Harness

/ˈhɑː.nəs/ · noun

Meaning

(countable) A restraint or support, especially one consisting of a loop or network of rope or straps, and especially one worn by a working animal such as a horse pulling a carriage or farm implement..

Definitions by Sense

1. (countable) A restraint or support, especially one consisting of a loop or network of rope or straps, and especially one worn by a working animal such as a horse pulling a carriage or farm implement.
2. (countable) A collection of wires or cables bundled and routed according to their function: a wiring harness.
3. (dated, uncountable) The complete dress, especially in a military sense, of a man or a horse; armour in general.
4. (weaving) The part of a loom comprising the heddles, with their means of support and motion, by which the threads of the warp are alternately raised and depressed for the passage of the shuttle.
5. Equipment for any kind of labour.
6. (software engineering) A software framework.
7. (transitive) To place a harness on something; to tie up or restrain.
8. (transitive) To capture, control or put to use.

Example Sentences

The cars then enter the main lines for further assembly - including the installation of internal electrical harnesses, underfloor equipment, internal panelling, roof equipment, carpets, seats and tables.

Ring the alarum-bell! Blow, wind! come, wrack! At least we'll die with harness on our back.

"I'll give thee for my ransom the very best harnéss That either young or old in the world doth possess.

Under the sea-girt cliffs the shining ship was readied, laden with coats of mail, swords, and gleaming war harness.

test harness

They harnessed the horse to the post.

Ancient nomads, wishing to ward off the evening chill and enjoy a meal around a campfire, had to collect wood and then spend time and effort coaxing the heat of friction out from between sticks to kindle a flame. With more settled people, animals were harnessed to capstans or caged in treadmills to turn grist into meal.

Imagine what might happen if it were possible to harness solar energy fully.

Synonyms for harness

Antonyms for harness

Related Words

Word Forms

• harnesses
• harnass
• harnessing
• harnessed

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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