resists

1. 1
   verb

   Third-person singular simple present of resist.

   The new alloy resists corrosion far better than the old one.

   He resists pressure from his colleagues to cut corners.

   Note

   The -s form belongs to he, she, it or any singular subject. With I, you, we and they, the bare resist is used. It usually takes a direct object: the alloy resists corrosion, he resists pressure. It can also stand alone, as in the town still resists. An obsolete use meant "is distasteful to," so older texts may surprise a modern reader.

2. 2
   noun

   Plural of resist.

   The printmaker applied several resists before lowering the plate into the acid.

   Different wax resists give the batik its layered colors.

   Note

   A plural that exists because the coating can be counted. Resist as a material is uncountable (wax resist on cloth). When separate coatings or different kinds are meant, it takes the plural: several resists, different resists. The same spelling is also the present-tense verb, so position decides. After a number or an adjective it is the noun. After a subject it is the verb.

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