to a particular group or category of participants <~ to the public> <~ housing>: as a: enterable by both amateur and professional contestants b: enterable by a registered voter regardless of political affiliation 6: fit to be traveled over: presenting no obstacle to passage or view <~ country> 7: having the parts or surfaces laid out in an expanded position: spread out: unfolded 8 a (1): low 13 (2): formed with the tongue in a lower position b (1): having clarity and resonance unimpaired by undue tension or constriction of the throat (2) of a tone: produced by an open string or on a wind instrument by the lip without the use of slides, valves, or keys 9 a: available to follow or make use of b: not taken up with duties or engagements c: not finally decided: subject to further consideration d: available for a qualified applicant: vacant e: remaining available for use or filling until canceled f: available for future purchase 10 a: characterized by ready accessibility and usu. generous attitude: as (1): generous in giving (2): willing to hear and consider or to accept and deal with: responsive (3): free from reserve or pretense: frank b: accessible to the influx of new factors (as foreign goods) 11 a: having openings, interruptions, or spaces: as (1): being porous and friable <~ soil> (2): sparsely distributed: scattered <~ population> (3) of a compound: having components separated by a space in writing or printing (as opaque pr adv —— open.ly adv —— open.ness n 2open vb opened ; open.ing vt (bef. 12c) 1 a: to move (as a door) from a closed position b: to make available for entry or passage by turning back (as a barrier) or removing (as a cover or an obstruction) 2 a: to make available for or active in a regular function <~ a new store> b: to make accessible for a particular purpose <~ed new land for settlement> <~ the way for changes> c: to initiate access to (a computer file) prior to use 3 a: to disclose or expose to view: reveal b: to make more discerning or