band

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a thin flat strip of flexible material that is worn around the body or one of the limbs, especially to decorate the body

   I wore a band around my waste, which was in fashion at the time.

2. 2
   noun

   a stripe or stripes of contrasting color

   chromosomes exhibit characteristic bands

3. 3
   verb

   to attach a ring to the foot of, in order to identify

   We banded the baby birds before returning them to the nest.

4. 4
   verb

   to bind or tie together, as with a band

   I banded the lobster's claws after we caught it.

5. 5
   noun

   A strip of material used for strengthening or coupling.

   The Jones man was looking at her hard. Now he reached into the hatch of his vest and fetched out a couple of cigars, everlasting big ones, with gilt bands on them.

6. 6
   noun

   A long strip of material, color, etc, that is different from the surrounding area.

   sandstone with bands of shale

7. 7
   noun

   That which serves as the means of union or connection between persons; a tie.

   For that heroic band—those children of the furnace who, in regions like Texas and Tennessee, maintained their fidelity through terrible trials—we of the North felt for them, and profoundly we honor them.

8. 8
   noun

   A group of energy levels in a solid state material.

   valence band;  conduction band

Etymology

Derived from Middle English band, from Old French bande, from Old Occitan banda (“regiment of troops”), perhaps from Frankish *bend, from Proto-Germanic *bandiz, from Proto-Indo-European *bʰendʰ- (“to tie; bond, band”). Compare German Bande (“band”).