return : n.f. (word just returned).
The word “return” has several meanings:
I) Living beings: Return to a place from which we left.
1 The act of returning. “a return home” (Aragon).
2 (1718) Resumption of functions and activities of certain institutions (justice, education), after an interruption. The return of the courts. The parliamentary and social return to school. Back to school, SPECIAL the one that takes place after the summer holidays. Back to school, university. Back to school for teachers. ➙ pre-entry.
ABSOLT Back to school day. “His heart was a little tight, it was back to school” (France).
BY EXT. The time of the start of the school year (which is also the time of resumption of normal activities, after the holidays). Back-to-school shows. We will resolve this matter at the start of the school year. The return to school promises to be difficult.
The literary return to school: massive publication of books at the start of the school year, before the literary prizes are awarded.
3. Return of an actor to the stage, after an interruption. ➙ ENGLISH. comeback. This actor made his comeback on such and such a stage, in such and such a role.
BY ANAL. He is preparing his political comeback.
II) Things: Action of putting or putting back inside what was outside; its result.
1 Shelter. The return of hay, fodder, a harvest. ➙ return.
2 (1771) Cash receipt: sum of money entering the cash register. ➙ collection, perception, revenue. ABSOLT Returns. Expect significant revenues. Tax revenues.
3 (1694) In the game, Card(s) that are taken from the pile to replace the one(s) that have been discarded.
4 SPORT Return (of the ball) to touch*.
5 ASTRONAUT. Flight phase of a spacecraft leading it to enter the Earth's atmosphere. Atmospheric reentry, reentry angle.
Opposites of entry: exit, expenditure.