opening

adjective

1. : exposed to general view or knowledge : free from concealment an open, notorious, continuous, and adverse use of the property an open and obvious danger

   Note: When a defect, hazard, or condition is open such that a reasonable person under the circumstances should have recognized the danger posed by it, a defendant is usually relieved of liability for failure to warn.

2. : not restricted to a particular group or category of participants; specifically : enterable by a registered voter regardless of political affiliation an open primary : enterable by a registered voter regardless of political affiliation an open primary

3. a : being in effect or operation an open mine a bench warrant still open

   b : available for use an open toll road

   c : not finally determined, decided, or settled : subject to further consideration an open question

   d : remaining effective or available for use until canceled an open insurance contract

4. : not repressed or regulated by legal controls a state with open gambling

verb

1. : to begin action : commence on some course or activity the stock opened at par

   : to begin action : commence on some course or activity the stock opened at par

2. a : to make the statement by which the trial of (a case) is begun and put before the court

   b : to be the first to speak in summing up or arguing (a case)

   : to begin the trial of a case defendant…has the option of presenting an opening statement immediately after plaintiff opens —J. H. Friedenthal et al.

3. : to restore or recall (as an order, rule, or judgment) from a finally determined state to a state in which the parties are free to prosecute or oppose by further proceedings