From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
effect
n 1: a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous
phenomenon; "the magnetic effect was greater when the rod
was lengthwise"; "his decision had depressing consequences
for business"; "he acted very wise after the event" [syn:
consequence, effect, outcome, result, event,
issue, upshot]
2: an outward appearance; "he made a good impression"; "I wanted
to create an impression of success"; "she retained that bold
effect in her reproductions of the original painting" [syn:
impression, effect]
3: an impression (especially one that is artificial or
contrived); "he just did it for effect"
4: the central meaning or theme of a speech or literary work
[syn: effect, essence, burden, core, gist]
5: (of a law) having legal validity; "the law is still in
effect" [syn: effect, force]
6: a symptom caused by an illness or a drug; "the effects of
sleep loss"; "the effect of the anesthetic"
v 1: produce; "The scientists set up a shock wave" [syn:
effect, effectuate, set up]
2: act so as to bring into existence; "effect a change"