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noble

1. Possessing eminence, elevation, dignity, etc.; above whatever is low, mean, degrading, or dishonorable; magnanimous; as, a noble nature or action; a noble heart. Statues, with winding ivy crowned, belong To nobler poets for a nobler song. (Dryden)

2. Grand; stately; magnificent; splendid; as, a noble edifice.

3. Of exalted rank; of or pertaining to the nobility; distinguished from the masses by birth, station, or title; highborn; as, noble blood; a noble personage.

Noble is used in the formation of self-explaining compounds; as, noble-born, noble-hearted, noble-minded.

(Science: chemistry) Noble metals, silver, gold, and platinum; so called from their freedom from oxidation and permanence in air. Copper, mercury, aluminium, palladium, rhodium, iridium, and osmium are sometimes included.

Synonym: Honorable, worthy, dignified, elevated, exalted, superior, sublime, great, eminent, illustrious, renowned, stately, splendid, magnificent, grand, magnanimous, generous, liberal, free.

Origin: F. Noble, fr. L. Nobilis that can be or is known, well known, famous, highborn, noble, fr.noscere to know. See know.

1. A person of rank above a commoner; a nobleman; a peer.

2. An english money of account, and, formerly, a gold coin, of the value of 6 s. 8 d. Sterling, or about $1.61.

3. (Science: zoology) A European fish; the lyrie.