AÏchene¶ (#), AÏche¶niÏum (#) } n. [Gr. ? priv. + ? to gape.] (Bot.) A small, dry, indehiscent fruit, containing a single seed, as in the buttercup; Ð called a naked seed by the earlier botanists. [Written also akene and ach‘nium.]
AÏche¶niÏal (#), a. Pertaining to an achene.
Ach¶eÏron (#), n. [L., fr. Gr. ?.] (Myth.) A river in the Nether World or infernal regions; also, the infernal regions themselves. By some of the English poets it was supposed to be a flaming lake or gulf. Shak. Ach·eÏron¶tic (#), a. Of or pertaining to Acheron; infernal; hence, dismal, gloomy; moribund.
AÏchiev¶aÏble (#), a. Capable of being achieved. Barrow.
AÏchiev¶ance (#), n. [Cf. OF. achevance.] Achievement. [Obs.] Sir T. Elyot.
AÏchieve¶ (#), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Achieved (#); p. pr. & vb. n. Achieving (#).] [OE. acheven, OF. achever, achiever, F. achever, to finish; ? (L. ad) + OF. chief, F. chef, end, head, fr. L. caput head. See Chief.] 1. To carry on to a final close; to bring out into a perfected state; to accomplish; to perform; Ð as, to achieve a feat, an exploit, an enterprise. Supposing faculties and powers to be the same, far more may be achieved in any line by the aid of a capital, invigorating motive than without it. I. Taylor. 2. To obtain, or gain, as the result of exertion; to succeed in gaining; to win. Some are born great, some achieve greatness. Shak. Thou hast achieved our liberty. Milton. [Obs., with a material thing as the aim.] Show all the spoils by valiant kings achieved. Prior. He hath achieved a maid That paragons description. Shak. 3. To finish; to kill. [Obs.] Shak. Syn. Ð To accomplish; effect; fulfill; complete; execute; perform; realize; obtain. See Accomplish.
AÏchieve¶ment (#), n. [Cf. F. achŠvement, E. Hatchment.] 1. The act of achieving or performing; an obtaining by exertion; successful performance; accomplishment; as, the achievement of his object. 2. A great or heroic deed; something accomplished by valor, boldness, or praiseworthy exertion; a feat. [The exploits] of the ancient saints... do far surpass the most famous achievements of pagan heroes. Barrow. The highest achievements of the human intellect. Macaulay. 3. (Her.) An escutcheon or ensign armorial; now generally applied to the funeral shield commonly called hatchment. Cussans. AÏchiev¶er (#), n. One who achieves; a winner.