ob•jectˈɒb dʒɪkt, -dʒɛkt; əbˈdʒɛkt(n.; v.)

1. anything that is visible or tangible and is relatively stable in form.

2. a thing, person, or matter to which thought or action is directed:

   an object of investigation.

3. the end toward which effort or action is directed; goal; objective.

4. anything that may be apprehended intellectually:

   objects of thought.

5. a noun, noun phrase, or pronoun representing either the goal or recipient of the action of a verb or the goal of a preposition, as ball in I hit the ball, her and question in He asked her a question, or table in under the table.

   Category: Grammar

   Ref: Compare direct object, indirect object.

6. Computers.any item that can be individually selected or manipulated, as a picture, data file, or piece of text.

   Category: Computers

7. (v.i.)to offer a reason or argument in opposition.

8. to express or feel disapproval, dislike, or distaste.

9. (v.t.)to state or cite in opposition:

   They objected that the rules were unfair.

Origin of object:

1325–75; (n.) ME < ML objectum something thrown down or presented (to the mind) < L objectus, ptp. of objicere=ob-ob-+-jicere, der. of jacere to throw; (v.) ME: to argue against 蠐 L objectāre to throw or put before, oppose

ob•jec′tor(n.)