(ēst) noun
1. The point of the compass at which the sun rises at the equinox, directly opposite west. See COMPASSCARD.
2. Any direction, region, or part of the horizon near that point.
—Far East Eastern Asia, including China, Japan, and adjacent islands.
—Middle East
1. The region generally including the countries of SW Asia lying west of Pakistan and India.
2. Brit. This region with the exception of Turkey and including India, Pakistan, Burma, Tibet, Libya, Ethiopia, and Somaliland.
—Near East
1. The countries lying east of the Mediterranean, mostly in SW Asia, including Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, etc., and sometimes the Balkans and Egypt.
2. Brit. The Balkans.
—the East
1. The part of the earth including Asia and the adjacent islands; the Orient.
2. In the United States: a The region eastward of the Mississippi and north of the Ohio. b The region east of the Allegheny Mountains and north of Maryland.
—adjective
1. To, toward, facing, or placed in the east; eastern.
2. Coming from the east: the east wind.
3. Near the altar of a church as seen from the nave.
—adverb In or toward the east; in an easterly direction.
—v.i. To go or turn toward the east; proceed in an easterly direction. [OE]

(ēst), Edward Murray,
1879–1938, U.S. biologist.