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orphans

The correct spelling is orphans.

How to pronounce orphans

noun

Say it like: Orf-ans

The correct spelling is orphans. A person, especially a minor, both or (rarely) one of whose parents have died. For example: "What do you do when you come across two orphaned polar bear cubs?"

Usage Examples

What do you do when you come across two orphaned polar bear cubs?

Removing categories orphans pages from the main category tree.

Meanings

noun

  1. 1.A person, especially a minor, both or (rarely) one of whose parents have died.
  2. 2.A person, especially a minor, whose parents have permanently abandoned them.
  3. 3.A young animal with no mother.
  4. 4.Anything that is unsupported, as by its source, provider or caretaker, by reason of the supporter's demise or decision to abandon.
  5. 5.A single line of type, beginning a paragraph, at the bottom of a column or page.

verb

  1. 1.To deprive of parents (used almost exclusively in the passive)
  2. 2.To make unavailable, as by removing the last remaining pointer or reference to.

Similar words

Words related in meaning — check their spelling too.

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