A boldface colon is used in this dictionary to introduce a definition:
Main Entry: ¹coo.per
Function: noun
: one that makes or repairs wooden casks or tubs
It is also used to separate two or more definitions of a single sense:
Main Entry: un.cage
Function: transitive verb
: to release from or as if from a cage
: free from restraint
Boldface Arabic numerals separate the senses of a word that has more than one sense:
Main Entry: ²savage
Function: noun
1 : a person belonging to a primitive society
2 : a brutal person
3 : a rude or unmannerly person
Boldface lowercase letters separate the subsenses of a word:
Main Entry: ¹grand
Function: adjective
5 a : LAVISH, SUMPTUOUS . . .
b : marked by a regal form and dignity
c : fine or imposing in appearance or impression
d : LOFTY, SUBLIME . . .
Lightface numerals in parentheses indicate a further division of subsenses:
Main Entry: take out
Function: transitive verb
1 a (1) : deduct, separate (2) : exclude, omit (3) : withdraw, withhold . . .
A lightface colon following a definition and immediately preceding two or more subsenses indicates that the subsenses are subsumed by the preceding definition:
Main Entry: ²crunch
Function: noun
3 : a tight or critical situation: as a : a critical point in the buildup of pressure between opposing elements . . . b : a severe economic squeeze . . . c : SHORTAGEMain Entry: se.quoia
Function: noun
: either of two huge coniferous California trees of the bald cypress family that may reach a height of over 300 feet (90 meters): a : BIG TREE b : REDWOOD 3a
The word as may or may not follow the lightface colon. Its presence (as at ²crunch ) indicates that the following subsenses are typical or significant examples. Its absence (as at sequoia) indicates that the subsenses which follow are exhaustive.
The system of separating the various senses of a word by numerals and letters is a lexical convenience. It reflects something of their semantic relationship, but it does not evaluate senses or set up a hierarchy of importance among them.
Sometimes a particular semantic relationship between senses is suggested by the use of one of four italic sense dividers: especially, specifically, also, or broadly.
The sense divider especially is used to introduce the most common meaning subsumed in the more general preceding definition:
Main Entry: ²slick
Function: adjective
3 a : characterized by subtlety or nimble wit : clever; especially : wily
The sense divider specifically is used to introduce a common but highly restricted meaning subsumed in the more general preceding definition:
Main Entry: pon.tiff
Function: noun
2 : bishop; specifically : pope
The sense divider also is used to introduce a meaning that is closely related to but may be considered less important than the preceding sense:
Main Entry: chi.na
Function: noun
1 : porcelain; also : vitreous porcelain wares (as dishes, vases, or ornaments) for domestic use . . .
The sense divider broadly is used to introduce an extended or wider meaning of the preceding definition:
Main Entry: flot.sam
Function: noun
1 : floating wreckage of a ship or its cargo; broadly : floating debris
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