orient
/ˈɔːr.i.ənt/ · or·i·ent
noun
- The eastern part of the world, especially Asia, as viewed from Europe. He spent a semester studying the literature of the Orient.
- The direction of the east; the point where the sun rises. The compass needle swung toward the orient.
verb
- To align or position something relative to a reference point. She oriented the telescope toward the North Star.
- To become familiar with new surroundings, information, or a role. New hires are oriented during their first week on the job.
Did you know? The word 'Orient' was popularized by European explorers in the 16th century and originally referred simply to the direction where the sun rises, not a specific continent.