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   tol·er·ance

   /ˈtäl(ə)rəns/

   noun

   • 1. the ability or willingness to tolerate something, in particular the existence of opinions or behavior that one does not necessarily agree with: "the tolerance of corruption" Similar forbearancetolerationsufferanceliberalityopen-mindednesslack of prejudicelack of biasbroad-mindednessliberalismpatiencelong-sufferingmagnanimitysympathyunderstandingcharitylenienceleniencylenityindulgenceclemencypermissivenesscomplaisancelaxnessOpposite intolerance
   • 2. the capacity to endure continued subjection to something, especially a drug, transplant, antigen, or environmental conditions, without adverse reaction: "the desert camel shows the greatest tolerance to dehydration" Similar endurance ofacceptance ofresistance toimmunity tononsusceptibility toresilience toOpposite intolerance
   • ▪ diminution in the body's response to a drug after continued use: "the body's tolerance to Ecstasy builds up very quickly"
   • 3. an allowable amount of variation of a specified quantity, especially in the dimensions of a machine or part: "250 parts in his cars were made to tolerances of one thousandth of an inch" Similar deviationfluctuationvariationallowanceplayclearanceleewayinaccuracyimprecisioninexactness

   Word Origin late Middle English (denoting the action of bearing hardship, or the ability to bear pain and hardship): via Old French from Latin tolerantia, from tolerare (see tolerate).

   Scrabble Points: 11

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