2 entries found for rare.
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Main Entry: 1rare
Pronunciation: ra()r, re()r
Inflected Form(s): rar·er; rar·est
Etymology: Middle English rare "thin," from Latin rarus "rare" 1: not thick or dense : THIN <the atmosphere is rare at high altitudes> 2: very fine : EXCELLENT, SPLENDID <a rare June day> 3: very uncommon <rain is rare in the desert> <a collection of rare books> - rare·nessnoun synonymsRARE, SCARCE mean being in short supply. RARE usually applies to an object or quality of which only a few examples are to be found and which is thus greatly prized and cherished <a rare gem>. SCARCE applies to something that for the present is in too short supply to meet the demand for it <food was scarce that winter>.