os

Everyday

1. (computing) OS is short for "operating system", the main program that runs a computer or phone, like Windows, macOS, Android or iOS. tree →
2. (UK) OS is short for Ordnance Survey, the national mapping agency of Great Britain; "OS maps" are detailed maps used for walking. tree →
3. (Latin, medicine) "os" means bone (plural "ossa") or mouth (plural "ora") in Latin; also (French) "os" means bone. tree →
4. (clothing) OS can mean "one size" or "oversized". tree →

In the lessons

A fragment and abbreviation, not an English word on its own. In computing lessons, pupils learn the OS runs the apps and hardware. In UK geography, OS maps teach grid references and map symbols.

Examples

• My phone needs an OS update. tree →
• Android and iOS are mobile OSs. tree →
• We used an OS map on our Duke of Edinburgh walk. tree →
• OS maps show footpaths, churches and contour lines. tree →
• In Latin, "os" means bone. tree →
• The label on the hoodie said OS, meaning one size. tree →

Note

Abbreviation, usually capitals: "OS" (say "oh-ess"). Plural for operating systems: "OSs" or "OSes". In French, "os" (bone) is said "oss" for one and "oh" for many; it is not an English word.

In Jewish tradition

Interpretation: The three mother letters A, M and SH are said to hold a great secret in Sefer Yetzirah, and this writer reads them as vowels. In the primary lessons: A fragment and abbreviation, not an English word on its own. In computing lessons, pupils learn the OS runs the apps and hardware. In UK geography, OS maps teach grid references and map symbols.

Examples

• The Hebrew term תֹּהוּ tohu is much more similar in sense to the Greek kháos than it is to English chaos. (Sefer Yetzirah, Sefaria community translation) tree →
• Now, what is tiie "great secret," which the three mother letters (vowels) B'OS contain according to the Sefer Yetzirah? (Mordell, The Origin of Letters and Numerals according to Sefer Yetzirah (1914)) tree →

Note

Abbreviation, usually capitals: "OS" (say "oh-ess"). Plural for operating systems: "OSs" or "OSes". In French, "os" (bone) is said "oss" for one and "oh" for many; it is not an English word.