Definition of "sheer" []

• To swerve or cause to swerve from a course. (verb-transitive)
• A swerving or deviating course. (noun)
• Nautical The upward curve or amount of upward curve of the longitudinal lines of a ship's hull as viewed from the side. (noun)
• Nautical The position in which a ship at anchor is maintained in order to keep it clear of the anchor. (noun)
• Thin, fine, and transparent: sheer curtains; sheer chiffon. See Synonyms at airy. (adjective)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Callie walked slowly in a direct line to her mother, her hands on her hips, her expression sheer disappointment."
• "Ambinder also mentioned what he described as sheer coincidence, that he himself got married in the District last weekend to his longtime partner, a business consultant."
• "Now that's what I call sheer perfection : Thanks for the recipe, Nandita!"