Dictionary definition · lean
noun
- the property possessed by a line or surface that departs from the vertical"the tower had a pronounced tilt"
verb
- to incline or bend from a vertical position"She leaned over the banister"
- cause to lean or incline"He leaned his rifle against the wall"
- have a tendency or disposition to do or be something; be inclined"She tends to be nervous before her lectures"
- rely on for support"We can lean on this man"
- cause to lean to the side"Erosion listed the old tree"
adjective
- lacking excess flesh"you can't be too rich or too thin"
- lacking in mineral content or combustible material"lean ore"
- containing little excess"a lean budget"
- not profitable or prosperous"a lean year"
Source: Open English WordNet (CC BY 4.0).