effect

n 1: a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous

phenomenon; "the magnetic effect was greater when the

rod was lengthwise"; "his decision had depressing

consequences for business" [syn: {consequence}, {outcome},

{result}, {issue}, {upshot}]

2: an outward appearance; "he made a good impression"; "I

wanted to create an impression of success"; "she retained

that bold effect in her reproductions of the original

painting" [syn: {impression}]

3: a symptom caused by an illness or a drug; "the effects of

sleep loss"; "the effect of the anesthetic"

4: an impression (especially one that is artificial or

contrived); "he just did it for effect"

5: (of a law) having legal validity; "the law is still in

effect" [syn: {force}]

6: the central meaning or theme of a speech or literary work

[syn: {essence}, {burden}, {core}, {gist}]

v 1: cause to happen or occur; "The scientists set up a

shockwave" [syn: {effectuate}, {bring about}, {set up}]

2: act so as to bring about; "effect a change"; "carry out a

reform" [syn: {carry out}]