east

Meanings

Noun

• One of the four principal compass points, specifically 90°, conventionally directed to the right on maps; the direction of the rising sun at an equinox. Abbreviated as E.
• The eastern region or area; the inhabitants thereof.
• In a church: the direction of the altar and chancel; the direction faced by the priest when celebrating ad orientem.

Adjective

• Situated or lying in or towards the east; eastward.
• Blowing (as wind) from the east.
• Of or pertaining to the east; eastern.
• From the East; oriental.
• Designating, or situated in, the liturgical east.

Adverb

• towards the east; eastwards

Related

Similar words

• eastward
• easterly
• eastern
• oriental
• eastwards

Opposite words

• westward
• westerly
• western
• west. westwards

Origin

• From Middle English est, from Old English ēast, from Proto-Germanic *austrą, from Proto-Indo-European *h₂ews-.
• Compare West Frisian east, Dutch oost, German Ost, Norwegian Nynorsk aust, Swedish öst.