ply

Short definition from Wiktionary

Noun

1. 1
   A layer of material.
2. 2
   A strand that, twisted together with other strands, makes up rope or yarn.
3. 3
   Clipping of plywood.
4. 4
   In two-player sequential games, a "half-turn" or a move made by one of the players.
5. 5
   A condition, a state.
6. 6
   A bent; a direction.

Verb

1. 1
   To bend; to fold; to mould; (figuratively) to adapt, to modify; to change (a person's) mind, to cause (a person) to submit.
2. 2
   To bend, to flex; to be bent by something, to give way or yield (to a force, etc.).
3. 3
   To work at (something) diligently.
4. 4
   To wield or use (a tool, a weapon, etc.) steadily or vigorously.
5. 5
   To press upon; to urge persistently.
6. 6
   To persist in offering something to, especially for the purpose of inducement or persuasion.
7. 7
   To travel over (a route) regularly.
8. 8
   To work diligently.
9. 9
   To manoeuvre a sailing vessel so that the direction of the wind changes from one side of the vessel to the other; to work to windward, to beat, to tack.