cover n 1: a covering that serves to conceal or shelter something; "they crouched behind the screen"; "under cover of darkness" [syn: {screen}, {covert}, {concealment}] 2: bedding that keeps a person warm in bed; "he pulled the covers over his head and went to sleep" [syn: {blanket}] 3: the act of concealing the existence of something by obstructing the view of it; "the cover concealed their guns from enemy aircraft" [syn: {covering}, {screening}, {masking}] 4: the front and back covering of a book; "the book had a leather binding" [syn: {binding}, {book binding}, {back}] 5: a natural object that covers or envelops; "under a covering of dust"; "the fox was flushed from its cover" [syn: {covering}, {natural covering}] 6: covering for a hole (especially a hole in the top of a container); "he removed the top of the carton"; "he couldn't get the top off of the bottle"; "put the cover back on the kettle" [syn: {top}] 7: fire that makes it difficult for the enemy to fire on your own individuals or formations; "artillery provided covering fire for the withdrawal" [syn: {covering fire}] 8: a fixed charge by a restaurant or night club over and above the charge for food and drink [syn: {cover charge}] 9: a recording of a song that was first recorded or made popular by somebody else; "they made a cover of a Beatles' song" [syn: {cover version}, {cover song}] 10: a false identity and background (especially one created for an undercover agent); "her new name and passport are cover for her next assignment" v 1: provide with a covering or cause to be covered; "cover her face with a handkerchief"; "cover the child with a blanket"; "cover the grave with flowers" [ant: {uncover}] 2: form a cover over; "The grass covered the grave" [syn: {spread over}] 3: span an interval of distance, space or time; "The war extended over five years"; "The period covered the turn of the century"; "My land extends over the hills on the horizon"; "This farm covers some 200 acres" [syn: {extend}] 4: provide for; "The grant doesn't cover my salary" 5: deal with verbally or in some form of artistic expression; "This book deals with incest"; "The course covered all of Western Civilization"; "The new book treats the history of China" [syn: {treat}, {handle}, {plow}, {deal}, {address}] 6: include in scope; include as part of something broader; have as one's sphere or territory; "This group encompasses a wide range of people from different backgrounds"; "this should cover everyone in the group" [syn: {embrace}, {encompass}, {comprehend}] 7: travel across or pass over; "The caravan covered almost 100 miles each day" [syn: {traverse}, {track}, {cross}, {pass over}, {get over}, {get across}, {cut through}, {cut across}] 8: be responsible for reporting the details of, as in journalism; "Snow reported on China in the 1950's"; "The cub reporter covered New York City" [syn: {report}] 9: hold within range of an aimed firearm 10: to take an action to protect against future problems; "Count the cash in the drawer twice just to cover yourself" 11: hide from view or knowledge; "The President covered the fact that he bugged the offices in the White House" [syn: {cover up}] 12: protect or defend (a position in a game); "he covered left field" 13: maintain a check on; especially by patrolling; "The second officer covered the top floor" 14: protect by insurance; "The insurance won't cover this" [syn: {insure}, {underwrite}] 15: make up for shortcomings or a feeling of inferiority by exaggerating good qualities; "he is compensating for being a bad father" [syn: {compensate}, {overcompensate}] 16: invest with a large or excessive amount of something; "She covered herself with glory" 17: help out by taking someone's place and temporarily assuming his responsibilities; "She is covering for our secretary who is ill this week" 18: be sufficient to meet, defray, or offset the charge or cost of; "Is this enough to cover the check?" 19: spread over a surface to conceal or protect; "This paint covers well" 20: cover as if with a shroud; "The origins of this civilization are shrouded in mystery" [syn: {shroud}, {enshroud}, {hide}] 21: copulate with a female, used especially of horses; "The horse covers the mare" [syn: {breed}] 22: put something on top of something else; "cover the meat with a lot of gravy" [syn: {overlay}] 23: play a higher card than the one previously played; "Smith covered again" 24: be responsible for guarding an opponent in a game 25: sit on (eggs); "Birds brood"; "The female covers the eggs" [syn: {brood}, {hatch}, {incubate}] 26: clothe, as if for protection from the elements; "cover your head!" [syn: {wrap up}]

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