in physics, expresses the surface or terminating extremities of any body.

FIGURES, in arithmetic, are certain characters whereby we denote any number which may be expressed by any combination of the nine digits, &c. See ARITHMETIC.

FIGURE, among divines, is used for the mysteries represented under certain types.

FIGURE, in dancing, denotes the several steps which the dancer makes in order and cadence, considered as they mark certain figures on the floor.

FIGURE, in painting and designing, denotes the lines and colours which form the representation of any animal, but more particularly of a human personage.

FIGURE, in composition. See ALLEGORY, APOTROPE, HYPERBOLE, PERSONIFICATION, &c.