English Dictionary

east

/iːst/

noun

One of the four principal compass points, specifically 90°, conventionally directed to the right on maps (or even, sometimes used instead of the relative directional term right); the direction of the rising sun at an equinox. Abbreviated as E.

The sun rises in the east.

意味（1）

One of the four principal compass points, specifically 90°, conventionally directed to the right on maps (or even, sometimes used instead of the relative directional term right); the direction of the rising sun at an equinox. Abbreviated as E.

Portsmouth is to the east of Southampton.

意味（2）

The eastern region or area; the inhabitants thereof.

We, in the west, agreed amongst ourselves that a penitentiary should be erected with our half of the money arising as above stated; and the east agreed to improve the country in their vicinity with the other half.

意味（3）

(ecclesiastical) In a church: the direction of the altar and chancel; the direction faced by the priest when celebrating ad orientem.

A few [Anglican churches in South Carolina, Virginia and Maryland] are oriented other than due [geographic] east—St. Paul's, St. George's, and Prince George's parish churches face northeast and St. Andrew's, southeast. […] Throughout the book I refer directionally to the altar and chancel of St. Andrew's as situated at ecclesiastical east (to avoid overcomplicating matters), not geographical or magnetic southeast. Thus, the altar is located at the east end of the church, and the gallery, at the west.