Folding

folding
    adj 1: capable of being folded up and stored; "a foldaway bed"
           [syn: {foldable}, {foldaway}, {folding(a)}]
    n 1: the process whereby a protein molecule assumes its
         intricate three-dimensional shape; "understanding protein
         folding is the next step in deciphering the genetic code"
         [syn: {protein folding}, {folding}]
    2: a geological process that causes a bend in a stratum of rock
       [syn: {fold}, {folding}]
    3: the act of folding; "he gave the napkins a double fold" [syn:
       {fold}, {folding}]
    

Fold \Fold\ (f[=o]ld), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Folded}; p. pr. &
   vb. n. {Folding}.] [OE. folden, falden, AS. fealdan; akin to
   OHG. faltan, faldan, G. falten, Icel. falda, Dan. folde, Sw.
   f[*a]lla, Goth. fal[thorn]an, cf. Gr. di-pla`sios twofold,
   Skr. pu[.t]a a fold. Cf. {Fauteuil}.]
   1. To lap or lay in plaits or folds; to lay one part over
      another part of; to double; as, to fold cloth; to fold a
      letter.
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            As a vesture shalt thou fold them up. --Heb. i. 12.
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   2. To double or lay together, as the arms or the hands; as,
      he folds his arms in despair.
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   3. To inclose within folds or plaitings; to envelop; to
      infold; to clasp; to embrace.
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            A face folded in sorrow.              --J. Webster.
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            We will descend and fold him in our arms. --Shak.
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   4. To cover or wrap up; to conceal.
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            Nor fold my fault in cleanly coined excuses. --Shak.
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Folding \Fold"ing\, n.
   1. The act of making a fold or folds; also, a fold; a
      doubling; a plication.
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            The lower foldings of the vest.       --Addison.
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   2. (Agric.) The keepig of sheep in inclosures on arable land,
      etc.
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   {Folding boat}, a portable boat made by stretching canvas,
      etc., over jointed framework, used in campaigning, and by
      tourists, etc. --Ham. Nav. Encyc.
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   {Folding chair}, a chair which may be shut up compactly for
      carriage or stowage; a camp chair.

   {Folding door}, one of two or more doors filling a single and
      hung upon hinges.
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