    poles apart — Very different; completely opposite.
  • •
    the North/South Pole — The northernmost/southernmost points on Earth.

Related words

See also: axis, pole, post, rod
Synonyms: posts, rods, shafts, stakes

Etymology

From Latin palus ("stake, post") for the wooden rod meaning; from Latin polus, from Greek polos ("axis, pivot") for the geographic and magnetic meanings.