noun.
In billiards, a stroke which causes the cue-ball to follow the object-ball after impact.
noun.
The difference in the external diameter of a spring, especially of a coiled or helical spring, when unloaded and when compressed by its working load. The torsion of the rod which forms the coil tends to increase the diameter as the spring closes.
To go or come after; move behind in the same direction: as, the dog followed his master home; follow me.
To come after in natural sequence, or in order of time; succeed.
To engage in the pursuit of; seek to overtake or come up with; pursue; chase: as, to follow game or an enemy.
To pursue as an object or purpose; strive after; endeavor to obtain or attain to.
To keep up with, or with the course or progress of; observe or comprehend the sequence or connecting links of: as, to follow an argument, or the plot of a play.
To watch or regard the movements, progress, or course of: as, to follow a person with the eye.
To accept as a leader or guide; be led or guided by; accompany; hence, to adhere to, as disciples to a master or his teachings; accept as authority; adopt the opinions, cause, or side of.
To conform to; comply with; take as a guide, example, or model: as, to follow the fashion; to follow advice or admonition.
To engage in or be concerned with as a pursuit; pursue the duties or requirements of; carry on the business of; prosecute: as, to follow trade, a calling, or a profession; to follow the stage.
To result from, as an effect from a cause or an inference from premises; come after as a result or consequence: as, poverty often follows extravagance or idleness; intemperance is often followed by disease.
Hence— To follow the line of speech, argument, or conduct adopted by a predecessor.