*indole*

n. (Chem., Bot.) A plant hormone (C10H9NO2) recognized as the principle growth regulator in higher plants; called also heteroauxin. Abbreviated IAA. Chemically it is 1H-indole-3-acetic acid. [ PJC ]

n. [ L. indolentia freedom from pain: cf. F. indolence. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. Freedom from that which pains, or harasses, as toil, care, grief, etc. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

I have ease, if it may not rather be called indolence. Bp. Hough. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. The quality or condition of being indolent; inaction, or lack of exertion of body or mind, proceeding from love of ease or aversion to toil; habitual idleness; indisposition to labor; laziness; sloth; inactivity. [ 1913 Webster ]

Life spent in indolence, and therefore sad. Cowper. [ 1913 Webster ]

As there is a great truth wrapped up in “diligence, ” what a lie, on the other hand, lurks at the root of our present use of the word “indolence”! This is from “in” and “doleo, ” not to grieve; and indolence is thus a state in which we have no grief or pain; so that the word, as we now employ it, seems to affirm that indulgence in sloth and ease is that which would constitute for us the absence of all pain. Trench. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. Indolence. [ Obs. ] Holland. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ Pref. in- not + L. dolens, -entis, p. pr. of dolere to feel pain: cf. F. indolent. See Dolorous. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. Free from toil, pain, or trouble. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Indulging in ease; avoiding labor and exertion; habitually idle; lazy; inactive; as, an indolent man. [ 1913 Webster ]

To waste long nights in indolent repose. Pope. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Med.) Causing little or no pain or annoyance; as, an indolent tumor.

Syn. -- Idle; lazy; slothful; sluggish; listless; inactive; inert. See Idle. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. In an indolent manner. [ 1913 Webster ]

Calm and serene you indolently sit. Addison. [ 1913 Webster ]