context

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the set of facts or circumstances that surround a situation or event

   the historical context

2. 2
   noun

   The surroundings, circumstances, environment, background or settings that determine, specify, or clarify the meaning of an event or other occurrence.

   —In what context did your attack on him happen? —We had a pretty tense relationship at the time, and when he insulted me I snapped.

3. 3
   noun

   The text in which a word or passage appears and which helps ascertain its meaning.

   Without context, I can't tell if dish refers to a plate, or to the food served thereon.

4. 4
   verb

   To knit or bind together; to unite closely.

   The whole worlds frame, which is contexted onely by commerce and contracts.

5. 5
   adj

   Knit or woven together; close; firm.

   1541?, Robert Copland (translator?), Guydon's Questionary Chirurgical, translation of 1533, Guy de Chauliac, La questionaire des cirugiens at barbiers The skynne is composed & context and woven with thredes and vaynes.

6. 6
   noun

   discourse that surrounds a language unit and helps to determine its interpretation

7. 7
   noun

   The surroundings and environment in which an artifact is found and which may provide important clues about the artifact's function and/or cultural meaning.

8. 8
   noun

   The trama or flesh of a mushroom.

Etymology

From Latin context(us).