pacific

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   promoting peace

   the result of this pacific policy was that no troops were called up

2. 2
   adj

   disposed to peace or of a peaceful nature

   the pacific temper seeks to settle disputes on grounds of justice rather than by force

3. 3
   adj

   relating to or bordering the Pacific Ocean

   Pacific islands

4. 4
   adj

   Calm, peaceful.

   The policeman on the beat moved up the avenue impressively. […] Trying doors as he went, twirling his club with many intricate and artful movements, turning now and then to cast his watchful eye adown the pacific thoroughfare, the officer, with his stalwart form and slight swagger, made a fine picture of a guardian of the peace.

5. 5
   adj

   Preferring peace by nature; avoiding violence.

   The long-continued hostilities which had for centuries divided the south and the north divisions of the Island of Britain, had been happily terminated by the succession of the pacific James I, to the English crown.

6. 6
   name

   The Pacific Ocean.

   When our last plenary session was held in November of last year the Pacific was threatened with imminent outbreak of war. Since the subsequent beginning of the Japanese campaign of aggression in that ocean, China, in the company of her allies, has become the most important member of the forces fighting on the continent of East Asia.

7. 7
   noun

   A steam locomotive of the 4-6-2 wheel arrangement.

   Britannia's firebox would appear to have derived from those of the Bulleid Pacifics, which it closely resembles.

8. 8
   adj

   Related to or located in the Pacific Ocean.

   The US Air Force plans to bring the Pacific island airfield that launched the atomic bombings of Japan back into commission as it tries to broaden its basing options in the event of any hostilities with China, the service’s top officer in the Pacific says.

Etymology

From Latin pācificus (“peace-making”), so called by Magellan because he sailed peacefully over it after weathering Cape Horn.