rich -
adj. 1 having much wealth.
2 (often foll. by in, with) splendid, costly, elaborate (
rich tapestries;
rich with lace).
3 valuable (
rich offerings).
4 copious, abundant, ample (a
rich harvest; a
rich supply of ideas).
5 (
often foll.
by in, with) (of soil or a region etc.) abounding in
natural resources or means of production; fertile (
rich in nutrients;
rich with vines).
6 (of food or diet) containing much fat or spice etc.
7 (of the mixture in an internal-combustion engine) containing a high proportion of fuel.
8 (of colour or
sound or smell) mellow and deep, strong and full.
9 a (of an
incident or assertion etc.) highly amusing or ludicrous; outrageous. b (of humour) earthy.
richen v.intr. & tr. richness n. [OE rice f. Gmc f. Celt., rel. to L rex king: reinforced in ME f. OF riche rich, powerful, of Gmc orig.]
