vis noun¹. [vɪs] Pl. vires ['vʌɪri:z]. E17.
[Latin.]
1. Strength, force, energy, vigour. Chiefly in various phrs. E17.
vis a fronte [ɑ: 'frɒnteɪ] a force operating from in front, as in attraction or suction. vis a tergo [ɑ: 'tǝ:gǝʊ] a force operating from behind; a propulsive force. vis comica ['kɒmɪkǝ] humorous energy; comic force or effect. vis inertiae [ɪ'nǝ:ʃɪʌɪ] (a) Mechanics the resistance offered by matter to any force tending to alter its state of rest or motion; (b) transf. tendency to remain inactive or unprogressive. vis major ['meɪdʒǝ] Law overpowering force, esp. of nature (used as a reason for damage done to, or loss of, property). vis medicatrix naturae [mɛdɪ,keɪtrɪks 'natʃǝrʌɪ] the healing power of nature. vis viva ['vi:vǝ] Mechanics the operative force of a moving or acting body, equal to the mass of the body multiplied by the square of its velocity.

2. Law. In pl. Legal validity; legal authority or power. (Earlier in INTRA VIRES, ULTRA VIRES.) L20.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲

vis noun². [vɪz] colloq. (orig. Military). M20.
[Abbreviation.]
= VISIBILITY 1b.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲

Vis. abbreviation.
Also Visc. Viscount.

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