lead-off

[ leed-awf, -of ]
/ ˈlidˌɔf, -ˌɒf /

adjective

leading off or beginning: the lead-off item on the agenda.

Origin of lead-off

First recorded in 1885–90; adj. use of verb phrase lead off

Definition for lead off (2 of 2)

Origin of lead

1
before 900; Middle English leden, Old English lǣdan (causative of līthan to go, travel); cognate with Dutch leiden, German leiten, Old Norse leitha

synonym study for lead

1. See guide.

British Dictionary definitions for lead off (1 of 3)

lead off
/ (liːd) /

verb (adverb)

to initiate the action of (something); begin

noun lead-off

an initial move or action
a person or thing that begins something

British Dictionary definitions for lead off (2 of 3)

lead 1
/ (liːd) /

verb leads, leading or led (lɛd)

noun

Word Origin for lead

Old English lǣdan; related to līthan to travel, Old High German līdan to go

British Dictionary definitions for lead off (3 of 3)

lead 2
/ (lɛd) /

noun

verb (tr)

Derived forms of lead

leadless, adjective leady, adjective

Word Origin for lead

Old English; related to Dutch lood, German Lot

Scientific definitions for lead off

lead
[ lĕd ]

Pb

A soft, ductile, heavy, bluish-gray metallic element that is extracted chiefly from galena. It is very durable and resistant to corrosion and is a poor conductor of electricity. Lead is used to make radiation shielding and containers for corrosive substances. It was once commonly used in pipes, solder, roofing, paint, and antiknock compounds in gasoline, but its use in these products has been curtailed because of its toxicity. Atomic number 82; atomic weight 207.2; melting point 327.5°C; boiling point 1,744°C; specific gravity 11.35; valence 2, 4. See Periodic Table. See Note at element.

Idioms and Phrases with lead off (1 of 2)

lead off

Begin, start, go first. For example, We have a panel of three speakers, so will you lead off? [c. 1800]

Idioms and Phrases with lead off (2 of 2)

lead