(pōl) noun
1. Either of the extremities of an axis or sphere.
2. One of two points where the axis of rotation, as of the earth, meets the surface.
3. Either of the Polar Regions of the earth; also, either of the two extremities of the earth's axis, called the North Pole and the South Pole. See CELESTIAL POLE.
4. Physics One of the two points at which opposite physical qualities are concentrated; especially, a point (usually one of two) of maximum intensity of electric or magnetic force.
5. The polestar.
6. Biol. The differentiated extremities of an ovum or other cell.
7. Physiol. The point of a nerve cell where a process has its origin.
8. Math. In polar coordinate and spherical coordinate systems, that point where all radius vectors equal zero. ♦ Homophone: poll. [<L polus <Gk. polos pivot, pole <pelein be in motion]

(pōl) noun
1. A long slender piece of wood or metal, commonly tapering and more or less rounded; a Maypole, beanpole, the mast of a vessel, etc.
2. The tongue of a vehicle.
3. In linear and surface measure, a perch or rod.
4. A fishing rod.
—v. poled, pol·ing v.t.
1. To propel, push, or strike with a pole.
2. To support on poles, as growing beans.
—v.i.
3. To push a boat, raft, etc., with a pole. ♦ Homophone: poll. [OE pal <L palus stake]

(pōl) noun
A native or inhabitant of Poland.

(pōl), Reginald,
1500–58, English statesman; archbishop of Canterbury.